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Yaadi Culture, Fimi Style
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Welcome
Yaadi Culture, Fimi Style Magazine
to
Annually
we
celebrate
Human Rights Day,
and continually we lobby for there to be better and more effective Human Rights measure in place for our safety let us not isolate or forget that children, who are also human beings and this means that they have rights
of the parishes in our beautiful island are facing, therefore this serious issue is more challenging to us within the civil community that focuses mainly on children. How will they play, learn or fully enjoy the right of being and living if they are not safe and free?
enjoy their Rights
It is high time we join hands together
fully without anyone stealing their
as the civil society, government,
innocence or taking their lives out of
communities, parents, teachers and so
anger or simply an act of revenge. As
forth, each one of us can play a role
most if not all of us have heard,
and make a difference and make this
too. They should
read and seen from the news and other online or print sources about the extreme
increasing
statistics
of
country a better and a safer place for everyone and mostly for the children, our next generation.
children being raped , trafficked and killed. This is one of the most hurting and sensitive issues that the majority
Adrian St. P. Duncan Editor - in– Chief
Development Team: Layout and Design: Adrian Duncan Contributors: Dillon Thomas
Deidre Douglas
Teisha Dawkins
Lynford Harris
Georgette McGlashen Hugh Miller
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YAADI CULTURE, FIMI STYLE MAGAZINE
“From a Bird’s view “ Deidre D. Douglas
Preventing Our People Falling Through the Cracks “Those who do not move do not notice their chains.” ― Rosa Luxemburg
It
is
officially August so
yes,
the year 2013 has dashed through its half mark already. Here in Jamaica there is much to be grateful for and yet still plenty to complain and worry
anything for as long as I could. Believe me when this bird tells you, this was no bird feed to take on. This was a challenge in every essence of the idea. But from a bird’s eye I have seen that with the level of
external
stress
present
in
our
society, knowing that we are essentially a more laid back nation, we need outlets, and breaks to just unwind and cool off.
about. From this bird’s eye view, all the
Chris Martin’s “Chill Spot” lays it all out
way up here, the media is not the only
there for us to relate to, but it is
influence, so the headline stories are not
Chronixx’s “Smile Jamaica” that has the
the only stories to read, watch or listen to.
bigger lesson. As a nation we are known
I took on birth - week
that
a challenge for m
has
y helped
me
tremendously and I wish to share. Try for
for our warmth, for our love and for our passion, and that may be one of the greater reasons for our tourism industry’s success for the time it has.
24 hours not to complain about anything. I took it a step further and tried not to garner up any negative sentiments about Continues on next Page Yaadi Culture, Fimi Styleja
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YAADI CULTURE, FIMI STYLE MAGAZINE
Page 6
Cont’d
from the minds of parents and thus it
There
is beauty all over the world,
cannot
any nation can sell parts of
expected
be from
their country as interesting or fun or
children who were
different. What we have sold, maybe
never taught or
even before independence is ourselves
groomed with such.
as one nation, full of vibes and countless
The year is moving rapidly towards the
stories of greatness.
bend, and in no time will be galloping its
These days our bad overshadows
way on the home stretch and this country
our greatness, these days the screw-faces
with so much
potential will be in a
on the corners are outnumbering the
worse position than it was when
welcoming smiles in the corner shops.
grandfather 2012 handed over to baby
These days,
mothers are killing their
2013. Is this what we hope to achieve in a
own children after months of discomfort
country which wants claims on being the
suffered and hours of labour pains. These
choice place to work, live and raise
are the days of knives being the tools of
families?
choice instead of pens for high school students and they make videos of fellow schoolmates killing each other instead of making better grades in class. These are the days when common courtesy and principles have been officially erased
Yaadi Culture, Fimi Styleja
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YAADI CULTURE, FIMI STYLE MAGAZINE
“From a Bird’s view “
Cont’d
The potential of this
country
Deidre D. Douglas
but everything nuh so cris
floods the streets
yah, mi jus a look a likkle help
every single day.
