Forever Proud

The Jamaican National Anthem Words by Hugh Sherlock, music by Robert Lightbourne Eternal Father, Bless our Land, Guard us with thy mighty hand, Keep us free from evil powers, Be our light through countless hours, To our leaders, great defender, Grant true wisdom from above, Justice, truth be ours forever, Jamaica, land we love, Jamaica, Jamaica, Jamaica, land we love Teach us true respect for all, Stir response to duty's call, Strengthen us the weak to cherish, Give us vision lest we perish, Knowledge send us Heavenly Father, Grant true wisdom from above, Justice, truth be ours forever, Jamaica, land we love, Jamaica, Jamaica, Jamaica, land we love The Jamaican National Pledge Before God and All mankind. I pledge the love and loyalty of my heart The wisdom and courage of my mind, The strength and vigour of my body in the service of my fellow citizens. I promise to stand up for justice, Brotherhood and Peace, to work diligently and creatively, To think generously and honestly, so that, Jamaica may, under God, increase in beauty, fellowship and prosperity, and play her part in advancing the welfare of the whole human race. The Jamaican National School Song - I Pledge My Heart

I pledge my heart forever To serve with humble pride This shining homeland, ever So long as earth abide I pedge my heart, this island As God and faith shall live My work, my strength, my love, and My loyalty to give. O green isle of the Indies, Jamaica, strong and free, Our vows and loyal promises, O heartland, 'tis to thee Jamaica Land of Beauty Words by A.L. Hendricks/Music by Lloyd Hall Jamaica land of beauty, We promise faithfully To serve thee with our talents And bring our gifts to thee. Jamaica we will always In honour of thy name, Work steadfastly and wisely And never bring thee shame. From riverside to mountain From cane field to the sea, Our hearts salute Jamaica, Triumphant, proud and free. Together in our country, In love and brotherhood. We'll work and play in freedom, As all God's children should, With hearts and hands united In thanks for everything, That God has given unto us, Together let us sing, From riverside to mountain From cane field to the sea, Our hearts salute Jamaica, Triumphant, proud and free.

Nah fatten fowl fi mongoose

A recent article in the Jamaica Gleaner caught my attention. Entitled "Sex Crackdown", it examined the carnal abuse problem in Jamaica. This is, by no means, a new problem and studies don't necessarily prove an increase in carnal abuse incidents. Overshadowed by more seemingly serious topics such as the murder rate, drug trafficking and unfair politics, this problem has been under-examined by the Jamaican media. Perhaps the issue didn't carry enough weight to sell newspapers (homosexuality did).

To be fair, there have been sprinkles of articles in the past five years but rarely has outrage been expressed. It's as though nobody wants to be the bad guy and there's a clear reason for that. Our Fathers, Uncles, Pastors , brothers and cousins are all involved. Yes, I said it!!! We all have a family member with a "young girl" problem.

Look around you. The evidence is too much to deny:

• Your Mother had you when she was merely a teenager (Please. This is not a license to chastise your Father).
• It turns out that the rumours about that girl from your high school who disappeared for a year, were not actually rumours. She was impregnated by the Baptist Church Pastor.
• Your 23 year old big brother was not really playing hide and seek with your 13 year old friend.
• Your Math teacher was teaching more than Math.
• Mr Trevor really did have sex with his daughter because "him nah fatten no fowl fi mongoose".

We can all relate to at least one of these scenarios.

When I talk to my male friends about this situation, their response is usually that these young girls are "brazen and force ripe". This is true in some cases, but I suppose hell would actually freeze over if they were to refuse these advances.

I applaud the police and the media for what seems to be a serious undertaking. It's long overdue but, "better late than never".