Dear Editor,

It is becoming clearer that Jamaica is a country like none other. Our prime minister and minister of Finance are so boldly thanking public sector workers and bond holders for their sacrifices to help dig Jamaica out of the deep hole that it is in.

However, Mrs Simpson Miller and her Cabinet are yet to make a sacrifice to assist in the process. I was flabbergasted to hear Dr Peter Phillips trying to scold bond holders who do not buy into the recent NDX, while he was speaking at a function at St Mary High School. Is this really what we should expect from our minister of finance after people invest and expect great returns, just to be told we cannot meet your expectations, so just fall in line? I am becoming more annoyed with the hypocritical nature of this Government. Administrations across the world understand the pressure that faces their people, and are willing to share in the burden.

However, our “poor people” Government goes out and purchases luxury vehicles costing millions of dollars, continue to operate a very large Cabinet or as Mama P would say a “breakfront”, continue to flagrantly spend on initiatives that have no real benefit to Jamaica. How does this Government go about doing cost benefit analysis?

As a young professional, I have never thought about migrating from Jamaica. However, with leaders who have NO vision, empathy and understanding of what the masses are facing, migrating seems to be a grand idea at this time.

Most of the promises made prior to the general elections are yet to be fulfilled. I must commend the Government for the JEEP programme, but, in the same breath, I ask the question: Is the Government implying or forcing university graduates to clean roadsides and gutters for as low as $1,000 per day, when they must pay back high student loan costs?

I ask again: Is the Government committed to improving lives or simply giving some Jamaicans a chance to live slightly above the poverty line, or live on the poverty line? I am here waiting for answers, as I stand aghast to see the direction the country is heading with an “uncaring, selfish and visionless” Government. I am sorry to be the bearer of bad news but at this time, I really do feel sorry for my country and its people, including myself.

Javid Brown

Westmoreland

javidbrown@gmail.com