To be or not to be patriotic

IN JAMAICA, emphasis is always placed on Brand Jamaica and doing the work that is needed to develop the country. At the same time, there is an expectation from young people to work and not be paid properly, while they are being frowned upon if they contemplate to migrate. For those who have no intentions of leaving, it is quite a dark prospect. Crime and violence, mounting student loans, lack of suitable jobs and low wages, ageism and a lack of housing opportunities are among the many issues that plague young Jamaicans who choose to stay in the country.

Most Jamaican youths must leave their rural Jamaica homes and move to urban areas to have a fair shot at life. The experiences are varied but quite relatable. Among this group are the struggles for basic survival and challenges that seem to present at every turn. Those who toot the horn of the black, green and gold are met with resistance if there is no humility in accepting less than what they are worth.

The fact is, Jamaica does not reward those who are young and talented. At the same time, however, these young men and women are needed to reshape the society from the ground up; and with no reward and a smaller educated population, this process takes a longer time. The fact is, many young people who chose to reside on the island have no intentions of wasting their youth to develop it. There is simply no reward for it. Their younger days are dedicated to selfdevelopment and growth, repaying debt, and trying to gain a standing in a society in which it proves quite difficult for some to survive.

MARLON THOMPSON tmarlon79@yahoo.com