BOUNTY HALL, Trelawny — Psychologist Rev Dr Dave Hazle says while shifts in the job market have opened up more opportunities for women in traditionally male-dominated roles, there are insufficient alternatives for men — a gap that’s driving some men toward quick-money schemes like scamming.

“There are shifts that are happening in the employment space, and I’m not so sure we are creating enough alternative ways of employment for men to occupy.

“So no wonder there is an increasing number of men who want to become scammers,” he warned. “It’s quick money; it’s money that they can earn without having to do all the trappings of other kinds of employment. But it creates a stress, and it creates a stress, especially when out of a relationship between a man and a woman a child is produced.”

Pointing out that, previously, only male attendants were seen at gas stations, Rev Dr Hazle said that has changed.

“Now, there are good reasons why it changed, and I am not for once saying [that] they should turn it back, because it not going to turn back over, just so easy…There are reasons why the employers prefer to employ women in their business place: There’s an efficiency, there’s a reliability, there are advantages.

“And, of course, some of the man dem say, ‘Boy, me can’t work for that’ — all kinds of reasons why it’s not happening,” he added.

Rev Dr Hazle was delivering the keynote address at the second annual general meeting of the Trelawny Justices of the Peace Association, held under the theme: ‘Justices with Compassion: Addressing Male Mental Health held through JP Engagement’’ at the Abundant Life Ministry Church in Bounty Hall last week.

Arguing that nine out of 10 suicides in Jamaica are done by men, he said that this is largely because men are less likely than women to seek help for depression or anxiety, leaving their struggles untreated and often leading them to harmful coping mechanisms like substance abuse, which can further drive crime, violence, and antisocial behaviour.

The clergyman raised concerns about the impact of toxic masculinity, describing it as a set of cultural pressures that push men toward destructive extremes.

According to Rev Dr Hazle, toxic masculinity often shows up in three ways: The demand for men to be tough, aggressive and emotionally detached; the rejection of anything considered feminine, often expressed in derogatory language; and the belief that a man’s worth is measured by power, money or social status.

“That’s part of the expression of the toxic masculinity. Men must be anti-feminine, so men must reject anything that is feminine and go on like, ‘Me a no sissy; me a no gal,’ dem kind of things deh. That kind of talk, which sometimes can come across so hateful of women in your space,” he said.

He acknowledged, however, that change is under way. More men, he said, are beginning to embrace their emotions, value caring relationships, and take responsibility for nurturing children and partners. He believes this transition needs to be supported with more spaces in which men can redefine masculinity in healthier, more positive ways.

He also commended the Trelawny JPs for addressing what he described as an important issue requiring urgent attention and urged them to play a greater role in supporting men and boys by fostering greater awareness of mental health, creating safe spaces for vulnerability, and ensuring that men are treated with dignity in their daily interactions.

They were also encouraged to extend this support within families, churches, and community groups; adopt target groups — such as schools or football clubs — to build awareness on fatherhood and relationships; train themselves as mentors; and stage annual events that promote care and positive messages for males.

In the meantime, Rev Dr Hazle praised Trelawny’s JPs for being the most outstanding in submitting annual reports. Custos Hugh Gentles noted that these JPs placed first in the island, achieving a 99 per cent submission rate — unmatched by any other parish.

Gentles also encouraged more JPs to participate in civic ceremonies and utilise the annual $1-million fund, which is currently underused.

“We expect to see more of you at civic ceremonies, not only as spectators, but as participant and leaders. I think today stands as a very good example, this is our annual general meeting at which we would think JPs in the parish would make all effort to be here. We have 240 JPs in the parish and less than 50 per cent registered to attend. That it is not very good,” he said.

“As leaders in your communities you must be visible. You should be helping to organise and execute activities on behalf of this association, and don’t wait to be called upon,” he added.

During the annual general meeting, belatedly, Gentles presented Sergeant Wayne Wallace with the Governor General’s Achievement Award of Excellence for the over-35 age category in the parish of Trelawny, in recognition of his significant achievements and leadership.

Senior Trelawny Justice of the Peace Darcas Bailey (right) makes a presentation to Rev Dr Dave Hazle, guest speaker at the second annual general meeting of the Trelawny Justices of the Peace Association at the Abundant Life Ministry Church, Bounty Hall, in the parish last week.