Forty seven years after gaining Independence it seems that we have squandered our dreams, our aspiration of where we really wanted to go.

Have we achieved much? Yes, a whole lot: infrastructural improvement, improvement in health care and education (even with their challenges), improvement in agriculture, technology (not to mention telecommunication).

Ruling the world

In one sweep, Usain Bolt has impacted the whole world; all by himself (of course with a lot of help all round). And what do we now say: Jamaica rules the world. Is Usain a leader? Yes, a leader who we need to harness to help us transform Jamaica.

Jamaica, since 1962, has been impacted predominantly by our leaders. The fabric of our nation has been woven by our leaders in all spheres. But as much as we have achieved, there is still much to be desired. Yes, as much as we have grown to the place where we are leading the world in athletics (in particular), there is still much to be done.

I put it to you that in our growing up, since 1962, we have placed more emphasis on academic achievement to the detriment of basic manners and high moral values. My mother said this repeatedly, as I was growing up: "mannas carry yu tru di worl!" True!

Great losers

We are where we are today: great achievers yet great losers, because we have upheld one aspect of our development over another, we have upheld academic achievement (we have produced some great academicians), while placing less emphasis on values and attitude. And we are indeed reaping what we have sown. Great things took place in Berlin, but there were some not so good things too.

But, all is not lost! Do you believe that? Believe with me. Politicians are about to be placed out of work. (Smile ... still love you guys). But I declare, most emphatically, that King Jesus has stepped into this nation, to take up the leadership of the nation. More anon.

Millicent Battick

Sbat65@gmail.com

Kingston 19