Sorry for the long silence, it has been a busy few weeks. We had rain, tropical storms, extended power outages – we even had an earthquake!

Well, a little one.

Anyway. Not really all that dramatic in Fairy Hill, just internet, power, and phone outages and some flooding.

So two weeks ago now Group 81 had our Early Service Conference in Ocho Rios. Despite Tropical Storm Nicole happily drenching us every day, the conference was very affirming and balancing. It was the first time that our group was all together since we swore in back in May, so it was a very needed reunion. There were many different elements to the week, but for me, the best part was hearing the trials and successes of other volunteers. It made me realize that, across the board, we all go through similar frustrations and joys. Serving in Peace Corps is our “job” 24/7. Even when we’re not technically working, we are existing and moving around in a different culture, representing our own. It is rare that you can really take off the Peace Corps hat. So when we’re all together, we can  let our guard down, if a little. It’s a very nice feeling.

Here are a couple of pictures from Folly, a little peninsula outside of Port Antonio (this was where the Jerk Fest was held). Angie, Raz and I went exploring and found many beautiful off the beaten track spots.

A different view of Port Antonio.

Work-wise things have been moving along pretty steadily. We have had many meetings recently on various topics that I hope the community will stand behind. Winemaking, solar fruit drying, community garden, library, environment centre, HIV/AIDS awareness and education, etc.

The subject of HIV/AIDS in Jamaica is sometimes a difficult one to approach. A few weeks ago the Ministry of Health sent out a couple representatives to talk to the community about its AIDS statistics, awareness of community members about the disease, stigma, myths, etc. that exist here. While the turnout was low, the information was valuable.  According to the study conducted by the Ministry of Health in February of 2010 (note that only 50 people were interviewed for this study, and the results have not been officially published as yet) , 75% of people stated that they would be willing to get tested with a rapid test; 67% say that they used a condom during their last sex act. Not bad. However; 15% believe HIV/AIDS can be spread by mosquitoes; 47% would not want their kids to go to school with HIV positive children; and 58% would not want to eat at a restaurant if they knew the chef was HIV positive. Other myths include the belief that AIDS can be cured if the infected person has sex with a virgin, or that letting a person with AIDS use your drinking glass means that you will get it if you use the same glass, even after it is cleaned. The issue is very touchy. While waiting outside the centre for the presenters to show up, we chatted with several community members. Whenever someone passed and we spoke about the meeting, they were very guarded and suspicious. If they went would they be asked if they had AIDS? People would surely question their motives if they went. Were other people with AIDS going to be present? They could get infected. It was interesting to see, but sad. The highest percentage of people with the disease are in the 20-30 age range. Young people  not educated about how the disease actually works. I hope that in partnership with the Ministry of Health we are able to erase some of the stigma associated with the disease and educate our young people.

The Saturday of the weekend before our ESC was International Coastal Cleanup Day. We did a small beach cleanup in Port Antonio, but there were events all over the island. The Jamaican Observer wrote an article about the day: Towards-a-groundswell-for-environmental-protection. Another interesting article regarding perceptions of environmentalism and environmental action also found in the editorial section of that publication: Environmental-sustainability-still-not-sexy.

Next week I’m going out to the Discovery Bay Marine Lab to work with two other volunteers in painting a mural depicting coastal and marine ecosystems. It will be nice to check out another part of the island and devote a week to painting!