More needs to be done to build Jamaica
WE ARE stuck doing the same things — having the same arguments, repeatedly, and making the same proposals — to address the quandary ladening the nation, hoping things will get better. Sadly, despite our very ‘best’ efforts, and some glimmer of hope, the news cycle becomes more and more predictable each year, because the plethora of problems bombarding citizens is the same, still plenty and seems insurmountable.
It’s a travesty when you think about it.
Last year, the Governor General, Sir Patrick Allen, in his Throne Speech, utlined a raft of actions undertaken in the previous legislative year and things to be done in 2022/2023. According to him, “Jamaica has made significant strides in key measures of human development, in health, shelter, social protection, education, infrastructure, and public administration, since our Independence.”
Sadly, the high rates of homicide and road fatalities, awfully poor academic performance, lots of difficulties experienced in health facilities, high cost of basic food items, inter alia, cause many to lose hope, and be unable to appreciate whatever gains there may be. Consequently, for many, they see a future where they thrive only outside of Jamaica. More needs to be done to address the challenges people face, to give people hope and transform the society.
Here are a few things that ought to be on the agenda this year that could contribute to building a better Jamaica:
1. Review of Sexual Offences Act and related acts
The joint select committee concluded and submitted a report a couple years ago but the recommendations, to the best of my knowledge, have not been discussed by the full complement of the Parliament. What is taking so long? Is it on the legislative agenda? Why is it not a priority though we talk about addressing sexual abuse and violence ever so often?
2. Motion to legalise abortion
Data continue to show that many women are procuring abortions; some of them are botched and cause them to be hospitalised. The motion to legalise the termination of pregnancies was discussed at the committee level but not much has happened since it concluded the deliberations. Is this not a priority for the women’s and feminist movements? What accounts for the seemingly deafening silence?
3. Education transformation
The education system, from early childhood to tertiary, is in desperate need of attention and transformation. It’s as if the country is plagued with spending lots of money on education to receive poor results. The Patterson report has outlined key changes that should be implemented but, as is the seeming custom, that is moving at a snail’s pace. How can we complain about the workforce but not be more deliberate in fixing the issues that cause so many to be low-skilled?
4. Social protection and assistance
Too many people continue to complain about having little to no knowledge of what’s available and, in cases where they may know, they have difficulties accessing available support. The Government must take greater care of the vulnerable and marginalised and should ensure social protection and assistance is accessible. That said, there are still too many similar initiatives targeting the same people. Perhaps initiatives can be consolidated to allow for greater efficiency and effective targeting and distribution of resources? By the way, where are we with the assessment that was announced a few years ago?
5. Access to leisure
There is quite a lot of discussion about beach access, given the vast number of them that have been privatised and the condition of those that aren’t. This is an important issue, but the conversation needs to move from the beach to talk about leisure more generally. How many decent, well-run public parks are there, for example?
6. Rural development
More needs to be done to encourage development in rural areas, expanding opportunities to residents in these areas. The development agenda shouldn’t be urban-focused. Perhaps rural parliamentarians should push for initiatives that incentivise the private sector to create diverse opportunities for people in rural Jamaica. The Government could also put some of its main offices outside of Kingston.
7. Cleanliness and order
The Christmas cleaning exercise made such a difference. The place appeared more orderly and many of our spirits were little high. Central and local governments should work together to keep the place looking clean and orderly. Do more routine cleaning rather than this one big activity in November/ December.