Prime Minister”, it was evident she was
If Jamaica was a
the voice of the average folk stating a
flour
of
common case to the government officials.
bursting at its
But my plea is, not to accept defeat, or
potential, it would be
bag
seams but from tax compliance to light
the present situation as concrete.
bills, corruption is looking to be the
There are programs, some free, some
crime which has
cheap that
greatest widespread
influence for this little island in the sun.
reforms the mind. The devil
finds work for idle hands so it is always a
My grandma fi drop boof and
motto of mine, to keep the mind active
mi drop tip” meaning “they want all the
that is required is a change of scenery,
benefits, the spoils and I should get next
and although it may take sacrifice,
to nothing even when I am the one doing
remember, “If you want good, your nose
most, if not all the work”. I know this is
have to run”. Take the chance with
how many
yourself, take a chance with your
use to say, “dem
Jamaicans feel, frustrated
and hands out of trouble. Sometimes all
and desperate. And so when Tanya
children, or your
partner, or someone
Stephens had song in “Turn the Other
you see who you can help. A life steered
Cheek”, “Mr, you know mi naah try fi dis
in a different path today, may save your
you,
community from gang violence in the very near future. Continues on next Page
@YaadiCulture
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YAADI CULTURE, FIMI STYLE MAGAZINE
“From a Bird’s view “ Deidre D. Douglas Cont’d
The summer
i s
here and it is hot, so encourage young people to start a community club, or to get involved in social programs, and do whatever you can to support them. A few evenings of football, cricket, netball,
enough to prevent hours of marijuana fumes
from
entering
their
brains,
unplanned pregnancies and even greater problems with the law. The future is now; let us save our nation one block, one lane, one neighbourhood at a time. God bless.
board games, card games, penny concert and even open discussions may be
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JAMAICAN Facts you should know : Calving percentages in excess of 90 percent
per
annum
are
frequently
obtained. Selected as a distinct breed in 1953, the
There are 10,000 living animals
Jamaica Red Poll has its origin in
registered in the Herd Book of the
imported British Red Poll Bulls which
Jamaica
were used to upgrade native creole and
Society. Over 1,000 new animals are reg-
Zebu cows. This has produced a tropical
istered each year. The Jamaica Red Poll
animal which combines the beef qualities
is an extremely popular animal locally
of European stock with the hardiness of
and frequently takes top honors at na-
the Zebu.
The Jamaica Red Poll has
tional livestock shows. This breed has
remained the predominant breed for beef
been exported to Latin American and
cattle.
Caribbean countries.
Red
Poll
Cattle
Breeder's
The Jamaica Red Poll are an early maturing type able to resist the rigors of a tropical
environment
in
terms
of
tolerance to heat stress, resistance to disease, and ability to
survive and
produce on local forage. Normally the age at first calving is less than three years and
calving
approximately @YaadiCulture
thereafter 12
month
are
at
intervals. Yaadi Culture, Fimi Style
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YAADI CULTURE, FIMI STYLE MAGAZINE
Page
Parenthood : innate or adoptable? By: Dillon Thomas
Sitting
in my lil chair I have
been
observing
the
world; specifically Jamaica, as we know it. It is a known fact that
Jamaican
parents are not as remarkable in their role as we would anticipate or want them to be. They are lacking in the nurturing department, lacking in their knowledge
your child cries for mommy or daddy.
A few weeks ago we celebrated Mothers’ day and a few days ago we celebrated Fathers’ Day but
are
we
deserving
of
those
commendations given to some of us? To all the deserving individuals, I salute and applaud you wholeheartedly and implore you to continue doing the good work; imparting responsibility, as a matter of
continue being there for your child(ren)
fact a great number are missing from
and growing them with the discipline and
their child(rens’) side when they are
ambition fitting of
needed to brush off bruises when their
child(ren).
exceptional your
child stumbles; to kiss a “boo-boo” when
@YaadiCulture
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YAADI CULTURE, FIMI STYLE MAGAZINE
Page
Parenthood : innate or adoptable? By: Dillon Thomas
yourself after performing such a heinous crime? How can you even look at your own children afterwards? I am afraid of who we have become as a people.
