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

Are you a lover of tea? Brewing a cup of tea is a simple act that happens multiple times every second all over the world. You place a teabag containing dried leaves into a cup and add hot water. A few minutes later, the tea, full of healthy ingredients, is ready to drink. Tea is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world and holds deep cultural, economic, and social significance across continents. The origins of tea stretch back more than 5 000 years. Yet, its contributions to health, culture and socioeconomic development are still as relevant today. Tea is currently grown in every localized area. Additionally, tea supports over 13 million people, including smallholder farmers and their households, who depend on the tea sector for their livelihoods. Tea is more than a daily habit. For many people, it is comfort, culture, conversation, and a small pause in a busy day. International Tea Day is a good reminder for all of us to enjoy our tea thoroughly; tea has many health be...

Did you know that there are over 20,700 different bee species (and counting) that have been discovered and described by science around the world? To put this in perspective, that is more than all of the world’s bird and mammal species combined! New bee species continue to be found every year. Some species, such as honeybees, bumblebees and stingless bees, live in colonies, while others are solitary insects. Although some groups, such as bumblebees, are well studied, the vast majority, more than 96% of bee species are poorly documented. Additionally, there are over 600 stingless honey bee species found across the tropical and subtropical regions around the world. These bees live in large colonies, usually in tree hollows, and they make delicious and healthy honey. Since 2018, the international community has been observing World Bee Day. World Bee Day is observed annually on May 20. This day provides an opportunity for all of us whether we work for governments, organizations or civ...

Fair play is a fundamental ethical principle that goes far beyond simply following the rules. It emphasizes integrity, respect, and equal opportunities in competitive environments, requiring participants to treat others honestly, avoid cheating, and gracefully accept both victory and defeat. – (UNESCO). Sport has proven to be a cost-effective and flexible tool in promoting peace and development objectives. World Fair Play Day is an annual global observance celebrated every year on May 19. It celebrates the core ethical values of sports such as friendship, respect, equality, and integrity both on and off the field. The day was first observed in 2025 after the United Nations (UN) General Assembly proclamation. By recognizing the spirit of fair play and the values it embodies in both sports and everyday life, the resolution emphasizes the role of sports, including for persons with disabilities, in fostering peace, development, community cohesion, gender equality, and the empowerment o...

International Day of Light is observed on May 16 each year. The date commemorates the anniversary of the first successful laser operation in 1960 by physicist and engineer, Theodore Maiman. The study of light has led to promising alternative energy sources, lifesaving medical advances in diagnostics technology and treatments, light-speed internet and many other discoveries that have revolutionized society and shaped our understanding of the universe. The theme for the 2026 International Day of Light is "Light for a Sustainable Future’ . This year’s theme highlights how light-based science and technologies drive sustainable development around the world, encompassing advancements in areas like energy-efficient lighting, green manufacturing, and agricultural innovations. International Day of Light is grounded in a global platform to facilitate dialogue and knowledge-sharing, with a focus on the role of light-based research infrastructures in supporting inclusive scientific developm...

In general terms our students especially our boys are not reading. The current education system is skewed towards girls. Globally, boys often lag behind girls in reading and literacy. Globally, students show that boys reading levels have been declining in recent years, with international assessments, such as the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) and the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) reporting decline in literacy scores across many countries. The Report of the Jamaica Education Transformation Commission (JETC) chaired by Professor Orlando Patterson stated that most students at the primary level were barely literate. According to the JETC, the 2019 Primary Exit Profile (PEP) exam revealed that 33 per cent of students cannot read or can barely do so; 56 per cent of students cannot, or can barely, write; and 58 per cent of students cannot, or can barely find information on a topic. Reading is not about the pronunciation of words. Reading enc...

“Freedom of the press is not just important to democracy, it is democracy.’- Walter Cronkite. Globally, there is a retreat of press freedom. Journalists continue to be imprisoned and harassed and freedom of speech is more scrutinized. The policing of press freedom is problematic and speaks to a deeper issue. Free press is one of safeguards of a strong and engaging democracy. Wherever the rights of the press are curtailed the lives of the citizenry suffer. The 2026 index indicates that press freedom has fallen to its lowest level in 25 years globally, with many countries facing increased censorship and economic challenges. The World Press Freedom Index, compiled by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), assesses press freedom in 180 countries and territories. It defines press freedom as journalists’ ability to report independently without political, economic, legal, or social interference and threats to their safety. The Index evaluates five key indicators: political context, legal frame...

