A shot at redemption

THE EDITOR, Madam:

THE JAMAICAN economy currently can be likened unto a maggot-infested sore. The conditions are rather petrifying, and as a youth, I am now able to understand the rationale behind the high levels of brain drain that we suffer from as a nation. The economic climate proves to be rather suffocating for graduates, as well seasoned professionals alike. I have come to realise that the drive, and the innate desire for individual success is what drives many of our natives outside of Jamaica’s borders.

At this point, we can all truthfully acknowledge the fact that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought a new wave of financial dilemma for many persons. The employed have been severely impacted in many ways by the scaling down of work hours among several other factors. Can you then begin to visualise the crippling impact that the said pandemic must have had on the unemployed? These existing challenges, coupled with the ever-rising costs of simple amenities such as food items, are contributing heavily to the sense of restlessness and utter hopelessness that we are experiencing as youths and, by extension, citizens.

Jamaica was once widely perceived as the ideal place to live, to build successful businesses and raise families. In 2022, I think it is safe to say that this perception no longer holds true. Quite contrarily, the once breathtaking and desired tourist destination is frequently censored by international countries as a ‘no-go zone’ due to high criminal and violent activities. Sweet, sweet Jamaica currently holds a rather distasteful position on the world’s corruption index. Many qualified and promising youths have graduated, and are forced to seek employment outside of the island in an effort to even actualise their set goals and dreams.

By all indications, the adage which says ‘only the fittest of the fittest will survive’ is quickly unveiling right before our very own eyes, within our own borders.

The crime problem that we are currently facing needs some form of immediate intervention. The same goes for the unemployment dilemma; as well as for the rising costs affixed to goods and services alike.

There are many persons like myself who still have a mustard seed of hope left as it relates to the reinvention, and the ultimate redemption of our beautiful land of wood and water. I am still hopeful that we have a shot at redemption as a country, and as such, I would like to seize this opportunity to implore our governing authorities and citizens alike to convene, in an effort to pool ideas aimed at improving the existing conditions within our country.

Let us join heads and hearts, to save sweet, sweet Jamaica. Let us work towards making Jamaica the ideal definition of paradise once more!

SATAJA COKE

NORTHERN CARIBBEAN U

UNIVERSITY