Yesterday we hit the beach. First, Fort Clarence, where the wind was so strong it felt like we were in a blizzard. The swimming was still great though. After a couple hours there, we headed to Hellshire Beach, just a few minutes away. Hellshire is a free, public beach and much busier, in comparison to Fort Clarence, where you must pay to enter. Hellshire was a blast though. Lots more vendors, families and children playing in the water. And the food. We selected fresh seafood from a cooler (snapper for me, lobster for everyone else) for about $10. It was steamed as we waited at a wooden table. I had never been to Hellshire before and kept hearing about the amazing, fresh seafood. It was indeed delicious. For once, however, I did not bring my camera, so these images are courtesy of Erin. Enjoy your Sunday and wish me luck- I am modelling in a fashion show later today!

While Leroy Campbell has success stories to tell, the reality of his job is that he loses some of his clients to the streets. “Many have died who have dropped out,” he says. In a building that could use some repairs and paint, Campbell runs the Possibility Program, which takes boys from the streets and provides them with training, some shelter and food, and most importantly, love. “We love them,” Campbell says.

Campbell is from the country and is trained as a production manager. In terms of interacting with the youth, he draws on his experience as a teacher and factory manager, where he learned that he loved relating to all sorts of different people.”I don’t like to see people being ill-treated,” he says. His compassion and understanding likely originate with his experience of being verbally abused as a young person.

Campbell has been with Possibility since 2001 and has seen up to 700 boys pass through the doors of the Halfway Tree office, as well as another location nearby. The way it works is that boys are referred to Campbell through the justice system or by word of mouth. They may or may not have a place to live and they are deficient in skills, both in terms of relating to their fellow human beings and in terms of employment. “We offer services to at-risk youth from inner-city communities and correctional centres,” Campbell explains.

The program was started under former Prime Minister PJ Patterson’s administration and now operates under the Ministry of Youth and Culture. It operates on a small budget and a couple of women come to Possibility a few hours a week to teach the boys. Twenty boys at a time are admitted after a strict interview process with Campbell. They are then subject to strict conditions to remain in the program. For example, they must greet Campbell with a “Good morning” every day. If not, their daily pay is docked.”They come to me and I interview them. A big part of our program is re-socialization and behaviour modification and at the top of the list is to respect authority.”

Under the program, the boys receive a $250 per day stipend (roughly $3US) and a meal, as well as shelter for the day and some training and education. Not to mention the love. “We try to treat them like our own children. We like to keep them as long as possible and then try to step them up.”

Like a proud father, Campbell relays success stories of boys like Damion who has worked for Sherwin-Williams for more than 10 years. Damion came into the program obstinate and stubborn and with a strong speech impediment, but slowly, Campbell got through to him. Or the story of a boy who resisted the boundaries of Possibility for about two years, then suddenly woke up and went on to become a successful carpenter.

But of course, those are just the positive stories. There are plenty of situations in which these boys, who lack basic social skills, have low literacy and have tangled with the law, do not beat the streets. “Some will make it, and some won’t,” Campbell says. However, even if they don’t stick with the program, Campbell knows at least a small level of behaviour modification has occurred. “I meet them out on the street and their behaviour has changed.”

There is no formal means of determining when the boys are ready to “graduate.” But most achieve a grade nine level of education and are aged 15-18, with some staying up until they are 21. “I love when they succeed and become better persons. You cannot pay for that feeling that you get,” Campbell says.

So why are these boys (and some girls, but Campbell asserts that there are far fewer girls since as soon as they hit the streets, they usually get pregnant) on the streets in the first place? Campbell blames an unsympathetic school system and unaccountable parents. “Parents must be held accountable. Children must be forced to go to school,” he says. Instead, some parents create a hostile environment and children are forced to flee for survival’s sake. Or they send their children out on the street to sell things or clean windscreens. As far as the government’s responsibility in the situation, Campbell says there is a dire need for jobs for this cohort. That being said, he adds, “the government has been very supportive in terms of our program but deficient in terms of funding. They see this is important for future generations.” However, with more funding Campbell states that the level of need is such that he could take in up to 100 boys a year compared to the 20 he now has.

