Fear has captured the gay community in Jamaica about disclosing their HIV&AIDS status due to what they say is the widespread prejudice by citizens who oppose their sexual practices.
An advocate for the men who have sex with men (MSM) community, who asked to remain anonymous, said that the messages to MSM groups about prevention are at times not gender specific.
"If they are giving a demonstration on proper condom usage, person will use a penis and vagina, but we can't relate and there you will find a communication barrier," the lobbyist noted.
“If a MSM should go to the doctor and tell him of his HIV status and how he contracted the disease, that patient may very well have his information advertised to the public and this poses a challenge for us to disclose our information, even to medical practitioners."
The concerns were expressed during the Panos Media Workshop dubbed 'HIV Universal Access 2010'
According to the National Strategic Plan on HIV and AIDS in Jamaica in 'Achieving Universal Access', the group of men who have sex with men (MSM) surpasses 20,000 with over 25 percent of their population infected with HIV.
"Jamaicans believe strongly that it is morally wrong and repugnant for men to have sex with men. Although men who are known to be 'gay' are usually allowed to go about their business, many Jamaicans have little tolerance for MSM who appear to flaunt or promote their sexual orientation," the report further revealed.
"It is with this stigma and discrimination that increases their vulnerability to HIV and reduce access to prevention, treatment and care."
In an effort to combat these problems, public education officer of the Jamaica AIDS Support For Life (JASL) Ocho Rios Chapter, Colette Gooden, revealed that confidential sessions are offered for MSM groups.
"A day is allotted for counseling and dealing with issues affecting them, and this is done in a confidential setting where they are the only groups for that particular day," she said.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
JA needs to export computer software
Jamaica needs to tap into the multibillion-dollar industry of computer software exportation, which has the ability to generate foreign exchange for the country according to Evan Duggan, executive director of Mona Institute of Business at the University of the West Indies.
“The participation in the software exporting market requires mostly brainpower an asset we have in abundance” Professor Duggan explained during the closing dinner of the Jamaica Computer Society (JCS) BIZTEC conference.
He further stated that with the vulnerability of the tourism and remittance sector due to the world fiscal instability, the government should move to encourage this growing industry, which has reaped tremendous success for developed countries.
The private sector, Professor Duggan argued, “must also extend its social responsibility to include attention to investing in local software development even at the expense of foregoing the convenient commercial- of -the -shelf software”.
Meanwhile, the U.W.I professor issued a challenge to educators to play their role in preparing individuals to contribute to this industry of computer software export.
“Educational institutions must contribute to the development of the requisite human and intellectual capacity which allowed Brazil and Costa Rica to break into the industry” Professor Duggan highlighted.
The three-day conference forms apart of the over 30 year-old organization which first hosted their annual conference in 1976. The event seeks to provide a vehicle for industry specialists and policy makers to exchange views and gain new insights into the application of information, communications technology to enhance governance at corporate and national levels.
“The participation in the software exporting market requires mostly brainpower an asset we have in abundance” Professor Duggan explained during the closing dinner of the Jamaica Computer Society (JCS) BIZTEC conference.
He further stated that with the vulnerability of the tourism and remittance sector due to the world fiscal instability, the government should move to encourage this growing industry, which has reaped tremendous success for developed countries.
The private sector, Professor Duggan argued, “must also extend its social responsibility to include attention to investing in local software development even at the expense of foregoing the convenient commercial- of -the -shelf software”.
Meanwhile, the U.W.I professor issued a challenge to educators to play their role in preparing individuals to contribute to this industry of computer software export.
“Educational institutions must contribute to the development of the requisite human and intellectual capacity which allowed Brazil and Costa Rica to break into the industry” Professor Duggan highlighted.
The three-day conference forms apart of the over 30 year-old organization which first hosted their annual conference in 1976. The event seeks to provide a vehicle for industry specialists and policy makers to exchange views and gain new insights into the application of information, communications technology to enhance governance at corporate and national levels.
Real estate the new target for scams
With the police's crackdown on the illicit lottery scam in Montego Bay, scam artists have reportedly developed new way to fleece money from unsuspecting persons of monies through bogus real estate transactions.
While the police confirm that they are aware that the practice worldwide, Assistant Commissioner of Police Les Green, head of the Major Investigation Taskforce, says there is no evidence of it locally.
