SINCE his youth, Isiah Mentor has seen widespread unemployment in Jamaica as well as the crime and poverty it breeds.

On his latest song, Income, the singer teams with roots colleagues Luciano and Mikey General. They call for government and the private sector to help address unemployment among the youth.

Isiah Mentor believes being on the payroll goes beyond cashing a cheque, especially for men.

“Because when you can take care of your family, it affects not only self-esteem but di whole person,” he said.

To help get his message across, the veteran artiste called on two longtime friends. Isiah Mentor has known Luciano and Mikey General for over 30 years, the three of them having started recording in the 1980s.

Income, which was released last week, is self-produced for his Village Records.

Having lived in Rae Town in central Kingston, West Kingston and Central Village, Spanish Town, Isiah Mentor saw his share of wayward youth. While recording as Lilly Melody for legendary engineer Osbourne “King Tubby” Ruddock in Waterhouse, he also witnessed the dangers of joblessness.

Interestingly, the Statistical Institute (STATIN), the Government agency that gathers economic data in Jamaica, reported in January that youth unemployment declined by 9.3 percentage points to 18.9 per cent relative to October 2020.

According to STATIN, the number of unemployed youth fell by 17,600 to 37,400.

As Lilly Melody, Isiah Mentor recorded a number of songs for King Tubby’s Firehouse label including Ghostbuster, Older Than Me, Jumbo, and No Pressure.

His 1988 album, Give It To Me, was also a King Tubby’s production.