Two recent reports appearing in the UK media have been generating mixed reactions among Jamaicans. Trevor MacDonald's 'Secrets of the Caribbean' has been widely criticised by Jamaicans here and in the UK for showing Jamaica in a very bad light and many grit their teeth and put on a fierce countenance at this 'outrage'.

On the other hand, in a classic case of emotional dissonance, another report tells us that Jamaicans are the third happiest set of nationals on planet Earth. Well, even if we were not all that happy heretofore, this latter media salvo has certainly generated happiness; the 'gritting' of teeth has, in a flash, been superseded by 'grinning', and in fact, great peals of mirth.

The best medicine

Laughter, it is often said, is the best medicine, and so we are now awaiting the other report telling us that we are among the healthiest people on Earth. Since we seem to be on a roll here, and have grasped a sense of how real development may be obtained instantly, as it were, it must be noted that another timeless adage teaches that health is wealth. And so, before long we should read a report that Jamaicans have the third highest per capita income in the world. This is a great, circular situation which will generate more laughter and, therefore, an even greater degree of health.

More serious aspect

Sir Trevor's report is of a more serious aspect altogether. As a Caribbean national trying to make his mark as a journalist in the UK, many suspect that he is biased in the sense of overemphasising faults and ignoring virtues. Nevertheless, the greatest repudiation of the alleged mindset of Sir Trevor would be the drastic reduction of serious, hard core, violent, crime in Jamaica.

How is this to be achieved? The 'two Jamaicas' syndrome which has existed from the settlement of this nation must give way to inclusiveness. Many potential avenues of employment can be achieved by serious emphasis on a 'green' economy, including the local manufacture of 'green' cars, and solar energy equipment. With our climatic conditions, it is almost a travesty that solar-charged stoves/ovens are not made in Jamaica, nor are they in widespread use.

I am, etc.,

PATRICK BLAKE

mysterymonpatrick@hotmail.com