In the last 30 years, according to the Human Development Report, there has been an improvement in development in Jamaica as it regards life expectancy and literacy, especially in the 1990s.

However, this level of growth and development has slowed down and appears to be almost at a standstill.

The Government has since outlined ways to improve development, but with less than two years left, Jamaica does not seem to be on track to meeting these 2015 Millennium Development Goals.

The Planning Institute of Jamaica has since adopted a National Development Plan, Vision 2030 which looks at economic, social as well as environmental policies.

What do you think are factors that hinder development in Jamaica?

Inefficiency and fiscal indiscipline have caused Jamaica to be on the path of development to moving backwards for way too long now. Spending on wants instead of necessities, increasing the wealth of individuals instead of trying to alleviate poverty and better the standard of living of the country has been a concern for too long. The government should seek to make the sacrifices as one nation, and not pick who should feel the pain and bear the burden of difficult measures.

-- Kristopher Thompson

Jamaica, unfortunately, will remain stagnant and retrogressive until we start respecting our human resource, that is acknowledging the rights of our people and making education affordable and accessible. We therefore must evolve from our Third World party politics and short-sightedness and move to implement sustainable plans so future generation can benefit.

-- Geasean Johnson

Underemployment, unemployment and corruption are issues that affect the country. In many instances the persons who are qualified for a specific job are overlooked. Corruption steps in when the underqualified persons get the job because they have "links" high places leaving those with the qualifications to be out of jobs, or in areas where their skills are not fully utilised.

-- Stephany Dixon

I think that crime is one of the main factors that hinders development in Jamaica. This is because of the high crime rate and an increase in organised crime over the past few years, which have discouraged potential investors from wanting and coming to invest in our economy.

-- Craig Chang

There are many factors that hinder Jamaica's development as a nation. For one, there is a massive brain drain affecting our country. With not enough work for our youths, we find that a lot of them are leaving for other countries to find employment. That combined with the high level of crime and violence, corruption, as well as a somewhat backwards way of thinking, this nation will forever be stuck in darkness.

-- Di-Andra Brown

Let us know what you think:

This is your chance to tell TEENage your views on national issues. We want to know what matters to you, what you really want to talk about, and what you think about us. Send your comments and photographs to TEENage@jamaicaobserver.com.