Dear Editor,

According to the recent survey carried out by Respect Jamaica and the local office of UNICEF, 80 per cent of our young people have not bought into this vision of Jamaica as the place of choice to live, work, raise families and do business.

Many feel trapped and dream of the day when they can depart to greener pastures. To the optimists amongst us, Jamaica is poised for a take-off. Economic growth and development will be realised at the end of this current agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). For others, the worst is yet to come, as the IMF will demand that we implement policies that could lead to job losses and more taxes. Whose report do we believe?

In May when Minister of Finance Audley Shaw and Prime Minister Andrew Holness address us on the matter of our nation’s budget, we are hoping that they will be able to motivate us and give us some hope. Yes, we know that they will have to use all the technical jargon, however, we appeal to both honourable gentlemen, find some space in your speech to motivate and inspire the Jamaican people.

We implore both gentlemen to avoid the recitation of mere figures; speak to us as to where we are going as a country. Tell us your plans for getting there. What will be required of us? What is our role? Are we, the young people of this country, to be the only ones sacrificing or will the burdens be shared? Will there be thought given to lowering the numbers, salaries and perks of elected officials if the economy does not grow as laid out by you?

We are in need of inspiration, we need to feel like partners in this venture called Jamaica, and the occasion is now. Please say something about Vision 2030 and tell us how it ties in with the short-, medium- and long-term plans of your Government.

It is said that where there is no vision, the people perish.

Junior Chamber International Hopewell

jcihopewell@yahoo.com