It is
my belief that if parents
in
When I was
the
growing up it was told to me that it takes
capacities changed on them by the
a community to raise a child, but in this
Almighty God, we would not have half
present day and age , I do not think that
the problems experienced. I take it a bit
this no longer applies. Children are too
further and say we wouldn’t have the
disrespectful to be scold by elders and
world chastising crime rate that we are
sometimes
plagued with today. How unfortunate is it
even
that there exists parents disowning their
o
children? To make matters worse; there
parents.
society
have
been
fulfilling
their w
n
are numerous persons ending their pregnancies prematurely; this is not a good reflection on us as a people. I was appalled to hear that there are adults, specifically, parents who are killing children. How can you live with
Yaadi Culture, Fimi Styleja
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HAVE A
FUN AND
RELAXING BREAK THIS
SUMMER
From all of your friends at Yaadi Cul Yaadi Culture, Fimi Styleja
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lture, Fimi Style Magazine @YaadiCulture
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YAADI CULTURE, FIMI STYLE MAGAZINE
Page 15
DOCTAZ ADVICE
Whooping cough (Pertussis) is an infection of the respiratory system caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis (or B. pertussis). It's characterized by severe coughing spells, which can sometimes end in a "whooping" sound when the person breathes in.
Signs & Symptoms
It mainly affects infants younger than 6 months old before they're adequately protected by immunizations, and kids 11 to 18 years old whose immunity has started to fade.
The first symptoms of whooping cough are similar to those of a common cold:
Contagiousness
After about 1 to 2 weeks, the dry, irritating cough evolves into coughing spells. During a coughing spell, which can last for more than a minute, the child may turn red or purple. At the end of a spell, the child may make a characteristic whooping sound when breathing in or may vomit. Between spells, the child usually feels well.
Pertussis is highly contagious. The bacteria spread from person to person through tiny drops of fluid from an infected person's nose or mouth. These may become airborne when the person
runny nose sneezing mild cough low-grade fever
sneezes, coughs, or laughs. Others then can become infected by inhaling the drops or getting the drops on their hands and then touching their mouths or noses.
@YaadiCulture
Yaadi Culture, Fimi Style
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YAADI CULTURE, FIMI STYLE MAGAZINE
Page 16
DOCTAZ ADVICE Whooping cough (Pertussis) Prevention
When to Call the Doctor
Whooping cough can be prevented with the pertussis vaccine, which is part of the DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis) immunization. DTaP immunizations are routinely given in five doses before a child's sixth birthday. To give additional protection in
Call the doctor if you suspect that your child has whooping cough or has been exposed to someone with whooping cough, even if your child has already received all scheduled Pertussis immunizations.
case immunity fades, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) now recommends that kids ages 11-18 get a booster shot of the new combination vaccine (called Tdap), ideally when they're 11 or 12 years old, instead of the Td booster routinely given at this age. Experts believe that up to 80% of non immunized family members will develop whooping cough if they live in the same house as someone who has the infection. For
Your child should be examined by a doctor if he or she has prolonged coughing spells, especially if these spells: make your child's skin or lips turn red, purple, or blue are followed by vomiting are accompanied by a whooping sound when your child breathes in after coughing is having difficulty breathing or seems to have brief periods of not breathing (apnea) is lethargic
this reason, anyone who comes into close contact with someone who has pertussis should receive antibiotics to prevent spread of the disease.
Seek Professional help If your child has been diagnosed with whooping cough and is being treated at home, seek immediate medical care if he or she has difficulty breathing or shows signs of dehydration. 16
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@YaadiCulture
Yaadi Culture, Fimi Style
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DON’T’ JUST TEACH KIDS HOW TO
COUNT TEACH THEM
WHAT
0
2 1 5 3 6 4 7 8 9
COUNTS
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THE CHILDREN ARE OUR FUTURE……….. 19
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.....PROTECT THEM... FOR OUR SAKE. @YaadiCulture
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What is happening to our children? By Adrian Duncan
Wednesday
, June
19th, 2013 was a sad day for the parents of little “Jamelia Dawkins�; the 13 year old young girl that was stabbed to death at the Anchovy High school by a fellow school-mate. To make matters worse, this was not the first incident of this nature happening at this school or at other high schools across the island. Since the start of the school year in September, there have been at least 10 reported cases of violence among students which have both police and parents alike
concerned.