Do you feel safe at your place of work? The workplace is often a site of conflict and discrimination. For many employees, work is an ends to a need. The workplace can be a source of stress and anxiety. The work environment can also be a safe space where the human rights of all workers are upheld. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 60% of the global population is engaged in work. Therefore, the fundamental right of all workers to a safe and healthy environment is of great importance. A significant portion of our lives is spent in our own workplaces. It should therefore not come as a surprise that both workplace health and safety are now public health concerns. On April 28 of each year the global community observes World Day for Safety and Health at Work. The day is set aside to promote the prevention of occupational accidents and diseases globally. Occupational health encompasses the physical, mental, and social well-being of workers, while preventing workplace-re...

“The International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace highlights a fundamental truth: no country can solve today’s challenges alone.”- Secretary- General of the United Nations- António Guterres. The international order which has been in place since the Second World War is under threat. The world is at a critical juncture. Major global wars are dominating the international scene. From Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, to the wars in the Middle East, Sudan and beyond, the principles of the United Nations (UN) Charter are under direct assault. The international community is experiencing war fatigue from all these raging wars across the globe. Consumers are paying dearly for these wars as their grocery bills and petrol prices are increasing weekly. A global recession is looming. Disturbingly, in the midst of all these wars, a select number of connected groups are benefiting economically. The UN Charter requires that countries with disputes that could "endanger...

“Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live with today, and what we pass on to future generations.”- U.N. What images are conjured when you hear the word heritage? The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) defines heritage as the cultural, historical and social legacies passed down through generations. UNESCO adds that from cherished historic monuments and museums to living heritage practices and contemporary art forms, culture enriches our lives in countless ways and helps build inclusive, innovative and resilient communities. The definition of heritage is rather wide-ranging. Passing down legacies is one part of the equation. The protection of these legacies for future generations is equally important. As a result, protecting and safeguarding the world’s cultural and natural heritage and supporting creativity and dynamic cultural sectors are fundamental to addressing the challenges of our time, from climate change to poverty, inequality, t...

“Every beauty which is seen here by persons of perception resembles more than anything else that celestial source from which we all are come.”- Michelangelo. Art is often misunderstood. It is debatable whether an aura of mysticism and obscurity is frequently associated with art. Art is an expression from the artist’s view point. What makes art so interesting is the fact that the consumer has the right to interpret the art form. As a result, art can be viewed as subjective at its base core. Art is intergenerational. Art has the ability to connect people from various ethnic and religious backgrounds. Some will argue that there is a culture of neutrality surrounding art. Art is contextual and should be viewed and interpreted with this in mind. The term “art” is related to the Latin word “ars” meaning, art, skill, or craft. The first known use of the word art is revealed in 13th-century manuscripts. However, the word and its many variants (artem, eart, etc.) have probably existed since the...

“Sports can serve as a powerful catalyst for peace, inclusion, and international development.”- United Nations. Sports serve as a powerful channel for social transformation. Even in the midst of war and hostilities sports has the ability and scope to connect communities across borders and generations, reducing isolation among marginalized groups, and create space for dialogue, solidarity, and mutual respect. Sports provide that invisible bridge that often translates to tangible and meaningful cooperation among nation states. In light of its holistic reach, unparalleled popularity and foundation of positive values, sport is ideally positioned to contribute towards the United Nations’ objectives for development and peace. As a result, 6 April is observed globally as the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP) by the UN General Assembly. This year’s theme is “Sport: Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers.” The adoption of this Day signifies the increasing recognition b...

“Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.”- St. John 11:25. Easter has always been the bedrock of Christianity from time immemorial. Even among non-believers Easter holds a special place of hope. There is a spirit of anticipation of Easter. This anticipation begins during Holy Week and climaxes on Easter Sunday with the resurrection of Jesus. Easter brings a sense of calmness and mindful discourse within the secular and religious realms. Not to be outdone, in education circles Easter brings with it some off time from the rigors of academic and intellectual dialogue. The resurrection power of Easter provides the best opportunity for strongholds in our lives to be broken. The chains of depression, shame, guilt, associated with masturbation, adultery, fornication, gambling, and lust are no match for the miraculous power of Jesus Christ. The trial, crucifixion, burial and resurrection of Jesus show the self...

Globally, 1 in 127 people is diagnosed with autism, a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition affecting social interaction, communication and behaviour. Autism is among the top 10 brain health conditions contributing to health loss globally. The World Health Organization (WHO) adds that despite international human rights conventions, autistic people still face stigma, discrimination and barriers to participation. Notwithstanding, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) is a major international human rights treaty that protects and promotes the rights of people with autism. It is made up of two documents, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which contains the main human rights provisions expressed as a series of Articles and the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The autistic community continues to experience challenges, such as access to timely and quality health care and access...

The global water crisis affects everyone, but not equally. Women and girls are disproportionately impacted. Globally, more than 1 billion women lack access to safely managed drinking water services. This disturbing fact speaks to the structural framework of patriarchal inequality that persists in accessing safe and potable water. The ideology of patriarchy has numerous manifestations. As a result, women are often absent from those decisions where water access and management are discussed. The United Nations (UN) states that in 53 countries with available data, women and girls spend 250 million hours per day on water collection over three times more than men and boys. Access to water is a basic human right. Yet, the world continues to turn a blind eye. There is a critical relationship between access to water, gender equality and sustainable development. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that unsafe water, sanitation and hygiene are responsible for the deaths of around 1,000...

The word 'poetry' is from the Greek term poiesis, which means 'making'. Regardless of our race, gender, socio-economic backgrounds, there are multiple points of connectivity in our lives. The fact is we are more alike than we are different. Poetry provides a platform, a bridge of social inclusivity and connection for humanity. Poetry speaks to our common humanity and our shared values, transforming the simplest of poems into a powerful catalyst for dialogue and peace. Poetry’s impact is often discounted regarding bringing people together. However, poetry is a rather powerful means of linguistic expression that has the ability to unite people from diverse backgrounds. World Poetry Day is observed annually on March 21. The day is set aside to honour poets, revive oral traditions of poetry recitals, promote the reading, writing and teaching of poetry. Additionally, World Poetry Day fosters the convergence between poetry and other art forms, such as theatre, dance, music...

Oral diseases are among the most common Noncommunicable diseases (NCD'S) worldwide, affecting an estimated 3.5 billion people. While the global burden of oral health conditions is growing, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, the overall burden of oral health conditions on services is likely to keep increasing because of population growth and ageing. Oral health is the state of the mouth, teeth and orofacial structures that enables individuals to perform essential functions such as eating, breathing and speaking, and encompasses psychosocial dimensions such as self-confidence, well-being and the ability to socialize and work without pain, discomfort and embarrassment. Oral health varies over the life course from early life to old age, is integral to general health and supports individuals in participating in society and achieving their potential. Oral diseases disproportionately affect the most vulnerable and disadvantaged populations. People of low socioeconomic stat...

It was a day filled with mixed emotions. I still recall the drive to the University Hospital of the West Indies to meet with the nephrologist regarding my dad’s appointment. My dad, Fitzroy has Stage 4 kidney disease. The year was 2018 and the month was August. Prior to this devastating news, I was aware of renal failure. My aunt Madge, my mother’s younger sister died from renal failure in 1982. Her funeral service, which was held at the Jamaica Evangelistic Centre where she was a member, is etched in my memory. My aunt who died in her 30’s was among the first Jamaicans to have had a kidney transplant performed locally. The day in question, my younger brother and I accompanied our dad to his appointment. Dad was referred to the nephrologist by the family doctor. My dad’s diagnosis was met with anxiety, uncertainty, hope and relief. Why relief, one might ask? There was relief because during those moments of uncertainty the doctor told us that dad would not require dialysis. Dialysis tak...