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National Heroes of Jamaica: Honoring Legends of the Caribbean

Posted on By ptrancoso

National Heroes Day, celebrated each year on the third Monday of October, is a time when Jamaicans come together to honour the courageous individuals who played a vital role in shaping their nation’s history. From their fights for freedom and justice to their contributions toward building a unified, independent Jamaica, these heroes symbolize resilience, vision, and strength. Established in 1969, this day commemorates not only Jamaica’s seven National Heroes but also acknowledges the ongoing achievements of Jamaicans who continue to inspire. National Heroes Day is marked by ceremonies, parades, and the awarding of national honours to those who excel in public service, sports, and culture; an annual reflection of Jamaica’s indomitable spirit and gratitude for those who have paved the way.

Each year on the third Monday of October, Jamaica celebrate a time dedicated to the incredible men and women who fought for the rights, freedom and identity of the Jamaican people. These heroes are viewed as inspiring symbols of strength, they have made incredibly important contributions to Jamaica’s independence and development leaving an indelible mark on its history. The first Heroes Day in Jamaica started in 1969. Alexander Bustamante was the first prime minister of Jamaica and also the first person to be honoured during National Heroes Day. Other Jamaican figures honoured on this day include Marcus Garvey, Nanny of the Maroon, Sam Sharpe, Paul Bogle, George William Gordon, and Norman Manley.

The day is celebrated in many ways in Jamaica including laying wreaths on national heroes’ monuments and graves. There are often parades across the country and local community events to mark the day. The Jamaican government also presents national awards to individuals on this day. This is to celebrate their significant achievements in sports, culture, or public service.

Here are the seven heroes of Jamaica and their contributions to the country. 

  1. Marcus Garvey – a visionary pan-Africanist, Garvey advocated for black empowerment and unity worldwide. His legacy of promoting self-reliance and black pride still inspires millions.
  2. Nanny of the Maroons – the only female hero, Nanny led the Maroons in their resistance against British colonization. A warrior and a symbol of resilience, she used guerrilla tactics to secure freedom for her people.
  3. Paul Bogle – known for leading the Morant Bay rebellion in 1865, Bogle was a Native Baptist deacon who fought against social injustice and the oppressive conditions post-emancipation. His bravery ignited changes in Jamaica’s political landscape.
  4. George William Gordon – a businessman and politician, Gordon advocated for the rights of the poor and disenfranchised. He was unjustly executed for his support of the Morant Bay rebellion, but his dedication to justice made him a martyr.
  5. Sam Sharpe – a Native Baptist preacher and leader of the Christmas Rebellion of 1831 believed in peaceful protest for freedom from slavery. His execution only accelerated the abolition of slavery in Jamaica.
  6. Sir Alexander Bustamante – Jamaica’s first prime minister, Bustamante played a key role in labour movements and the island’s push for independence, earning the love and respect of the Jamaican people.
  7. Norman Manley – a brilliant lawyer and Bustamante’s cousin, Manley co-founded the People’s National Party (PNP). He was instrumental in the island’s journey to self-government and independence.

Each year on the third Monday of October, Jamaica celebrates “National Heroes Day,” honoring the seven incredible National Heroes . On National Heroes Day, Jamaicans reflect on the courage, vision, and determination of these seven heroes. They are not just names from the past but symbols of Jamaica’s relentless spirit, each one contributing to the nation’s freedom, justice, and unity.

Happy National Heroes Day, Jamaica, from CAMP Studio. We appreciate and honour all of the sacrifices made that have shaped the world we often take for granted today.

11 Clever Ways To Stop a Bully!

Posted on By ptrancoso

Dealing with a bully can be tough since people rarely notice that they’re siding with one; thereby indirectly rewarding their behaviours. But there are effective ways to handle the situation. There are many reasons why someone may be a victim of bullying. Here’s a list of 11 Clever Ways To Stop a Bully in their tracks while maintaining your confidence and peace of mind.

1. Stay Calm and Confident

Bullies usually have underlying mental health issues and to solve this, they often gain strength from your emotional reactions, so try not to give them one. Stand tall, make eye contact, and respond calmly. Your confidence can make them think twice about picking on you.

