THE EDITOR, Sir:
I AGREE that offering excuses for the present sorry state of affairs in Jamaica is a waste of time. Our situation is quite sad and I believe that the only way toward improvement is Jamaican innovation, sacrifice and hard, hard work.
Every country that has enjoyed relative prosperity has done so with great sacrifice. I have had to come to face the increasingly sad reality that many Jamaicans have no hope for our country's improvement! I feel that I have become part of the 'naive' minority who intend to return to/stay in Jamaica after completing school.
My view is that Jamaica has a tremendous capacity to improve. We have an increasingly large amount of university graduates who should be the driving force of change in the society. I suspect though, that our society needs a catalyst for change. Jamaicans continue to leave the country because there is no national vision, no rallying cry for improvement.
Personally, I'll go for any government that will seriously go about creating the conditions for the nurturing of serious enterprises. Young Jamaicans must be encouraged to start businesses. That is the very reason that some of us have attended college. We have been equipped with the skills to go out and contribute as employees but even more so as employers.
Instead, many of my contemporaries leave with the view of just 'getting a work,' instead of implementing ideas and creating new job opportunities. We need to dream big and be prepared to fight to see that dream come to life.
I personally have every intent of starting my own company in Jamaica. The current economic climate may not support this but it will be done. If one can create a company and employ people in Jamaica, then Jamaica would have moved a little bit further towards economic growth.
There is a massive onus on our government, whoever they may be, to be a catalyst. The conditions to create and encourage economic growth are for the most part, dependent on government policy.
I pray that whoever forms our next government will approach economic policy from a modern and practical point of view. I know that sacrifices will have to be made: all a necessary part of righting the ship that I am proud to call my home.
I am etc.,
MARLON JOHNSON
mhj_007@hotmail.com
Via Go-Jamaica
