Skip to main content

The self absorbed leaders of Jamaica and the dying youth


I attended  basic and primary school in the heart of Spanish Town. I then went on to attend high  school in Kingston. Through it all I remained in Spanish Town and for almost 24 years I've called Spanish Town, Jamaica my home. The stigma attached to my community is known worldwide and not much is expected of the people who call it home. Despite the odds against us several high achievers have emerged from Spanish Town. However, I'm not here to focus on Spanish Town today I'm here to speak about the struggles of young people in Jamaica.

While the leaders of my country are busy arguing over apologies, having elections and making decisions about prions,our country is falling apart. Young ladies are being attacked and killed, young men with dreams of making a difference are being killed , young people are graduating with qualifications but no job opportunities. Our leaders have all these visions of hope but apparently our safety comes last on their list of priorities.  Walking home each night sparks fear in me as you just never know when your life will be taken from you in an instance. The news is continually filled with killings but our nation remains mostly silent on the issue. It's as if we have allowed ourselves to become so accustomed to killings that it no longer moves anything in us.

The way I feel about the state of my country is unfortunately  hopelessness.  How can I plan a family here? How can I have peace of mind here? How can I have  actual hopes of being prosperous here? University graduates aren't being paid based on their qualifications, corruption stifles the little hopes we have of trying to make it on the right path and crime hinders us from actually relaxing in complete comfort. I was one of those Jamaican who would proudly state that I want to help build my nation and I would never migrate but those dreams have faded completely. The dreams and hopes of young people in Jamaica aren't priority as our leaders are so self absorbed that they ignore our cries and they continue to put their needs first.

My hope is that someway somehow our leaders will wake up and start to think about  the fact that all the developmental ideas that they have will never come to life if we have security issues. Where in Jamaica do you feel safe? I remember when I used to think of Hanover and Portland as places where I would feel safe but now the crime wave has planted itself in these parishes. Is there hope in Jamaica? We need to refrain from neglecting the serious issues and to get up and ask of our leaders to apologize to us for quickly erasing all the good works of our forefathers.

Comments

Donate

Popular posts from this blog

Reimagining the Big Screen: How Palace Amusement Can Level Up the Jamaican Movie Experience

  As a Digital Marketer in Jamaica, how would I revamp Palace Amusement? Here are some of my ideas: 1. The History of Palace Amusement - Create a campaign highlighting where the company is coming from, where it is now, and where it will be. Speak to grandparents who visited at the start, and have each group share their experience. Tie these experiences in with a film of the time.  2. The Love of Palace – Many couples have had their first dates at the movies, sparking relationships that blossomed into marriages and lifelong love stories. This campaign will highlight some of these real-life romances using a black-and-white aesthetic to evoke nostalgia and emotional connection in a visually captivating TV commercial, which will also be promoted across digital platforms. The campaign will culminate in an in-person event where couples with similar love stories will be invited to a special screening of the romance movie currently showing. Brands will be invited to partner in creati...

The Young are being murdered

The death of the young By:©Saccheen Laing I put on my uniform Armed with books I set out in search of a good education. Streets lined with the blood stains of those who fell on the way  I'm determined to live to see another day But I have no control over those who believe they can have their own way. Armed with guns and knives  They attack me, They assault me, They abuse me , Because they believe they have control over me Because of guns and knives in hand. In my hands I write my plans A singer, an actor, a doctor, a fashion designer or a police man  I clench my fist as my blood runs to join those who fell before  My plans remain in my hands Never to be realized I am young but that means nothing on this land. The blood of the young will replace the ocean that surrounds and beautifies the land How many more shall die before you answer when I ask why? My mother shall cry and bury her son before he becomes a man My brot...

The Jamaica of tomorrow

When shall the change come? Crime and violence ago continue and mash up Jamdung? Street lights come on at night and our window lids we shut tight tight No kids on the street, no time to meet and greet Why can't we no longer walk at nights? Why we don't have no peace? Police men guard the streets  Kids run quickly pass them not sure if they police or just undercover gunman and thief Thousands complete their university education but student loan awaits them in every gleaner publication Jamaica is such a beautiful nation, nice food and nuff happiness and sweet jubilation Wait a moment and turn the  TV off the international station Turn the dial to our local station No more happiness and sweet jubilation Blood flowing in the streets of poverty and ever increasing destruction You have the answers? Tell us how we need a change in politics Five years time and we still have the same corruption  You tell me to smile because better must come I ...