Hilary Robertson-Hickling, Contributor
MY GREATEST WISH for Jamaica in the coming year is that we become a peaceful and prosperous nation. Prosperity will require a greater understanding of what it is to be a productive nation. This country has lost too many days to demonstrations and hurricanes. There is too much idleness and indolence in the country. While I recognise the role that Government must play in creating an environment where entrepreneurship can thrive, individuals, families, communities and organisations must play their role.
Wouldn't it be wonderful if all those who were seeking a job would find one and display an excellent work attitude? There are many business owners who identify the high levels of pilferage and dishonesty by employees. Then there are the employees who identify the sexual harassment and other unethical practices of their employers. While these internal issues dominate our thinking, the people with whom we are competing internationally are surging ahead to improve their competitiveness.
Wouldn't it be wonderful if every baby born in the coming year could be truly wanted by the parents? This would reduce the levels of deprivation, abandonment, neglect and abuse that many of our children are experiencing. Some of us are treating the children that we have made like we have no responsibility for them and that they have to fend for themselves. We see that tomorrow's gunman is often born into a home which does not want him and the tragedy continues when he becomes the father of a child he does not want, made with a woman he does not love. The Christmas story of Jesus and his family provides some important lessons about families and their efforts to find room in a world which marginalises them.
FEAR CRIPPLING DEVELOPMENT
What if our political, business and civic leaders could be mature enough to sit together to deal with the challenges facing the country instead of point scoring and carrying out character assassination? They would be able to reduce the levels of crime and violence that have helped to create a climate of fear which is crippling our capacity to develop as a country. The level of insecurity also affects our ability to live in peace with each other. There are communities which have been stigmatised as bad places where the residents are shunned. This situation makes life difficult for those who are living overseas or desirous of migrating. Such persons not only face difficulties here, but also the problems of racism overseas.
Small business development has the greatest capacity for helping the economy grow, but many self-employed persons in Jamaica need to take their work seriously; they need to develop their skills and sustain the business beyond one generation. The world is growing more competitive each day and we have to prepare ourselves and remain competitive. Peace and prosperity are possible in Jamaica but we have to work harder and smarter to succeed.
Hilary Robertson-Hickling is a lecturer in the Department of Management Studies, UWI, Mona.
