分类： society

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Kaysia Kerr, CEO of the National Parenting Support Commission (NPSC), has issued a heartfelt plea to parents, urging them to remain vigilant about behavioural changes in their children amidst a concerning rise in student suicides. Speaking to JIS News, Kerr emphasized that even subtle shifts in behaviour could signal underlying emotional distress or trauma. She advised parents to approach such changes with care and empathy, ensuring their children feel safe to express themselves. Kerr highlighted several critical warning signs, including sudden bedwetting, altered sleep or eating habits, social withdrawal, and unusual agitation or hyperactivity. She stressed the importance of early intervention, encouraging parents to seek professional help from trusted sources such as pastors, doctors, teachers, or school counsellors. Additionally, Kerr pointed to resources like the NPSC and the Office of the Children’s Advocate (OCA), which offers a 24-hour helpline for confidential support. Kerr underscored the value of parental intuition, particularly among mothers, and urged immediate action if something feels amiss. ‘Early intervention can save lives,’ she concluded.

Over a century since the Obeah Act of 1898 criminalized the practice, Obeah remains one of Jamaica’s most contentious cultural issues. Recently, Christian groups have vehemently opposed its legalization, warning that it would unleash ‘demonic forces’ across the nation. However, this fervent opposition raises a critical question: Why is there not a similar level of unity and outrage when addressing pressing societal issues such as child abuse, teenage pregnancy, juvenile delinquency, or the rampant violent crime plaguing communities? The selective indignation is striking. For instance, Indian astrologers freely advertise their services in newspapers and on television without sparking protests, yet Obeah is singled out. This disparity reveals a deeper issue: practices tied to African heritage are still viewed with suspicion and prejudice. The root of the problem lies in a Eurocentric mindset that has conditioned society to perceive African traditions as inherently evil while uncritically embracing other cultural practices. Some even falsely attribute Haiti’s struggles to its recognition of Vodou, a claim that is not only baseless but also dismissive of historical complexity. Obeah is an integral part of Jamaica’s history, once serving as a tool of resistance against colonial oppression. To erase it is to deny a legacy of survival and defiance. While there are deviant practices within Obeah, Christianity, with its over 40,000 denominations, is not without its own controversies. True emancipation requires dismantling the stigma surrounding Afrocentric religions and confronting the colonial prejudices that continue to shape perceptions. Obeah must be discussed honestly, free from fear or bias, as it is not merely a religious issue but a matter of identity, history, and the freedom to embrace one’s heritage without distortion.

In a tragic discovery, the decomposed remains of a man believed to be mentally challenged were found in an overgrown area of George Reid, Manchester, on Monday. The body is suspected to be that of Marlon Corinthian, a 46-year-old resident who was last seen on September 20. Concerned family members had filed a missing person’s report on September 27 after growing anxious about his disappearance. The grim find was made when residents, alerted by a foul odor, searched the area. A local woman recounted how a man from the community used a machete to clear the bushes, uncovering a part of a foot. Police were immediately notified. The woman, who identified herself as Corinthian’s friend, expressed her sorrow, stating that she last saw him nine days ago. She speculated that Corinthian, who often foraged for herbs to make tea, might have fallen into a ditch and become trapped. ‘He had a mental problem, but everyone loved him. I don’t think anyone would harm him,’ she added. A relative revealed that Corinthian was a mental health patient and had been missing from his usual spots, including the Mandeville Regional Hospital. Firefighters assisted in removing the body, with onlookers using masks and fabric to shield themselves from the stench. The community mourns the loss of a man described as kind and well-loved.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant move to adapt to evolving educational and employment trends, the Students’ Loan Bureau (SLB) of Jamaica has unveiled plans to diversify its loan offerings. The initiative aims to cater to Jamaicans seeking flexible learning opportunities beyond traditional degree programs, including professional certifications and emerging skill areas crucial for national development.