tidings
Yvonne Webb
As countries around the globe mark International Men’s Day (IMD) on Saturday, founder Dr Jerome Teelucksingh is telling men that they have the power to influence positivity and should use that power.
Teelucksingh, a lecturer in the Department of History, UWI, St Augustine, said this respect has helped many men change their value systems, norms and morals, but it is not enough. He said there is still a long way to go to make men understand their roles and responsibilities.
He called for volunteers to help men – young and old – who have lost their way.
“There is no vaccine to prevent violence. We need all hands on deck to deal with the epidemic of violence.”
He said the Men Leading by Example theme for 2022 is most appropriate, given the rise in violence and homicides, of which men are mostly the perpetrators and victims.
Speaking to Newsday on IMD, Teelucksingh said the theme is an invitation to men to be positive role models in their homes, schools, workplaces, communities, towns and villages.
Given the alarming rate of murders and disturbing incidents of school violence, Teelucksingh said, “It is a wake-up call to let men know that they have the power to positively influence others, especially boys who are the next generation of men .
“It is also important as we seek honest and fair citizens who will not be biased in their treatment of others. The subject aims to produce men of substance and caliber who will seek justice and protect the weak.”
Teelucksingh, a 2022 recipient of the Hummingbird Medal – Gold, for Education and Volunteerism, observed, “It seems like violence and murder have become the new normal in Trinidad and Tobago.
“It is unfortunate that this way of life has become entrenched in our society. Many of us have become desensitized and accustomed to violence. This reflects a dysfunctional society. Violence is no longer confined to the battlefield. It has become a common and everyday scenario.
“It is even more frightening when we realize that there are few people and NGOs who are willing to volunteer their time to help these young men and women who have lost their way.”
He said some people are content to stay in their comfort zone and not step in to help troubled men.
Saying that a growing number of men were content with mediocrity and low standards, Teelucksingh urged men to lead by example to promote a culture of excellence.
He saluted every man in TT and in the world and appreciated the contribution many are making to the development of TT.
A number of events are planned in respect of IMD, in TT and internationally. On Thursday, IMD was also observed by Central Administrative Services, Tobago and at a UWI Vice-Chancellor’s forum in Jamaica.
Teelucksingh will be a virtual guest speaker at the IMD forums in Sri Lanka and Curacao.
He will also be making a guest appearance at a fire services event in Chaguanas and at the 2nd Annual Multinational Motorcycle/Motorcycle Ride in celebration of IMD.
Motorcycle and classic car groups from the English and Dutch Caribbean countries will celebrate IMD. TT is the host country for this event, which started in 2020 and featured riders from Barbados, St Lucia, Cayman Islands, Grenada, Curaçao, Dominica and St Vincent.
The pandemic temporarily halted the event, which has been billed as the only thing other than cricket that brings the people of the Caribbean together.
Motorcyclists and classic car organizations from the North and West will gather at Brian Lara Promenade, Port of Spain. Participants from Arima and the east will pass through San Juan and join the northern contingent in Port of Spain by 8am and leave the city to meet the southern contingent in San Fernando at 10am.
Due to the J’Ouvert celebration in San Fernando to mark City Day, the group will not pass through San Fernando, but will gather at the parking lot of KFC, Gulf City, La Romaine.
The journey will continue to Point Fort, where the formal festivities will take place.