Violence is always a bone of contention with
students at this time of the year.
But it seems this year; things have gotten off track and are presumed to be the worst ever.
September
of last year, at the Green
Island High School in Hanover, a student was taking into three other
students. A few days later,
two students at James, were
custody for stabbing
Cambridge High in St. reportedly charged for a
stabbing incident outside the school compound. In addition, three students were reportedly stabbed at the Knockalva High, in an altercation which reportedly involved three grade ten students, two of whom were subsequently arrested and charged. Only two days after the stabbing incident at
Anchovy High, there was
another reported dispute between two students from the Yallahs High School in the eastern parish of St Thomas; they were rushed to hospital with stab wounds.
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YAADI CULTURE, FIMI STYLE MAGAZINE The Ministry of Education, in an effort to reduce violence
in
schools, says it will this summer
introduce several
initiatives, including a redefinition of the roles of guidance counselors and deans of discipline. The extent of the problem was contained in a Ministry Paper tabled in the House of Education
Representatives by
Minister
Ronald
Ronnie
Thwaites last week showing that there were
1,288 reported
incidents of
violence in schools in the last academic year. They
include 915 fights, 160
robberies and three
murders. School
Resource Officers (SROs) reportedly seized 1,288 weapons,
including 431
Page 21
According to the report,
illegal
substances were seized on 164 occasions. The ministry also said that within the past two months high school students have been at the center of violent crimes on compounds.
This leads
me to ask a range of
questions; 1) What is sparking this level of violence among our
children?
2). Why are these incidents being boosted by fellow students? 3). Why do adults and other children stand by simply watching as opposed to try and prevent these confrontations? What was appalling in the Anchovy High incident was the fact that students were boosting both girls to fight; cheering them on as if they were at a football match.
knives and 486 pairs of scissors and arrested 201 students, cautioned 2,361 students and monitored 1,109. Continues on next page @YaadiCulture
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YAADI CULTURE, FIMI STYLE MAGAZINE What is happening to our children? By Adrian Duncan
The next mind-blower was the fact that there were numerous camera-phones recording the incident from start to finish with profanity being furnished at every
these occurrences in our high schools on
interval. Are these the mothers and
a daily basis. A question I ask is what is
fathers of the future?
the government
doing
about
these
Another point to note in this
incidents? It is a well-known fact that our
incident was the fact that after being
schools’ curriculum does not have
stabbed, there was reluctance to help the
adequately disciplinary
young lady by onlookers. As well as, the
addresses the social and behavioural
young man that was taking away the
challenges of these disturbed students.
measures
or
go home before the police came. A
Instead
shocking fact, but he clearly wanted to
regulations to help curtail these incidents
get rid of the murder weapon. What
the Education
would you have done if this was your
towards absent parents, lack of leadership
child? Watching this video or following
and role models in schools, severe finan-
this story, opened the eyes of thousands
cial pressures and disinterest in studies.
knife and encouraging the perpetrator to
of
putting
policies
and
Ministry points fingers
of Jamaicans who were not aware of Continues on next page Yaadi Culture, Fimi Styleja
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YAADI CULTURE, FIMI STYLE MAGAZINE What is happening to our children? By Adrian Duncan high schools; one that helps school administration combat and reduce violent
confrontations
between
students.
In a
subsequent statement,
the
On a brighter
Education Minister admitted that there is
presently
need for work on the
counselors and deans of
instances of
current spate of
violence in our schools;
in
the
side,
schools,
guidance
discipline are
now empowered to act as district
making an appeal to people in the media
constables
and
and entertainment fraternity to be more
physically
restrain
helpful
necessary. In closing, I would like to
in
advancing
the
cause.
search
parents
as
students
and
well
as
where
Moreover, there is the need for the
implore
teachers
to
establishment of a
national crime
participate in behavior training and
monitoring and prevention plan for our
modeling courses being offered by the Ministry of Education.
