All talk, no action - Blindness prevents master"s degree holder Wilbert Harvey from gaining employment

Contributed

Wilbert Harvey was born blind.

Social worker Wilbert Harvey may have been born blind, but he has a clear vision of a future of equal rights for persons with special needs in Jamaica.

With both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in social work, he is qualified to take on corporate Jamaica. However, according to the 30-year-old, his biggest difficulty has not been living with his disability, but the inability of others to offer equal opportunities.

Since his graduation from the master’s programme at the University of the West Indies, Harvey has not been able to obtain a full-time job.

Gap between the rhetoric and action

He said: “One of the biggest challenges has been the barriers created by society in terms of discrimination, based on ignorance. My story is not an individualistic one either. Various stakeholders, the Government and business entities, in keeping with the global inclusive approach, say they are on board with special needs – that they welcome people like me – but there is a significant gap between the rhetoric and action.”

Harvey said persons with special needs are increasingly ensuring that they are qualified to compete in the corporate world and yet their skills are being underutilised. “I know of one colleague who has been job hunting for more than 20 years and has resorted to other studies as a means of keeping occupied,” he said. “We all have obligations in this society and I just want to highlight this situation and to make an appeal for people like myself not to be boxed into a corner.”

Harvey is considering participating in the upcoming Digicel Foundation 5K Run/Walk which is geared at generating contributions for various special-needs institutions across the island. Taking place on October 11, the 5K Run/Walk is one of the many platforms that Digicel Foundation has utilised to assist those with special needs. Persons interested in participating may register at www.runningeventsja.com.

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All talk, no action - Blindness prevents master"s degree holder Wilbert Harvey from gaining employment

General Degree releases new EP

General Degree – File

Dancehall star General Degree is making a major return with his new EP ‘Bambalam’, now available worldwide from all major digital retailers.

The deejay, born Cardiff Butt in Manchester, blasted on to the music scene more than 20 years ago and has remained on the airwaves and playlists for two decades. Consistently touring and keeping his brand relevant with fans, a rare accomplishment in the dancehall genre, this timeless artiste has returned with a collection of new hits, and the world is taking notice.

Bambalam debuted on the iTunes Canada Reggae Top Albums chart at No.10, on the iTunes US Reggae Top Albums chart at No. 23, and on the iTunes UK Reggae Top Albums chart No. 39.

Its lead track Bambalam peaked at No. 57 on the iTunes US Reggae Top Songs chart.

“I am very happy to know that my EP is getting such a great reception on the international market,” General Degree stated in a release sent to THE WEEKEND STAR. “I’ve been focusing 100 per cent on my career and, to be getting such good results, it’s a wonderful feeling!”

fame

General Degree first gained international fame with his dancehall hits Traffic Blocking, Granny and Boom Boom, which, among other hits, still enjoy airplay and club play worldwide. He now adds another blockbuster to his catalogue with Bambalam, as the title track on the 2014 Zumba Mega Mix 41, the official CD of the dance fitness craze.

The uptempo, high-energy tune has been serviced to all official Zumba instructors and is currently being enjoyed by Zumba aficionados globally. “I want music fans to enjoy my new collection of works as it is some of my best,” he adds.

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General Degree releases new EP

Veteran teacher accused of faking degree

News

Tanesha MundleSunday, September 01, 2013

A veteran teacher of Trench Town High School last week faced the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate’s Court on allegations that he faked his business administration degree.Selvin Stewart, who taught for 21 years at the school, was arrested after he reportedly failed to produce the original certificate for the degree, which he allegedly claimed he earned at Northern Caribbean University (NCU).Stewart reportedly started working at Trench Town in 1991 and four years later was given one year’s study leave to complete his degree.However, on Wednesday when the Kingston 13 resident appeared in court, his attorney Patrick Bailey told Magistrate Georgianna Fraser that he was innocent and a trial date was scheduled for September 6. Stewart’s bail was then extended.According to the police, the newly appointed chairman of the school received information that there were teachers at the school with fraudulent degrees and requested that they submit the original documentation for their qualifications.However, it is alleged that Stewart did not submit the document, which aroused suspicion. As a result, his file was examined and subsequent checks made at NCU to verify a copy of his qualification that was on his file revealed that he had never attended the institution. It is further alleged that checks also revealed that Stewart does not have any Caribbean Examination Council passes.However, the court was also told that checks made by the police revealed that Stewart, who at the time of his resignation was head of the school’s business department, was an excellent teacher and that several of his students were successful in their examinations.
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Veteran teacher accused of faking degree