Gospel deejay Cleve 'Stitchie' Laing, guest artiste, performs at yesterday's Men's Conference 2008 held at the Emmanuel Apostolic Church on Slipe Road. The event was staged under the banner 'Man Enough For The Times?' - Norman Grindley/Acting Photography Editor

SCORES OF MEN affirmed that they were man enough for these challenging times by attending yesterday's Gleaner-sponsored Men's Conference at the Emmanuel Apostolic Church on Slipe Road, St Andrew.

The theme of the conference this year queried whether Jamaican men were 'Man Enough for the Times?'

Men from different ends of the social pendulum descended upon the venue, which was a stone's throw away from Cross Roads. Young men from inner-city communities such as Majesty Gardens were well represented at the conference.

Not even distance would prove too difficult a hindrance, as some men travelled miles to prove that they were man enough for the times. Men came from as far as St James, Portland and St Thomas to attend the conference that got under way at 9 a.m.

morning well spent

The morning was well spent for the participants. Many of those who attended the function had gathered at the venue from as early as 8 a.m., anticipating its start, marked by a remarkable performance by guest artiste Cleve 'Stitchie' Laing. The Word in Movement dance group also performed.

The guest speakers at the event were Bishop Peter Morgan of City Life Ministries, the Reverend Dr Aaron Dumas, host of popular radio programme 'Dear Pastor', and Bishop Everton Thomas of the Emmanuel Apostolic Church.

The ministers spoke on the following topics, respectively: 'Understanding the Male Ego', 'Relationships and Male Sexuality' and 'Pursuing a Life Plan.'

In addition to the presentations by the speakers, the conference facilitated a lively question-and-answer segment.

While some men lamented that the system and culture were designed to keep men marginalised, others countered that men should stop pointing fingers and whining, but instead get up and take advantage of the opportunities that were available.