New year, same nagging issues

While many celebrate the possibilities of a new year, Jamaica is still plagued by several nagging issues. The pandemic has been a source of frustration and sorrow for the healthcare system. This is coupled with the mounting crime statistics. There are also issues of corruption and now the battle of learning loss among students. There is certainly a lot to be fixed in this new year.

Farewell to 2021, hopes for a better 2022

1 Jan 2022

THE CLOCK starts again today as we step, rather warily, into year 2022. As we glance in the rearview mirror, we are reminded of the many challenges which we faced globally in 2021. It is enough to make a nation wallow in self-pity, but we urge optimism as we must move forward, hoping that tomorrow will be better.

It has been especially tough for healthcare officials as they tried to balance public health concerns within the context of people’s frustrations at having their normal routines severely curtailed by the COVID19 crisis. The dozens of medical personnel working tirelessly on the frontlines of this pandemic deserve our collective gratitude.

With students being forced to stay away from school, the pandemic changed the whole dynamics of how education is delivered. Some were fortunate to access and adapt to online learning, while others were ill-equipped to take on this new way of grasping knowledge. The consequences of the disruption in the functioning of the education system may be reflected in less-than-spectacular academic achievements for the year.

Sadly, the pandemic is not over. We ended the year with the fast-spreading Omicron variant sending increasing numbers of patients into hospitals. Vaccination rates for Jamaica remained stubbornly low and the virus continued to impact the economy, communities, work, school, entertainment and culture and, of course, travel.

Many, including those who are reluctant to be vaccinated, are now pinning their hopes on newly invented oral medications that are expected to protect against future COVID-19 infections. The experts have warned that oral medication is not an all-purpose solution, and continue to urge vaccination and infection-prevention measures.

NAGGING ISSUES

Besides the ubiquitous coronavirus, Jamaica continues to be challenged by other nagging issues like crime and violence, corruption in high places, a weak economy and a compromised education system, all of which, we predict, will carry over into the new year.

New approaches are definitely needed to curtail the crime and violence which has become raw and vicious. Jamaica is finally reaping the whirlwind sown decades ago by corrupt politicians, gangsters and their enablers and financiers. We understand that, because the roots of crime are so deeply embedded in many of our inner-city communities, it cannot be brought under control overnight. But we must make a valiant effort to deal with this problem by taking action to identify gang members and cripple their operations.

Another issue to consider as we head into 2022 is the angst being created in many urban communities, where deep-pocket developers seem to be disregarding established property covenants as they seek to convert single-family lots into multifamily housing units. Even as we welcome the construction boom with the hope that more Jamaicans will be able to put a roof over their heads, we implore the powers that be not to encourage lawlessness by turning a blind eye to the many breaches that are being committed. We are predicting that souring relations between developers and community members will be something to watch in 2022. We anticipate that many of these disputes may spill over into the courts.

Then, there is the question of corruption. As we have said repeatedly in this space, many Jamaicans do not quite understand the concept of conflict of interest. We do not treat these personal or organisational situations with the scorn they deserve. Despite the establishment of watchdog agencies, too often the holders of high offices are not held to exacting standards and made to account for their actions. The effects of corruption on governance and the delivery of social services are well documented in a growing body of academic literature. Taking steps to ensure good governance and a corruption-free society are ideals towards which the country should be taking greater strides.

We hope that, in 2022, there can be sensible and workable strategies to lift more people out of poverty. Many of our people are mired in generational poverty and they cannot see their way out.

Today is an incredible day for Jamaica, with 12 months of new potential stretched out in front of us.

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