Fi di yutes dem: Questions for Jamaica’s new administration

With the elections now over and a new administration going to take office, we – on behalf of the youth and future of Jamaica – raise urgent questions requiring immediate action.

Student financing is a long-standing issue. The Students’ Loan Bureau (SLB) continues to saddle students with high interest rates, short grace periods, and rigid repayment terms. Will this government reform the SLB so that higher education doesn’t become a lifelong financial burden?

Healthcare access for young people remains poor. Many face long wait times, shortages of medication, and under-resourced facilities. What specific steps will be taken to improve care, particularly for youth managing chronic illnesses?

We are alarmed by recent child protection laws, specifically the 30-year minimum sentence for youth ages 14–17 convicted of capital murder. This mandatory sentencing conflicts with international human rights standards, including rulings by the Inter-American Court of Human Rights. Justice must allow for discretion, rehabilitation, and the recognition of a child’s capacity for change.

When it comes to sexual and reproductive health, abstinence-only messaging leaves teens ill-equipped to make informed decisions. With 18 per cent of Jamaican girls having their first child by age 19 (UNFPA), comprehensive, inclusive, and age-appropriate sex education is not optional – it is urgent.

CLIMATE CRISIS

The worsening climate crisis also demands youth inclusion. Flooding, coastal erosion, and poor waste management threaten lives and livelihoods. What plans will ensure youth are meaningfully involved in environmental resilience and green job creation?

The education system itself is under pressure. Many schools suffer from outdated infrastructure, limited digital access, and chronic underfunding. How does the government plan to modernise education to equip students for the global economy?

We also question the equity of scholarship allocation. Fields like medicine, law, and engineering are often excluded. Even when awarded, delays in disbursement prevent many from registering or sitting exams. Will the new administration ensure timely and fair access?

Jamaican youth are often seen as apathetic, but this stems from the belief that our concerns are consistently ignored by policymakers. In reality, we are informed, engaged, and eager to contribute. We call on the new government to meet with youth leaders, within its first 100 days in office, to provide clear responses and a roadmap on these critical matters.

Contributed by Africka Stephens, Tasheera Thompson, Kimberly Cox, and Damario Patterson of Fi We Children Foundation – a youth-led NGO promoting social justice for Jamaican children and youth.