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YAADI CULTURE, FIMI STYLE MAGAZINE
Jamaican
Adrian Duncan
super stitions
BY
Jamaican
culture has been influenced by the indigenous peoples of the region, African slaves and the Europeans. Even superstitions that are adamantly believed today, are the same as the ones held as truth by our forefathers since yesteryear.
1
When leaving a “dead yaad”, simply touch the person who should be leaving with you. If you verbalize your intentions, the duppy of the deceased person will follow you home.
2
On your way home from a “dead yaad” , walk backwards and spin three times. If a duppy is following you, they will not be able to follow after this ritual. The belief is that duppies can only walk in a straight line.
3 Widows and widowers must wear red underwear to prevent their deceased spouses from coming back and having sexual intercourse with them.
4 When returning home at night, turn your back to the inside of the house as you enter. Any ghosts who happen to be following you will see your face and not enter.
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Success is not reached overnight... ...it is not something you stumble on...
...it is accomplished through ...
hard work & dedication.
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Remember to Recycle Paper + Plastic !
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Hugh Miller’s
Fiwi Sports... Fimi pree A secure future in ‘sports’
Sports
in
Jamaica
and sports in
its true meaning is quite different. In Jamaica, sports is widely seen as track and field while all other ‘sports’ are
100m, 200m, sack race, needle and thread, math race among others. For other sports,
including
football,
they
are
commonly referred to as inter-form, inter-block, inter-department and so on.
called by their name; football, cricket and
By now you must have recognized
volley ball just to name a few. In its true
my bias; track and field is the focus of
meaning, sports used as a noun is an
this article, specifically; youth and its
activity involving physical exertion and
development for a future. Tall, dark and
skill in which an individual or team
talented, sometimes representing the
competes against another or others. I may
green and black other times the black,
be criticized as being wrong, but I will
gold and green. Despite the recently drug
use an example to which all can relate.
uproar among our top athletes Michael
Most, if not all, schools in Jamaica have a
O’Hara is certainly one to watch for the
‘sports’ day which mostly comprises of
future.
track and field events, for example, Yaadi Culture, Fimi Styleja
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YAADI CULTURE, FIMI STYLE MAGAZINE
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CONT’D
Michael is only one of the many
400m being the event he least runs and
outstanding youth today that can help to
the 200m his best event. At the recently
sustain the development
concluded World Youth Championships
of track and field in
in Donetsk, Ukraine he ran and won the
Jamaica, but Michael’s
200m
name had the longest
www. yo u t ube.co m/ wat ch ?
straw.
v=90l_vqsgC78, only Usain Bolt at age
According to an observer article
in
20.63
seconds
http://
17 had ran faster with 20.40 seconds.
dated April 15, 2012 O’Hara’s “talent
Both O’Hara’s parents did track in school
was nurtured at Half-Way-Tree Primary
and many today still debate whether
by coach Jermaine Jones, where from age
talent like these are genetic or results of
seven (now seventeen) he decided to
hard work, but that’s for another time.
stick with him, professing that this little
Michael is certainly one to secure the
boy can run”. He became champion boy
future of the sport I believe all Jamaicans
twice both at primary and high school
love. All he needs to do now, is not to
level, which means he contributed the
over work himself and most importantly
most points for his schools at major
ensure that ‘him no nyam fram nu-
championships. Michael’s events are the
hbadi’
100m, 110mh, 200m and the 400m, the
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Words of encouragement
By: Lynford Harris
Born into a world of hurt and pain. The choice wasn’t theirs, yet they find themselves in the rain. Homeless and abused, their small bodies battered and bruised. This is the plight of our children growing up being so confused.
We profess,
they are the future. We say we really care,
But does it really matter if as their parents we
are never there?
Raising ‘barrel children’, sparing the rod to spoiling the child. Losing our values in the process, leaving these kids to roam wild. Where did our parents go, where are the disciplinarians? Where did it all go so wrong? When did grandparents stop telling stories of 'when I was a child'? Let's look at our children, give them a future of which they can be proud. Teach them to be their own person, and not just one of the many who follow the crowd. We've failed with so many, so let's take better care of the rest. You may not have been ready to be a parent but let's give these kids the best.
