Dear Editor,

Our nation’s youth are in a very sad state and will remain there until they get rid of the notion that somebody owes them something. It is like a disease that has been left untreated. Everywhere you turn, there is a youth calling on the Government, and business owners to give unto them what is ‘rightfully’ theirs. Quite often they are demanding more job-related or educational and training opportunities that they believe should be created and given to them. I am often angered by their demands.

The reality is, many of them do nothing for themselves but count on others to do ‘something’ for them. It is time our youth wake up and realise that nobody owes them anything. It is the law of survival that you work hard for what you want in life. It is time they realise that they need to take the first step then ask for help, and not the other way around. The nation cannot and will not progress with the lacklustre attitude of these young people.

I am by no means suggesting that all youth are the same. However, too many are like this. Something must be done about their lax ways. We hear the cry every day that there are not enough jobs for young people, but to be frank many of those who complain have never filled out an application form. Persons may also argue that the only way you will ever get a job is by knowing somebody who is already a part of an organisation. This may be true to an extent, but wouldn’t it be easier for that person to help you if you actually applied for a position then sought their assistance?

It just cannot be business as usual for us youth; it just won’t take us any closer to personal and or economic development. In order to be better leaders in the future we must change our approach to how we operate. Your current situation is not a valid reason for not taking the first move. Your story is not unique, and self-pity will not take you anywhere, since thousands of others — like the current prime minister and me — grew up in poverty, but have managed to excel far beyond expectations.

Nobody is asking that you to make blood from stone, nor are we asking that you take bigger steps than you can handle, but what I ask is that you at least take a step. Get up off the corner. Please stop behaving like the world owes you anything. Be more appreciative of the many opportunities created for you and capitalise on them. I am starting to think we have watched too many movies and hence have not been able to separate real life from the ones we see on television. Jamaica is a developing country and is doing a whole lot to improve the life of each citizen.

So for a brighter future and a more progressive country, please remember the world owes you nothing.

Tasha Smith

Youth Advocate