THE EDITOR, Sir:

CHANGE WILL not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for.

Have you every really taken a second to assess the myriad of problems Jamaica faces today? We can readily identify issues such as violence, poverty, lack of employment and, for many, a complete lack of enjoyment.

I am a proud Jamaican. Besides sharing nationality with the likes of Marcus Garvey, Norman Manley, Bob Marley, Louise Bennett-Coverley, Merlene Ottey and Usain Bolt, what warms my heart the most is the uniqueness of our culture. We are exceptional in everything we pursue. It is amazing how this little island manages to repeatedly leave an indelible mark in the hearts and minds of many.

All not lost

But, despite its many admirable attributes, Jamaica has managed to make a name for itself in regards to crime, violence and corruption. All is not lost. I believe if we are all more vigilant in executing our civic duties we can create a better Jamaica with better Jamaicans.

Jamaicans today are very passive in their approach toward electing leaders. This was evidenced by a 60 per cent voter turnout in the 2007 general election. In addition, a large number of 'well-thinking' Jamaicans were not enumerated, in the first place. It is impossible for government officials to act in our best interest if they are completely oblivious to what our needs are. The political system will continuously fail us if we continue to fail ourselves.

Appreciate politics, get involved

Immeasurable resources have been invested in fighting crime in Jamaica. But can you envision how much money we would save, how many investors we would attract, how many businesses would be able to thrive, if only crime would stop itself? The alarming 2009 murder toll, already exceeding 1,300, is credited to a very minute percentage of the population. If we all acted in the interest of the nation, instead of self, we would experience insurmountable heights of success and an improved standard of living for all.

Going forward we must develop a greater appreciation for the political process and seek to partake in it. Growing up, I often heard that the children are our future. Ladies and gentlemen, the future is now. In the words of Martin Luther King Jr, "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter." It is up to us, as Jamaicans, to save Jamaica.

I am, etc.,

Jessica Wilson

jesson_87@yahoo.com

Crofts Hill, Clarendon