EDITORIAL: Jamaica at 49: Case for celebrating

For sure, things could be better in Jamaica on this our 49th birthday. Crime is way too high, economic independence has eluded us for too long, the journey to achieve justice and equality has been long and arduous and universal education continues to be an unattain-able dream for too many.

Society's poverty, corruption, crime and increasing lack of morality in public life would have certainly garnered a negative reaction from our founding fathers.

There are those who would argue that because of these negatives it is hard to muster a spirit of celebration. What's more, they may even pour scorn on today's revelry and flag-waving ceremonies which are planned for various venues across the island. Judging from public sentiments, one could reasonably conclude that very little of the fervid patriotism that greeted the dawn of Independence in 1962 remains today.

Those who feel they have been denied justice and opportunity may not feel so patriotic today. Just how much patriotism can one feel when he/she is unemployed and hungry? It seems, therefore, that patriotism is as much a personal thing as it is national. For the various communities that continue to live in depressingly brutal conditions, successive governments have remained asleep to their condition and that has removed the lustre from Independence for many people.

But amid that grey sense of hopelessness we can find something to uplift the national mood and celebrate the greatness of this country.

Various achievements

Let's not lose sight of the various achievements of Jamaicans, many of whom have made their mark on the international stage. Let us reflect on the things that make our small country unique among the 193 countries that make up the world family.

A whole cultural landscape has been presented to the world by independent Jamaica. Our culture has been adopted in many countries as people seek to identify with the rich Jamaica cultural fabric. Reggae, developed from ska, mento and rocksteady, is today regarded as the most powerful musical genre in the world. We have wowed the world with our language, the prowess of our athletes and our local foods. Aren't those worthy of celebration? Shouldn't we feel proud about this?

Constant negative must not be allowed to sap the determination and creativity that is so evident in our people. Let us love our country the way our founding fathers loved it. They loved Jamaica not because she was perfect, but they cherished the dream that working together with determination and commitment we could make it perfect place for future generations.

We need patriots today more than ever. Our people must have a sense of national responsibility that will influence them to place country ahead of person. Talk is cheap. Action is what matters.

Too many people in our country have no concept of what is right from wrong, let alone a sense of patriotism.

Patriotic citizens will fulfil their civic duties and obey the law. Jamaica is not perfect by any means, but if we each do our part maybe we can make it better.

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