THE EDITOR, Sir:
I FIRST intended to write a letter admonishing Jamaica on its rapid descent into violence, but I can muster no anger. In my heart is nothing but sadness and disappointment. I left my then 'wonderful' home of Jamaica in 1998 to attend college in the United States. Now on my way to obtaining a doctorate, I am wondering why should I ever return?
In the year 2005 I lost four friends to Jamaica's incessant violence, the last of whom was killed on December 31. I used to think that Jamaica was not that bad. My cousins and I would travel in many areas most would not dare, but one can never see the picture for what it is unless you step away from the canvas. On the world stage, Jamaica is now famous (or infamous) for four main things - Bob Marley, Sean Paul, ganja and its ever increasing murder rate. It seems we are doing poorly in football, so-so in cricket, but 'wonderfully' in crime.
Jamaica is my country and it will be my country till the day I die, but what can I be proud of? All of its achievements are sullied by its current situation. Many do not realise the cause-and-effect forces at work. Crime rate increases, tourism visits decrease, international investments decrease and brain drain increases, as many who can afford to leave do so. The overall result is a rapid decline of the economy, which in turn causes a further increase in the crime rate, as people use any means necessary to survive.
Should I return to my home country? The answer to that question is debatable. The real questions are will I return, and of those in a similar position as I, how many will return?
I am, etc.,
GAVIN GARVEY
djgavin@dancehallfm.com
Orlando, Florida
Via Go-Jamaica
