OVER the holidays, I had the distinct pleasure of associating with various Jamaicans who have resettled here, as well as many who are visiting family and friends for the holidays. One of the central themes which keep coming up in our discussions, is the fast disappearing hospitable nature of the average Jamaican — a trait that has served our people so well throughout our history. The general consensus is that this lies at the root of some manifestations of a breakdown of our social order. It is therefore imperative that our social scientists investigate and address the causative factors for this unsustainable development, so that hopefully, their findings can inform the strategies and work of our cultural and social agencies, going forward.

Most of these fellow countrymen grew up in a time in Jamaica, when we were our brother’s keeper; when we practised good neighbourly conduct; when those who could afford more, helped those in need, without looking for anything in return; when good citizens played an essential part in the maintenance and development of their local communities; when political differences were vigorously debated but did not disrupt personal relationships, or break out into violent confrontations.

While almost everyone concur that the corrupt, tribal nature of our politics has — at best — aggravated this character change, among the other possible underlying factors suggested are the leadership void created at the community level by a continuous, sustained level of migration by Jamaicans to other countries, seeking to improve their economic lot. Implicit, of course, is the decimation of the middle classes, through their inability over many decades, to achieve a reasonable quality of life, by plying their trade or profession here at home.

It is possible, in my view, to turn this adversity into good, given the right national approach to the large reservoir of talent, skills experience and acumen residing with our nationals in foreign shores all across the Earth. There are many Jamaicans who migrated in the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s, have reached the age of retirement, but are still very active, intellectually and physically. In general they are fiercely patriotic and would love to resettle, and make some valuable contribution to our island state. Instead, they are opting to settle in some other similarly warm climes like Florida. Yes, the fear of violence is a main dissuading factor, but even more so, is the high level of discourtesy, negative aggressiveness and downright hostility, uncooperativeness, and crude, uncouth public behaviour that permeates and that they experience in their daily interactions with all sectors of the Jamaican society.

Most non-resident Jamaicans that I spoke to are pessimistic of a return to a more civil, gentler social environment, here at home, in their lifetime. We, who choose to make our homes here, can’t afford for this viewpoint to become self-fulfilling prophecy.

Beginning in 2011, and beyond, we in the entertainment industry have to do a better job of pulling together in promoting a new cultural space, built on a more solid foundation of peace, goodwill, mutual trust and accommodation, cooperation, collaboration and fraternal relations. To quote Ernie Smith from his anthem Power and Glory, “while we continue to fuss and fight one another, Jah Kingdom goes to waste”.

During 2010, some recent trends in the entertainment sector began to tip the scales, and definitely have gained sufficient prominence, by carving out their niche in the new market place. The phenomena called all-inclusive (theme) parties have mushroomed from a few uptown soirées into one of the most dynamic segments of the industry, due to a relatively new breed of promoters, who leave no stone unturned in catering to the creature comforts of their patrons.

The second trend that has gained maturity is the evolution of a number of young, live bands, diversifying and enriching the live music scene. This development has been spurred, to some extent, by graduates of the music school at the Edna Manley College, and I am happy to see more and more restaurants and nightclubs adding live music to their weekly entertainment fare. Along with the work of the BroadcastingCommission, this has successfully begun to moderate and swing the balance of the music and lyrics, giving us a greater degree of melody and constructive phrases, lyrically and musically. Out of this crop, Dubtonic Kru leads the way, and has already gained international attention, with a rather impressive tour itinerary for 2010, while Raging Fyah is another group to watch for great music, in the future.

As the new decade proceeds, we will observe how these trends continue to impact on our cultural landscape.

I wish everyone a happy, prosperous new year.

Email: che.campbell@gmail.com