Editorial | Happy Birthday, Jamaica!

The global spotlight is shining brightly on Jamaica as she turns 61. The sweetener for Independence Day celebrations this year is the spectacular triumphs in netball, football and volleyball, recorded by our sportswomen in recently concluded or continuing competitions all over the world.

The prospect for great accomplishments at this year’s World Athletics Championship in Budapest is also widely anticipated.

Indeed, the archives are replete with memorable, record-breaking performances which have earned Jamaica a pedigree sporting reputation which is hard to match. These ground-breaking moments have allowed the average Jamaican to bask in sporting greatness.

Over the past few days, fans have been very emotional while watching the Reggae Girlz play in their second World Cup. The Girlz playing football is no longer a novelty. The first Women’s World Cup in 1991 had 12 teams. Today, there are 32 countries competing. Interestingly, that is the same number of teams engaged in playing for the men’s World Cup title. Yet, many stories have been told of how the women struggled to eke out funding and support to enable them to compete, while the men are usually well-funded.

After this current campaign, the Ministry of Sport and corporate Jamaica should ensure the requisite investment is made to establish a flourishing professional women’s league so that Jamaica can build a cadre of talented players down the line.

One question many will be asking of themselves this time is whether there is reason to be optimistic about Jamaica’s future. We suggest it’s a complex question to answer. None of the joy that is experienced from our sporting feats and cultural performances can mitigate the feelings of fear that are currently gripping the society. Added to the feelings of insecurity is a kind of lawlessness and indiscipline which is evident in the streets and various communities, including those under states of emergency. It is the sole responsibility of a government to guarantee the security of its citizens and to provide an enabling environment for businesses to thrive and people to go about their business unimpeded.

Undoubtedly, much has been achieved in 61 years. However, there have also been many missteps and failings. In addition to the security lapses, the inability to eradicate poverty and deliver better outcomes in education and healthcare are issues that require urgent attention.

We believe that sport has a role to play in the country’s socio-economic development. We envisage that the discipline and leadership displayed by our sporting giants could inspire Jamaicans to strive for a prosperous, productive, and more peaceful future.

DEEP REFLECTION

So, while we celebrate the achievements that have shaped the nation, we should also recognise this as a time of renewal and one that calls for deep reflection.

Anyone who has attained the age of 61 is judged by certain criteria, to determine success or otherwise. And so, too, a country. One examines its economy, social movement, the health of its justice system, political stability and the well-being of the general population.

A look at the lives of many Jamaicans who have been mired in poverty, who cannot sleep with their windows or doors open because of fear of criminals, retired civil servants whose pensions are being swallowed up by inflation, will explain why, for many, the only thing worth celebrating is the sweet victory of the nation’s sportsmen and sportswomen.