Western Jamaica youths spank adults for poor example

Sheena Gayle, Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU: The absence of a strong values-based ethos in Jamaican society has been singled out for much of the problems affecting youths.

Elvis Oliphant, student at the University of the West Indies Western Campus and deputy campus chairman, has urged adults to expand their influence beyond the confines of their households.

"Adults, these days, are selfish in the positive development of other children. It's like, 'This is my child, and I only want the best for my child.' We don't take the time to believe in other children that are not our own," Oliphant charged during talks at the Governor General's Consultative Youth Breakfast for the county of Cornwall, which was held at The Wexford in Montego Bay, St James, on Thursday.

low self-esteem

Using Governor General Sir Patrick Allen's 'I Believe' slogan as his peg, Oliphant highlighted low self-esteem among youths as a widespread problem, and urged parents to place greater emphasis on cultivating self-confidence.

Select students from high schools and tertiary institutions in Trelawny, St James, Hanover, Westmoreland and St Elizabeth had the opportunity to share their concerns and vision for Jamaica with the governor general, and form part of the Governor General's Achievement Awards programme.

Sir Patrick, in his address, told the youth leaders who attended the consultation that they had an integral role to play in nation building.

"I must confess that we are living in challenging times and it is a difficult time for individuals to focus on believing, because when you see a lot of things happening around you, it's so easy to be in despair," he said.

Nonetheless, an upbeat Sir Patrick - whose 'I Believe' speech at his swearing-in has spawned a series of speaking engagements, encouraging optimism - argued that there was still a bright future of Jamaica.

"I believe that through the youth consultative breakfast, we will establish templates for continued youth conversational participation in the discussions and issues which are critical to the nation-building process."

Tina Renier, of Rusea's High School in Hanover, said the nation's moral rot could be curbed by increased parental involvement and the establishment of more social programmes.

"There is a need for parents and persons in charge to develop programmes that will help to address some of these social issues that we as youths are faced with. Parents must also play their roles in this process for change," concluded Renier, who is also the junior mayor of Hanover, a symbolic post.

sheena.gayle@gleanerjm.com