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Ole Time People did say…. Georgette McGlashen using words in and out of context and even re-defining at times. Simpler said
Jamaican music
are
the
most
reggae and dancehall obvious
and
prominent vehicles for transporting and spreading the Jamaican language, more than any other Jamaican product. This may be a fact. Many Europeans and visitors in general have testified to having learned the language just by listening to the music. Sure enough, Jamaica is an English based Creole speaking country that allows for easy learning. It is also probably easier to learn the Jamaican creole from listening to reggae music, in comparison to dancehall since dancehall uses more ‘Patwa’ words and slangs, than
what is heard is not
always what is
meant. For example,
Jamaican ‘daag’
meaning
English ‘dog ‘, is one such
word that is used in several
Jamaican
songs but have a different meanings. In Beenie Man’s Ole Dawg, ‘daag’ speaks to the celebrated promiscuous male identity having several women sex partners. In Konshen’s Winner ‘daag’ speaks to his close friends, maybe even crew members; a relationship similar to that of a gang, and in Lady Saw No Less than A Woman speaks about ‘daag’ as the careless woman that abandons her child. Another point to note is that ‘daag’ sometimes refer to gun (s), for example ‘when the dogs start to bark’; Demarco, alluding to when guns are being fired.
reggae. Saying the language is easier to learn when listening to reggae in comparison to dancehall music does not ignore the artistic and creative elements or use of words by the artiste, in weaving tapestries and concocting stories; by Continues on next Page Yaadi Culture, Fimi Styleja
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Ole Time People did say…. Georgette McGlashen Cont’d
To further show that what you hear is not always what is being said, a line from dancehall artiste Mavado in his song Stulliesha will be looked at. It states; Evri gal lov mi sa / Evri gal love mi iihn sa?
Of course a linguist can give a more scientific reading and reason of cause. However, in Mavado’s Stullesha it can be
Mi a di Stula
seen as being used to affirm that indeed
Shi a di Stuliesha
he is loved by all the girls without
Translated
anyone’s agreement, ‘evri gal lov mi iihn Every girl loves me sir /
Every Girl loves me (?) sir? I am the Stulla
sa’; being said in a playful and confident rhetoric voice. This of course, if is what he said and if it is what you heard.
She is the Stullesha Until then Waak gud and tek kier and The emphasis is on the first line. By
remember Howdy and Tengki No bruk no
carefully listening, it can sound as if
skwier.
Mavado made a declaration that he is loved by every girl or, he could be using a rhetoric question by saying ‘evri gal love me iihn sa?’, emphasis on ‘iihn’. ‘Iihn’ is a Jamaican nasalized sound that is often used to mean repeat, to answer yes and when duplicated ‘iihn-iihn’ to affirm yes.
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YAADI CULTURE, FIMI STYLE MAGAZINE
by Dasouda
On Monday July 2013,
This for the average folk, even for some 15, the
Smoking Ban came into effect in the land of Jamaica and what a story has ensued since. The reality hit some very harshly even with all the warnings that have been voiced since the law was inked earlier in the year. It is unfair to assume how the average smoker is different social
taking this ban as
commentary and other
methods of acquiring such information has really exposed the different sides of our island. It maybe even more difficult to figure out how the average non-smoker feels about the ban but here are a few points of views.
smokers, can be very offensive and uncomfortable. Thus the call for an inked law which states that one cannot smoke inside of a public vehicle, which should have been
common knowledge and
courtesy, is welcomed by more than a few. For those who have gone clubbing, yes enclosed, air-conditioned club, and gotten home smelling of smoke instead of shared perspiration or a combination
of
two
or
more
deodorants. The task of hair washing, laundry and scrubbing shower may have been a bit more than one bargained for when you decided to enjoy
For those who have ever been inside
a few hours of night-out night life.
