Dear Editor,

As we embark on 2013, there can be no doubt in our mind that our nation faces challenging times. Unfortunately, our island home has been caught in the cycle of one step forward, three steps back, over our 50-year history. Although we can claim a measure of success, we should have achieved much more.

Our political process has been relegated to electioneering instead of service, where most politicians are content to say whatever it takes to secure victory and then set about doing the opposite, thus creating a web of false promises and misplaced priorities.

This sort of politics has again been brought into sharp focus over the past year, and our country has once more paid a heavy price.

A number of us over the years have decided to shy away from the political process, not wanting to be branded, not wanting to be ostracised, not wanting to have our potential stifled due to the tribal and vindictive nature of our politics. A lot of us have resigned ourselves to a belief that things will never change and that we are incapable of effecting change.

I think 2013 must be the year that we take the destiny of our country into our own hands. We must insist that our leaders take our country on an upward path.

This must be the year that Generation 2000 will resolve to leave a remarkable impression on the minds of the society as we reach out, act and touch the lives of our fellow Jamaicans. Let us take the time to analyse the problems and solutions for ourselves, speaking the truth as we see it and taking calculated steps towards a solution.

As an organisation we will always strive to be a voice of reason in the society, not because we have a lot to say, but because the challenges of our society require a far more serious approach than the band-aids that are presently being applied.

Together we can get to the root of the problems. We know that it will take time, hard work and sacrifice, but it is undeniable that one of the greatest gifts of all is being called to serve one’s nation.

So I call on you to join minds and hands with us as we embrace this opportunity to serve and to be revolutionaries in our own land during our youth. The time to act is now; we must serve.

Have a peaceful and prosperous year.

Floyd Green

President – Generation 2000