Column published in Jamaica Observer 25 November 2019
by Jean Lowrie-Chin
So here I am, parachuted from the cold climate and warm hospitality of Canada into an energetic PAJ Journalism Week, the history-making address by children to Parliament's Lower House and the celebration of Digicel Foundation's 15th Anniversary.
'Open Minds' was the theme for International Women's Forum (IWF) Conference in Toronto earlier this month: 1,100 members, thought leaders and experts gathered to explore such themes as the promise and risk of artificial intelligence, the global refugee crisis, women in politics and yes, transitioning sexual identity.
One of my favourite sessions was "In Good Hands: Women Politicians" addressed by Canada's first woman Prime Minister, Kim Campbell. "There is a double-standard [for women in politics]", she noted. "If you are not the prototypical person, you are not forgiven for anything. If people see you as an exception, you will be held to a different standard. You have to establish your right to be there and your right to make mistakes."
Lo and behold, I returned to Jamaica to see a newspaper editorial describing one of our brightest politicians, Foreign Affairs Minister Kamina Johnson Smith as "thin-skinned", simply because she had noted suggestions from a previous editorial and was not inclined to follow them.
The Jamaica Women's Political Caucus of which I am a member has been holding seminars for women of different political persuasions, guiding and mentoring them. We have not been very active in recent years, and such incidents must motivate us to recharge our programme.
At the IWF Conference we were gifted with an excellent book by Stephanie MacKendrick, "IN GOOD HANDS: Remarkable Female Politicians from Around the World Who Showed Up, Spoke Out and Made Change." It features Right Honourable Campbell, New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern among others and includes a playbook which gives practical advice to aspiring women leaders.
"Tell women not to disdain power," urges former PM Campbell. "It is the currency for getting things done."
"Is the News Too Negative?"
We had a stimulating discussion at the Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ) Journalism Week Forum last Monday as panelists replied to the subject: "Is the news too negative?" We enjoyed the compliments paid to Jamaica's top ten status in global press freedom from Canadian and British High Commissioners Hon Laurie Peters and Hon Asif Ahmad. However, Jamaica has her trials: NIA head Professor Trevor Munroe reminded that generally trust and confidence are down, with 78 percent believing that corruption is a serious problem.
This is the dilemma for the media. While veteran journalist Franklin McKnight believes that the ugly underbelly of our country is not fully acknowledged in the press, columnist Jaevion Nelson believes that the news is too negative, resulting in younger Jamaicans tuning out. "This could lead to ignorance and apathy," he warned.
Director of Tourism Donovan White called for balance but said he was not advocating censorship. He shared that Jamaica had one of the highest rates of return visitors – 42 percent and that tourism was the largest employer. He said with the industry earning $3.6 billion and providing employment for 25 percent of Jamaicans, there were "opportunities to tell really great stories in our news". Gleaner editor Kaymar Jordan reflected that media should dig deeper for truth, especially in the face of "fake news and doctored videos".
Outstanding Media Veterans
Last Wednesday the PAJ honoured four remarkable media veterans, JIS Deputy CEO Enthrose Campbell, Jamaica Observer Senior Reporter Balford Henry, Photographer Headley "Dellmar" Samuels and IRIE-FM broadcaster Elise Kelly. The citations reflected excellence, dedication and the journalistic tenacity that his kept Jamaica in the top ten for freedom of the press.
The PAJ took the opportunity to honour two shining stars of the media. Former JIS CEO and PR guru Carmen Tipling and the late Franklyn 'Chappy' St. Juste whose son Francois represented the St. Juste family. As the word spread of the six honourees, social media carried tributes from individuals they had taught, mentored, encouraged and even disciplined.
Such is the calibre of our Jamaican media stalwarts. I have great memories of Chappy St. Juste – I can hear Wycliffe Bennett's booming voice addressing him in discussions on the staging of events at Carifesta 76 and later I was lucky to be in his stage management class in my post-grad days. What a fine legacy.
