Dear Editor,

During the prime minister’s recent visit to the United States Congress, she expressed gratitude to the members for their support when Jamaica sought to secure funding under an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in 2012.

Among other things, the PM noted that she is now focused on higher levels of growth and job creation under the IMF-supported economic reform programme, and that the people of Jamaica have made many sacrifices in the national interest despite the economic reforms being “painful, but necessary”. Necessary, I concur, but for whom is it painful?

The PM’s speech sounded so good. If only it were evident on the ground in Jamaica. People are literally walking around our cities and towns listlessly and unemployed, searching for something — anything. If only all those IMF passes that she boasted of were reflected in lower prices of goods and more jobs. If only wages were growing proportionately with inflation. There is no sacrifice on the PM’s part, none!

I’m really tired of reading and hearing the lovely sentiments being expressed by our leaders about the progress our economy is making, while the reality is the complete opposite. I waited 13 months for a job, and I’m sure there are others who have waited much longer. Only God knows how we survived those hard days of searching and waiting. If it weren’t for God’s mercy, a good support system, and resilience, so many of us would have gone crazy in this country. Unfortunately, that support system is only a dream for many others, and they are the ones politicians and dons prey upon.

The PM knows she’s in a good position, and all her bills may be paid while her salary remains untouched, so all she needs to do is just talk, travel and more talk. (Big sigh) The person who can get a skill and/or degree, and wait years before employment finally comes can overcome any obstacle after that, trust me! If it doesn’t drive you crazy, it will make you stronger. I wish for everyone the latter.

Derville Lowe

drvlllowe@yahoo.com