Social worker Monica Dystant wants Jamaica to take the radical but necessary step to legislate reproduction. The poorer classes continue to procreate at a rate that challenges our resources, perpetuating a socially unmanageable crisis of large impoverished households with too many neglected, unaffordable children. Dystant says the persuasive approach to popular control is no longer relevant. Like China, the time has come to restrict free-willed pregnancy. Read article
Putting the breaks on babies
No men at the front of the class
Jamaican males are staying away from the classroom in droves. Research shows females outnumber men at teacher training institutions as much as 16:1. Is this why boys are getting a failing grade in the classroom? Jamaica Teachers' Association President Clayton Hall says there’s no evidence of a causal link between the absence of male teachers and the performance of boys. Social Activist Dr. Henley Morgan isn’t buying the argument either. Read article
Planting for productivity
Agricultural pioneer and Songhai Centre founder Father Godfrey Nzamujo has successfully transformed Africa’s farming industry. Using innovation production technologies, he is pulling Africa out of poverty. Nzamujo's recent visit to Jamaica as a guest of the US Embassy augurs well for our agricultural sector. Nurturing agricultural linkages between Jamaica and the Benin Republic could unearth its vast potential. Read article
Sista P, you can do it!
The Willie Lynch Syndrome is alive and well in the hearts and minds of many Jamaicans, says Lloyd B. Smith. Which is why we have such difficulty accepting Sista P as our Prime Minister. But Smith sees her as our most viable option for inspirational leadership and history shows these are the best people for the helm in war and at peacetime. To secure her legacy, the PM must step up to the plate and motivate Jamaicans to higher achievement. Read article
GSAT déjà vu
It may be too soon to celebrate the Ministry of Education decision to scrap the dreaded Grade Six Achievement Test. Wayne Campbell suggests its replacement, the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) test, may be nothing more than a case of name swapping. PEP will not alter the public's perception that some schools are better than others and it will not guarantee all students the same quality of education regardless of socioeconomic background. Read article
