Monthly Archives: July 2023

Policymakers and implementers of social intervention programmes targeted at men and boys are being advised to adopt more innovative ways to reach the male population.

The recommendation came from Reverend Jayson Downer, minister, author and radio host, and Dr Steffon Campbell, published author, and lecturer and coordinator of the journalism programme at the Caribbean School of Media and Communication (CARIMAC)—UWI.

They were guests on the JN Circle Live Class discussing the topic, ‘From Boys to Men: A Look at Modern Day Masculinity in Jamaica’. The conversation was moderated by media practitioner and public speaker, Brian Cuff.

“Investing in healthy men contributes to a healthier and safer society. So, it is allowing men to express themselves, as it [healthy expression] has an impact on them and other people in the society,” said Dr Campbell, who pointed out that the current Gender Policy is skewed towards protecting women and girls.

“If we need to make a change in our society, we really need to start understanding men without any preconceived notions. Sometimes we design programmes without even speaking to the men and that is why sometimes they don’t show up because you sit down in a boardroom and say, ‘The men want some mentoring’ and you create a mentorship programme and you target it at inner-city communities, assuming that only inner-city boys and men are responsible for all the problems in the society. But that is stereotypical and does not solve the problem,” he pointed out.

He said research has pointed out that men tend to be more receptive to walk-in counselling sessions and open doors and open space, which he said are more impactful.

Rev Jayson Downer noted that the messenger is key to communicating with men, pointing out that, often, women are used as the messengers.

“The issue of domestic violence [is one such example]. When you have women carrying the message and trying to reach men, it is like shooting yourself in the foot. There are enough men out there who are equipped to have this conversation. Men listen to men because we can identify when we get angry and how to deal with the situation,” he noted.

“I think the government relies too much on regular means of reaching men. To tackle some of these issues and to get the message out, you need to go where men are,” he said.

Rev Downer said men’s initiatives also need funding, including initiatives targeted at perpetrators, who he said should be targeted for reformation and rehabilitation.

“Men’s initiatives need funding. There are a lot of funding out there for women and girls…. a lot, and we support that. But we need funding for men. When all the resources go toward the victims, what will happen to the perpetrator? He will repeat the offence and I’m saying put some funding there [to facilitate reform],” he said.

The JN Circle Thrive Together Life Class was introduced in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic by the JN Foundation to provide an avenue for persons to share their thoughts on a range of issues, including psychological and emotional matters. The sessions have been attracting several hundred participants locally and, in the Diaspora, such as the United States of America, Canada and England.

The JN Circle is a network of JN members and customers of JN member companies, who bond together through community building, advocacy and networking.

Omar Wright, lead, environment, and community development at the JN Foundation, is urging residents of Portmore to join forces to tackle the issue of improper solid waste disposal in the municipality.

“In our pursuit of waste reduction and proper disposal, we hold the key to transforming the environment and uplifting the lives of every resident in Portmore. I firmly believe in the immense power of collective action. When we unite our efforts, we have the capacity to accomplish extraordinary feats,” he said.
Mr Wright made the appeal while addressing the launch of the Portmore, JN Circle chapter, recently. Portmore became the 17th chapter of the JN Circle, a global network of JN members and customers who are empowered by JN to work together to improve their own lives, and the lives of others.
The JN Foundation lead on environment and community emphasized the urgency of addressing improper waste management, highlighting its far-reaching consequences on local environment, economy, and the health and wellbeing of residents, especially those situated near the coast.

In coastal communities, he emphasized that poor waste management practices can lead to devastating outcomes, including the contamination of pristine beaches and marine ecosystems, the depletion of natural resources, and the degradation of tourism industry that sustains local livelihoods. He underscored the alarming health hazards posed by improper waste management, such as the spread of diseases, the release of harmful toxins into the air and water, and the increased vulnerability of community members to respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses.

“Improper waste disposal and the lack of proper collection and transportation systems are the primary causes of this problem. This leads to the accumulation of waste in public places such as streets and beaches, which can be harmful to the environment, marine life, and human health. The community [Portmore] is in dire need of an effective waste management plan that can mitigate these issues and create a cleaner and healthier environment for all,” he explained.

He informed that the Foundation’s waste management initiative was conceptualised a year ago when The Jamaica National Group considered some environmental challenges it could assist to address.

He assured prospective members that The Jamaica National Group is fully committed to supporting the waste management initiative, if taken on board, and will leverage its resources, relationships, expertise, and guidance to ensure its success.

Troy Bygrave, business relationship and sales manager at JN Bank, welcomed the launch of the JN Circle Portmore chapter.

“As Portmore continues to transform and thrive, the need for infrastructural and social support to aid its growth continue to emerge. Therefore, the launch of the JN Circle Portmore chapter is indeed timely, and we believe it will redound to the benefit of Portmore as it will assist with identifying and developing solutions to the municipality’s various challenges, as well as assist to forge the right partnerships for its development,” he said.
Erica Livermore, acting principal of the Sabina Basic School and prospective JN Circle member, said she was happy that JN Circle chapter has been established in Portmore. “It is a good initiative, and I am open to take on the challenge,” she said.
Celia Burnett, member relations supervisor, JN Group, with responsibility for the JN Circle chapters, said there had been numerous requests for a JN Circle chapter to be established in Portmore and that The Jamaica National Group was proud to respond positively to the calls.
She said the JN Circle provides a platform for members to use their voices to create change for themselves and their communities through advocacy, empowerment, and networking. Launched in 2019, the JN Circle has chapters in all parishes and one in the United Kingdom that have been positively impacting the lives of their members.