"I am not aware of that type of scam taking place in Jamaica; we have not received any reports in this regard. But if we do, we will investigate the matter," he said. "It (real estate scam) is a worldwide problem and is dependent on where the crime is committed, in order for prosecution to take effect."
It is understood that local scam artists use illegally obtained personal information on clients, mainly Americans, who are asked to send 'processing fees' to begin transactions. In instances, photographs of houses and properties said to be available on the market, are also sent to prospective clients.
Meanwhile, one prominent realtor who did not wished to be named, believes that such a scam can have serious effects on the real estate market.
"Clients overseas may become skeptical about our intentions in real estate transactions, and upset our legitimate businesses," the realtor explained.
He however, recommended that prospective buyers verify that the broker, agent or company is licensed to do real estate transactions, and consult with an attorney-at-law before handing over payment for properties purchased.
The crackdown on lottery scam players intensified in December 2006, and has since taken on an international overture with local investigators travelling overseas to interview and collect statements from victims.
The practice is reportedly facilitated through the unauthorized disclosure of information on Americans, who are conned out of large sums of money under the guise that they are paying for a legitimate service, specifically through local Information Communication Technology (ICT) workers.
The police have disclosed that lotto scam players, mostly males between ages 18-40, make between US$4,000 and $10,000 on average weekly. Schoolchildren are reportedly recruited in the scam to collect monies from remittance outlets.
While the police confirm that they are aware that the practice worldwide, Assistant Commissioner of Police Les Green, head of the Major Investigation Taskforce, says there is no evidence of it locally.
"I am not aware of that type of scam taking place in Jamaica; we have not received any reports in this regard. But if we do, we will investigate the matter," he said. "It (real estate scam) is a worldwide problem and is dependent on where the crime is committed, in order for prosecution to take effect."
It is understood that local scam artists use illegally obtained personal information on clients, mainly Americans, who are asked to send 'processing fees' to begin transactions. In instances, photographs of houses and properties said to be available on the market, are also sent to prospective clients.
Meanwhile, one prominent realtor who did not wished to be named, believes that such a scam can have serious effects on the real estate market.
"Clients overseas may become skeptical about our intentions in real estate transactions, and upset our legitimate businesses," the realtor explained.
He however, recommended that prospective buyers verify that the broker, agent or company is licensed to do real estate transactions, and consult with an attorney-at-law before handing over payment for properties purchased.
The crackdown on lottery scam players intensified in December 2006, and has since taken on an international overture with local investigators travelling overseas to interview and collect statements from victims.
The practice is reportedly facilitated through the unauthorized disclosure of information on Americans, who are conned out of large sums of money under the guise that they are paying for a legitimate service, specifically through local Information Communication Technology (ICT) workers.
The police have disclosed that lotto scam players, mostly males between ages 18-40, make between US$4,000 and $10,000 on average weekly. Schoolchildren are reportedly recruited in the scam to collect monies from remittance outlets.
Rats invade Montego Bay
An increase rat infestation in sections of Montego Bay, has forced the public health authority to implement a rodent control programme following several complains by concerned citizens.
The areas in the second city that have seen a high population of these rodents includes: Fisherman’s Complex along the Howard Cooke Boulevard, Market Circle, the National Water Commission, The People’s Arcade, Transport Centre, Railway Gardens, Mt. Salem Health Centre, Mt. Alvernia and along Market Street within the vicinity of Victoria Mutual.
But public relations officer for the Western Regional Health Authority, Clinton Pickering revealed that rat bait stations were set up in these areas as apart of their campaign to curtail these rodents.
“Following on the successful programme implemented in Granville and surrounding communities earlier this year, the focus is now on targeted communities in the urban centre. It’s apart of our continuing efforts to rid certain sections of Montego Bay of rat infestation” Mr. Pickering noted.
He further explained that while the public health authority is there to enforce the laws regarding public health, “citizens need to also take responsibility. I you see that a food establishment operating in a poor sanitary environment, then report it to the public heath authority”.
Meanwhile, chief public health inspector, Hubert Cooke charged that there will be a zero-tolerance to restaurants in the city that contribute to the increased presence of these rodents and disregard for proper public health practices.
