The Intersection of Gender, Culture and Education: Jamaica: The Next 50 Years!

"History is repeating, as the tobacco industry tries to sell the same nicotine to our children in different packaging. These industries are actively targeting schools, children and young people with new products that are essentially a candy-flavoured trap. How can they talk about harm reduction when they are marketing these dangerous, highly-addictive products to children?”- Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. There are 1.3 billion tobacco users worldwide. Tobacco kills around 8 million people every year (more than 7 million active smokers and over 1 million non-smokers exposed to second-hand smoke), including 1 million in the Americas. Alarmingly, at least 37 million young people aged 13–15 years use some form of tobacco. The World Health Organization (WHO) adds that in Europe, 11.5% of boys and 10.1% of girls aged 13–15 years are tobacco users (4 million). Disturbingly, the life expectancy of smokers is at least ten years less than that of non-smokers. For man...

“United Nations peacekeepers are the beating heart of our commitment to a more peaceful world. For 75 years, they have supported people and communities rocked by conflict and upheaval across the globe.”- António Guterres, the ninth Secretary-General of the United Nations. Will there ever be lasting peace? For centuries, this has been the million dollar question. Many wars have been fought over the years in the name of peace but peace continues to elude humanity. It is impossible to address the issue of peace without mentioning the ongoing two wars for which there are international implications. In the first instance, the war between Russia and Ukraine appears to have no end in sight. This war began on 24 February 2022, after Russia invaded Ukraine. In the second instance the attack by Hamas on Israel in October 7 of 2023 has evolved also into a war of immense proportions. Israel has decimated Gaza as a result. The world continues to be on edge given also there is no end in sight. Th...

“Until the lion learns how to write, every story will glorify the hunter.”-Chinua Achebe. The people of Africa have been marginalized over the decades. Unfortunately, many of us have a distorted view of the continent. This view is one that sees the continent through the lens of famine, wars, political and economic instability. We have failed to question the reason or reasons for Africa not realizing its true potential especially against the fact that Africa is rich in natural resources. Unquestionably, it takes effort and knowledge to fairly and honestly interrogate the current state of Africa and the role the Transatlantic Slave Trade played in the geopolitical climate of the continent. On the other hand, too many of us of African ancestry have disassociated ourselves from the continent and this is problematic. However, one’s DNA is what it is. It is important that we celebrate the richness of Africa as well as the immense contributions Africans have made and continue to make to human...

“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.”- Psalm 51:10. Many of us have a skewed understanding of God our creator. In many instances we believe or are led to believe that in order to be used by God we must be pure and sinless. This tainted view undoubtedly also impacts our relationships we have with God. Having such a distorted view of God and what God demands from us oftentimes lead us into disobedience. The same is true concerning the weight of condemnation. It is for this reason why it is critical for us to spend time in the Word of God which is the Bible. We all need to know God for ourselves. We often make excuses to study the Bible, yet, we will spend hours on social media or hours gossiping people’s business. Nowhere is gossiping more pronounced than in the church. The church as we know it is not a place of honesty. Why do I say this? Oftentimes we turn to the church in our moments of weakness and vulnerability yet, the solace and compassion that ...

“Cultural differences should not separate us from each other, but rather cultural diversity brings a collective strength that can benefit all of humanity." Also: "Intercultural dialogue is the best guarantee of a more peaceful, just and sustainable world.”- Robert Alan Aurthur. Every year on May 21st, the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development urges everyone to do their part to bridge the gap between cultures. The day is often referred to as Diversity Day. The day is critical regarding the essential role that intercultural dialogue plays in achieving peace and sustainable development. The United Nations General Assembly first declared this World Day in 2002, following the United Nations Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)’s adoption of the 2001 Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity,that recognized the need to enhance the potential of culture as a means of achieving prosperity, sustainable development and global peaceful coexistence. A...

Did you know there are over 20,000 species of bee in the world? Bees are under threat. Present species extinction rates are 100 to 1,000 times higher than normal due to human impacts. For centuries bees, among the hardest working creatures on the planet, have benefited people, plants and the environment. By carrying pollen from one flower to another, bees and other pollinators enable not only the production of an abundance of fruits, nuts and seeds, but also more variety and better quality, contributing to food security and nutrition. Apiculture is the scientific method of rearing honeybees. The word 'apiculture' comes from the Latin word 'apis' meaning bee. So, apiculture or beekeeping is the care and management of honey bees for the production of honey and wax. World Bee Day was established in 2017 by a United Nations resolution. The day is observed annually on May 20th at the proposal of the Government of Slovenia in order to promote actions that governments, the pr...

