Jamaica is a paradise, but not for its citizens

THE EDITOR, Madam:

As a young adult living in Jamaica, I’m often asked why so many of us dream of leaving the island, which is often painted as paradise to the rest of the world. To tourists, Jamaica is sun, sand, and reggae. But for those of us trying to build a life here, it’s a different story – a story that’s not all steel drums and beach vibes.

Imagine graduating with a degree in Child and Adolescent Development, full of hope and eager to contribute to the future of your country. Now imagine spending the next two years selling footwear because no one will hire you in your field. That was my reality. Eventually, I found myself in the classroom, not because it was my passion, but because it was one of the few options left. But even then, I’m paid as a pre-trained graduate, pending a diploma in teaching that I can’t afford to pay for, leaving me in a financial limbo. Add to that the burden of student loans, which have only grown as I struggled to keep up with payments while balancing other bills and the costs of further education.

Need a passport? Prepare to lose a day – maybe two or three – dealing with red tape. Want to open a bank account? Block off your calendar. Every errand here seems to demand a battle with inefficiency, as if time isn’t money. And it’s not just a hassle; it’s a financial strain, especially when you’re already drowning in debt.

Here I am, 27 years old, married, and wondering how in the world I can raise children in a place that makes even the simplest tasks feel like a Herculean feat. It’s heartbreaking because I love this country. But loving Jamaica doesn’t blind me to its flaws. The very system that should be nurturing us is pushing us away, and the government wonders why young, educated people are packing their bags.

I don’t want to leave, but it’s hard to stay. And that’s a painful truth many of us face every day. We want to build our lives here, but the deck feels stacked against us. So, we daydream of migration, not because we don’t love Jamaica, but because we want a chance at a future that feels impossible here.

Isn’t it time we start talking about how to make Jamaica not just a paradise for tourists, but also for those of us who call it home?

D.W.M.