of a public passenger vehicle and someone (passenger, driver or
con-
ductor) inside the said vehicle is smoking (cigarette, marijuana or any other substance). Continues on next Page
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by Dasouda
Cont’d
For those who make their livelihood
negative effects of the band-aid effect
by entertaining, for example at a bar,
of this law on their businesses,
may find that their patrons stay for
someone with some idea of the work
shorter periods and thus spend way
put into growing a business and
less because what is common knowl-
fostering
edge in our society is that a bar is a
multi-million dollar industry in this
corner shop, a domino stop and a
relatively small country does identify
regular
about
with the level of panic, worry and
anything from what goes on in
stress that may be associated with this
Gordon House to who is making the
ban.
place
for
lyming
regular CNN rotation, to the slew of sports, music and household education that is necessary to be passed on.
the
nurturing
of
a
For the members of the tourism industry who have benefited from selling Jamaica as the “free for all”
For those smokers who work in
island
government
or
everything is “irie”, the sentiments to
agencies, especially those who need a
the effect this ban also has on your
smoke-break every hour, on the hour,
industry is also viewed as unfortunate.
offices,
buildings
of
“no
problem”
where
the inconvenience of not being too sure of where to and not to smoke is understood. For those who are manufacturers, suppliers or distributors of cigarettes and all related condiments such as Carreras who have been locked into meetings about projections of the Continues on next Page
35
36
by Dasouda
Yet the
Health Ministry m u s t
have consulted with someone when this ban was being implemented. The great question is, were all the consultants on the same side, that is, the non-smoking wagon. The fact is smoking is bad for one’s health, just as fried food, sweets, alcohol and promiscuity. Everything needs moderation and intelligence when being
Cont’d
choose to smoke in order to appease those who choose not to. The country is however “”Out of Many, One People” and thus smokers and non-smokers have equal rights to live and feel comfortable here. This may be an easy fix if people stop
pointing
fingers
and
instead
co-operate, but this is Jamaica and excitement
and
politics
are
both
calling the shots as per usual.
employed into a society and by extension a
There should be a revisit as to the
culture with an opposite reality ever since
places that the ban is now on. I
inception.
believe
What
are
the
solutions?
that
places
with
single
One person, one lobby group, and one
entrances and or exits should first be
anti-anything
forced to erect emergency exits and
does
not
have
all
the
answers. However here are a few:
thus have a better control on the protection of the safety of the
The construction or assignment of smoking arenas/ areas. The fact still remains that smoking is by choice for many and it would be against human-rights law to rob
supporters of these activities or businesses. With this being said, clubs and restaurants may be able to have smoking and non-smoking areas. Thus pulling their regular, and even some new patrons.
persons of their right to Continues on next Page
36
37
by Dasouda
Cont’d
Not everyone is here to ensure that no
Wisdom
is key, and it is of the opinion of some
folks that many if not most Jamaican bars are
really built on the foundation of
standards are set or
maintained in
Jamaica, and there are not only lawless and dunce people
walking around on
Jamaican streets.
smoking, smokers and those who have
How will the country move past this
no problem revelling in the aroma and
phase? Everyone may have an opinion
ambience of the smoke. This being said,
and some may be more relevant than oth-
bar owners should be able to decide
ers but the truth is everyone has a role to
whether they are smoking or non-
play in how quickly this law becomes
smoking, as for the
average bar, the
more than common knowledge and
space is not available to provide for both.
something else to complain about. Some-
Sensitization is also important. The
times it is not the problem that is big, but
bad-aid strategy does not work for a
the path taken to arriving at a solution.
society such as this. People will feel forced and thus a sense of rebellion may be fostered. Give people more to work with, give people choices and give
people the right to their opinion
and
input. Because some very
conscious, enlightened and educated smokers are in our society.
37
38
OUR CHILDREN: THE NEXT GENERATION The life of a child in today's violent society Damaging the innocent By: Teisha Dawkins How and where violence is encountered The oozing
violence
society from
Most of these children are affected today
every
is
pore!
greatly and display effects of these experiences at some point in their lives.
