Dear Editor,

Much discussion has been had in print and on social media about concerns raised by the Church and other civil groups about Grace Hamilton’s – more popularly known as Spice – ‘Oh No School Tour’, which has led her to initially cancel it.

According to a representative from the Jamaica Coalition for a Healthy Society, dancehall artistes cannot be two different people in the same body. This as Spice — known for her raunchy dancehall lyrics and dance movements — has distinguished herself from Grace Hamilton, characterised as a mother, entrepreneur, and philanthropist.

The civil society representative argued that Spice’s lifestyle does not align with the message she is portraying and charged that the problem is not the timely message that schoolchildren need to hear, but the messenger is not appropriate. Spice’s tour seeks to encourage teenagers to normalise saying no to sex at an early age, drugs, crime and violence, alcohol use, self-doubt, and procrastination.

Since then a series of events have occurred, including a meeting with Education and Youth Minister Dr Dana Morris Dixon and Culture Minister Olivia Grange, along with representatives from the Church, parent groups, and civil society.

Spice lambasted the Church leaders, citing scriptures — albeit that some of them were used out of context — to call out their hypocrisy and judgmental nature.

It is also understood that some principals have divergent views on whether the tour should have been allowed to begin with; nevertheless, it is expected that the tour should continue.

Quite a lot to consider, isn’t it?

As with many social and political concerns in this country, did we expect the tour to go on uninterrupted? Leaders of the Church and civil society groups equally have children and relatives who go to these schools. They have a right to raise their objection.

The Church has equally been criticised on several occasions because it, too, has sinned and fallen short of God’s glory. Some months ago church groups made a proposal that some of their ministers could teach religious education in school and do other interventions, given the teacher shortage crisis and the need to promote certain skills. However, the idea was shut down without much consideration. Several clergymen are trained in world religions, social work, and psychology, but apparently the school is not their place. In fact, people raised concerns that some of them may end up molesting the children. Even though many religious leaders, though human, try their best to be spiritually and morally upright through the help of the Holy Spirit, others have soiled their garments, making it difficult for the whole body.

Spice — a well-known influencer — has two distinct lifestyles, with the bawdy and vulgar one more associated with her digital brand. In fact, that side is more known to many of the students she hopes to encourage. But would a pastor who openly lives a double lifestyle be considered credible to speak on morality? Would we separate the message from the messenger?

However, if we reject Spice, should we not also prohibit other artistes and social media personalities from going into our schools? Should we not also cancel some of our politicians? Why should we be quick to accept their financial donations but not their positive message?

Nonetheless, we must be mindful that it takes a village to raise a child. All of us as adults play a part in shaping the impressionable minds of our children. Who do our young people listen to? Let us also hear from them as to how Grace Hamilton has added some spice to their lives.

Oneil Madden

maddenoniel@yahoo.com