Let's face the economic crisis!

We have never really faced our problems. We have been teetering on the brink of disaster for years but somehow have always been able to borrow or beg our way out. We must now face the crisis and take difficult and painful decisions. As the political campaign heats up, let's face the current crisis:

1. Reframe the crisis. Doris was diagnosed with a deadly cancer. She had six months to live. She was very despondent and hopeless. She was about to give up. The nurse walked into her room and said: "You have six months to live. You may use the next six months to prepare to die or you may choose to live with this cancer for the next six months."

Doris decided to live with the cancer. She told herself she was going to fight it and do something she always wanted to do such as going on a cruise. Doris lived another five years.

As a country, we must now resolve that we are going to live through this crisis and take all the painful decisions and make all the sacrifices to take us out of it. It might mean higher taxes, salary cuts, whatever it takes we must make that resolve and survive.

2. Leadership is important. It is often said that managing crisis is not sufficient, you have to lead it. During the second World War when Britain faced its worst crisis, it was Sir Winston Churchill, the great prime minister of that country, who rallied his people. In his famous, now forgotten speech, he stated: "I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat". The current crisis requires leadership that is honest, firm and decisive. Leaders step forward and tell the truth.

3. Create urgency. We must identify all the threats and explore the opportunities. Crisis creates many opportunities. Leaders must now have frank and honest discussions with us.

4. A vision for change. Without vision the people perish. Singapore has emerged into a wealthy and prosperous country because its former prime minister, Lee Kuan Yew, created a clear vision for his country and people. Our current national 2030 vision is "Jamaica, the place of choice to live, work, raise families and do business". Leaders must articulate this vision and engage us in more discussions.

5. Communicate the vision. Leaders must use their political campaign to communicate the vision. They should spend less time quarrelling, do less of the finger pointing and use the time wisely to talk about the vision and how they will take us out of this mess. Transformation will take place when the population understands the vision.

6. Empower people to act on the vision. Great leaders are able to inspire and empower their people to greatness.

Dr Wendel Abel is a consultant psychiatrist and head, Section of Psychiatry, Dept. Of Community Health and Psychiatry, University of the West Indies; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.