This is the first generation of Jamaicans over the last 50 years living in an economy that is growing, declared Prime Minister Andrew Holness while addressing students at Manchester High School earlier today.

The prime minister has vowed to grow the economy under his watch while ensuring that it is undergirded by social advancements in a country at peace with itself.

Prime Minister Holness declared: “This is the first generation of Jamaicans that in the last fifty years will be living in an economy that is growing. That means that the probability of you graduating from high school and getting a job in Jamaica, is greater than 90 per cent.

“All of you here have a greater than 90 per cent chance of leaving school with all your certification and getting a job. That’s a different Jamaica that you will inherit from the Jamaica that existed over 50 years ago. It means that you have to prepare for that Jamaica, but it is also a Jamaica where when you inherit it, you will have to deal with violence.

“ There are two things that are happening in our country; our economy is doing well and you will get jobs, fulfilling all your dreams and aspirations. You will be able to buy your car, your house, further your education, and invest in your business. You don’t have to seek to migrate to live good. You can do so right here in Jamaica.

“But the quality of life you will inherit is going to be affected by the level of violence in the society. Even in the schools we are seeing that level of violence affecting you from an early age.

The prime minister has set out his agenda for the new year and right at the top is addressing the level of violence in the country, conflict resolution and paying closer attention to social conditions. The family has to be the first unit of society and the one that keeps a check on anti-social behaviour.

The year has began with prime minister announcing the need for social and cultural transformation in Jamaica. He is patently aware that economic advancement in a country prone to violence and anti-social behaviour does not mark an upward step.

He took the opportunity at Manchester High School to stress that it is important to have teachers that care about their students and their development.

“ Looking at you all here, I am reassured about the future of Jamaica. My job as your Prime Minister of Jamaica is not only to deal with the issues of today but it is even more so to deal with the issues that will affect this country in the future. I think we have done a fairly good job in putting in place things that will ensure we will have a good economy. You all here are a critical part of the long-term success of our economy,” the Prime Minister added.

He made certain to return to the message of peace in Jamaica and staunching the violence and bloodletting that has marred the country.

“Many of you students don’t have peace in your households. You have conflicts at home with your families even in your classrooms you may have conflict. We need to take a different approach as a people to solving our conflicts. We can’t use violence to solve our conflicts.

Last year, we had several incidents of young people injuring each other, even killing each other. Just a few days ago I read a very sad report about a 14-year-old who was shot and killed by the police. When I heard about it, I reached out to get an understanding as to what happened. I was very saddened. In Jamaica more than 90 per cent of crimes committed are by males. A significant percentage, perhaps more than 50 per cent of shootings and killings are by males under the age of 24. Young males are predominantly the victims of crimes.

“So we have a problem with resolving conflicts. We have a problem with violence but we also have a problem with our young men. So where is the best place to start? Where should we be teaching people to deal with conflict?

“I am saying school but Mr. Principal, your students are saying start in the homes.”

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