Fixing Jamaica:Under 40 & forging ahead

AT THE last census, nearly half Jamaica's population was under age 40. This group represents the country's immediate future and much is expected of them.

Of this cohort, 80 per cent enrolled at the tertiary level are women, many of whom end up in the productive sector, some as entrepreneurs, while others join the civil service and service industry.

The same under-40 age group, according to police statistics, accounts for the bulk of criminal activities across the island.

Today, The Sunday Gleaner turns to this under-40 cohort to explore positive initiatives persons have undertaken or believe will fix the ills that plague Jamaica.

From home decor to legal-fee funding and litigant support, Jamaica's next-generation entrepreneurs are forging ahead, following the dream that has driven their passion.

Fighting valiantly to stay afloat in a tight-fisted economy, some of them shared their ideas and challenges, and suggested solutions.

Janel Pantry, for example, believes strongly that small businesses such as hers will do well in Jamaica if the Government canvasses bright young minds and opens more financial doors to assist them.

In exploring the issues at stake, Jamaica's burgeoning business leaders, like Pantry, are joined by young politicians elected to the House of Representatives, educators in the hallowed halls of learning, and members of the clergy.

St Ann North West Member of Parliament, Othniel Lawrence, believes that political unity is critical to the way forward.

"From time to time, you would see a lot of politicking going on … . I would like to see all of us working to reach consensus in the interest of the people of this country, regardless of which party we belong to," he said.

Businessman John Azar offers advice to the financial sector.

"The economy," he shared, "has to be fixed so businesses can thrive. "I have watched the purchasing power of a number of clients dwindle, and this is bad for business."

Principal of Spanish Town High School, Clayton Hall, on the other hand, believes in rescuing young men, and challenged those in the education sector "to dispel the notion that males are underachievers in education".

Leadership, said the Rev Samuel Green, is what matters.

"We need better role models as it relates to leaders at the community level and at the national level. To break down the barriers, we also need to recognise that people are in need of resources, and be willing to provide some of those resources," he said.