When the boys arrive on Campbell’s doorstep, they are unruly and disrespectful. But, he says, if they make it past the three month mark, their natures, hardened by time on Kingston’s streets, will usually yield and soften. “We bend them and bend them and bend them and then they straighten out.”

Last year, for several days, a woman and a child lived on the street outside my apartment. They stayed against a wall for about three days, begging for food and money. One morning, I passed by them and she was weeping. Her young boy was at her feet, scratching in the dirt with a stick. He was probably about three years old. What struck me most was the lack of expression in his face and body movements. I was devastated and perplexed about what to do. There are many homeless men living on Kingston’s streets. A woman and child are a rare site. Upon the advice of a fellow volunteer, I called the Office of the Children’s Advocate. I forget their response, and by the time I finally reached someone, the pair had moved on.

I continue to wonder about how they are faring. This situation was put in further context for me after a Conference on Street Children, which was held on Monday, Apr. 8 by Jamaica’s Office of the Children’s Advocate.

First, here are some facts and definitions: Although the exact figure is not known, there are about TEN million children living on the streets around the world. In Jamaica, a 2002 study revealed that there about 6,500 children on the streets. And there are hundreds of children who are not in school: they clean windshields and sell items at stoplights; they beg for money in the tourist areas.

In a report for the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on the protection and promotion of the rights of children working and/or living on the street, it is defined as a child living or working on the street as having “street connections”. Louise Meincke, who represents the Consortium for Street Children (which is governed by the 1989 United Nations Convention of the Rights of the Child)  and presented at the conference, defined street children as having connections to the street that are not just physical, but economic, social and mental. “The street is a central reference point and one that plays a significant role in their lives,” she said. In addition, it must be noted that “children have a right to be on the street,” and if they make this choice, it is up to adults to meet the children where they are to establish bonds of trust, Meincke said. “The greatest challenge is for the child to be treated as a rights holder.”

A great deal of progress was made on this goal recently as the United Nations adopted a resolution that aims to decriminalize the behaviour associated with living and surviving on the streets. As you can imagine, children without protection and regular access to food and shelter must engage in some activities that are not legal, such as stealing and prostitution. They are also at greater risk for substance abuse problems, violence and abuse, exploitation, pregnancy and health problems. But despite these heavy burdens, a survey of more than 100 street children worldwide found that they self-identify as “strong, positive and engaged,” Meincke said, adding that these children indicated that they just want to help others.

The conference was also attended by Irwin Elman of Ontario’s Office of the Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth, Jamaica’s Diahann Gordon Harrison of the Office of the Children’s Advocate, Cuso International’s Tarik Perkins, CIDA’s Marie Legault, Jamaica’s Minister of Local Government and Community Development Noel Arscott, Unicef’s Robert Fuderich and several mayors.

Elman, a keynote speaker, delivered a heartfelt, simple message that resonated with attendees. “If we want to know what to do, ask them,” he said, referring to the children and youth on the street. “When we give an opportunity to children to talk about their lived experience, when we involve and listen to children, we are helping them therapeutically…It is important to involve them, not just ask them, but we need to give children as much control over their lives as possible.”

Diahann Gordon Harrison of the Office of the Children’s Advocate, called the problem of street children a “national problem,” adding that it is not a government alone solution. (The OCA was created in 2006 under the Child Care and Protection Act with a mandate to “enforce and protect the rights and best interests of all children.”) It is important to note that while street children face heightened challenges, their care and protection is governed  by the UN’s Convention on the Rights of the Child, which generally states that children are entitled to “the right to survival; to develop to the fullest; to protection from harmful influences, abuse and exploitation; and to participate fully in family, cultural and social life. The four core principles of the Convention are non-discrimination; devotion to the best interests of the child; the right to life, survival and development; and respect for the views of the child.”

While it is difficult to know how to approach the problem of street children, as it spans so many jurisdictions and policy areas, there are some solutions being put forth. Meincke referred to the revolutionary resolution that aims to decriminalize “survival behaviour.” She also encouraged municipal governments to create policies that protect children and youth, as well as a need for state and national level governments to enact child protection frameworks. The private sector must also be engaged, and robust public awareness campaigns must be enacted, she added.

