Marks

This week The Gleaner is presenting the thoughts of influential leaders in society, on the more positive features of Jamaica. Today we bring you the views of Audrey Marks, president/chief executive officer, Paymaster Jamaica Ltd.

Internationally, Jamaica has enjoyed a level of cultural and political influence that for many decades has been way out of proportion to its population and economy. This is due to the individual and collective talents and achievements of our musicians, athletes, entrepreneurs, academicians, political leaders and unfortunately our gangsters. We have not been afraid to take leadership roles in geopolitical issues, like the struggle against apartheid, the fight for more equitable terms of trade and to lend our voice against global economic disparity.

In spite of our long-term economic challenges, Jamaica has, over the past two generations, spawned some of the most creative and industrious entrepreneurs this side of the hemisphere. Jamaica is not being held back by the lack of talent or industry of its people, but by the absence of leadership focused on policies that are necessary to create an environment in which our collective energies can be constructively channelled and equitably rewarded.

The DNA of overcomers

What is right about Jamaica is the resilience of our people. We have the DNA of overcomers. The Jamaican society began with people who, for the most part, began at the bottom of the social ladder. This is certainly true of the English, Scottish and Irish, rounded off the streets and sent here against their will; the Jews who came here to escape persecution in Portugal; the Africans who were enslaved and brought here by force; and the Chinese and Indians who came as indentured servants. Over time, all of these migrant peoples survived and today we, their descendants, have resilience rooted in our DNA!

Ability to survive

This is seen in our ability to survive in business with minimal capital, educate our children on shoestring budgets; build houses block by block on minimum income and cooperate with each other through partner plans and informal loan schemes. We learn and excel at new skills very quickly, especially when we emigrate and get the opportunity, but we never forget our roots and obligations - as reflected in our country's high level of remittance inflows.

In addition, there is a vibrancy and openness to the Jamaican culture, food, art, dance, religion and the willingness of most Jamaicans to accept the difference in others - that makes this country an unforgettable melting pot and still the right place to be.