CATEGORY:SPECIAL REPORT
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By Wallace J.A.
Inside Grenada correspondent
Wednesday December 13,2006


DR. SIMON CLARKE, one of the region’s leading educational experts, has made an urgent plea to teachers in Jamaica (and by extension, the entire region), to assist the children who are in their care to develop strong moral values in order to rid society of “lewdness, rudeness and crudeness.” At the time, Dr. Clarke was addressing an audience at a graduation ceremony for teachers in Jamaica.

Dr. Clarke is the founding principal of the Sam Sharpe Teachers’ College in Montego Bay, Jamaica and a former director of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). At present, he is Chairman of the Broadcasting Commission of Jamaica.

Dr. Clarke is of the view that most of what is presented as entertainment in the region is nothing less than “nastiness and slackness.” He believes that what people do with their bodies in public and the lyrics of most of the popular songs encourages a “decadent culture and a kind of depravity and slackness.”

One of the most disturbing trends identified by Dr. Clarke is the extent to which this deviant culture devalues the worth of women and young girls. He stated emphatically that no society that has developed socially, economically or politically has encouraged a culture of “slackness.”

He pointed an accusing finger at the regional media which he thinks has a pivotal role to play in helping to promote positive values among people, especially the young and impressionable. He thinks that some media organizations needed to act more responsibly in terms of the content of the programs they show and the time of the day certain shows are being offered for viewing.

Dr. Clarke urged the graduating teachers in Jamaica to be vigilant and report programs that they think are not appropriate for young people. He also stressed the significance of teachers in the region joining in the campaign to rid society of a lot of the negatives that are currently witnessed in the region by emphasizing to the students in their charge the importance of respecting all life, rejecting violence, sharing with others, preserving the environment and developing a sense of family and community.