#Jamaica – January 16, 2020 — Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Hon. Olivia Grange, has condemned the recent acts of violence against women.
“I join with my fellow Jamaicans to
express outrage that there are misguided persons who believe that the lives of
our women can be arbitrarily snatched away just like that,” she said.
“These killings re-enforce the need
for more sensitisation on the ground as to why there is no excuse for abuse, as
well as why we have to, every one of us, continue building more safe spaces for
women, so that they can safely transition to normalcy on fleeing toxic
relationships,” Ms. Grange added.
The Minister was delivering a Statement
in the House of Representatives on Tuesday (January 14).
Gender-based violence can be perpetrated
in many forms, such as psychological, physical, sexual and economic.
Ms. Grange noted that it is a
reflection of the culture of violence and silence and is reinforced by various
structural and systemic inequalities in the home, in socio-economic systems and
systems of justice.
“The issue of gender-based violence
is considered to be a complex characterisation, as its private nature can
sometimes reduce the likelihood of the victim or witness to report, and oftentimes
leads to unfortunate cases of lives being lost, almost lost or individuals
being injured,” she explained.
The police have reported 34 murders in the first 11 days of this year and these include some of the productive women and girls who are the backbone of the society.
Ms. Grange further appealed for
persons to utilise the Domestic Violence Intervention Centres operated by the
Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), which were created to deal with domestic
violence.
The Centres offer professional
counselling, referrals to appropriate agencies, follow-ups with clients and
credible and reliable information. Counselling is provided by trained and
certified volunteer counsellors and chaplains who are trained in handling
domestic violence matters.
The Minister also assured the
public that the Government has continued to pursue legislative solutions for
enhanced security measures and will intensify the ‘No Excuse For Abuse’ public
education campaign, to ensure that the “scourge of gender-based violence is treated with urgent attention and strong
operational measures”.
“I wish to appeal to persons who
are involved in situations of conflict, to seek the necessary counselling and
psychosocial support. Too often these
situations result in acts of violence and are often life-threatening and rob
our families of hard-working and productive community members,” she added.
Meanwhile, Ms. Grange informed that
the Bureau of Gender Affairs’ Community Liaison Branch conducts outreach
activities to address the social issues affecting the public.
This, she said, is facilitated
through the community intervention programmes undertaken across the 14 parishes.
“We do human service providers
training sessions. These sessions target persons who work with individuals,
families and communities who may directly or indirectly experience gender-based
violence. These professionals include social workers, police officers, nurses,
doctors, health aids, among others,” she noted.
From 2018 to 2019, some 23 human service provider sessions were facilitated. A total of 889 individuals were sensitised, 620 females and 269 males.
In addition, students are equipped
with skills to mitigate and prevent various forms of school-related gender-based
violence.
During the period of 2018 to 2019, some 2,388 students (1,643 females and 745 males) were sensitised.
Magnetic Media is a Telly Award winning multi-media company specializing in creating compelling and socially uplifting TV and Radio broadcast programming as a means for advertising and public relations exposure for its clients.
In response to the Shark attack in Tobago on April 26, the UK Foreign Office issued a warning for British tourists stating that Tobago authorities temporarily closed the Buccoo Reef Marine Park and urged those who visit the beach, those who fish and others, to be careful when visiting certain coastal areas. These are “Plymouth, Courland Bay, Black Rock, Mt. Irvine, Buccoo, Pigeon Point, Store Bay, and all areas in between.”
Fifteen young Jamaicans have gained scholarships to pursue tertiary training in medicine, nursing and civil engineering in the Republic of Cuba, under the Jamaica-Cuba Bilateral Scholarship Programme.
Speaking at the awards ceremony for the students, held at the Embassy of Cuba in St. Andrew on April 24, Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Hon. Alando Terrelonge, said the scholarship component of the partnership is one of the many successes for Jamaicans.
“Through this valuable programme, the Government of Cuba has consistently invested in the educational development of Jamaican students, through the provision of well-needed and appreciated undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships, primarily in Medicine and Health Sciences,” Mr. Terrelonge said.
He highlighted that the long-standing, meaningful and mutually beneficial bond of friendship and cooperation has been shared between Jamaica and Cuba for more than 50 years and has provided invaluable support to Jamaica, with several agreements in the areas of Health, Science, Culture, Sports, Tourism and Education.
The Minister of State said that Jamaica is grateful for the unwavering support towards Jamaica’s development, adding that “not only are we close geographical partners but our relationship is based on, among other things, mutual respect and strong people-to-people connections”.
Mr. Terrelonge told the students that they have succeeded in securing their places in the various programmes and have proven themselves to be the “crème de la crème, having successfully undergone a rigorous selection process”.
“I commend you for your drive, hard work and dedication towards your educational development,” he said.
“As you prepare to depart Jamaica for diverse and vibrant Cuba, I encourage you all to continue to work diligently in your respective fields of study, to remain faithful to the goals you have set for yourselves, and to fly, even higher, the Jamaican flag in Cuba. It is my hope that you will not only meet but exceed your and your families’ expectations,” the State Minister added.
He also encouraged the students to view the scholarship not only as an opportunity to advance academically but to also “immerse yourselves in the rich culture of the Cuban people” and to form new connections, build networks, explore new adventures, improve their Spanish-speaking skills, and to stay connected with the Jamaica Embassy in Havana.
Under the full scholarship, tuition, accommodation, meals, clothing allowance, study materials and medical care are covered by Cuba.
The programme is administered by the Embassy of the Republic of Cuba in conjunction with the Scholarship Unit of the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service and other entities. Every year, the Cuban Government invites applications from persons wishing to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
Ground has been broken at the tuition-free Christel House at Twickenham Park, St. Catherine, for the construction of a high school.
Minister of Education and Youth, Hon. Faval Williams, who delivered the keynote address at the site, today (May 1), said Christel House’s dedication to breaking the cycle of poverty and empowering vulnerable children is “nothing short of inspiring”.
“Your decision to invest in Jamaica speaks volumes about your belief in our nation’s potential, and your dedication to making a meaningful difference in the lives of our youth is appreciated,” Minister Williams said.
She added that the partnership between the Government and the organisation, forged through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 2019, is a “prime example” of what can be achieved when public and private entities come together with a shared vision and purpose.
Further, the Minister said a foundation is being laid for a brighter future, one where every child has the opportunity to thrive and fulfil their potential, regardless of their circumstances.
She said that Christel House Jamaica, which now operates a kindergarten school at the location, will in time be more than just a school.
“It will be a symbol of optimism, a sanctuary of learning, and a catalyst for positive change in our community,” the Minister said.
“By providing comprehensive support, including education, nutrition, healthcare, and mentorship, Christel House will empower students to break free from the chains of poverty and chart a course towards a better tomorrow,” she added.
Mrs. Willliams said the shared goal between the Administration and Christel House extends beyond the construction of a building, as it is about nurturing the next generation of leaders, innovators, and change-makers who will shape the destiny of the nation.
“Together, we are sowing the seeds of prosperity, equity, and social justice, ensuring that no child is left behind,” she said.
The school provides breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack, as well as transportation for children living far distances from the school. It also provides uniforms and textbooks, and counselling services for its students who have to contend with psychological and other emotional issues.
Founder of Christel House International, Christel Dehaan, emigrated from Germany to the United States (US) in 1962, and was an accomplished businesswoman.
In 1996, she sold her global enterprise, Resort Condominiums International (RCI), which had offices in 38 countries, and devoted her resources to philanthropic work from her headquarters in North Meridian Street, Indianapolis.
With support from dedicated donors, schools are run in India, Jamaica, Mexico, South Africa, and the US.