Is Youth Social Activism Dead in Jamaica?

03/24.2018
Today was the March for Our Lives demonstrations in Washington DC, Parkland, FL, cities throughout the United States, and countries worldwide. The youth worldwide voiced their concerns not only for the specific causes that youth in the United States have been supporting but for their overall concerns that too many lives are being lost to gun violence. In January, 2018, Jamaica declared a state of emergency over some parts of the island to curtail soaring gun crimes. Yet, there was no coming together of the youth in Jamaica today to march in support of the March for Our Lives worldwide movement. Owing to the country's high gun crime rate, Jamaica's youth participation in this worldwide event would have sent a lasting message not only to the people of Jamaica but to the world. However, as noted in a previous blog dated October 1st, 2016, the youth in Jamaica seems unfamiliar or rather indifferent to demonstrating for social causes that impact the nation unlike past generations. This "me" generation appears to be more consumed with owning the latest electronic gadgets and profiling their wears at over-crowded parties and entertaining events. This is the new norm. However, it is concerning that the country is heading in a direction where the youth no longer takes an interest in advocating publicly for social issues that negatively impact the masses of the population.

10/01/16
Emily Shields, radio talk show host, spoke about her astonishment with the responses she received when she sent out a tweet for Jamaican college and university students to get involved in social activism in support of causes that affect their lives and others. She mentioned that as a student at UWI she became aware of how students in the past made a difference by taking a stand against injustices, and she became involved in demonstrations against the unconscionable hike in gas prices. From all indications the responses to her tweet echoed a disinterest in getting involved in public demonstrations for social causes unlike students of the past who readily participated in such actions. Mrs. Shields expressed her disappointment in the future generation's desire to stand up for important causes, and her sentiments are dittoed by this writer. But, she still believes that there must be young Jamaicans who are compassionate in their desire to speak out against the disservices that plague the underserved which may include even themselves. Certainly, there must be those young Jamaicans; however, they seem far and few between since, from public portrayal, the future generation of tomorrow is a "me" generation. It has become a generation where materialism is more important than having concerns about humanity. God forbid if these young people could not own or flaunt their latest expensive cell phones, computers, IPads and anything else that relates to electronics. Furthermore, why would they get involved in social causes when priorities are instead to wear the latest, most costly fashions, profile at popular events in the city, or travel to resort towns to compete among themselves in wearing the skimpiest of clothes and getting drunk at liquor company sponsored events. So, Mrs. Shields should not be alarmed with the twitter feed responses she received since the selfishness that is prevalent in the young generation of Jamaicans today is not surprising. The responses tell a sad story on the future of where the country is heading.

Minority Share-Holders of Cable & Wireless Jamaica Defy the Board

Minority share-holders of Cable & Wireless recently took an unusual voting action at the August, 2016 annual general meeting that is inconsistent with the customary docility of most minority share-holders at such meetings in Jamaica. As a concerned group, they demanded answers to questions on the final resolution.  Since this information was not forthcoming from the board of directors, they defied the board of directors by voting against the resolution to retain KPMG as auditors of the company and to fix their fee. This type of reaction from minority share-holders has been long awaited since it now demonstrates to other minority shareholders in Jamaica that they, too, have a unified voice in the decision making process of a company.  A couple years ago, one minority share-holder of Cable & Wireless's stocks bravely stood up at the annual general meeting to make known his dissatisfaction with that same resolution - retainment and re-numeration for the auditing firm. He was disappointed when no other minority share-holder spoke out verbally or use their voting powers against this resolution of the then Chris Dehring led board of directors. His frustration with the outcome resulted in his decision to no longer attend the annual meetings. However, he should now be pleased to see that the minority share-holders of Cable & Wireless have become more pro-active by coming together and using their knowledge and voting power. Hopefully, other Jamaican minority shareholders will take a page out of the book of those at Cable & Wireless and not simply agree to resolutions but educate themselves on them and use their voting rights to engage in the critical decision making process of the organization.

FBI - Coming to Jamaica

The Jamaican Ambassador, Luis Moreno, announced today that the FBI will be setting up an office as early as next week in the Jamaican embassy. While there has been some public dissatisfaction expressed, for the most part, social media feedback indicates that an FBI office is most welcome. Ambassador Moreno mentions that the decision was made to assist in quelching the big business of the lottery scam Jamaican syndicates. However, with the FBI in Jamaica, who knows what, in fact, is the real reason since this is such a secretive federal organization. So, quite likely, the decision to start an office in Jamaica involves much more than the lottery scam scandal. Nevertheless, the strategic setting up of an FBI office in Jamaica shows a dire need to assist in Jamaica's armed forces' inability to curve the high rate of crime, importation of ammunition, etc., etc., etc..The multi-million dollar investment in servicing FBI offices in certain Caribbean countries now includes Jamaica. The residents have to just wait and see how the efforts of this agency play out in addressing the serious crimes that plague this small island.
FBI to Set Up Offices At US Embassy

