This article takes an unexpected twist as I am putting feelers out for the readers to suggest what topics/subjects they would like me to write about in these fortnightly contributions to the ever-increasing readership of the website www.caribdirect.com It is in my view sensible and practical to periodically give the readers the opportunity to put ideas forward and then run with them so to speak.
To write an article every fortnight amounts to 26 for the year and sometimes understandably one has to stop and think what is apt/appropriate or in some cases topical that would be of interest to the readers. There might be causes that the main stream media under-report or take the view that the public will not be interested. Every view or opinion should count so long as it is not libelous or offensive.
At times I will understandably have to do further research on various topics alongside my limited knowledge of them but we are all on a learning curve and never too old to learn something new or be reminded of history. It was my late grand-aunt Mrs. Ina Watson, a formidable teacher at Whitehall primary school in St. Thomas, Jamaica who developed my flair for creative writing back in the sixties. If I presented her with half-page of a composition/essay she would refuse to read it and send me away to write a much longer piece. Therein lies the tale of why I cannot write short pieces!!
The same applied to her giving me the longest recitation/poem with several verses to be learnt by heart within a couple of days and then be recited with aplomb. My grandmother Mrs. May Richards-Kelly would insist I read the Jamaica Gleaner from cover to cover for her whilst she listened attentively. I used to deliberately miss out several paragraphs of the newspaper articles in order to finish quickly in order to play with friends outside but she would soon catch on to my modus operandi as the subject matter did not flow or make sense. Talk about trying to fool a wise old woman and failing miserably. I chuckle on thinking about it now. I relished those challenges and wonder whether the modern-day teachers stretch their students to the maximum these days. Just a thought as I might be wrong in that regard.
Unlike my earlier student days in Jamaica and England of having to spend copious hours in college/university libraries including the Institute of Jamaica where reference books were only available for use there and could never be borrowed even on short term loan, what a contrast as now the internet is available at a touch of a button or more precisely a keyboard on computers, Ipads or mobile phones. Known for my legendary technophobia I have embraced the technological age which children as young as four can manoeuvre without a second thought. The research methodology that the present generation has at their fingertips is mindboggling and the anecdotal joke of the homework has not been done because the dog ate it is a thing of the past. Some of us are old enough to take a trip down memory lane and remember using at school, exercise book and slate!! Some might harper for the good old days in this regard but I guess this is part of progress.
It is concerning to read printed articles these days with spelling mistakes, etc. when the computer actually has the capability to spell check words and leave a red line if it is questionable. We did not have that facility back then and relied on the Oxford dictionary, 20 volumes of the Encyclopedia Britannica, First Aid in English, Students Companion and Gleaner Spelling Bee booklet all in my aunt’s home alongside her extensive library. It was unthinkable to then ‘Ask Google, Alexa or Siri’ as is the case now, because Mrs. Watson was that instrument in the human sense with such a fount of information and knowledge. How things and times have changed!!!
Please send your suggestions for topics going forward under the website article or email me at [email protected] although I cannot make any promises to be able to fulfill all requests. In the main I tend to shy away from politics and religion but most other areas I am more than happy to share my views with the CaribDirect readers. Remember too that you are more than welcome to add your opinions on any articles that are published as meaningful debate is healthy.
Adopting this novel approach could open horizons, so let’s see what comes forth.
London born Tony Kelly of Jamaican parents grew up in Jamaica and returned to live in Birmingham in 1979.
He is a graduate of Mico Teachers’ College and taught in Kingston high schools prior to working for 30+ years as a middle manager in central and local government with an emphasis on equity, equality, diversity and inclusion. He has a masters’ degree in socio-legal studies from the university of Birmingham.
For over a decade Tony has volunteered as a diabetes ambassador firstly for Diabetes UK and now for the National Health Service – Birmingham and Solihull Clinical Commissioning Group. A multi-award winner doing a yearly average of 150 health and well-being events, locally, nationally and internationally focusing on type 2 diabetes. He was diagnosed with this medical condition 18 years ago. However with a combination of physical activity and diet he has never taken medication thus proving with the right mindset and discipline it can be achieved.
As a diabetes advocate/activist Tony will continue delivering the message of healthy options to readers of CaribDirect.com .
1 comment
Interesting thoughts. I enjoy perusing your articles. I will attempt to think of a worthwhile topic for your “novel approach” to completing your fortnightly assignment. By the way, you may think of extending your own initiative. Look at the negative aspects of online research and technology on the minds of todays children (use different age groups). I think it is appallingly pathetic that children are so advanced in certain technology and yet are unable to Read!