Dear Editor,
The country has identified the year 2030 as the target year for Jamaica to attain First-World status. The theme associated with this vision is "Jamaica the place of choice to live, work, raise families, and do business". We sincerely applaud the visionaries behind this plan and congratulate the respective individuals for the effort it must have taken to formulate the prescribed path. As a people, it is full time we adopt the principle of objectivity in all spheres and it is sure to make us into more critical thinkers rather than the undisputed tribalists we have become over the years. Therefore, in analysing the Vision 2030 document it is quite reasonable to identify some critical points we must address in order to achieve this status.
These include: ensuring equitable access to modern education and training appropriate to the needs of each person and the nation; providing quality and timely health care for the mental, physical and emotional well-being of our people; and seeking to support the entrepreneurial talents and creativity of our people. Hold to and build on those positive core values and attitudes that have made us distinctly Jamaican. Seek to resolve conflicts through dialogue and mediation and treat each other with respect and dignity. These are just a few of the excellent objectives mentioned in the document designed to take us to the Promised Land in 2030.
The strategic roadmap is now available to take Jamaica forward. However, it will require the joining of hands and heart, if we are to march on and achieve at least three quarters of what is outlined by the time specified.
Anything less than total cooperation will reduce this development guide to nothing more than a fleeting illusion. This view was also shared by Dr. Wesley Hughes, who stated that "Jamaica will by no means attain developed status overnight. The process must be a gradual one". To achieve this goal requires leadership, partnership, national will, and commitment for transformation. We must become deeply concerned about how unsustainable the current path is.
The question we must turn to those charged with the responsibility of disseminating such an ideology and ask is: Are Jamaicans buying into Vision 2030? Is this new development path being filtered down to the "ordinary" man in rural Jamaica?
I need not remind us of the Jamaica of 2013 where justice through our court system seems to be taking until 2030 to perhaps become effective. Unemployment refuses to take leave of the population. Crime and violence have apparently developed their own army. Meanwhile the integrity of those in leadership is being challenged. The overall struggle for survival continues to be the driving force behind the oppressed majority. Characterised with unwavering resilience owing to the African in us, we continue to fight on. There are numerous issues to be addressed, but we can have light at the end of the tunnel so long as there is justice and equality. If not, then we will only continue to vision 2030.
Davian Morgan
davianmorgan@hotmail.com
Let us Vision 2030
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The country has identified the year 2030 as the target year for Jamaica to attain First-World status. The theme associated with this vision is "Jamaica the place of choice to live, work, raise families, and do business". We sincerely applaud the visionaries behind this plan and congratulate the respective individuals for the effort it must have taken to formulate the prescribed path. As a people, it is full time we adopt the principle of objectivity in all spheres and it is sure to make us into more critical thinkers rather than the undisputed tribalists we have become over the years. Therefore, in analysing the Vision 2030 document it is quite reasonable to identify some critical points we must address in order to achieve this status.
These include: ensuring equitable access to modern education and training appropriate to the needs of each person and the nation; providing quality and timely health care for the mental, physical and emotional well-being of our people; and seeking to support the entrepreneurial talents and creativity of our people. Hold to and build on those positive core values and attitudes that have made us distinctly Jamaican. Seek to resolve conflicts through dialogue and mediation and treat each other with respect and dignity. These are just a few of the excellent objectives mentioned in the document designed to take us to the Promised Land in 2030.
The strategic roadmap is now available to take Jamaica forward. However, it will require the joining of hands and heart, if we are to march on and achieve at least three quarters of what is outlined by the time specified.
Anything less than total cooperation will reduce this development guide to nothing more than a fleeting illusion. This view was also shared by Dr. Wesley Hughes, who stated that "Jamaica will by no means attain developed status overnight. The process must be a gradual one". To achieve this goal requires leadership, partnership, national will, and commitment for transformation. We must become deeply concerned about how unsustainable the current path is.
The question we must turn to those charged with the responsibility of disseminating such an ideology and ask is: Are Jamaicans buying into Vision 2030? Is this new development path being filtered down to the "ordinary" man in rural Jamaica?
I need not remind us of the Jamaica of 2013 where justice through our court system seems to be taking until 2030 to perhaps become effective. Unemployment refuses to take leave of the population. Crime and violence have apparently developed their own army. Meanwhile the integrity of those in leadership is being challenged. The overall struggle for survival continues to be the driving force behind the oppressed majority. Characterised with unwavering resilience owing to the African in us, we continue to fight on. There are numerous issues to be addressed, but we can have light at the end of the tunnel so long as there is justice and equality. If not, then we will only continue to vision 2030.
Davian Morgan
davianmorgan@hotmail.com
Let us Vision 2030
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