Jamaica’s social and economic development has been relatively stagnant over the last decade. The questions on the minds of most Jamaicans: Will Jamaica’s economy ever rival its more successful neighbours to the North? Who will be charged with the responsibility of fixing Jamaica? And, of course, how?

The answers to these questions have eluded us for years. The potential solutions have also departed from the land of wood and water; first on steamboats and now Boeing 737s, joining #TeamBrainDrain.

A vast majority of Jamaica’s highly trained and educated youth are migrating to foreign territories to seek better employment and living opportunities. There is no sign of this abating soon, as many recent graduates from university are unable to find employment in their respective fields of study. Burdened with student loans and increased costs of living, call centres are filled with overqualified young Jamaicans who are finding fewer reasons to remain in their homeland.

From the early 19th century, Jamaicans have been fleeing the island in search of the proverbial “better”. Ironic for a land often praised for offering foreigners snippets of heaven. In 2010, a study conducted by the World Bank revealed that about 85 per cent of Jamaica’s tertiary graduates migrated to other countries in search of better opportunities. This was the second highest rate in the world — Guyana being the first with an emigration rate of 89 per cent.

My conversations with fellow university students have revealed their cynicism about the progress and future of Jamaica. The National Youth Values and Attitudes survey conducted in 2014 also revealed that many young Jamaicans were dissatisfied with the opportunities available to them. Jamaica’s current economy has forced a rename to the land of “macka sticks and no water”. Jamaica faces a serious problem.

Impact of politics

Jamaica’s political climate, since I have been of cognitive ability to understand it — about a decade — has been filled with allegations of dishonourable conduct from politicians. This parliamentary roller coaster has deterred enthusiastic involvement in potentially changing Jamaica’s political landscape. This indifference is widespread.

Political change is possible though youth involvement. However, dwindling numbers in recent general elections highlights Jamaicans’ overall apathy to a political system in which they have no faith; leaving voting to diehards, who vote based on party loyalty rather than who will best represent the needs of the country. This loyalty is largely born out of handouts — a little pocket money and a cold Guinness.

The unfortunate reality is that many Jamaicans do not expect honesty and transparency from politicians. In order to change the political climate, we must increase involvement among the young and educated. Jamaicans need to recognise that the actions of the citizens have the ability to dictate a politician’s willingness to make decisions that will positively impact Jamaica’s future. Yes, that’s all it requires, not violent upheaval as Karl Marx suggests will happen as a result of tension between the proletariat and the bourgeoisie.

Many of the politicians today have careers that have spanned two to three decades. Without the benefit of empirical data, the sentiment many will agree is that it is time many politicians “pack their bags and go!” We can quintessentially rule out our current crop of politicians being the source of the solution. It cannot be ignored that Jamaica’s future is dependent on younger generations. A younger generation is necessary for political and social change; yet the majority of the most vibrant, talented and intelligent young are leaving the country in search of better opportunities.

Suggestions: but no quick fix

Putting all thoughts of doom and gloom aside, Jamaica is filled with potential as we have access to robust human and natural resources. It is easier to harness the potential of people as opposed to the potential of the actual land. Brain drain, therefore, affects the potential of the country to change its course.

Our leaders, current and future, need to provide a valid plan of action that will convince Jamaica’s young adults to remain and invest in our homeland. I believe that at least three areas need attention: the economy, education, and culture.

Excessive taxing is not the way. I am a law student, not an economist, but any expert may provide an answer to the following question: If we are to grow Jamaica’s economy, how can tax-based policies help, since excessive taxing decreases the spending power of citizens in a climate of increasing prices and stagnant wages?

Growing the economy can only mean good things for the entire country. It means jobs, which means money, which means a better standard of living, better education and less crime, eventually leading to prosperity.

Secondly, education is necessary for producing innovative, analytical and impartial thinkers who will have the ability to make more informed and logical decisions regarding the leadership of the country. Proper education would also produce capable and competent political leaders. In my opinion, our current education system, though improved, needs to focus less on the memorisation and regurgitation of facts and more on creating individuals who have a true penchant for learning and possess strong critical analysis skills. The sad reality is that the critical thinkers we’re producing do not get absorbed into the economy. They, soon after graduation, join #TeamBrainDrain.

The third, and probably the most difficult to carry out, is a change in certain social norms and cultures that are prevalent in society today. The ‘give me a bly’ mentality when wrongs are committed, along with the ‘bandulu’ culture of corruption and indiscipline needs to be completely removed from the fabric of society. A country whose citizens want to follow the rules, and dutifully do so, indicate a sign of overall content with the governance and leadership, as order and structure take precedence, allowing for a more efficient society. It cannot be the belief that he who follows the rules get shafted. We have to make Jamaica a place law-abiding citizens want to live.

If Jamaica ever hopes to fulfil its dreams of being a First World country, all Jamaicans, especially my generation, must recognise that it is our duty to bring about change by not sitting quietly. New and innovative leadership, along with economic development, suitable education and improved social attitudes, will help to put Jamaica on track for developmental success. I implore the younger generations to unsubscribe from #TeamBrainDrain as we have to work to make the change.

Yes, there is a school of though that encourages the educated young to seek employment opportunities abroad so that we can contribute to Jamaica’s development through remittances. This view is short-sighted, as the mass migration of Jamaicans deprives us of our most important resource: ourselves.

With elections upcoming, I remind my fellow Jamaicans to use their voice and votes to demand the changes we want and deserve as a nation.