2. Use Humor to Deflect

Humour can disarm a bully by shifting the power dynamic. A light-hearted joke or playful comeback can make the situation less intense and show that you’re not easily intimidated.

3. Ignore and Walk Away

Sometimes, the best response is no response at all. By ignoring the bully and walking away, you’re showing that they don’t have control over your emotions, which can take away their motivation to continue.

4. Find Strength in Numbers

Surround yourself with friends who have your back. This is one of the strongest techniques to ward off bullies. Bullies are less likely to target you when you’re in a group because it makes you seem less vulnerable.

5. Distract with a Change of Subject

If you’re confronted by a bully, try changing the topic to something unrelated. This can throw them off guard and diffuse the tension, giving you a chance to steer the interaction in a different direction.

6. Use Positive Body Language

Non-verbal cues like maintaining an open posture, standing up straight, and keeping a relaxed expression can communicate confidence, which can make the bully less likely to continue.

7. Get Support from Bystanders

If others are around, calmly ask for their support. Sometimes bystanders aren’t sure what to do, but when you enlist their help, they’re often willing to step in and offer support.

8. Talk to Someone You Trust

Sharing your experiences with a friend, family member, or school counsellor can give you emotional support and practical advice. You don’t have to face a bully alone.

9. Document the Behavior & Report To Authorities

Keep a record of bullying incidents, noting dates, times, and what happened. This can be helpful in reporting the behaviour to someone in authority. Don’t hesitate to seek help from teachers, administrators, or human resources if the bullying continues. They can take steps to address the situation and ensure a safer environment.

10. Stay Safe Online

If you’re dealing with a cyberbully, avoid engaging with them and block their accounts. Report inappropriate behaviour to the platform administrators, and consider adjusting your privacy settings to limit their access.

11. Stay True to Yourself, and Practice Self Care!

Remember that bullying often reflects more about the bully than about you. Focus on your strengths and what makes you unique, and don’t let anyone undermine your self-worth. Dealing with a bully can be stressful, so take time for activities that make you happy and help you relax. Self-care strengthens your resilience and helps you cope with challenging situations.

Each situation is unique, so consider which strategies might work best for you. And remember, you have the right to feel safe and respected. Never hesitate to seek help if you need it.

November 1st marks the International Day against violence and bullying at school including cyberbullying. It is an international commemoration observed by UNESCO. This day calls on learners, parents, members of education communities, education authorities and a range of sectors and partners, including the tech industry, to take a part in preventing all forms of violence and fostering safe learning environments, so important for the health, well-being and learning of children and youth. 

What is Joke for Children: Understanding Why Bullies Bully & How to Spot the Early Warning Signs

Posted on By ptrancoso

In the Caribbean, the saying “Joke for children is death for Crapo” serves as a cautionary proverb, reminding us that what may seem harmless to some can have severe consequences for others. This wisdom rings especially true in the context of bullying.

The recent tragedy involving Jayden Lalchan, a 15-year-old from Trinidad who took his own life due to prolonged bullying, highlights the urgent need for understanding and action. It’s time to recognise why bullying happens, how to spot the signs, and what can be done to intervene early.

Why Do Bullies Become Bullies?

Bullying is a complex behaviour with various underlying causes. In many cases, children who bully others are facing issues themselves:

  • Home Environment: Exposure to violence, neglect, or overly harsh discipline at home can lead to aggressive behaviours. Children may mimic what they see or experience, using bullying as a way to assert control.
  • Personal Insecurities: Many bullies struggle with low self-esteem or unresolved emotional issues, which they mask through dominance over others.
  • Peer Pressure and Cultural Norms: In some Caribbean contexts, rough play or teasing may be normalised, blurring the line between harmless fun and harmful behaviour. Peer pressure can encourage children to act out to gain acceptance.

Early Warning Signs of a Bully

Parents and teachers can play a critical role in identifying bullying behaviours before they escalate. Some signs to watch for include:

  • Increased Aggression: Children who frequently exhibit physical or verbal aggression towards peers may be showing early signs of bullying tendencies.
  • Defensiveness or Blame Shifting: If a child often deflects blame onto others and refuses to take responsibility for their actions, this could indicate a need for intervention.
  • Social Manipulation: This can include excluding peers from groups, spreading rumours, or using social media to target others. Such behaviours may begin subtly but can escalate quickly.

