Dear Editor,

Millennials, babies of the 1980s and early 90s, are now adults and ready to shape the political and economic world in which we live and operate.

We lived through the mad rush leading up to Y2K, saw the world react to the September 9/11 attacks in the US, and prompt with the development of new and social media. All these things have shaped the minds of Jamaican millenials towards a new way of thinking that does not match traditional politics.

It is quite obvious that Jamaica is not ready for our way of thinking. But just to be clear, this is what Jamaican millennials really want:

1. Fixed election dates: A country held at ransom for the “perfect day” to effect a victory cannot operate or manage its affairs with confidence. And development absolutely cannot flourish in uncertainty. A fixed election date will offer stability.

2. Retirement at 65: As ordinary citizens, we are expected to retire upon reaching 65. Why is the same not expected of politicians?

3. Injection of new blood: The roster of young candidates in representational politics is quite paltry. And even when young people offer themselves for service, they are not welcomed into governance, not welcomed to broker change, not welcomed to drive policy, and not welcomed to shape the country’s future. Young people are often jaded by the time they reach positions of influence, or leave because of stifled dreams in the party.

4. Debates on the issues: For the past two elections, there has been a spike in the number of 20-somethings who have become interested in politics simply because we want to discuss the issues. What is the state of the country’s economy, education, and youth right now? Ten-point plans are essay notes, while debates and discussions give you a full look at the dissertation.

5. Accountability: Many promises are bandied about during this “silly season” that never come to fruition after a victory. Yet no one is held accountable. We millennials want a system that holds parliamentarians, technocrats, and bureaucrats to the repercussions of their actions. Too often we have seen people in Government retain positions and placements after they have flubbed the nation’s business. No one is above censure, or the law, yet time and time again all those mentioned above skate by with nary a rap on the wrist.

6. Two-tiered voting: Millennials want to vote for the candidate who will best represent their constituencies, and for the best person to lead the country. We are used to multiple choices. Majority-rule politics does not fit into our new millennium dispensation.

There is much more, but let us start here.

uashleigh@gmail.com