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

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder. That means it is passed down from a parent’s genes. It causes the body to make abnormal hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to all parts of your body. When you have SCD, your body’s tissues and organs do not get enough oxygen. Sickle cell disease is a lifelong condition. Healthy red blood cells are round and move easily all over the body. With SCD, the red blood cells are hard and sticky. They are shaped like the letter C (and like a farm tool called a sickle). These damaged red blood cells (sickle cells) clump together. Sickle Cell Traits versus Disease . People who have sickle cell trait inherited a hemoglobin S gene from only one parent. They inherited a normal gene from their other parent. People with sickle cell trait typically do not have any symptoms of sickle cell disease. However, ongoing research may show that these people may have symptoms. Importantly, they can pass on the ab...

The world is ageing rapidly. The United Nations (UN) states that by 2050, it is estimated that 1 in every 6 people will be aged 65 or over, increasing the vulnerability experienced by older persons to violence. Unfortunately, abuse of elders is also on the increase. Elder abuse can lead to serious physical injuries and long-term psychological consequences. The fact, elder abuse is not confined to elders who are institutionalized. Many older persons are abuse in their own homes. Abuse oftentimes is not physical since those are more readily observed by family members and health care professionals. Abuses of elders frequently take the form of psychological ill-treatment. In many instances, those who work with elders are not paid well. In fact, many are not trained to work with older persons. Elder abuse can also take the form of financial mismanagement of the resources of the older persons. In some societies elders are revered and respected. On the other hand, there are societies wher...

Globally, it is estimated that one in seven (14%) of 10–19-year-olds experience mental health conditions, yet these remain largely unrecognized and untreated. The World Health Organization (WHO) adds that adolescents with mental health conditions are particularly vulnerable to social exclusion, discrimination, stigma (affecting readiness to seek help), educational difficulties, risk-taking behaviours, physical ill-health and human rights violations. Adolescence is a crucial period for developing social and emotional habits important for mental well-being. These include adopting healthy sleep patterns; exercising regularly; developing coping, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills; and learning to manage emotions. Protective and supportive environments in the family, at school and in the wider community are important. However, there are many factors that can impact the holistic development during adolescence. The WHO comments that multiple factors affect mental health. Importantly...

“Black dandyism is the strategic and often subversive use of style by people of African descent to assert individuality, challenge stereotypes, and reimagine black identity.”- Jonathan Michael Square- Professor of Black Visual Culture. Black history is oftentimes obscured and or manipulated. We live in an era where misinformation and disinformation are the order of the day. Unfortunately, many of us have succumbed to this skewed view of reality. Regrettably even the so called educated among us no longer do their due diligence. A lot has been said about dandyism, in particular black dandyism. Correspondingly a lot of what has been said is a distortion of the historical underpinning of this movement. Undoubtedly, the distortion regarding dandyism is rooted in a culture of enslavement, racism and white privilege. Black men have long used fashion, particularly flamboyant styles, as a way to express pride and resistance. Oftentimes this resistance is viewed as a powerful political statem...

Have you noticed there has been a decline in the number of students who are members of uniformed groups? There was a time in our recent history where groups such as Cadets, Brownies, Girl Guides, Pathfinders, Boys Brigade and Scouts were among the most sought after for extracurricular activities. A uniformed group is a collection of individuals, typically associated with a specific organization or institution, who wears a distinct uniform to distinguish them from others. These groups often have a structured hierarchy as well as rules and sanctions. What has gone awry? The Scout Association of Jamaica's mission statement focuses on developing young people into responsible citizens. This is achieved by promoting character development, instilling skills, and fostering a sense of loyalty and thoughtfulness. The aim is to assist boys to become resourceful community members through mental, physical, and spiritual development. Uniformed groups are known to build self confidence, resilien...

When was the last time you had your blood pressure checked? More than one billion people around the world live with hypertension (high blood pressure), which is a major cause of cardiovascular disease and premature death worldwide. The burden of hypertension is felt disproportionately in low- and middle-income countries, where two thirds of cases are found, largely due to increased risk factors in those populations in recent decades. World Hypertension Day , marked annually on 17 May, raises awareness and promotes hypertension prevention, detection and control. This year marks the 20th anniversary of this observance, under the compelling theme, "Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer! " Hypertension, often referred to as a silent killer, remains a leading public health challenge due to high prevalence among adults. Blood pressure is the amount of force your blood uses to get through your arteries. When your heart pumps, it uses force to push oxygen-...

International Day of the Boy Child is recognized annually on May 16th as a day to focus on boys and their well-being, their need to feel happy, healthy, and valued within family and community. This day highlights the unique challenges and pressures faced by boys in different regions and cultures. The day provides an opportunity for societies to reflect on issues such as educational disparities, mental health, and societal expectations that affect boys disproportionately. By focusing on nurturing and empowering boys with positive guidance and equitable opportunities, we aim to foster a generation that values inclusivity and equality. The day is set aside to recognize boys' basic human rights, including access to education, health care and protection from violence and exploitation. This day was established to recognize and celebrate the rights and achievements of boys around the world. This special day was first instituted by a coalition of non-governmental organizations in 2012 i...