“May the Force be with you." – Han Solo, "Star Wars: A New Hope" (1977). Lights, camera, action! Movies have always been more than just entertainment. In fact, movies have impacted our culture. Additionally, pop culture has also been impacted by movies. Those of us who are older will fondly recall Sundays, when the Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation (JBC), the only television station at that time televised Sunday Matinees. It was a time for families to watch a movie and have a family conversation. This was the era before the advent of social media. Many are unaware that there is in fact a National Classic Movie Day. National Classic Movie Day is observed on May 16th. The day is set aside to celebrate the film industry and put spotlight on iconic movies that remain favorites through the years. Many critics define a classic movie as any movie that is memorable or makes an impact on society. A true classic movie impacts pop culture, influences society, and remains a part ...

“You don't choose your family. They are God's gift to you, as you are to them. Desmond Tutu. In many societies across the globe the family can be described as dysfunctional. As a consequence a number of social problems have been impacting all societies, from the Global South to the Global North. Thankfully, there has been a number of intervention programmes aimed at rescuing families. The family can be described as a group of people who are related by blood, marriage and or adoption. However, we should not restrict ourselves to this sociological definition of the family. Let us expand our meaning of the family to include the workplace, school, church or even at play. We give support to others daily via the various roles we play. In return we are also supported by others in our time of need. The United Nations (UN) ought to be lauded for the foresight in its declaration for observing International Day of Families. The International Day of Families is a special day that is obser...

At least five million people worldwide, have a form of lupus. Lupus affects mostly women of childbearing age. However, men, children, and teenagers develop lupus, too. Lupus is a complex and debilitating autoimmune disease. Lupus is two to three times more prevalent among African American, Hispanic/Latina, Asian American, Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander women than among White women. Disturbingly, Jamaica has one of the highest rates of lupus worldwide, with thousands of Jamaicans affected by this serious and lifelong, and in some cases life-threatening, autoimmune disease, typically without warning at the peak of their productive lives. Lupus continues to be one of those medical conditions shrouded in mystery. Yet, millions of people globally are impacted and affected by lupus. The treatment for lupus is also very expensive even with health insurance. World Lupus Day is an important annual observance held on May 10. This year’s theme, “Mak...

“A good teacher can inspire hope, ignite the imagination, and instill a love of learning.”- Brad Henry • Teachers Day tends to evoke a number of emotions. Some teachers are overly excited, perhaps from the gifts they anticipate, while for other teachers it is just another day. The intent of the day is rather admirable. However, the day has evolved into more of a distraction regarding the plight of teachers as well as attending problems facing the teaching profession rather than an occasion to celebrate. Except for a few societies, teaching as a profession has lost a significant amount of respect over the years. The status of teachers, especially the economic status of teachers has rendered many in the profession as working poor. Many teachers live from paycheck to paycheck. Many teachers are only one paycheck away from being homeless or destitute. The plight of teachers is appalling. A sore point pertaining to teachers is that of remuneration. In many instances teachers are forced to g...

Asthma affects an estimated 262 million people annually. In 2019, 455,000 deaths were associated with asthma. Asthma is a chronic lung disease affecting people of all ages. It is caused by inflammation and muscle tightening around the airways, which makes it harder to breathe. Symptoms can include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest tightness. These symptoms can be mild or severe and can come and go over time. Although asthma can be a serious condition, it can be managed with the right treatment. People with symptoms of asthma should speak to a health professional. Asthma is often under-diagnosed and under-treated, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that people with under-treated asthma can suffer sleep disturbance, tiredness during the day, and poor concentration. Asthma sufferers and their families may miss school and work, with financial impact on the family and wider community. If symptoms are severe, people w...

“But man is freer than all the animals, on account of his free-will, with which he is endowed above all other animals.”- Thomas Aquinas. Many Christian churches and denominations have diverse views on the idea of free will. It is rather easy to become confused pertaining to God's control and our own free will. Free will is the ability to choose and have faith in God, being secure in our eternal life in heaven, or we can choose to turn from God and live apart from Him. All humans have free will. In the creation story in Genesis, this was evident given the actions by the first two humans Adam and Eve. Despite the warning from God, both Adam and Eve listened to Satan and in the process disobeyed God when they ate from the forbidden tree. Genesis 3:1-3, it says, now the serpent was more cunning than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, 'Did God really say that you must not eat from a tree in the garden?' The woman told the serpent, 'We may e...

“We have to uphold a free press and freedom of speech because, in the end, lies and misinformation are no match for the truth.”- Barack Obama. Journalism remains a noble profession. Journalism is the practice of gathering, recording, verifying, and reporting on information of public importance. Although these general duties have been historically consistent, the particulars of the journalistic process have evolved as the ways information is collected, disseminated, and consumed have changed. For example, in addition to traditional media, there are now numerous social media platforms which disseminate news. As a result one has to be careful regarding the source of news. World Press Freedom Day is observed annually on May 3. The day is set aside to honour and uphold the fundamental principles of press freedom and serves as a global platform to assess the state of it worldwide, examine the progress made in ensuring the independence of the media and the protection of human rights, and rec...