The conference included input from four young men who have either lived or worked on the streets. They were asked what could be done to help them and their peers. Gary, the young man at my consult table, was quite shy and wanted to think about his answer. But the other individuals at my table (who included a corrections officer, educators and youth program workers) suggested that the problem originates with the parents, who often are instrumental in sending the children out on the street, whether it is by creating an abusive environment or telling them they must contribute financially to the household.

According to the UN report, children typically end up on the street for financial reasons. As Unicef’s Robert Fuderich stated, the number of street children fluctuates, and certainly rises during difficult financial periods. “We will see an increase if nothing is done. We have to be talking more to these children, who endure a multiplicity of depravation of rights,” he said. According to the report, poverty is one of the main factors, but not the only one. “Most families of street-connected children have experienced persistent discrimination, poverty and social exclusion within societies where inequalities are high or growing.”

The conference was not all gloom and doom, however. In addition to important discussion and debate, we witnessed a performance from the Bashy Bus Crew about street children and heard from an inspiring young man named Damion. Sherwin-Williams hired (a former street child) 10.5 years ago and he has since made a strong mark on the company, as well as on Oliver, the fellow who hired him. As Oliver said, Damion helped to prepare him to be a parent.

You can do something. Go to the CSC web site and sign a petition calling for an International Day for Street Children and inform yourself further by clicking here for the full report.

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I like to think of myself as a responsible journalist. I choose words carefully, with an analytical awareness of the power they carry. So why would I write such a headline for this blog post? I am following the example set by the Jamaica media to illustrate just how irresponsible it is when it comes to reporting on sensitive topics.

Journalists write the first draft of history (I forget who said that, either Heidegger or Max Weber), so time is of the essence. Especially in a 24/7 news cycle. We are going to make mistakes. We are going to select the wrong word or misspell someone’s name or create an inflammatory story, even with the best of intentions. But even under the pressure of deadlines, we must be governed by a set of ethics and standards that respect the people and situations we write about.

Here in Jamaica, however, editors at both of the main newspapers appear to disregard this responsibility when it comes to writing about issues relating to homosexuals, all-sexuals and transgender people. The situation is so egregious that a lawyer and human rights activist is taking legal action against the Jamaica Observer.

Reporters routinely write about a group of “miscreant” gays who, in their eyes, cause havoc and harm in the corporate area. It is a fact that a group of marginalized (many of whom are homeless and victims themselves) people at times harass others, however, the way in which the newspapers cover this issue is sensational, disrespectful and inflammatory.

On Sunday, as people reveled at Bacchanal (a road march with floats, soca music, costumes and dancing) a group of individuals were dancing. The Observer referred to them as “cross-dressers”, the Gleaner as “alleged gays.” Even as everyone enjoyed themselves, this situation devolved so much that the police had to fire shots to break up the crowd, a store was damaged and a few people were injured.

This was clearly a serious, dangerous situation. However, we do not know the facts other than what the reporters delivered. The story was portrayed such that a group of men, possibly gay and possibly dressed in what people would traditionally regard as women’s clothing, were dancing provocatively. Apparently, this bothered other celebrants, despite the fact that this is what you do at Bacchanal. In other words, this group was behaving like every other person there. However, it seems some people took issue with what this particular group of men were doing and started harassing them. We don’t have enough factual accuracy to know who is to blame. Probably both sides are, to different degrees, but dancing provocatively does not seem to be enough of an affront to deserve a violent confrontation.

At issue is not only the unnecessary violence, but also the way in which reporters portrayed the incident. Do the reporters know for a fact that these men are gay? Do they know for a fact that they are cross-dressers? I suspect not. Does this even matter? Why are these facts relevant? I argue that the facts, once verified, are indeed relevant, given the level of homophobia in Jamaica. But if these facts are reported free of context and sensitivity, they become dangerous in that they heighten the tension and reinforce stereotypes.

Witness the Observer’s statement: “The melée was sparked by the actions of the gay men who — mostly dressed in skimpy, tight-fitting outfits — gyrated to the soca music blasting from music trucks while showing off acrobatic moves.” No. In fact, the “melee’ was sparked by the first individual who threw something.

