THE EDITOR, Madam:
THE ARTICLE 'Job hunters give up search' in The Gleaner of August 6 paper provides much food for thought. It points once again to the fact that many Jamaicans have lost hope. In recent years, the increased rate of suicide in our small yet troubled island, also points to the growing malaise among Jamaicans (mostly the young) who are beginning to feel that life in Jamaica is desolate and unbearable.
We should consider the implications of these problems for Jamaica. Prime Minister Patterson in his Independence Day speech noted that Jamaica is still far way off from achieving status as a developing country. Is it then that we have become stagnant in growth? What have we to show for 38 years of Independence?
The economic instability of the country and the rising levels of crime, unemployment and poverty speak volumes about exactly where we are in terms of achieving any real progress. As a result of these and other factors, university graduates like myself grow increasingly frustrated and disillusioned. We are driven to migrate and seek better opportunities in foreign countries as we are often tossed aside and overlooked as we are deemed inexperienced and 'unemployable'.
The mentality still exists, that who you know is more important than what you can do and what you know. This attitude which encourages nepotism and prejudice is counterproductive.
If we are to overcome many of our problems, we must first seek to develop and garner the skills of our youth, who are often more than enthusiastic to contribute to the process of nation building.
I am etc.,
T. BROWN
10 Browning Avenue
Kingston 20
Email: shorti50@yahoo.com
Via Go-Jamaica