Black Hair Style Restrictions Not Limited to South Africa

Recently, a 13 year old girl in South Africa brought awareness to the world of the discriminatory policies in some South African schools that do not take Black culture into consideration. In her case, she was prevented from entering the school premises because she wore an afro. This led to demonstrations by her fellow students at Pretoria High School for Girls since the young lady refused to change her hairstyle. It was uncovered that South African schools that were initially White dominated still hold on to their archaic policies that do not embrace the cultural needs of Black students. But, such policies are not restricted to South Africa. Surprisingly, some schools in Jamaica have similar policies as it relates to a student's hair. This week, upon the opening of new semester, a three year old boy was denied entry into Hopefield Preparatory School in Kingston, Jamaica. The mother was told by the Vice Principal that the boy's hair was long, untidy, dirty and needed to be cut because it may contain headlice! Now, there are children of other races at this same school with long, unsecured hair who have not been chastised in this manner. So, of course, it must have been disheartening and embarrassing for a mother to be challenged on not maintaining her son's upkeeps. The South African school's governing body, in consultation with teachers, parents and affected students, suspended the school's hair restrictions. However, the unbending Hopefield Prep's principal of 40 years is standing by the school's insensitive, rigid policies that they cannot accept male students with "long hair". It is apalling that such practices are still prevalent in black-dominated countries during the 21st century.

No Tattooed Teachers, Please!

It would be expected that a country whose history demonstrates the injustices of slavery for centuries, would produce descendants who are accepting of people's differences. But, this is not the case in Jamaica where descendants of slaves tend to forget that during earlier years, the majority Black population was denied many social services and opportunities well after the abolition of slavery because of the color of their skin. Many may not remember or have knowledge of the fact that up to the early 1960's, dark-skinned Jamaicans could not obtain jobs at major corporations especially if the position required them to serve the public. Therefore, it is a sad state of affair when Ruel Reid and others in top positions at the Ministry of Education are heard expressing adamantly that even if a teacher is qualified, he or she would not be hired if that applicant has a tattoo. Ruel Reid and those education administrators who are decrying tattooed teachers have conveniently forgotten or have no clue that in years gone by, they too would be denied a job not because of their qualifications but as a result of the color of their skin. How quickly they forget their history! But, wonder if such tattoo policies are extended to foreign Cuban teachers?
Tattooed Teachers Lash Education Minister

Newton Marshall - First Jamaican Dog Sled Yukon Quest Participant

When one hears "Yukon Quest Dog Sled Race" words such as tedious trail, dangerous terrain, grueling long days, frigid temperature, and many more descriptions that link to the uncomfortable conditions participants are expected to experience. But, did you know that in 2009 Jamaican, Newton Marshall, entered this 1,000 miles competition? After recently viewing the competition on television, it was then that immediate notice was taken of Marshall when he spoke with his Jamaican accent. Since that competition in Northern Canada, Marshall has participated in other tough dog sled races in Alaska such as the Iditarod. Because track and field is such a popular sport in Jamaica, the names of athletes in this area of sports, such as Usain Bolt, are commonly heard and national recognition is given to them. However, it is important to also not forget unsung sports heroes such as Marshall who came from a humble Jamaican background and showed that his upbringing does not matter - all things are possible with hard work even in an environment that is out of a person's customary comfort zone.

Jamaican Call Center Seeks Workers With American Accent

When a job advertisement is placed in a Jamaican newspaper specifying that applicants for the position must have an American accent to be considered, it is quite clear employment requirements are at an all time low in a country with such high unemployment rate. Certainly this Jamaican call center has promised an American organization to provide a service that, in fact, is not easy to achieve. First, what type of American accent are they looking for? Should it be a southern drawl or a distinct one from a northern state? Are applicants expected to demonstrate a southern California valley girl accent or is an urban swag accent okay? Regardless of how hard a person who grows up in Jamaica and now living in the United States tries to speak with an American accent, the Jamaican accent will no doubt be heard some where in the conversation. So, professional and social assimilation into the American way of life for many years does not completely erase the accent of their roots. Therefore, is it possible for a Jamaican, who has never left the island, to be capable of speaking with an authentic American accent? Attempts to speak with an American accent has not been successful even in India although their call centers go through great lengths to provide American accent classes to their recruited employees who are even required to answer the phone with English sounding names. But, it is never difficult to identify that these call center reps are not Americans. Therefore, this is an expectation that has already been tried and failed. The Jamaican call center's silly selective process is definitely not making any positive difference in helping the country's high unemployment rate. But, good luck to that Jamaican call center in their ridiculous quest for applicants with an American accent!
No Even Likkle Twang - Louise Bennett