Mr. Cooke argued, “our public health inspectors will be on the road inspecting food handling establishments such as supermarkets, restaurants, food shops to check on certification, storage and solid waste management to ensure they are operating within the ambit of the Public Health Law”.
He added that where breaches are found, sanctions dictated by the law would be imposed. “This could mean that establishments are ordered closed with immediate effect, notices served, followed by prosecution or the seizure of condemned foods” public health inspector chief warned.
The areas in the second city that have seen a high population of these rodents includes: Fisherman’s Complex along the Howard Cooke Boulevard, Market Circle, the National Water Commission, The People’s Arcade, Transport Centre, Railway Gardens, Mt. Salem Health Centre, Mt. Alvernia and along Market Street within the vicinity of Victoria Mutual.
But public relations officer for the Western Regional Health Authority, Clinton Pickering revealed that rat bait stations were set up in these areas as apart of their campaign to curtail these rodents.
“Following on the successful programme implemented in Granville and surrounding communities earlier this year, the focus is now on targeted communities in the urban centre. It’s apart of our continuing efforts to rid certain sections of Montego Bay of rat infestation” Mr. Pickering noted.
He further explained that while the public health authority is there to enforce the laws regarding public health, “citizens need to also take responsibility. I you see that a food establishment operating in a poor sanitary environment, then report it to the public heath authority”.
Meanwhile, chief public health inspector, Hubert Cooke charged that there will be a zero-tolerance to restaurants in the city that contribute to the increased presence of these rodents and disregard for proper public health practices.
Mr. Cooke argued, “our public health inspectors will be on the road inspecting food handling establishments such as supermarkets, restaurants, food shops to check on certification, storage and solid waste management to ensure they are operating within the ambit of the Public Health Law”.
He added that where breaches are found, sanctions dictated by the law would be imposed. “This could mean that establishments are ordered closed with immediate effect, notices served, followed by prosecution or the seizure of condemned foods” public health inspector chief warned.
Trelawny needs Literacy Centers
Literacy centers are needed in Trelawny to develop trainable individuals for upcoming job opportunities in the parish, according to the Trelawny Chamber of Commerce president, Dennis Seivwright.
“The human development is the greatest investment we can ever make and that is the area we have fallen short on,” Seivwright revealed. “We need to net everyone whether or not they can read and write, and train them and maybe HEART Trust/NTA is not the one to do that.”
Trelawny is poised to become a fledging tourism and business hub with the impending multi-billion dollar Harmony Cove luxury resort. Travistock Group in partnership with the Jamaican government will develop several hotels, three world-class golf courses, a gaming lounge and other luxury amenities. The parish is also slated to receive a major cruise shipping port.
However, the Chamber president fears that manpower to fill jobs on the completion of Harmony Cove development and the port will have to be sourced outside the parish due to lack of qualified personnel.
“I think the state agencies need to step up to the responsibility. Because if they (developers) are coming to Falmouth and need for example 100 persons for training but they can only find ten that are trainable, they are going to go outside the parish to find the others.”
With a population of over 73,100, the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN) reports that the parish of Trelawny has an overall literacy rate of 76 percent.
Seivwright confessed that currently no private or public literacy centres exist in Trelawny. In an effort to generate awareness on this issue, he said the Chamber has embarked on a public education drive to inform investors on the investment opportunities of launching literacy centers in the parish.
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“The human development is the greatest investment we can ever make and that is the area we have fallen short on,” Seivwright revealed. “We need to net everyone whether or not they can read and write, and train them and maybe HEART Trust/NTA is not the one to do that.”
Trelawny is poised to become a fledging tourism and business hub with the impending multi-billion dollar Harmony Cove luxury resort. Travistock Group in partnership with the Jamaican government will develop several hotels, three world-class golf courses, a gaming lounge and other luxury amenities. The parish is also slated to receive a major cruise shipping port.
However, the Chamber president fears that manpower to fill jobs on the completion of Harmony Cove development and the port will have to be sourced outside the parish due to lack of qualified personnel.
“I think the state agencies need to step up to the responsibility. Because if they (developers) are coming to Falmouth and need for example 100 persons for training but they can only find ten that are trainable, they are going to go outside the parish to find the others.”
