FILM ON HUMAN RIGHTS AND IMF POLICIES

The 2nd film in the three-part Human Rights Video Series will be shown on Wednesday, January 26, at 7:00 P.M. In the library´s meeting room.

Life + debt. c2003, explores the effect of the International Monetary Fund´s policies on developing countries through Jamaica´s experience with the organization. In order to receive loans from the IMF, the country entered into a tricky agreement with its lenders. The terms of the loan stipulated that Jamaica had to agree to reduce trade barriers by withdrawing its local import restrictions, and thus enter the world market. The local economy became flooded with foreign goods, which were cheaper than those produced locally, resulting in a loss of jobs and economic self-reliance.

Charles Curry-Smithson will lead this discussion. Curry-Smithson is an Associate Dean and Program Director in the Department of Intercultural Service and Leadership Management at the School for International Training. Dr. Curry-Smithson holds a doctorate in human and organizational systems. A member of the SIT faculty since 1989, he teaches courses in Social Change, Leadership, and Organization, and International Policy and Citizen Advocacy. He has worked in several countries, with several NGOs, and in government prior to teaching at SIT. His professional interests include the social, economic, and political dimensions of development and the managerial capacity of civil society organizations to effect positive change.

The Human Rights Video Project is sponsored by the Brooks Memorial Library and theThe Windham World Affairs Council and is dedicated to increasing the public´s awareness of human rights issues throught he medium of documentary films. It was made possible with generous grants from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and the Ford Foundation.