Give youth the tools to be nation builders
THE UNIQUE experiences of rural Jamaicans should be something that we highlight and revere. Rural Jamaicans live within a societal context that is marked by inequity in terms of education and health, among other key tenets of development.
The latest by-election in East Portland has highlighted this unique experience rural people face. We are only called upon during times when votes are needed. Development concerns in rural spaces are still noted in the most simplistic terms, such as owning a goat.
Yes, the agrarian industry is a major part of the rural experience and survival. It is with that being said that we must invest in farming that goes beyond simplistic techniques. Equip rural people throughout Jamaica with the ability to produce in massive surpluses that will inspire the creation of value-added products, and finding external markets. The technology exists; however, we must recognise that rural people are talented, resilient, and deserve much attention for them to take a deliberate role in Jamaica’s development trajectory.
We must regard rural people as key stakeholders in the process towards developing Jamaica.
We must look at development in Jamaica as something unique
to us. While adopting best practices in developed states, we should also have a clear idea of how we would like our society to function in years to come. For me, that’s a society with equity and inclusiveness for rural people. As such, I hope we don’t focus on cranes too much as a marker of development, but how happy, healthy, and robust our people are as also a metric of development.
DON’T FORGET RURAL FOLK
Human capital development that is strategic and inclusive is paramount in achieving development for Jamaica. This means we must not forget rural people, women, youth, and LGBTQI people, who are some of the most vulnerable within our society.
With an increase in capital expenditure, we can be deliberate in how we include these people in the developmental trajectory. I suspect that this will reflect greatly on our economic development, and Jamaica could become the safe space we have always desired.
I am excited about Jamaica’s future as a rural youth myself, and the ability to become a part of the development process. So give me the tools I need to become the nation builder Jamaica needs.