THE FICTITIOUS JAMAICA

It is patently obvious that a fictitious Jamaica has been created to which reference is made from time to time in glowing terms of prosperity. How else could there be talk of such good and beneficial things happening for the masses in the midst of hunger deprivation and lack? The stark reality is the books may be balanced but the average man does not feel the real trickle down effect in improved living conditions. It’s like ensuring the suitcase is shut by ripping off sleeves, collars and other protruding parts that ruefully stuck out. It’s a pyrrhic balancing exercise. Amidst the glaring shortcomings, cries of corruption and the general lowering of living standards much ado is made of so called solid achievements. The whole story is never told. There is no truth like reality.

Follow up:

Jamaica is economically and financially unwell. Our debt burden is much too high. Unborn babies already owe huge sums. We need to produce our way out!

Our leaders, some who seemingly have lost their mental freshness and are never bound by second thought, muddle along, while the country languishes in poverty. Jamaica is now the third poorest country in the West Indies, behind Guyana and Haiti. How’s that for prosperity?

We may never as a nation explode violently, because of our amazing ability to suffer in silence, but the stakes for imploding are high. For those of us who refuse to be hypnotized by the compelling tones of these proponents of perceived prosperity, the question is, how can we ensure that the fictitious Jamaica becomes real, with all its attendant benefits. Can we find the requisite leadership and unity of purpose before its too late?

I am etc.
Vernon B. Willie
jevern@yahoo.co.uk