October 14, 2011 – St. Ann’s Bay, Jamaica… Dyhann Buddoo-Fletcher
One hundred and fifty-three boys, all dressed up – some in their ‘Sunday or Saturday best’, jacket and tie, vest or an ordinary shirt and pants – were the center of attention at the St Ann’s Bay High and Preparatory School in Jamaica, as the school administration yesterday tackled the issues related to educating boys to be good men.
“We love our boys very much, and we recognize that the girls in our society are outnumbering them and getting ahead,” said Principal Paulette Ambursley. “So we want our boys to shine too, not just to be academic, but to leave this school loving themselves, and as polished, rounded gentlemen to move on to greater things in society.”
The school treated the boys with special presentations surrounding the theme ‘Wanted: Good Men’.
“Boys you must love and accept your core identity, including your skin color,” said Constable Wayne Bartley, peer counselor for the St Ann police, who was one of the presenters for the day.
“Never let any style, fashion or anyone change your identity or destroy who you are; love yourself and remember, real men keep it real,” said the constable.
Addressing moral values
This presentation caused a stir of applause from the boys as Bartley proceeded to address issues pertaining to their sexuality and moral values to put into practice.
“Though the legal age of consent for boys to have sex is 14, you are not yet a man. Your legal age to vote and have a driver’s license is 18, therefore, take time to know yourself. Focus on your education and building your career, these are the foundations that will help to make you a strong young man. Then, when you have accomplished all you need, then all other personal interest and activities will fall into place,” encouraged the constable.
Etiquette and Manners
In addition to this presentation, the boys were treated to the second segment of the day which dealt with Etiquette and Manners.
In making his presentation, Troy Sinclair, Plumbing Instructor from HEART Trust, Runaway Branch expressed that the reason why our society is breaking down is because good manners and principles pertaining to good conduct are ignored or are seemingly unimportant.”
In speaking on the subject of personal hygiene Sinclair asked, “What would you do if someone has bad breath?”
One young man responded, “I would inform that person privately.” Another responded “I would give them a tic tac.”
“However, the correct thing to do is to tell them privately and politely,” said Sinclair.
The boys were exposed on how to maintain a good hygiene; telephone etiquette, how to give a good handshake, eye contact, table etiquette and general good mannerly principles.
“I am truly grateful for this particular presentation on etiquette”, said Keniel Coombs, head boy of the school, “this has helped me and the rest of the young men here at our school on how to conduct ourselves and so that we can avoid embarrassing situations. Also, this day has helped to reinforce the importance of making good decisions so that we can be good men for our families and society.”
In response to the days program, Josh Burkett from grade five said, “I love boys day, I have learnt what we should become, how we should behave and all about good manners, I know these will make me a better man.”
The day ended with the boys being feted to a banquet in a beautifully decorated hall with background music.