Our education system is akin to a roller coaster ride. There are moments of turbulence countered by pockets of harmonious teaching and learning. This topsy turvy reality is not conducive to teaching and learning. Disturbingly, what remains constant is the fact that our students at the primary and secondary levels are not reading as they should. Reading for many students has become a task and this is problematic. Many students view reading as punitive. Our methods of socialization both in the home and at school have greatly contributed to this negative perception of reading. Students’ unenthusiastic opinions of reading have been amplified in this digital age where the physical book has almost been rendered obsolete, as technological gadgets such as smart phones and tablets have become commonplace in most societies. Many of us can recall in our childhood being told to go and take up our books after engaging in some inappropriate behaviour. Unfortunately, this practice concerning readi...

“Biased algorithms, outright lies, and hate speech are landmines on the information superhighway. Accurate, verifiable, fact-based information is the best tool to defuse them.”- UN Secretary-General António Guterres. Journalism as a profession continues to be the bedrock of democracy. Yet, in some societies governments have placed obstacles in the path of members of the Fourth Estate. Unsurprisingly, in such societies press freedom is handicapped and the pursuit of the truth is dangerous. Undoubtedly, an atmosphere of transparency and fairness are critical pillars for journalism to thrive. Unfortunately, in a growing number of countries, the media landscape is characterized in fear and intimidation. The emergence of Artificial Intelligence has also added another complex layer for journalists to navigate. The rapid growth and use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the media landscape and press freedom in multiple ways. Whereas the principles of free, independent, and plura...

“Jazz has always been about bringing people together, breaking barriers, and inspiring creativity across cultures. International Jazz Day reminds us that music has the power to transcend borders, foster dialogue, and spark joy and hope.”- Herbie Hancock. Although the history of Jazz music is complex and often debated, historians for the most part agree on the geography of Jazz origins. Jazz started as an uniquely American sound, forged in the melting pot of cultures in the South, particularly in New Orleans in Louisiana. The port city was a blend of Creole culture and African traditions, peppered with European influences. Geographical and Cultural Origins According to Suemedha Sood, jazz started around 1819 in Congo Square, an outdoor space in New Orleans where slaves would congregate on Sundays when they did not have to work. According to the Ken Burns documentary Jazz, the slaves would sing, play music and dance, swaying back and forth to the songs of their home countries. Meanwh...

“Veterinarians are typically looked at by the public as caretakers of their beloved pets, but the reality is, we are so much more than that,” Dr. de Jong. Animals have always played a positive and encouraging role in our lives. The interactions between humans and animals have evolved over the years. In recent times many businesses have emerged that provide grooming and animal care services. Of course, such services are separate and apart from the essential service the veterinarian provides. Animals do get sick and as such they will require specialized care. Owning an animal is a long term commitment both in terms of financial resources as well as your time. World Veterinary Day is celebrated annually on the last Saturday of April to honour the indispensable role veterinarians play in protecting animal health, public health, and the environment. Established by the World Veterinary Association, this day recognizes the dedication of veterinary professionals in improving animal welfar...

"Giving women equal opportunities in STEM careers helps reduce the gender wage gap, improves women's economic security, ensures a diverse and talented workforce, and prevents bias. Not only do women need the opportunities, but their communities and countries urgently require their contribution to find new solutions to the problems we face as a society.”- Maria Noel Vaeza, UN Women's Regional Director for the Americas and the Caribbean. Patriarchy and male privileging are oftentimes the overarching barriers regarding girls achieving their full potential. The International Day of Girls in Information and Communication Technologies is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in April to highlight the importance of girls in I.C.T. as well as to encourage more girls and young women to pursue Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education. Undoubtedly, there is a disconnect between reality and what ought to happen. Sadly, in many quarters of the world, such as Afgha...

“Any book that helps a child to form a habit of reading, to make reading one of his deep and continuing needs, is good for him.”- Maya Angelou. World Book and Copyright Day observed annually on April 23 is celebrated in more than 100 countries and serves as a meaningful reminder of the value of books and the written word. The day encourages young people to explore the world of literature, nurtures the creativity of future writers and promotes the importance of reading in personal and academic spheres. On this day, the three major stakeholders in the book industry, publishers, booksellers and libraries unite to organize various events to promote book reading. Unfortunately, in many parts of the world reading a book can be considered a dying activity. With the advent of the digital age many books are now in electronic forms, however, a significant number of our children do not read. As a result, the significance of this day is not as potent as it should be. April 23 is significant be...

"The Earth is God's gift to us, full of beauty and wonder, where the fruits of the Earth belong to everyone." – Pope Francis. One of the most disquieting issues associated with international days is their inability to galvanize support beyond their niche audience. The same is also true for Earth Day which is commemorated annually on April 22. Of course, there will always be the official functions, where the media is invited and the speeches are on target. However, in some instances after the media returns to their respective media houses the passion and work also fades. Regrettably, matter concerning the environment is not give the same attention as non-environmental matters. Oftentimes, some of the biggest abusers of the environment are state agencies. Unfortunately, in circumstances like these the sanctions are often lukewarm and this message reverberates within and outside environmental circles. In other words the sanctions do not serve as a deterrent. In many quarte...