With a population of over 73,100, the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN) reports that the parish of Trelawny has an overall literacy rate of 76 percent.
Seivwright confessed that currently no private or public literacy centres exist in Trelawny. In an effort to generate awareness on this issue, he said the Chamber has embarked on a public education drive to inform investors on the investment opportunities of launching literacy centers in the parish.
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Food Crisis Looms
Executive Director of the Scientific Research Council (SRC), Dr. Audia Barrett, is urging local entrepreneurs to get involved in the production local food items in order to help guarantee Jamaica’s food security.
“It’s not an easy road but what we are saying is that SRC can do the training and offer the technologies to help the country get off the ground in terms of food security,” Dr. Barrett revealed during a SRC public presentation on ‘Employment Creation Opportunities.
According to Dr. Barrett, the indigenous food formulations such as breadfruit flour, yellow yam flour, pineapple jam and banana jerk sauce, among others, present investment opportunities for entrepreneurs and can be purchased from SRC for their own financial gain.
She said in an effort to combat the high rate of unemployment in the country these investors can “utilize the country’s natural resources and technologies and make a living on your own”.
Persons willing to invest in commercialization of these unique products can get the assistance of SRC from starting their business to actual site construction, maintenance and international food safety standard adherence, Dr. Barrett added.
The SRC is responsible for the fostering and coordination of scientific research and the promotion of its application. In addition, their projects support the growth and development of the agro-industrial sector in Jamaica through research, adaptation of available technologies, creation of new and appropriate technologies and the provision of training and technical assistance.
Some food formulations available at the SRC that have great potential to generate revenue includes: banana barbeque sauce, banana flour, yam flour, cassava flour, pumpkin flour, plantain flour, breadfruit flour, dasheen flour, carrot powder, ackee and salt fish spread among several other food formulations.
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“It’s not an easy road but what we are saying is that SRC can do the training and offer the technologies to help the country get off the ground in terms of food security,” Dr. Barrett revealed during a SRC public presentation on ‘Employment Creation Opportunities.
According to Dr. Barrett, the indigenous food formulations such as breadfruit flour, yellow yam flour, pineapple jam and banana jerk sauce, among others, present investment opportunities for entrepreneurs and can be purchased from SRC for their own financial gain.
She said in an effort to combat the high rate of unemployment in the country these investors can “utilize the country’s natural resources and technologies and make a living on your own”.
Persons willing to invest in commercialization of these unique products can get the assistance of SRC from starting their business to actual site construction, maintenance and international food safety standard adherence, Dr. Barrett added.
The SRC is responsible for the fostering and coordination of scientific research and the promotion of its application. In addition, their projects support the growth and development of the agro-industrial sector in Jamaica through research, adaptation of available technologies, creation of new and appropriate technologies and the provision of training and technical assistance.
Some food formulations available at the SRC that have great potential to generate revenue includes: banana barbeque sauce, banana flour, yam flour, cassava flour, pumpkin flour, plantain flour, breadfruit flour, dasheen flour, carrot powder, ackee and salt fish spread among several other food formulations.
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Economy plummets, children suffer
Child and Family therapist, Dr. Beverly Scott, believes that with the rising cost of goods and services in Jamaica, the needs of children are threatened as parents seek to maintain their households.
“Basic needs, especially for children, will not be met because parents will have to meet compelling needs. Light and water bills will have to be paid, despite the increases and food must be bought for the family,” Dr. Scott of the Family and Parenting Centre in Montego Bay, said.
She noted that while the government has made provisions for the nation’s physical health through removing user fees at health facilities; the child and family therapist cautioned that “we must also consider the psychological impacts of these rising cost will have on the family structure.”
Nevertheless, Dr. Scott suggests that parents should talk to their children about what is happening in the country so that they can understand why their parents cannot buy everything they need.
Several middle-income earners in western Jamaica, they all expressed similar sentiments about cutting-back on grocery expenses to facilitate the hike in utilities, motor vehicle license fees and fuel.
“Everywhere you turn is pure expenses. Right now if you eat breakfast, you can forget about eating lunch because people just can’t afford it,” said Grace Walker, a young professional of Cornwall Courts in St. James.
“I have to contend with all these increases and while I earn a decent salary, I am still finding it difficult to cope.”
