Artiste working on ‘Fully Bright’ bags

Stung by revelations that 'Dunce' backpacks are in high demand on the island, one entertainer has announced plans to introduce 'Fully Bright'-branded school bags in a bid to dissuade youngsters from normalising the 'fully dunce' lifestyle.

This newspaper on Thursday reported that vendors in downtown Kingston did not have enough hands to sell the 'Dunce' branded school bags. One website, slangteez.com, advertises the 'Dunce Pak' for US $74, (approximately J$11,400). The bag is currently sold out on the company's website. In downtown Kingston, vendors said they had designer brand bags to which their suppliers have added the 'Dunce' artwork. Those may cost up to $20,000.

Tongues have been wagging throughout the society since the publication of the article. Reggae artiste and medical doctor Shaka Pow, who introduced the Fully Bright initiative in schools last academic year, felt gutted when he learnt about the Dunce Pak. He told THE WEEKEND STAR that he has had preliminary discussions with his graphic designer and plans are afoot to create 'Fully Bright' bags to counter the 'dunce' trend.

"Once you are an adult, you are free to do what you want to do, but I do not think Dunce bags should be endorsed by children," he said.

"The Dunce bags do look trendy and encourage one to dream. It's good for college students and those who have completed high school. It is freedom of expression, but it's definitely the wrong message for school kids," he added.

Stewart Jacobs, president for the National Parent Teacher Association of Jamaica, expressed dismay when told about the 'dunce bags'.

"It is a very sad state and it is very irresponsible of any parent who would give a child to put their books in it and label it as dunce," Jacobs said.

Shaka Pow, meanwhile, is confident that his 'Fully Bright' backpack will hug the backs of countless Jamaican students. He said the bags could become available within a week.