Violence is everywhere: In the homes; in the media; and in the community. What
In the community
will become of our children? Does
Community violence may be between
experiencing and
witnessing violence
strangers, family members or peers, and
have any effect on the lives our children
may involve cruel acts such as being
lead or who they become?
raped, stabbed or beaten. Over one-third of children ages 10-16 years are victims
Violence in the home Domestic
violence
is
an
of direct ongoing
violence, which includes
attempted
kidnapping,
physical
and
experience of physical, psychological,
sexual assault. Even more have faced
and/or sexual abuse in the home that is
direct violence, that is, they have seen
used to establish power and control over
violence or
another person. Many children are either
know
a
victims or
victim
of
witnesses of
domestic
violence. In 2010, 6,330 cases of
community
physical, sexual and emotional abuse of
violence.
children were reported to the Office of the Children’s Registry (Economic and Social Survey 2010; Office of the Children’s Registry; Ministry of Health). Continues on next Page 38
39
OUR CHILDREN: THE NEXT GENERATION The life of a child in today's violent society Damaging the innocent By: Teisha Dawkins Cont’d
In the media Children in today's society are not only
There is a strong link between
exposed to real-life violence, but are also
exposure to violence and high rates of
bombarded with violence in the media.
some
The media, namely the television can be
depression, anxiety and
very influential in shaping behavior, but
stress. In 2010, approximately 8,000
unfortunately
children required psycho-social services
most
programs
depict
mental
problems,
such
as
post-traumatic
violence. The impact of TV
(Economic and Social Survey 2010;
violence
Office
may
become
of
the
Children’s
Registry;
immediately evident or may take
Ministry of Health). The long term
years to surface.
consequences
include public health
problems: delinquency, mental health What effects does violence have
disorders,
alcohol and drug abuse,
on our future generation?
suicide, and teen pregnancy. Exposure to
Majority of the current
violence also affects children's views of
literature has focused on the effect of
the world and themselves, their ideas
domestic
about the meaning and purpose of life,
violence on the primary
victim, but what effect does domestic
and their moral development.
violence have on secondary victims? Children witnessing domestic violence are just as affected as those experiencing it. Continues on next Page 39
40
OUR CHILDREN: THE NEXT GENERATION The life of a child in today's violent society Damaging the innocent By: Teisha Dawkins Moreover,
it
interferes
with
developmental tasks children need to accomplish in order to become competent members of society, as these children often
demonstrate
lower
school
achievement and poorer adaptation to the academic environment. The exposure to violence in the community, in the homes and in the media can have significant effects on children
and
intellectual, repercussions
enduring and into
physical,
psychological adolescence
adulthood. Studies on the
and
effects of
violence on children have shown that children may become “immune” to the
Cont’d
How can we help? Preventing child abuse and neglect ensures
that
children
are
able
to
experience the safe and happy childhood they deserve. Become an advocate! Educate parents on how their children can be affected by their arguments and fights Educate parents about consequences of watching violence on television Identify
domestic
violence
and
address the issue Pay attention to what children watch on TV
horror of violence; accept violence as a way to resolve conflict; and imitate the violence
they
observe.
The
saying
‘children live what they learn’ can be employed here and it could not be more accurate, thus
exposure to
violence
only leads to a continuous cycle of violence. 40
41
Independence FEATURE By: Adrian Duncan Jamaica celebrates its Independence Day on August 6 each year to commemorate its freedom from the British; our former colonizing power. *Sigh of relief*
Fifty-One
years ago at midnight on August 5, 1962, the Union Jack was lowered and the flag of Jamaica was unfurled for the first time. The birth of an
independent Jamaica was, perhaps, the most significant event in the nation's history. Today, Jamaicans celebrate the day to commemorate that historic movement, and to reflect on the struggle undertaken to gain autonomy. It is a day of national pride and commemorates the country's achievements. Independence Day is a day of grand celebrations on this our beautiful island; from paying homage to the fallen heroes who fought for the independence of our country to indulging in entertainment, music, dance, and parades with people immaculately clad in ethnic costumes, Jamaicans hold many laudatory events.
Our flag
has Pan-African colors, each of which venerates Jamaica's African legacy. While green is the symbol of hope and agricultural abundance, the yellow
is representative of natural resources and sunshine, and Black stands for creativity and courage of the people. 41
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