She added that existing deplorable conditions of the roads leading to the community is also set to take a toll on her motor vehicle upkeep expenses in light of these increases.
Cornwall Courts represents the largest housing scheme in St. James with more than 3,500 housing solutions.
Another resident - government worker, who wished to remain anonymous, revealed that has to be doing some serious “belt tightening” to survive.
“Right now to conserve on water bills, I have to use one cup a water to brush my teeth and anywhere it done a so it go. Bills affi pay and me can’t afford to eat healthy anymore because even that is too expensive,” he shared.
Lorraine Windett of Farm Heights in Montego Bay charged: “While prices are increasing, our salaries are not. Sooner or later our salary won’t be able to meet our basic needs. I use to spend $2500 to 3500 per week on grocery, as a single household, but now my grocery spending will have to go down by far in order to pay my bills.”
Jamaica not immune to human trafficking
The lucrative trade of human trafficking continues to haunt the shores of Jamaica and Dominican Republic, which are considered the most vulnerable Caribbean countries to be affected by the illicit activity.
“Majority of the traffic victims are women. They are lured by virtue of wanting a better life through jobs overseas,” argued independent consultant on National and Community Development, Joyce Hewett at a workshop.
She revealed that while Jamaica has made an effort to curb the problem through legislations, like its counterpart, both are still exposed to the illegal trade because of the levels of poverty, unemployment and lack of opportunities.
Children, Mrs. Hewett added, also form part of human trafficking.
“Too often people at the lower end of the socio-economic strata will feel that they can’t provide enough for their children. And they are willing to send them off to a relative or sometimes a stranger to allow them to have a better way of life.”
This practice, she believes, can put the child in danger if the person is involved in the business of human trafficking.
The workshop is aimed at improving the detection, investigation and prosecution of human trafficking in Jamaica and was organized by the Justice Training Institute (JTI) out of the Ministry of Justice. Participants include clerks of court, deputy clerks, police personnel and representatives from the Victim Support Unit.
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“Majority of the traffic victims are women. They are lured by virtue of wanting a better life through jobs overseas,” argued independent consultant on National and Community Development, Joyce Hewett at a workshop.
She revealed that while Jamaica has made an effort to curb the problem through legislations, like its counterpart, both are still exposed to the illegal trade because of the levels of poverty, unemployment and lack of opportunities.
Children, Mrs. Hewett added, also form part of human trafficking.
“Too often people at the lower end of the socio-economic strata will feel that they can’t provide enough for their children. And they are willing to send them off to a relative or sometimes a stranger to allow them to have a better way of life.”
This practice, she believes, can put the child in danger if the person is involved in the business of human trafficking.
The workshop is aimed at improving the detection, investigation and prosecution of human trafficking in Jamaica and was organized by the Justice Training Institute (JTI) out of the Ministry of Justice. Participants include clerks of court, deputy clerks, police personnel and representatives from the Victim Support Unit.
Send me an email at: njoywriting@gmail.com
Resilience earns Flankers top prize
A resilient Flankers Community Development Centre has marched through turbulent circumstances to be one of seven community organizations short listed for the coveted Michael Manley Awards for .JPG)
Community Self-Reliance and has won.
Responding to what it meant to be nominated for such an award, centre director of the Flanker Community Development Centre, Marilyn Nash explained: “It is really a milestone for us because I think we work very hard at what we do in the community. Even if we don’t win, but to be short listed for this award means that we are doing something right.”
The non-government organization (NGO) was established in Flankers, Montego Bay seven years ago with the help of the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) to carry out a social conflict and legal reform project.
But mediation on its own, according to Mrs. Nash, could not solve the problems of crime, poor parenting, teenage pregnancy, lack of education and employment and low self-esteem. As such, the Flanker Community Development Centre was conceptualized, which has played an integral role in the community’s development, peace management and violence prevention initiatives.
In keeping with their motto ‘To enhance the social, educational, and economical standards of the residents, while building and maintaining community pride’, Mrs. Nash stated that the residents have been instrumental in the centre’s success.
“The centre is just not what goes on in the building but what we do in the community. It is owned by the community members who take an active part in every aspect of the centre’s operation.”
