Rebuilding respect for the national symbols

Nadisha Hunter, Gleaner Writer

Dancers from Waterford Primary school sing the national anthem during the school's Jamaica Day celebrations. - File

TOUCHED BY sentiments that students have lost the meaning of the national symbols of Jamaica, PCF Company Limited has designed a project which will emphasise the message conveyed by these symbols.

Under the project, dubbed 'Developing our Communities through Patriotic Partnership', PCF Company will manufacture plaques of the national anthem and national pledge made with special ceramic-coated high-sheen gloss on wood.

CEO of the company, Patrick Cawley, said the aim was to change the mindset of a few generations so that they could understand and respect these symbols.

"Lack of discipline, crudeness, selfishness and vulgarity are traits that could be eliminated or contained if students had a better understanding of the meaning and the strong, compelling words of these two symbols/emblems," the CEO told The Gleaner.

5,728 plaques to distribute

Cawley said the plan was to distribute 5,728 plaques with the national symbols to schools all across the island.

He said this move was intended to generate lively discussions in educational institutions and communities about the symbols, and how they could impact change in attitudes.

Proceeds from the sale of these products are to be donated to charitable organisations.

"Generally, the proceeds from the project are devoted to the improvement of the lifestyle and images of our young people," the CEO said.