If there is one thing I know for sure by now, it is that this country is bursting with talented, creative and passionate individuals. This was in evidence yesterday at a conference I attended. It was called HUSH- A Children Symposium on Risky Behaviours. It was held in downtown Kingston, near the waterfront, at the Institute of Jamaica in a gorgeous old building. From its web site:

The Institute of Jamaica (IOJ) was established in 1879 by Sir Anthony Musgrave, then Governor of Jamaica. Located at10-16 East Street Kingston , the IOJ is led by its mandate, “For the Encouragement of Literature, Science and Art in Jamaica ”

But back to the talented individuals. The conference tackled difficult topics that in an ideal world, youth should never have to deal with, such as early sexual activity, drug and alcohol abuse, mental health and gang involvement. During these speeches, (which had a hundred or so young people sitting for hours without a break, and they were excessively well-behaved) programmers interspersed dub poetry performances from four young women.  It is like nothing I have seen before in terms of expressiveness and passion. I saw two performances, one about pregancy and one about four youths engaging in risky behaviours then fast-forwarding five years to the consequences.

The kids, of course, loved these performances, as did I and everyone in attendance. (I am hoping to post a video later today- stay tuned). And just to give you an idea of the perils of being a pedestrian here, there was also an entire segment devoted to road safety. As in, how to cross the road. The government official doing the presentation seemed to get the message through as he devised a dance for the kids to remember all the safety rules.The event was sponsored by RBC and I met the representative, who told me he spent five years in Toronto, on King Street. It was also planned and hosted by several government agencies and it is clear that there is a group of people who are relentlessly devoted to children’s issues.

Another person whom I know is devoted to youth issues is Canadian Senator Don Meredith. I spoke to some people in his office yesterday, as we are planning an event at which we desire his presence. Fingers crossed.