News > Psychology Builds Bridges for Tomorrow
Psychology Builds Bridges for Tomorrow
Presenter Dr. Ronald Jean Jacques, Haitian psychologist and translator Dr. Guerda Nicolas, Haitian-American Psychologist at the University of Miami. The world will not soon forget the catastrophic 7.0 magnitude earthquake that rocked the island nation of Haiti on January 12, 2010. Thousands died within minutes. Many breathed their last breath; buried under rubble too heavy to lift, their final screams muffled under layers of fallen debris. Families were separated, mothers and fathers frantically searched for their children, many of which would never be seen again. The psychological impact of this event on a population of more than 10 million was the centre of discussion for Haitian psychologist Dr. Ronald Jean Jacques during an open forum on the "Psychology of National Building", held recently at The College of The Bahamas. 
Conference attendees at the public forum held at COB Dr. Jacques and several psychologists from around the Caribbean and The Bahamas recently shared their research findings on issues germane to their respective homelands during the 2011 Caribbean Regional Conference of Psychology (CRCP) held November 14-18. Under the theme:" Psychological Science & Well-Being: Building Bridges for Tomorrow", psychologists, students and the general public convened at the Wyndham Nassau Resort & Crystal Palace Casino and at The College of The Bahamas for a week of insightful workshops, keynote addresses, plenary and roundtable discussions all aimed to build bridges within the Caribbean psychology sector. 
Dr. Ava Thompson and Canon Kirkley Sands, School of Social Science. "The insularity that has characterized psychology in different countries is?really a problem for growth overall. This conference allows open collaboration and dialogue; given our similar challenges, we can work together to address those challenges and move psychology forward to meet the needs of our community," explains Dr. Thompson." Workshops included Regionalizing the Psychology Curriculum, Research Methodology, and Culturally Appropriate Treatment. Lively presentations from scientific, ethical, and practical standpoints were delivered by subject matter experts. Psychologists from The Bahamas, Haiti, Puerto Rico, Cuba and Trinidad and Tobago and other Caribbean nations had the opportunity to present research papers at open forums and symposiums. "The conference was wonderful exchange of ideas and allowing speakers to speak in their language of choice has been very important. We are seeing? similarities in the issues being addressed that will allow us to collaborate? significantly as we move forward," says Dr. Thompson. At CRCP 2011, regional and international psychologists signed the Nassau Declaration 2011 to demonstrate their commitment to establishing a Caribbean Regional Organization of Psychology. The Steering Committee, charged with formalizing this organization, will have representation from all Caribbean countries and its first meeting was held on Friday, November 18th.
Office of Communication |