Introduce voting as subject in school
SCHOOL: Spanish Town High
ADDRESS: Corner of Young and Ellis streets, Spanish Town
FOUNDED: 1967
PRINCIPAL: Joan Neufville
WITH the general election on our doorsteps and still a considerable number of Jamaicans apathetic to not only voting, but politics on a whole, we solicited the views of the head students of Spanish Town High in the country’s former capital city. They disagree at some points, but one thing is for sure, they want to see the political climate of Jamaica improved.
HEAD GIRL: Danielle Fearon
DOB: October 22, 1998
NOTABLE AWARDS:
• Girl of the Year
• Certificate of distinction in City & Guilds mathematics
CAREER ASPIRATION: Forensic science or journalism
Reason: I am an excellent public speaker and I also have a passion for the sciences.
HEAD BOY: Joel Hall
DOB: January 4, 1999
CAREER ASPIRATION: Electrical and electronic engineering
Reason: Electrical Engineering is a very important career in our society. Without it most gadgets we enjoy today would not exist. The world is constantly advancing technologically, and I want to be part of that change. I believe that I can help to develop something that will improve and lift the status of our nation.
C&E: What is your perception of politics in Jamaica?
DF: When you look at the behaviour of some of the people in politics, it leaves a lot to be desired as they are not setting good examples for our young people.
JH: My perception of politics in Jamaica is that our nation’s politicians are not doing enough for our nation to develop. I think they need to put more effort into adjusting the issues of our education system. The nation will see drastic changes in our youth if this is addressed.
C&E: Do you think that political apathy is a major concern in Jamaica?
JH: Yes, it is, and if it is not addressed then Jamaica will have a lot more issues in the near future.
C&E: Why do you think so many young people are apathetic to the electoral process?
JH: I think they are apathetic to the electoral process because they are not aware that they have the right to choose their rightful leader and they believe that politicians will do little if anything to change the situations that many young adults face.
C&E: How can we remedy this issue of political apathy?
DF: This can be remedied by implementing a subject in school that is based entirely on voting, from as early as grade six.
JH: Our nation’s leaders should be more honest about the affairs of the country instead of being secretive.
C&E: Is democracy important to you?
DF: Yes, it is, [but] it’s better to serve a party that is appointed by you. There will be more cooperation.
JH: Yes, it’s very important to me.
C&E: What do you think is the state of Jamaica’s democracy?
DF: Jamaica’s democracy is in a terrible state. Most of our voters are voting for a particular party because of fear or because they grew up in a community where that is the party they choose.
JH: Jamaica’s democracy is at a state where many Jamaicans are deprived because of their loyalty to a particular party no matter what the party does.
C&E: What effect do you think political apathy has on our democracy?
JH: People are neglecting their responsibility to participate in the process.
C&E: Do you think that we should make voting mandatory? Why or why not?
DF: No. Not everyone is into politics.
JH: Yes, it should be mandatory because the people of the nation are the ones who decide who will lead for the next political term.
C&E: What can young people do to curb voter apathy?
DF: They can educate themselves more about the concept of voting and why they should vote and also share the information with their friends so that when they get to the age of eligibility they know whether to vote or not.
C&E: It is Black History Month. Do you think not voting is dishonouring our forefathers who fought for universal adult suffrage?
DF: No.
JH: Yes.
C&E: Marcus Garvey was one of those who fought for the civil rights of black people in Jamaica. Do you think he would be pleased with the state of our country and its political scene?
DF: No.
JH: No, he would not be.
C&E: Would you enter representational politics? Why or why not?
DF: I would not consider a career in politics for numerous reasons, but the main one is the fact that politicians undergo too much pressure when it comes to pleasing the public at large and what you do will never be enough because you can’t please everyone.
JH: Yes, I would because I think I have the skills required to lead our nation and to make changes for future generations to come.
C&E: Do you intend to pursue leadership at higher levels?
DF: Yes, I do. I was a born leader and I am determined to lead whatever department I am a part of.
JH: Yes, I want to be chief engineer of a prominent company.