JAMAICA | PNP Calls for Proactive Development Strategies for Education and Culture

(WiredJA)-Kingston, Jamaica: Opposition Shadow ministers on Education, Senator Damion Crawford, and  Culture and Creative Industries, Dr Deborah Hickling Gordon, have called on the government to take a proactive approach to address questions raised by the Minister of Education, Fayval Williams, on the impact and effect of popular music and community events on students.

Appreciating that there are varied perspectives on the matter, both PNP spokespersons insist that there are several strategies that can be implemented to create synergies between education and popular culture.

Both Senator Crawford and Dr Hickling Gordon agree that the scapegoating of music and attendant activities is an oversimplification of the complex issues that are contributing to development challenges faced by students. The Spokespersons have inquired of the Minister regarding the proposed policy position.

Both spokespersons insist that the government develop long-term strategies to address the core social issues.  With regards to loud music in the communities and public spaces, Senator Crawford advised that, “We need entertainment zoning and not just an entertainment zone.”

He indicated that In 2014 he had proposed that an event rating system be implemented through the provisions of the Places of Amusement licence and police permit.

This system will serve to advise authorities and communities of the expected content of events and will help in determining the logistics of their staging.

“Additionally, the system will assist parents, guardians and community members in the decision-making process to evaluate events their children are exposed to and whether, when and where those events should be held.

It also provides an independent mechanism for potential sponsors and funders to evaluate expected content at events”,  the Senator said.

Dr. Hickling Gordon, the PNP’s Culture and Creative Industries spokesperson, indicates that in the interim, there is already legislation in place to address the challenges that the Minister outlines, however, the relevant ministries, departments and agencies need to revisit the approach to the regulation of night events in communities.

“The industry has been telling us that the aggressive, authoritative and disrespectful manner in which regulators often approach promoters, performers and sound system operators to turn off the music at events often inflames regulation of music played in public transportation is enforced in accordance with the law.

Other proposed measures include making a concerted effort to change the outlook on artistry.  “More artistic and creative literacy in schools will help to make students more discerning”, said  Dr. Hickling Gordon.  Senator Crawford proposed the implementation of a social marketing campaign called ‘Just Art’, where artists are used as promoters of peace encouraging the appreciation of art and artistry.

As a longer term measure, the Education and Cultural and Creative Industries Spokespersons insist on the mainstreaming of STEAM Education. Crawford, a Mathematics teacher, and Hickling Gordon, a cultural economy educator, agree that there is a need for sustained arts education that blends science and art.

“STEM/STEAM research tells us that the difference between a STEM education and a STEAM education is that the A-for-Arts, which engenders creativity, collaboration, self-awareness, critical thinking and interdisciplinary application – all the skills needed for the behavioural adjustments needed in Jamaican society,” Senator Crawford said.

“The ‘A’  for the arts that we are now scapegoating is a missing link to making the necessary social change if properly applied,” said Dr. Hickling Gordon. “Our education systems now predominantly focus on shoring up the labour force. We emphasise the need to produce workers with technical knowledge and skills.

Greater emphasis is needed on the appreciation of art and artistry, soft skills, including communication, teamwork, creativity, adaptability, problem-solving, work ethic, critical thinking, character education values and attitudes and conflict management. It is time we take culture and cultural expression seriously.” she said.

The spokespersons insist that the government must move away from projecting blame, to begin by admitting to the complex web of social ills that exist that are affecting the performance of students, and to develop counter-measures to address the complex problems identified.

The People’s National Party is committed to the development and implementation of proactive holistic, integrated strategies and measures to address the complex issues at the intersection of Education and Culture.