Dear Editor,

As Jamaica celebrated its 60th anniversary as an independent nation with a spectacular event at the National Stadium dubbed the Grand Gala, I watched from the comfort of my living room and I ruminated on how much of a great nation we are because of our people.

Our dominance in sports, music, and other art forms have won us international acclaim. However, crime and violence have tarnished our image and reputation in much the same way that it has damaged the emotion and well-being of our people.

As a proud Jamaican I want to see a safer and more peaceful Jamaica for whatever time I have left as a living soul. I think about the Jamaica my two children will inherit when they enter the adult world. I thought about what I can do as an ordinary citizen in my little sphere of influence to make Jamaica a safer place to live, do business, and raise families.

I have concluded that it is not the macro-security measures, such as tough gun control laws, limitations in the granting of bail, special units to dismantle gangs and lottery scamming, that are going to break the back of crime. Yes, all these measures are necessary, in part, but I think we are going to have to first look at a micro- management approach for building safer communities and a safer country.

I think that if we can reimagine our community groups, such as our citizens’ associations and neighbourhood watches, along with a national mentorship programme targeting the young people, we could reclaim the soul of Jamaica. With the use of technology these community groups could be empowered to play a more active role in fighting crime.

I think we have adopted a very selfish and impersonal way of living, which is not part of the indigenous Jamaican character. Too many of us live next door to each other and don’t even know each other’s names. Too many of us live in the same community and don’t know each other because we don’t care about anyone but ourselves. Too many of us refuse to extend a ladder to help someone succeed despite us having reached the top of the building. How often do we celebrate our successes and accomplishments, but we can’t find the time to lift someone up because we are only concerned with self-aggrandisement and have no regard for the common good?

If we are going to reclaim the soul of Jamaica, it will require us to look out for each other and break down the walls of selfishness and impersonal living instead of allowing these walls to break us down. If each of us makes a commitment to join a community group and give of our time, talent, and resources, and seek to mentor at least one troubled youth in our community, it would make an impact.

As we enjoy the pleasant memories of our 60th anniversary of Independence, let us not lose sight of the giant work that lies ahead if we are to reclaim the soul of Jamaica as a country of one love. Let us start with the man in the mirror. The word is always love.

Andre Wellington

President

Spalding Citizens’ Association

andrewellington344@yahoo.com