Hill

This week The Gleaner is presenting the thoughts of influential leaders in society, on the more positive features of the nation in which we live. Today we bring you the views of Aubyn Hill, chief executive officer of Corporate Strategies Limited.

One of the great goods I've noticed since I returned to Jamaica is the amazingly large number of people who go out of their way, at great personal cost and expense to themselves, to do good to and for others.

The headlines which sell newspapers scream otherwise, but there is a great sense and practice of noblesse oblige from persons who are noble of character and rich in spirit - even when they may be numbered among the materially needy themselves. Many who are less needy give of their money and time to help others who are helpless.

The people at RISE (formerly Addiction Alert), the Salvation Army, Swallowfield Chapel's Youth Reaching Youth, Mustard Seed, teachers who are committed to really educating their students and nurses and doctors who work way beyond the call of duty all come to mind.

Reservoir of goodness

Also, the fact that Jamaicans really do love Jamaica is a fantastic reservoir of goodness that keeps us going through hard times and good seasons. And it's not just Jamaicans who live here. While I lived overseas, my love did not wane for a moment; instead, it increased the longer I stayed. Regular visits, copious dollops of vintage and classical reggae music and the occasional authentic Jamaican meal in a foreign community keep the love of the diaspora burning bright.

The burgeoning phalanx of world record-breaking or Olympic record-holding Jamaican men and women athletes boggles the mind (given our population size) and is a wonderful Jamaican brand enhancement exercise which makes us very proud. It is a great good about Jamaica.