Our children cry out
Jamaica Observer Senior Staff Reporter Kimone Francis delivered excellent coverage session of Parliament addressed by four children who shared the feelings of 300 children from three parishes who had been engaged in townhall sessions organised by UNICEF. I quote excerpts from her reports below, because I cannot say it better.
"A lot of children in Jamaica are dealing with a lot of pain." Those were the words of 10-year-old Keino King, who yesterday, along with seven-year-old Ngozi Wright, her twin brother Tafari, and 18-year-old Shaneille Hall, addressed the nation's Parliament in an unprecedented session on violence against children, ahead of today's observation of the 30th anniversary of the United Nations Convention of the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).
"Our fear is based on the heartbreaking reality [that] many of us are being bullied. Many of us are being beaten. Many of us are being sexually and emotionally abused, and we are being murdered. This violence started in the days of slavery and to this day it continues. So I ask you, what are you doing to help break the cycle?" Keino asked.
"I don't want to live in a Jamaica where the children are so hurt by violence that they grow up to hurt themselves or to hurt other people. Do you?" the young boy let out to rousing applause from the members of the Lower House.
Orphaned at the age of three, sexually abused by her grandfather until she was 10, a teen mom by 15, homeless at 16, Shaneille Hall has endured more than most people.
Here are some of the requests coming out of the townhall meetings:
Children want to be heard: There was a very strong appeal for decision-makers to consult with children on a regular basis to learn more about what they are experiencing in order to guide the development of relevant laws, programmes, and policies.
Children want parents to get help so they can be better parents.
Children want stricter enforcement of laws for those who abuse children.
Children want better relationships with the security forces.
Grassroots projects get a big boost
Most Hon Juliet Holness congratulated the finalists and prizewinners in the Digicel Foundation 15th Anniversary competition, urging them to become change agents in their Communities. The 15 Awardees including farmers, micro businesses and start-ups in every parish, each received two million dollars and expressed their joy at being able to expand their projects and provide employment. Over its 15 years of existence the Foundation, on the directive of Patron Denis O'Brien, has funded projects for special needs, education, and entrepreneurship to the tune of over US$36 million.
Monday, November 25, 2019
Common causes, North and South
Monday, November 18, 2019
PAJ’S 2019 PUBLIC FORUM ASKS “IS THE NEWS TOO NEGATIVE?”
The Press Association of Jamaica continues to engage the public on topical and controversial issues relating to the media's role and function in democracy, with the theme for National Journalism Week this year being "Advancing Democracy – Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow!" National Journalism Week is being celebrated from Sunday, November 17 - Saturday, November 23, 2019.
"The week will include an interesting and engaging series of activities and events. Additionally, the theme acknowledges the crucial role that the media plays in a healthy democracy," says PAJ President, George Davis.
The week kicks off with the traditional church service, which is being held this year at the Saxthorpe Methodist Church, 143 Constant Spring Rd, St. Andrew on November 17 at 9am.
The PAJ's increasingly popular public forum will focus on the topic "Is the News too Negative?" which is intended to critically analyse this longstanding topical issue. The event will be held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, on Monday, November 18, starting at 6 pm, and is free and open to all.
"We thought it critical to look at this issue because we have heard the complaints from our audience," says Davis. He adds that the PAJ "cares about what the public has to say about the work that we do. Therefore, we want to engage them on this issue, and to hear their suggestions."
The main speakers at the forum will be newly appointed Editor-in-Chief at the Gleaner Company, Kaymar Jordan and social commentator Jaevion Nelson.
Jordan is an award- winning journalist with over 20 years' experience. Before she started working at the Gleaner, Kaymar launched her own media consultancy firm after serving for five years as CEO and Editor-in-Chief of Barbados' first online multimedia platform, Barbados TODAY. Prior to that, she served for two years as Editor-in-Chief of the Nation Publishing Company and as Director of News and Current Affairs of the Caribbean Media Corporation, the successor to CANA.
Nelson is a Social Commentator, Gleaner columnist and Executive Director of Equality for All Jamaica Foundation. A Chevening scholar, he is passionate about fighting for the rights of the under-privileged, themes which he revisits regularly in his media commentary and on social media platforms. Donovan White, Director of Tourism and Lavern Clarke, Business Editor at the Gleaner are the other two panellists. The Public Forum is sponsored by the British High Commission, The Canadian Embassy, National Integrity Action and the Jamaica Broilers Group of Companies.