Steps to Intervene and Turn the Situation Around

Taking early action can prevent bullying behaviours from becoming ingrained. Here are some steps to help:

  • Open Communication: Encourage open dialogue with children about their feelings and relationships. Let them know it’s safe to talk about anything that troubles them.
  • Positive Reinforcement: Use positive behaviour modelling to encourage empathy and kindness. Praise actions that show respect for others.
  • Collaborate with Schools: If bullying signs appear, work with educators to create an action plan. Schools need to actively monitor situations and establish clear consequences for bullying.

CAMP Studio Video Gets Selected for Canadian Film Festival School Program

Posted on By ptrancoso

 

The Regent Park Film Festival in Canada selects Caribbean Amp Studio Ltd (CAMP Studio) to be featured in over 3000 schools across the Great Toronto Area (GTA) in Canada. 

Regent Park Film Festival is a charitable organization and is one of the largest film festivals in Canada. 

Regent Park runs a Media Education Program. This program also creates a dialogue surrounding crucial social issues affecting Toronto’s diverse student population and CAMP Studio is happy to be a part of it.

The Film, “An Emancipation Story”, has become even more popular in Canada since the country started to recognize Emancipation Day this year.  

Petriann Trancoso-Millard, co-producer of the film, said she knew that the company’s desire to educate and improve the mind’s of children was important, but she didn’t know that it would be recognized by people in other parts of the world so quickly.  The company is the brainchild of her 7-year-old son Ki Millard. Ki is the voice-over actor for the film and is quite excited about it all after starting off the business with his parents.

 

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Ki invites kids worldwide to online Show & Tell event

Posted on By ptrancoso

“I really want to see what other people come up with!!”  Those were the words said by Ki as he just finished planning what to do for World Children’s Day and the rest of the year with his parents.

After a short series of videos that were made to help kids know more about Public Holidays in Trinidad and Tobago, the CAMP Studio team is expanding their series of Local Holidays, starting with Universal Children’s Day

This time the team invites his friend Maddison Caxton to share in the fun and celebrate with Ki on Universal Children’s Day on the 20th November 2021.

Ki and Maddison have decided to invite kids to share their videos on how they plan to celebrate Universal Children’s Day.


That means that kids from anywhere in the world can send in their videos from October 15th to November 15th, 2021, and have them featured on CAMP studio’s YouTube channel.

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Six year old Boy Launches Film Company

Posted on By ptrancoso

When Ki’s first video ( An Emancipation Story ),  hit over 2,000 views on YouTube, he could hardly contain his excitement.  At just Six (6) years old , he received positive comments from kids and parents he never met.  He was encouraged to do more videos just like he wanted to since he was 2 years old. 

When the Covid-19 pandemic hit Trinidad and Tobago, by July 2020, His mother Petriann and her husband realized that it became a real challenge to keep Ki, entertained and engaged. One day Ki came with some homework for emancipation day. They decided to go further by putting their content on YouTube.

Ki and his family didn’t plan on their first short film experiencing growth. They just wanted to make a really good video.  The film bug caught on quickly and they decided to do their second video, ‘What is Independence’.  Somehow, their second video was an even bigger hit in Trinidad and Tobago. It seemed that Ki and his family stumbled onto something. Teachers and Parents needed content to teach kids about things that matter in Trinidad and Tobago.  

Petriann said, “We realized that children in the Caribbean want content that represents them, that reminds them of home.” She continued, “ Ki always wanted to do two things: 1. Be a builder and 2. Make YouTube videos”. 

After getting permission from Muhammud Muwakil of Freetown collective and the Dayo Bejide Organic Music Movement to use their music. They reached out to Kaila Knight and Emile Fortune to help finish the video and audio tracks. The family realized it was possible to make meaningful content that inspires and encourages children. At that moment they decided to support their son Ki and help run his company Caribbean Amp Studio Ltd  (CAMP Studio).  CAMP Studio was born and has been planning its growth ever since.

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