标签： Saint Lucia

Jefferson Gabriel, a 23-year-old nursing student in Saint Lucia, is navigating the challenges of being a man in a predominantly female profession. During his clinical maternity rotation, a mandatory part of his nursing training, Gabriel found himself often sidelined due to patients’ discomfort with male caregivers. Despite his eagerness to learn, he spent entire days observing only one patient, as many women declined his participation in their care for personal or religious reasons. This experience highlights the persistent gender biases in nursing, particularly in maternity wards. Nursing students in Saint Lucia undergo clinical rotations across various wards, but Gabriel’s experience in the maternity ward was starkly different from his peers. While his female counterparts engaged fully in patient care, Gabriel’s role was limited to tasks like bathing newborns. Sister Solomon, a veteran nurse with over 30 years of experience, noted that while the Registration of Nurses and Midwives Act refers to female nurses, there are no legal barriers preventing men from entering the field. She emphasized that skill and compassion, not gender, define a good nurse. Gabriel, inspired by his father’s medical crisis, chose nursing to help others and now aspires to enter nursing education to challenge gender biases and inspire future generations. He acknowledges the discomfort some women feel but stresses that male nurses approach their work professionally. Despite the challenges, Gabriel remains passionate about nursing and hopes to shift perceptions about who can provide care. His story reflects a broader trend of increasing male participation in nursing, driven by changing societal attitudes and the influence of social media in challenging stereotypes.

The Ministry of Education in Saint Lucia has introduced a groundbreaking Student Deportment Policy this academic year, marking the culmination of years of extensive consultations with educators, administrators, students, parents, and other stakeholders. The policy aims to harmonize the maintenance of school appearance standards with the freedom for students to express their identities without facing discrimination. Central to the policy is a framework that establishes clear expectations for student deportment across school communities, ensuring consistency and fairness in its application. While the guidelines address uniforms, jewelry, and general appearance, the most notable change pertains to hairstyles. The new rules permit students, particularly young men, to wear longer hair, dreadlocks, and interlocked styles, provided they maintain cleanliness and avoid obstructing others’ views. This shift represents a significant departure from past practices that often marginalized students with natural or culturally significant hairstyles, particularly those from Rastafarian and Afrocentric backgrounds. The Iyanola Council for the Advancement of Rastafari (ICAR), a key participant in the policy consultations, hailed the move as long overdue, recalling decades of discrimination faced by Rastafarian students. Aaron Alexander, ICAR’s president, praised the policy as a historic correction to colonial-era biases, emphasizing the importance of embracing natural hair as a symbol of cultural identity. Rahym Augustin-Joseph, Saint Lucia’s first Rhodes Scholar and a prominent student leader, welcomed the policy as a step forward but called for further refinement to include more Afrocentric hairstyles and ensure equitable implementation. He stressed the need for transparent enforcement mechanisms and student representation in decision-making processes to prevent bias. Augustin-Joseph also highlighted the importance of addressing disciplinary measures and the language used in the policy to avoid perpetuating historical inequalities. The policy has sparked broader discussions about balancing tradition and inclusivity in education, with advocates urging a reckoning with the colonial roots of many societal norms. While the policy is seen as a progressive step, its success will depend on its practical application and the ongoing commitment to fostering a more inclusive educational environment.

World Food Day, observed annually on October 16, passed with minimal attention this year, raising concerns about the region’s commitment to addressing food security and nutrition. Historically, the day was celebrated with school fairs, art competitions, and other community activities. However, recent years have seen a decline in such initiatives, despite the Ministry of Agriculture’s efforts to mark the occasion with events like the banana and plantain festival. The lack of emphasis on food security is particularly troubling as food prices continue to rise, and fast food consumption remains prevalent. The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has long prioritized food security, aiming to reduce the region’s dependence on food imports by 25% by 2025. However, progress has been slow, and the target has now been extended to 2030, with a renewed focus on climate-smart agriculture to combat the effects of climate change. Countries like Saint Lucia have discussed boosting local agricultural production, but the rapid expansion of foreign food franchises and the inability to meet the demands of the growing hotel industry highlight the challenges. Additionally, the slow pace of agricultural mechanization and the lack of interest among young people in farming further complicate the issue. Experts argue that a robust campaign in schools to promote locally grown produce and the integration of Food and Nutrition and Agriculture Science into the core curriculum are essential steps forward. The time for action is now, as food security is a critical issue that requires immediate attention and implementation of sustainable strategies.

The Caribbean and the global Anglican community are united in grief following the passing of Archbishop Drexel Gomez, a revered figure in the Anglican Church, who died at the age of 88. Born in the Bahamas, Gomez made history as the first Caribbean-born Bishop of Barbados in 1972, a role he held for two decades. His leadership extended further when he became Archbishop of the Province of the West Indies in 1998, leaving an indelible mark on the church and its followers.

Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados remembered Gomez as a ‘soft-spoken gentleman’ whose warmth and dignity bridged generations. She highlighted his unique ability to connect with people, from his distinctive voice to his ever-present smile, which masked a firm resolve and moral courage. Mottley recounted his fearless engagement with social and political issues, even during turbulent times in Barbadian politics, and his unwavering commitment to his faith and community.

Bishop Michael Maxwell of Barbados also paid tribute, expressing gratitude for Gomez’s life and ministry. He emphasized Gomez’s contributions not only to the Diocese of Barbados but also to the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands, as well as his broader impact within the Anglican Communion. Maxwell extended condolences to Gomez’s family and the Diocese of the Bahamas, praying for his soul to rest in peace.

Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Davis honored Gomez as a ‘shepherd, scholar, and servant’ of the Bahamian people. He fondly recalled Gomez’s spiritual guidance, particularly during his own transition into the role of Prime Minister, and expressed hope that Gomez’s legacy of faith, moral clarity, and quiet courage would continue to inspire future generations.