Witness the Gleaner’s description: “As the people objected to the men gyrating on each other, a missile-throwing exchange started.” No. It was not a “missile”, it was a rock, or a bottle, or whatever else was throw. The word missile, again, is inflammatory and sensational. As I have stated before, words matter. They can unite or divide, they can reinforce prejudice or neutralize a situation.

In North America, the details about the group’s alleged sexuality and appearance would have been relevant in that the story would likely have been portrayed as a hate crime. Sympathies would most likely have been with the “gay” men and “cross-dressers.” Here in Jamaica, the media seems to have a mandate to further marginalize this group. Taking it a step further, I would argue that they demonize this group, eschewing all journalistic responsibility and ethics. (I must add that the media’s irresponsibility is not restricted to this group; they continue to sensationalize and exploit people from lower socio-economic groups.)

This situation is unacceptable and despicable. I do realize I am viewing this situation through my Canadian eyes, and I do not intend to disregard the importance of Jamaican values, but respect and accuracy in reporting are universal values when it comes to journalism.

Take a look at the closest thing the profession has to universal standards and rules: the Society of Professional Journalists’ Code of Ethics. One of the tenets is to minimize harm. To continue to further marginalize, sensationalize and demonize this group of individuals is to perpetuate a harmful cycle. Here are a few of the specific tenets:

— Show compassion for those who may be affected adversely by news coverage. Use special sensitivity when dealing with children and inexperienced sources or subjects.

— Recognize that gathering and reporting information may cause harm or discomfort. Pursuit of the news is not a license for arrogance.

— Recognize that private people have a greater right to control information about themselves than do public officials and others who seek power, influence or attention. Only an overriding public need can justify intrusion into anyone’s privacy.

— Show good taste. Avoid pandering to lurid curiosity.

Jamaica’s media violates all of these on a regular basis. They do not have to. They have a choice in the matter. Perhaps one day they will choose to do the right thing.

A few shots from a lazy afternoon in Emancipation Park. Enjoy your Monday!

Jaevion Nelson is a youth development, HIV and human rights advocate here in Kingston. I have had the pleasure of working with him in his capacity as an employee of a non-profit organization on some communications-related issues. Jaevion also writes a weekly column for the Jamaica Gleaner. This week’s column highlights the ever-present tensions of a society dominated by Christian values and a popular culture obsessed with sexuality, violence and materialism.

Here is an excerpt of the column, but I suggest you read the entire thing to get a sense of the issues facing Jamaica’s young people.

What is the purpose of an education if not to equip us with information to exist with dignity as ‘decent’ people? Instruction about sex and sexuality is just as important as mathematics, English language and science. We can’t just leave everything up to informal learning and then complain about the so called lack of values and attitudes in society, particularly among the younger generation. Many of us do not realise that our political leaders are to an extent informed about what policy actions are necessary to address the situation with our adolescents where sex and sexuality are concerned. Why else would they commit to the 2008 Mexico City Ministerial Declaration around investing in comprehensive sexuality education and increased access to health services for young people?

My grandmother Grace celebrates 99 years today. She was born in 1914. Think about that for a minute. The first airline flight was scheduled. The Panama Canal opened. Franz Ferdinand was assassinated, spurring a chain of events leading to the First World War. No computers. Car travel was rare. Communication was by letter.

My grandmother Grace is an amazing woman. We have grown close over the years and I have tried to tap into her wisdom. What must it be like to be 99? To have seen so much? Two wars? The advent of the Internet? What must it be like to be at the end of your life? Do you still have hope? Do you still wake up everyday with a small desire that something good will happen? Is there fear?

I have asked all these questions of my dear grandmother. I got some answers, some were left unanswered as she told me she needed to think about it. I have also asked her to write down her memories for me in a notebook. It is somewhere in her possession. I hope it finds its way to me. I am wishing I were with her today. We talked this morning. She was off to her exercise class. (She recently told me she started using the treadmill to walk and soon she will be running). This is the thing with her: she is still more active than most. She still has a list of places she has not yet visited, despite the fact that she has traveled the world. She still exercises and walks everywhere she can. She plays games at her retirement home and greets everyone she sees. She inspires me and reminds me that there is always hope and beauty and a reason to laugh. She shows me how to be grateful. Happy Birthday and I love you.