Losing faith in Jamaica’s future

THE EDITOR, Sir: I AM a 27-year-old male who is concerned about my future, my family’s future and Jamaica’s future.

These days I have nothing but questions. Where will Jamaica be the next 10 years? Will things get better or worse? Is it ever possible to achieve prosperity from our current position?

Fifty-five years of independence and still I do not believe we have any major economic achievements to celebrate. Our island has been blessed with beautiful beaches, rivers, flora and fauna. We have bauxite, sugar cane, and a worldrenowned coffee, but still up to November 2016, our public debt stood at approximately $2.15 trillion.

More than 600 murders were reported in June 2017, with an average of seven people being killed daily. This has left me in fear. I live in paranoia, looking over my shoulders everywhere I go.

Investors are afraid, tourists are persuaded to avoid our island, gas prices are stifling local businesses, and transportation and food prices have had a domino effect.

With our numerous requests for financial assistance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and our increasing debt, I am deeply concerned. Daily I am told that there is nothing here for the youth. Maybe migrating is the solution.

Is it ever possible to achieve prosperity from our current position? The value of our currency is currently US$1:J$128.4353 and £1:J$167.6838. Jamaicans are spending less, the people of the lower class are still unable to purchase land or houses, while the prices for these assets increase. ROMOYNE WATSON watsonromoyne@yahoo.com