This year has been a very interesting year, perhaps one of the most eventful in Jamaica’s recent history. And as many others take turns rehashing the most noteworthy events, TEENage would like to add our two cents to the discussion, highlighting the stories that had implications for our nation’s young people.

The attempted hijacking of CanJet Flight 918

On April 19, 21-year-old Stephen Fray barged past security personnel, boarded a plane destined for Canada and attempted to hijack it. The situation was defused without incident and it was later revealed that Fray was a schizophrenic, and that his illness may have contributed to his actions. The incident should serve as a wake up call for many young persons, who often tend to believe that they are invincible and that paying attention to their mental health is unnecessary. Deteriorating mental health doesn’t always take the form exhibited by Fray. There are more common ailments such as depression, inability to control anger, or feeling unloved; most of which can be uncovered by simply sharing your thoughts and feelings with those who will listen. So do yourselves a favour TEENs and talk it out.

Jamaica’s success at the World Athletics Championships in Berlin, Germany

Jamaica’s track and field team returned from the World Athletics Championships in Berlin, Germany this past summer with 13 medals, our best medal haul from a senior athletics event to date. Undoubtedly, we as TEEN’s can take satisfaction in knowing that our athletes, many of whom are not far from us in age, can put in hard work and reap both success and international recognition. The message here is quite clear, striving for excellence reaps very tangible rewards.

The Government’s tax packages

In many cases, TEEN’s are content to ignore current affairs, focusing instead on the latest gadget or musical release from our favourite artistes. Many of them may have therefore missed the fact that the nation will be saddled with heavier taxes come next year, but with many parents and guardians vowing to curb spending in order to weather the escalating cost of living — due in part to the proposed taxes — some TEENs will definitely have to brace for impact. For some, it may mean getting a cheaper pair of shoes than they are accustomed to. For others, it may mean sacrificing some of their lunch money so that their parents can pay a bill. Under such circumstances, lending a helping hand to a fellow TEEN may be a more valuable gesture than it initially appears.

The killing of Fern Court High School student Garon Jones

Sixteen-year-old Fern Court High student Garon Jones was stabbed to death at school by a boy who wasn’t part of the Fern Court student body. The boy gained entry to the compound by stealing and wearing a Fern Court crest on his own uniform. The incident was a crude reminder of the extreme levels to which school conflicts can escalate, as well as the need to institute violence prevention policies within some schools. Each TEEN, however, has a role to play in preventing school violence and ways in which they can help do so include walking away from an escalating conflict and practising humility/modesty. As our soaring murder rate suggests, the last thing Jamaica needs are more youths who resort to violence to address personal issues.

The crash of American Airlines Flight 331

Whether you chose to call it a crash or an ‘incident’, the situation which led to the destruction of American Airlines Flight 331 last Tuesday made us all realise the unpredictability of life as well as the fact that miracles do happen. Had the plane travelled just eight feet farther than the place where it came to rest, it is quite possible that many would have lost their lives. The truth is that we often forget to be thankful for both small and big mercies so, considering the many things we have to be thankful for, let us make this a habit as we move into the new year.