"The PAJ continues to engage with students and media workers outside of Kingston & St. Andrew. As a result, seminars will also be held in Central and Western Jamaica," says the PAJ President.
The PAJ team will travel to Northern Caribbean University in Mandeville on Tuesday, November 19 at 2pm and to the University of the West Indies Western Campus in Montego Bay on Wednesday, November 20 at 9am for discussions on the same topic.
The PAJ's annual Veterans' Luncheon will also be held on Wednesday, November 20.
"We are happy to announce that this year we will be honouring Elise Kelly, Senior Broadcaster at IRIE-FM; Headley "Dellmar" Samuels, Sports Photographer; Enthrose Campbell, Acting Deputy CEO at the Jamaica Information Service; and Balford Henry, Senior Journalist at the Jamaica Observer," said PAJ Assistant Secretary Karen Madden.
The week will end with the National Journalism Awards at the Courtleigh Auditorium in New Kingston on Saturday, November 23. Cocktails will start at 6 pm, with the Awards Show starting at 8 pm, followed by the popular After-Party.
"It is important for us to recognize and celebrate the good work that is being done in journalism," says Davis. "Overall, we're looking forward to a great week."
Contact: George Davis, PAJ President, 876-564-1384
Monday, November 11, 2019
The promise of youth, the challenge of ageing
Jean Lowrie-Chin
The beautifully uniformed high school students at the Jamaica Conference Centre last Thursday brought back memories of those box pleats that had to be lined up on our ironing board; the Jamaica school uniform is the great equalizer and I am glad this tradition continues. We were moved by the powerful performances from the bands of Pembroke Hall High School and St Richards Primary, and Tivoli Dancers: big sounds from those young people and dynamic dancing to Agent Sasco's "Winning".
Do we understand the impression that our new millennial singers have on our students? We have a welcome wave: Chronnix – "Smile for me Jamaica", Koffee – "Gratitude is a must", Wayne Marshall - "Lord I pray, I honour Your name, deliver Your mercy", Popcaan, and Protégé. Please artists, rev up those empowering lyrics that will stay in the heads of our young people.
We were at the launch of the second Annual Student Empowerment Programme organised by Kingston & St. Andrew Development Foundation (KSADF) in association with the Ministry of Education, Youth & Information (MOEYI). During the month of November, leaders in all sectors engage with upper high school students, most of whom are contemplating career choices. Those of us who participated last year left with renewed hope for the future of Jamaica.
One of last year's school motivators was Prime Minister Andrew Holness who engaged with students at Penwood High School. He had planned to spend an hour at the school, but became so transfixed by the observations of the students that he spent double the time. Our students are engaged, talented, and ambitious.
The KSADF is the brainchild of Kingston Custos Steadman Fuller, whose company, Kingston Bookshop has sponsored the organisation for the past three years. His co-chair is St. Andrew Custos Dr Patricia Dunwell, whose philanthropic activities have changed the lives of many, particularly those in the Grants Pen community. Here are high-achieving Jamaicans who could comfortably relax on their laurels, but instead they have used their resources to serve their fellow Jamaicans.
MOEYI State Minister Alando Terrelonge lit up the room with his call to the students to "Remember and appreciate your value." He reminded them, "Education is the best gift you can give to yourselves – an educated mind is an emancipated mind." Further he advised the students to "join clubs in your schools and organisations in your communities." He said climate change was important to his Government because "we must protect Jamaica for you."
Custos Fuller also tackled the issue of climate change in his keynote address, noting that with rising sea levels, more intense storms and droughts, this will have an impact on education, the places we locate schools and the type of structures to house them. Much to my delight, he also emphasised the importance of creativity in this digital age, noting that none of our magnificent inventions could have materialized without that creative spark.