She added that the private sector and other government agencies such as the Ministries of National Security and Health have also played a significant role in the centre’s ability to execute its duties.
However, the NGO continues to experience challenges in raising funds according to the centre director.
“We are always dependent on funding from wherever we can get it in order to continue our programmes. Despite this challenge, this committed volunteer envisions the Flankers Community Development Centre as a model for other community centres in Jamaica,” Mrs. Nash noted.
Pastor of the Flankers Open Bible and Cornwall Division Superintendent for the Open Bible Churches of Jamaica, Reverend Glendon Powell, commended the efforts of social intervention by the centre. But he suggested that the church must be involved in the process.
“I cannot over emphasize the importance of merging spiritual and social intervention to have a greater impact on the community. Some of the social programmes should be channeled through the church,” stressed Rev. Powell.
The Flankers Community Development Centre, which also operates as a Peace and Justice centre, is an epitome for mediation centres across the island, as residents are able to access the services whether by court or community appointed mediation sessions.
Currently, over 140 residents from the community have been trained as mediators.
“Me give thanks the day when a centre come here because when Flankers got violent last year, Mrs. Nash help fi maintain the peace inna di community. The children can come here and get schoolwork done, use the computers and library here, so the community is really grateful to have this place (community centre),” resident Lorna Foster.
Activities at the Flankers Community Development Centre include a parenting programme where 13 parenting coaches work with 10 parents each to offer training on proper parenting over a six to eight-month period; homework club that facilitates students who attend shift schools and are involved in various educational activities before or after school; a senior citizens club, continuing studies training program, Sandals START skills training and a youth sports programme.
.JPG)
Community Self-Reliance and has won.Responding to what it meant to be nominated for such an award, centre director of the Flanker Community Development Centre, Marilyn Nash explained: “It is really a milestone for us because I think we work very hard at what we do in the community. Even if we don’t win, but to be short listed for this award means that we are doing something right.”
The non-government organization (NGO) was established in Flankers, Montego Bay seven years ago with the help of the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) to carry out a social conflict and legal reform project.
But mediation on its own, according to Mrs. Nash, could not solve the problems of crime, poor parenting, teenage pregnancy, lack of education and employment and low self-esteem. As such, the Flanker Community Development Centre was conceptualized, which has played an integral role in the community’s development, peace management and violence prevention initiatives.
In keeping with their motto ‘To enhance the social, educational, and economical standards of the residents, while building and maintaining community pride’, Mrs. Nash stated that the residents have been instrumental in the centre’s success.
“The centre is just not what goes on in the building but what we do in the community. It is owned by the community members who take an active part in every aspect of the centre’s operation.”
She added that the private sector and other government agencies such as the Ministries of National Security and Health have also played a significant role in the centre’s ability to execute its duties.
However, the NGO continues to experience challenges in raising funds according to the centre director.
“We are always dependent on funding from wherever we can get it in order to continue our programmes. Despite this challenge, this committed volunteer envisions the Flankers Community Development Centre as a model for other community centres in Jamaica,” Mrs. Nash noted.
Pastor of the Flankers Open Bible and Cornwall Division Superintendent for the Open Bible Churches of Jamaica, Reverend Glendon Powell, commended the efforts of social intervention by the centre. But he suggested that the church must be involved in the process.
“I cannot over emphasize the importance of merging spiritual and social intervention to have a greater impact on the community. Some of the social programmes should be channeled through the church,” stressed Rev. Powell.
The Flankers Community Development Centre, which also operates as a Peace and Justice centre, is an epitome for mediation centres across the island, as residents are able to access the services whether by court or community appointed mediation sessions.
Currently, over 140 residents from the community have been trained as mediators.
“Me give thanks the day when a centre come here because when Flankers got violent last year, Mrs. Nash help fi maintain the peace inna di community. The children can come here and get schoolwork done, use the computers and library here, so the community is really grateful to have this place (community centre),” resident Lorna Foster.
Activities at the Flankers Community Development Centre include a parenting programme where 13 parenting coaches work with 10 parents each to offer training on proper parenting over a six to eight-month period; homework club that facilitates students who attend shift schools and are involved in various educational activities before or after school; a senior citizens club, continuing studies training program, Sandals START skills training and a youth sports programme.
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