COOKE
A PROJECT to inspire mindset and behavioural changes among Jamaicans, with a view to addressing some of the social challenges which the country presently faces, was announced at a press conference held at King's House on Monday.
Called Jamaica Vision 21: Secure and Prosperous, officially called Civic Dialogue for Democratic Governance, the project is attempting to engage Jamaicans in a dialogue which might produce some solutions for the many ills which are presently plaguing the society.
PLEDGED FULL SUPPORT
These have been identified as crime and violence, unemployment and corruption. His Excellency, the Most Honourable Sir Howard Cooke, Governor-General of Jamaica and patron of the Jamaica Vision 21 project, pledged his full support to the UNDP sponsored project, noting that he was prepared to be with the team that would walk into the highways and byways of Jamaica to encourage the formation of a gentler society.
"This project is timely," said the Governor-General, "as it seems Jamaica has reached the point where disorder is being glorified." He emphasised the need for political leaders to start relating to each other in a different way in order to bring about more positive values and attitudes.
Pointing to the role of churches, he remarked that ministers of religion should no longer stay in their church buildings, waiting for converts to come along but instead should go out to the people.
BEHAVIOURAL CHANGES
The project, which was introduced by the UNDP in 2001, seeks to stimulate discussion between Jamaicans from all sectors and levels of society, to effect behavioural changes and inspire new thinking to address some of the challenges that Jamaica currently faces.
The project further aims to create a national dialogue that allows all Jamaicans to participate in creating a common vision for the country that is compelling enough to unite and motivate persons to act in positive ways that would lead to national growth .
The project will hold its public launch at the Emancipation Park on Tuesday, June 28 at 5:00 p.m. The activities will feature talent from communities including the performing group Ashe. The public is being urged to attend. Guest speaker will be Elena Martinez UNDP Director for Latin and Central America.
