The recent Jamaica 60 Emancipendence celebrations have done their job in re-igniting a strong sense of pride and honour in the heart of many Jamaicans.

With many of her achievements brought into the light, citizens were reminded of the subtle beauty, prosperity, and accomplishments of the little island of Jamaica.

However, no celebration can negate the fact that there are so many aspects of Jamaica that are in need of major improvement.

With the generational baton being passed down, it is essential that Jamaica’s youth are engaged and dedicated to the bettering of their country for those coming afterwards.

Our Today reached out to several young people, who we have not identified by name, but ranging from an 18-year-old high school student to a 34-year-old professional, posing to them the question: “Where do you see Jamaica in 10 years time?”

Here are a few of their responses:

University student, 19

“Politically, I think the push to remove the Queen as head of state will have gone through, but not much will change for local governance. Economically, I think unpredictable weather will start to really affect local farmers and the agriculture industry in large ways and will cause turmoil. Tourism will slowly return to mostly normal, and I can see local manufacturing and mining making slight gains, but rising debt from trade imbalances will cause very serious issues, almost like Sri Lanka but not as severe.

“Crime will continue to remain a large issue, and gang violence will continue to get worse as it is difficult for police to stop, but I don’t see it becoming bad enough to start affecting government control as in Haiti. Culturally, there won’t be any huge changes apart from outside pressure to align more with western countries against China in a new cold war, though not enough to seriously affect day-to-day norms.

“In terms of infrastructure and standard of living, I think technology will continue to make some things cheaper and more convenient, however the cost of living increasing will seriously affect working class and lower middle class in other ways, especially if one of many possible natural disasters affect the island.

“Finally with sports, I think there will be some more diversity in the events Jamaica succeeds in, especially on the women’s side but cricket will continue to decline.”

Mechanic, 30

“Honestly… by the rate of how things now in a horrible pit…but hopefully there will be a
turnaround.”

Store manager, 34

“Same place inna di sea!”

High school student, 18

“To be completely honest, considering the current crime levels and certain negative cultural behaviour in Jamaica I don’t see the country changing for the better in 10 years. While there are increasing economic opportunities, real development won’t be achieved if other aspects of the country do not improve. Human rights, criminal activities, corruption, etc. do not seem to be improving anytime soon.”

Quality analyst, 33

“One million dollar fi a big deal at KFC.”

University student, 25

“Honestly, not sure.”

High school teacher, 25

“I see that in 10 years, Jamaica will be failing terribly at our Vision 2030 development plan. Our plan says we must be the place to live, work, etc… and we are not that. Our crime rate is skyrocketing, housing is expensive… everything is expensive and the pay for lower-class people is a mockery. If we stay on the same trajectory as we are now… with selfish politicians and with selfish and corrupt businessmen, and
unrighteous policies we are only going to be worse in 10 years. Unfortunately, crime is becoming more sophisticated that even our police force is able to manage. For us to go anywhere in 10 years we will need a very very strong remodeling of everything and, even so, a 10-year plan is not enough for us to change. We need at least 50 years to change because these things are deeply embedded in our social systems. I see Jamaica becoming worse in 10 years if we maintain the trajectory that we are currently on. And if we change the trajectory today, these issues are so strong that 10 years cannot fix it. Though we had our Emancipendence celebration recently, what are we celebrating? We are still colonised by corrupt politicians and we have yet to gain independence from suffering. It’s a farce.”

As seen above, several Jamaican youth do have strong beliefs and convictions when it comes on to the development of the country they were born and raised in. In fact, many have dedicated themselves to staying and bettering the country for their children, and their children’s children and their children’s children.

It is important that older generations freely train, nurture and make way for the youth, because the youth are the future.

May Jamaica not restrict or silence that future.