‘Reinforcing positive male role models’ - West Kingston men awarded on Men's Day

On Monday, four men from West Kingston were presented with Amazing Men awards at the International Men's Day observance held under the theme 'Reinforcing Positive Male Role Models'.

Hosted at the Regional Headquarters of The University of the West Indies in St Andrew, the observance was put on by the Bureau of Gender Affairs in the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Citizen Security and Justice Programme.

The organisers said the idea was to "recognise and celebrate the contribution of men to social, cultural and economic development of the Jamaican society; to forge linkages with multiple stakeholders and male interest groups; and to promote positive male role models."

The recipients were Nicholas Campbell, Earle Malcolm, Wayne Bartley and Wayne Williams. The awards were part of the UNDP's Rejuvenating Community Project, which is piloting the community empowerment model in West Kingston "to nurture trust and build a cohesive society".

AN 'EFFERVESCENT FEELING'

The UNDP said the project "seeks to enhance the community through the repurposing of community spaces, the development of alternative livelihoods for youths, and increased dialogue between citizens and state-based service providers".

It also aims to enhance the capacity of West Kingston Community Development committees for improved coordination and service delivery. The programme has been running since September 2015 and will terminate around December next year.

The four men - Campbell from Hannah Town, Malcolm from Denham Town, Bartley from Tivoli Gardens, and Williams from Fletchers Land - have been involved in various aspects of development in their communities, expressed pride in the work that they are doing, and are very appreciative of their awards.

Williams said it was an "effervescent feeling", one that is "incomparable".

 ... These four amazing men exemplify the ideals of selflessness

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) resident representative in Jamaica, Bruno Pouezat, said, "These four men, these four amazing men, exemplify the ideals of selflessness, volunteerism and service to their fellow citizens. We call them amazing men because their work ethic and interpersonal interactions truly resonate in the lives of people, especially boys."

Nicholas Campbell, Earle Malcolm, Wayne Bartley and Wayne Williams from West Kingston were, on Monday, awarded with Amazing Men awards at the International Men's Day observance, held under the theme 'Reinforcing Positive Male Role Models'.

It was hosted at the Regional Headquarters of the University of the West Indies in St Andrew, and put on by the Bureau of Gender Affairs in the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme and the Citizen Security and Justice Programme.

Pouezat said this year's International Men's Day was fitting for the awards, and that it was important to indicate to men who are doing positive things that they are recognised and appreciated.

"We need more of them," he said. "This is true all over the world, but particularly here because, sadly, in Jamaica, the image of toxic masculinity is only too prevalent."

Turning to the men, Pouezat said, "This event is also an opportunity for you, an opportunity to join us in calling for women, girls and children to be treated equally, fairly and with respect, an opportunity to insist that it is not OK to raise your hands against a woman or child, to violate them in any way or to prevent them from fulfilling their potential."

Minister of Culture, Gender Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange said, "These men and male organisations have been working steadily to ensure that Jamaica is a better place through countless community engagements aimed at encouraging men and boys and by being positive male role models. Today's recipients exemplify the heart of philanthropy."