Need to clean up Jamaica holistically

THE EDITOR, Madam:

I would like the opportunity to have my voice heard on ‘cleaning up Jamaica’. If only as a country we could recognise our true, raw talent placing us on the map, internationally in music, sports, intellect and culture.

We know it, and so does the international village know it, that awesome global footprint which speaks to the richness of Jamaica in comparison to other islands, and yes, to the United States and feeling like a giant among them.

If only as a country, we would appreciate our talents/gifts, and ride that wave proudly like our ancestors did – instead, our country tends to maximise on senseless murders, robberies, rape, tasteless dancehall music, which in many instances are teaching the youths that violence has great importance in the answer.

While this may seem an early conclusion and unfair outlook to many, more nuance in understanding it is required.

There is more crime in Jamaica on a daily basis compared to more medals, awards and accolades won by our country. We need to expunge that shame from our lives.

If only as a country we just had an all impelling urge to transform Jamaica into the Caribbean’s idea of social and economic paradise.

If only we could constantly hunger to want to win daily by maximising our talents and creating a portal to the world that shouts from the mountaintop, ‘Jamaica thrives on excellence’.

If only we could implement gun laws, clean up the streets, go into the depressed areas and deliver workable job opportunities.

Sometimes I wonder if ‘Out of Many, One People’ is only exercised as a mixture of ‘race’ instead of a country of one forged from the collective efforts of many.

If only we could clean up Jamaica.

LORRAINE ELLIOT