Editor’s noteThis year, the Print and Online Journalism Class of 2011 decided to usethe medium of CARIMAC Times, to bring to the fore issues relating togroups in Jamaica that are stigmatised.

Our theme, Breaking the Stigma, brought to life the stories of the poor, homeless, overweight, disabled, HIV and AIDS victims, prostitutes, homosexuals, men in the performing arts, and many others who facegrave discrimination. Articles from this edition went beyond looking atthe mere issues of how groups were being stigmatised against, to how thisdicrimination is affecting the country on a whole and what it says aboutus as a people.

As Jamaicans, we are sometimes unaware of how we treat various groups especially those who may be at a disadvantage, and the effect our actionscan have on them. Often times it is in failing to act that we also allowthe discrimination to continue.

During our tenure at the Caribbean Institute of Media and Communication, we have come to understand how Journalism can be usedas a tool to bring a voice to the voiceless and to advocate for those whocannot do so for themselves. As journalists grounded in these principles,it is our intent that these articles will prompt discussions on how Jamaicacan take a stand to stop discrimination. We also hope that the discussionsdo not only start and stop after reading the articles but that it moves usto action.

Patrique GoodallEditor