Michelle Chong, co-founder and CEO of Honey Bun, recently made an impassioned call to her fellow Jamaican women to “build up, elevate, and support” their male partners and counterparts, as this was a critical pillar to national development.

“A man is such an important part of family life,” Chong said, “an important part in the lives of our children.” She noted that she recently attended a play in which men were ridiculed. “It was discouraging for me,” she opined.

Chong was giving the reply at the St Andrew Business and Professional Women’s (BPW) Club 50th Anniversary event where she received the Mavis Watts Award, named for the founder of this branch of the Global BPW organisation, from Dr Lilieth Nelson, club president. She paid tribute to her husband, Herbert Chong, who had been her supportive life partner and appealed to her audience to affirm our fellow Jamaican men.

This was an excellent prelude to yesterday’s celebration of Father’s Day. The dedication of numerous Jamaican fathers is hardly celebrated, drowned out by the criticism of Jamaican men. The following are examples of positive dads who are featured on popular Jamaican vlogs: Wayne Mitchell — Meet The Mitchells; Asafa Powell — The Powells; Errol Anthony Stevens — Life With the Stevens; Paul — Me and Mi House.

The Nationwide News Network programme and podcast Jamaican Dadz features Dennis Brooks, Marlon Campbell, Floyd Green, and sometimes Gordon Swaby, accomplished men in their own right. They discuss various aspects of fathering, including education, co-parenting, and ‘step-fathering’. My favourite episode was their Christmas special, which reflected their dedication to the happiness of their children.

Step-fathering is close to my heart as our stepdad of blessed memory, Joscelyn Lowrie, poured so much into his new role as a young man who married my widowed mother who had four young children from her first marriage. Our Saturday library days, outings to the theatre, keen analysis of our school reports, and prayerful habits were a special blessing.

So as Chong declared, let us affirm and nurture the men and boys in our families and communities so they can strengthen the foundation of our nation: good family life.

Focus on MSMEs

Judith James-Watt

At the BPW event and a Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) round table discussion last week, there was a call for greater support of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Chong’s Honey Bun Foundation has been nurturing small businesses, guiding them through financial and organisational management. Chorvelle Johnson-Cunningham, CEO of Sagicor Bank, which received the BPW 50th Anniversary Corporate Award, discussed her company’s support of MSMEs. She said that they work along with the Jamaica Business Development Corporation to take MSMEs on a gradual and focused journey for a successful outcome.

PSOJ President Metry Seaga, Past President Douglas Orane, and Executive Director Sacha Vacianna Riley hosted the round table discussion with individual members of the organisation.

If we could actualise some of the suggestions made, we could address some basic issues which are hampering our national development. CEO of Leisure for Pleasure Judith James-Watts said there appeared to be a disconnection between the curriculum of the tourism degree being taught at tertiary institutions and the requirements of the job. “I asked an applicant who was a graduate in tourism what they would recommend for an eight-day holiday in Jamaica, and they could not answer,” she shared. This is a concern of business legend Karl Hendrickson who had engaged with The University of the West Indies more than two decades ago to discuss the issue of job-readiness of graduates.

IT expert Trevor Forrest recommended that the PSOJ had within its membership the companies and individuals who could help each other to promote growth. Dr Shalette Ashman, e-learning pioneer, volunteered to assist with this project. Tishanne Mullings who trains in effective pitching and emotional intelligence was also ready to assist.

Orane said he would be collaborating with the staff and fifth formers at Wolmer’s to promote their employability. He challenged us to do likewise with the fifth formers at our alma maters. It was noted that Project STAR, brainchild of former PSOJ President Keith Duncan, had been working with inner-city youth to train and place them in jobs.

Metry Seaga noted that we should not be too negative about our country’s progress. He said his “eye test” showed the growth of motor vehicle ownership and leisure activities. Indeed, there is a new restaurant which will not accept walk-in customers, as their bookings have been so high.

I was struck by the original thinking of our young entrepreneurs. Artist Shawn Ashman has a gallery at the Summit professional complex. She conducts art therapy sessions and hosts sip and paint events. We have a wealth of visionary young entrepreneurs and an organisation like the PSOJ can bring them on board not only for support but also to benefit their creative strength.

Dr Carby on risk management

Members of CCRP, the seniors advocacy organisation, enjoyed a comprehensive presentation on risk management from Dr Barbara Carby, former head of Jamaica’s Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM). With the start of the hurricane season and constant warnings on earthquake preparedness, we were pleasantly surprised that Dr Carby also spoke on everyday hazards.

Firstly, Dr Carby advised that you should not only secure your important documents, but you should also scan and save them on the Cloud and/or on a flash drive. She said you need to have a family plan, rehearsing a quick way out of your house and a meeting place. You should also keep emergency numbers posted in a central place.

She urged seniors to maintain contact, having a plan to speak with or text a key family member or friends every day. She said it was important that you plan a quick exit from your house and in case you are unable to move, you should ensure someone has access to your home. She recommended personal alarms which are now available from several security companies and can simultaneously alert the company and family members.

I should add that the SOS feature on your smartphone can also be set to alert others if you feel you are in danger and give your exact location.

In the event of an earthquake, Dr Carby says families should do a drill and identify places to “drop, cover and hold”. She also recommends using brackets to secure heavy furniture to the wall. Gas cylinders should be restrained with chains and padlocks. She said that immediately after an earthquake one should check for fire hazards and use only battery-powered or solar lights. If gas has escaped, the fires from lamps, candles, and matches could spark an explosion.

Dr Carby said elders should not be alone if there is an upcoming hurricane. She said families should always have emergency food, water, first aid, and power supplies, rotating the items so they do not expire.

Dr Carby said particular care must be taken by seniors to prevent dehydration and falls. She encouraged seniors to give Power of Attorney to a trustworthy friend of relative and to have at least two executors of their wills.

Jean Lowrie-Chin is founder of CCRP, a legacy project to mark her company PROComm’s 30th anniversary. Send comments to lowriechin@aim.com.