Over the past 2 years, we have talked a lot about ‘learning loss’ caused by the effects of the covid-19 pandemic, which made access to education more challenging. But we missed the ‘love loss’ which also took place and now we have young murderers on the loose. Considering the fact that youth are the future, Jamaica’s future is looking grim unless we pay urgent attention to this vulnerable group.
We have seen the viral videos of the fights, so it was only a matter of time before things escalated. Earlier this week, we were trying to come to grips with the stabbing of 16-year-old Khamal Hall, of the William Knibb High School in Trelawny over a ‘guard ring’, when news broke days later that 15-year-old Kenuth Williams, of the Papine High School in St. Andrew was shot during an attempted robbery of his mobile phone. Both boys were killed by 16-year-old boys who are now behind bars.
Sweet 16 Gender Bias
Sixteen is supposed to be an age of discovery and growth, that turning point between childhood and legal adulthood. The choices made at this age are critical to transitioning to adulthood. It's an age that girls in particular look forward to, especially if a party is being held. Society tends to show love to girls more than boys. For the most part, they get all the hugs, kisses and comfort.
But boys are told not to cry, as it is a sign of weakness. They are taught to be tough. The fact that these 16-year-old boys have chosen violence is worrying and should cause us to wonder just what percentage of youth they represent, given the frequency. Perhaps, it's time we normalised 'Sweet 16' for boys. Instead of forcing them to become men who fend for themselves at this age, allow them to be sweet too. Let them enjoy what's left of their childhood in a loving environment. Let them learn to love, in the same way that girls are allowed to discover love at this age. They also deserve a celebration of sorts befitting their gender.
Parenting and a More Loving Society
The society was eager for the resumption of face-to-face classes to address learning loss. But there is also a reliance and false sense of security on the school system which has been perpetuated for too long. While it can be argued that school provides a haven for children during the days while parents are out working, parents have a bigger role to play in their children’s well-being and development. The school system alone cannot fix these children. As the old Jamaican saying goes, ‘wa gone bad a mawning, cyaa come good a evening’.
Teachers are under pressure over the readiness of students for Primary Exit Profile (PEP) and Caribbean Secondary Examination Council (CSEC) exams. They must also contend with young murderers, some seated in class before them, armed and dangerous. The images of weapons confiscated on school compounds is not new, but no less frightening.
We need a more loving society and that begins in the home. Jamaicans are too angry and have a propensity to settle the score with violence. Our children must be taught to love. Much more emphasis must be placed on values in the home. Both teenaged murderers are also thieves, and it is hard to believe that these traits were never seen before they did the ultimate act of taking someone’s life over their belongings. In a get rich quick culture, parents have a duty to inspire their children to work. And even as they err, the way of disciplining them must also be checked. For many children, the only time they are touched by a parent is when they are beaten.
Kenuth should have been enjoying his parents’ wedding this weekend and Khamal should have been looking forward to representing his school again in the DaCosta Cup. Instead, funeral arrangements are being made for them. How unexpectedly joy turns into sorrow. Indeed, it is also sorrow for the families of the young murderers behind bars. Just like, Jamaica has lost 4 of its future men.
The pandemic has been tough on all of us, but no matter what is happening in society, parenting cannot be on placed on autopilot. I pray God’s peace over Jamaica. Let us try to bring back the love and ‘sweet 16’. One love.
I Am Suzette Campbell
Note: Originally published on March 26, 2022
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