We enjoyed the positivity of Mayor Senator Delroy Williams, who described his beloved City of Kingston as the "Pearl of the Caribbean". Young Joshua Clarke, Assistant VP of the National Secondary Schools Students Council advised his peers to use an hour of the day as follows: "Twenty minutes of devotion, 20 minutes' workout and 20 minutes reading." Good advice for all ages!
It's an honour to serve this Foundation, with fellow Directors Political Ombudsman Donna Parchment Brown, former Kingston Restoration and NHT CEO Morin Seymour, KSAMC CEO Robert Hill and Executive Director George Watson.
Lakes Pen Basic 15 years on
It was 15 years ago that the Digicel Jamaica Foundation was launched with the rebuilding and landscaping of the Lakes Pen Basic School in Spanish Town. Major General Robert Neish, then CEO of the Foundation and then Chairman Harry Smith collaborated with the efficient JSIF team to have everything up and running in six weeks. I remember the precious little faces lighting up when Patron Denis O'Brien presented them with schoolbags filled with supplies.
In spite of challenges in the Lakes Pen community, thank goodness the school has remained safe. Principal Mrs Keisha Malvo-Brooks and her staff have kept the school in great shape and were further awarded a Legacy Grant to equip the school's kitchen and for general repairs. Lakes Pen Basic has an active PTA and hosts the local football club who are protective of the little ones.
Since that day in November 2004, the Digicel Foundation has funded projects throughout Jamaica to the tune of US$36 million (over J$5 billion). The team travels islandwide to ensure that they identify the most worthwhile projects, building special needs schools, expanding science labs, building ramps in schools, assisting farming communities and funding micro enterprises and environmental projects which have resulted in significant job creation.
HEART Trust/NTA joins with Prince's Trust
Seventy-nine young jobseekers were hosted at a 'Get Hired' event co-sponsored by HEART Trust/NTA and the London based Prince's Trust International at the British High Commission last Thursday. Managing Director of HEART Trust/NTA Dr. Janet Dyer described 'Get Hired' as "a revolutionary recruitment event." She said the partnership would help to encourage the "soft skills" that young Jamaicans need to succeed in the working world.
Project Manager at Prince's Trust International Michael De Roeck stressed that the goal of the project is not simply job placement, but to "find sustainable employment for young people." Following their work in the Caribbean over the past three years, the organisation has expanded into Jamaica. Mr De Roeck praised the "absolutely fantastic" work of HEART Trust/NTA and its "decades of experience."
Alzheimer's Jamaica Conference
Kudos to Dr Ishtar Govia who, motivated by a relative's illness, started the STRIDE project to raise awareness of Alzheimer's disease. Last Friday, we were enlightened by Dr Alfred Chen's presentation on "Preventing Dementia". Let me try to translate into layman's language his advice. To promote the process of methylation, which prevents the formation of amyloid plaque on the brain, we should have seven essential nutrients in our diet: active folate, active Vitamin B12, B6, B2, Magnesium, Betaine (aka trimethyl glycine), and Vitamin D. He said inflammation, diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol increased our risk. In the case of diabetes, he said this condition increases the risk for dementia by over 65 percent.
He suggested taking metformin to reduce inflammation and to adopt the ketogenic diet featuring very low carbohydrate intake, adequate protein and high healthy fats, e.g. those found in fish and nuts. He encouraged the inclusion of melon, turmeric, ginger, fever grass, lemon grass, sorrel and moringa and suggested an increase in the intake of Omega 3. He suggested that a blood test to check one's level of homocysteine could indicate one's risk for dementia.
Mrs Fay Petgrave, owner of the Eulice Home for Seniors in Manchester, discussed the importance of respect for patients with dementia. "We do a lot of hugging and 'chupsing' and preserve a respectful privacy," she noted. "Remember, these individuals once lived active, responsible lives. Each birthday, their relatives join us to celebrate their achievements. It is important that our residents feel safe and valued."
Photo Captions
Custos Steadman Fuller
Students at the launch of KSADF Empowerment Programme
Friday, November 1, 2019
Mexican Ambassador's message on “night and day of Liberty”
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| The event was featured on Page 2 of the Jamaica Observer |