In the search for solutions to the miasma of disorder permeating daily Jamaican life, there often is much focus on what is perceived to be the sources of chaos. They may be physical areas, notably the many inner-city communities; a practice such as the high incidence of teenage pregnancy and abortions, currently the subject of vigorous emotive rather than substantive debate; a substance such as narcotics; an object, such as the gun; or a class of persons, such as the deportees.

Often, whatever the starting point of the discussion, it tends to lead back to a focus on the dysfunction manifested in the lives of the poor and dispossessed. Yet, there is an abundance of evidence that undercuts the easy analysis that writes off so many Jamaicans as potential or actual miscreants.

Through features such as His Story and now, Ghetto Gems, The Gleaner has brought to the fore the stories of several young men from poor inner-city communities who have struggled against social and economic odds to eke out a decent living for themselves and their families. One such was yesterday's 'ghetto gem' - photographer Alan Lewin from Paradise Rowe, Montego Bay, St James. And while he did not fall formally into the same category, no one could deny the shining qualities of Orlando Ringrose, the 18-year-old whose story of industry in support of his pregnant young partner also appeared in yesterday's edition.

encourage other men

By telling their stories, we not only speak to the unfortunate stereotyping, but also seek to encourage other men from a similar background, who can locate themselves in the scenarios that are presented, to continue on a path of dignity. Telling these stories, though, is a mere fraction of what needs to be developed into a definite plan to motivate promising manhood.

Too often, it is the miscreant who gets the most attention, while hard-working men and students committed to the pursuit of academic excellence are taken for granted. So, where there is a programme to rescue the marginalised male, let there be a project to reward those who have decided to not be marginalised (and this would be outside of rewards for outstanding academic achievement and leadership, etc).

The truth is, too, that many of today's success stories in industry and academia have been reluctant to share their journey from privation to affluence - perhaps a reflection of the continuing psychological legacy of the colonial experience where it is considered important to distance oneself from one's humble origins as much as possible.

Yet, there are many young men like Messrs Lewin and Ringrose who need a nod of encouragement to keep them on the path which will make them gems that sparkle delightfully, rather than persons who slice and cause harm.

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