Daily Observer (Jamaica)

A ‘radam’ moment of our own making

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Dear Editor,

The recent debacle of allegation­s engulfing Stocks and Securities Limited (SSL) and National Commercial Bank (NCB) is stunning, to say the least, given the amount of money missing and the high-profile individual implicated.

While it is most prudent to await the results of the ongoing investigat­ions, one cannot but see a clear irony in all of this. There is a very wellknown biblical reference that says you reap what you sow. And at this time Jamaica is reaping what it has sown as a nation.

From making excuses for young men and women engaged in lotto scamming, using slavery to justify it, to the glorificat­ion of all sorts of “chopping” in the music, the view that one must live above ones means, it is a wonder we haven’t had at least two SSL’S per week in this country. Jamaica has for far too long encouraged the get-rich-quick mentality without hard work, and we are now faced with this scandal that could have serious ramificati­ons for this country’s internatio­nal standing.

How many elderly people overseas are now living in poverty after being scammed of their entire life savings by hoodlums in this country? How much tears are being shed because, as a country, a large cross section has been taken in by scamming, either by actively engaging in it, providing tacit support, or spending the proceeds of the ill-gotten gains?

Stocks and Securities Limited’s head offices

Didn’t we expect that at As a nation, we cannot some point those that continue on this path. The don’t have access to headlong rush to get rich lead sheets but handle quick, to live the high life, vast sums of money on above ones economic a daily basis would want means, must stop. It has to engage in what is now a seriously deleteriou­s a widespread practice of effect on the nation as is stealing in this country? quite evident in the high

Jamaica is facing a murder rate. We need a “radam” moment of our serious reset. A national own making. reset — a reset that puts back into the national psyche the love for working to achieve a goal and educating oneself to climb out of poverty.

These attitudes may seem old-fashioned and antiquated, but they are time-tested strategies for a good life. It is full time we start obeying God’s commandmen­ts, one of which says thou shalt not steal.

If we don’t recapture some, if not all, godly morals, it’s a guarantee that we will continue to see an increase in fraudulent activities, and Jamaica will continue to have its never-ending radam moments. We are reaping the fruits of a nation labouring in what is ungodly.

Fabian Lewis tyronelewi­s272@gmail. com

 ?? (Photo: Akera Davis) ?? National Commercial Bank employee Khadene Thomas (centre) is hauled before the courts recently to answer fraud charges.
(Photo: Akera Davis) National Commercial Bank employee Khadene Thomas (centre) is hauled before the courts recently to answer fraud charges.
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