WITH preparations well underway for the celebration of Jamaica’s 62 years of Independence, youth across various sectors are sharing their hopes and dreams of the kind of country they want to see 62 years later, as Jamaica moves to become the place of choice to live, work, raise families and to do business.

The process to transform Jamaica into a republic is well underway with the Senate recently approving a Bill to amend Section 61 of Jamaica’s Constitution and eliminate reference to the United Kingdom monarchy during the legislative enactment process. However, the process is far from over, with debates about the way forward often stalling the transition.

Highlighting the multiple times previous government officials started and stopped the process, youth representative on the Constitutional Reform Committee (CRC) Sujae Boswell calls on both the Government and the Opposition to show political will and commitment to keep the process moving forward as he hopes for Jamaica to become a republic.

“We’ve been on this road from as early as the 1970s. A committee was set up in the 1990s; they made a report, we’re back again in 2024, and this committee has also made a report, so we can’t just continue to speak about change, we have to influence and create the change,” Boswell told the Jamaica Observer.

“It will be difficult to reignite the imaginations of the people if we start this process now and we shell the process, so we have to be very deliberate, we have to show the will and the commitment to advance the process of reform,” he stressed.

Reflecting on 62 years of Independence, he said it is an ideal time to work towards producing a Jamaican Constitution.

“It’s really the highest law in the country, and we have an opportunity to address a number of the governance challenges, and also to create a living document that reflects Jamaica’s cultural heritage as well as our developmental aspirations, and I think that it is now a very opportune time that we take those steps,” he said.

Sticking to the topic of legal development, attorney-at-law Iqbal Cheverria said Jamaica has come a long way in revolutionising the way fundamental rights are observed. He also commended efforts taken through the Disabilities Act to provide special care for those who need it, but noted that there is much needed to build Brand Jamaica.

“I think we’re a country that has so much raw talent, and not just raw talent but resources in terms of the environment and Brand Jamaica. I really feel like if we have legislation governing how it is that we as a people brand Jamaica, we can certainly build Jamaica and capitalise from the powerhouse of a country that we are,” said Cheverria.

“One thing I would like to see be taken more seriously is the intellectual property rights of Jamaica as a brand country and having persons pay to use our sound, our music, and all of that. I don’t think we have given enough credence to that and other forms of intellectual property as it relates to our media and our music from all our various artistes, our slangs as well,” he told the Sunday Observer.

Additionally, he stated that he would love to see more legislation that promotes environmental sustainability and holds developers of housing units to the standard of ensuring that the environment is preserved.

Sharing similar sentiments about the rich music heritage in Jamaica, CEO of KaDon Music Enterprise and violinist Kamoy Gordon said he does not believe enough is being done to foster growth and development in the music industry.

Gordon said it is a pity that music education remains under-capitalised and urged greater investment in both private and public organisations in the sector.

“Music education remains under-capitalised, especially considering the value the product adds to Jamaica. We need to see investments in music from the primary level to the tertiary level. The sector also needs reformation, and this can only be driven by policy,” he said.

“In an effort to support the music and entertainment industry, the Government can waive duties and fees on instruments and equipment that have been purchased for personal use. This will help tremendously,” said Gordon.

He added that he would love to see a Jamaica where organisations such as the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts, Jamaica Reggae Industry Association, and the Jamaica Federation of Musicians and Affiliated Unions are present at all discussions about the development of the music industry.

For 23-year-old marine biologist and projects and administrative coordinator for Jamaica at the Sustainable Ocean Alliance Caribbean Robyn Young, taking action against deep sea mining, which is the extraction of minerals from the seabed of the deep sea, must be a priority.

As debates continue on how or whether to allow the practice of deep sea mining in Jamaica, Young urges the Government to “reconsider and ultimately reject the proposition for deep seabed mining”.

“This practice poses significant threats to our marine ecosystems, which are already under immense pressure from climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss,” she told the Observer.

“The deep ocean is home to unique species and habitats that are still largely unexplored and not well understood. We rely so heavily on the blue economy here in Jamaica, so greenlighting this industry could affect our livelihoods tremendously. Mining activities could lead to irreversible damage, disrupting these fragile environments and alter the way the oceans regulate our climate. Sustainable alternatives must be prioritised to protect our oceans for future generations,” she stressed.

As a young teacher deeply invested in the future of Jamaica, Governor General Achievement Awardee Romain Kenton said he is concerned about the persistent challenges within the education sector such as teacher migration, insufficient support for teachers, and overcrowded classrooms.

“These obstacles not only impact the academic performance of our children but also their overall development and future prospects,” said Kenton.

“I urge that Government return to the drawing board and try to see where they can improve the quality of life for teachers not by just raising our salaries but putting in benefits that teachers will appreciate,” he said, citing benefit examples such as grants for teachers’ children to attend schools, discounts at grocery stores, greater accessibility to get houses, and discount for car loans.

“I aspire to see a nation where every child has access to world-class education, where our schools are equipped with modern resources, and where teachers are empowered and respected and it’s not just a talk, but it comes with action. By addressing these critical issues today, we can build a stronger, more educated Jamaica that thrives on the global stage,” he said.

Educator and Governor General Achievement Awardee Romain Kenton

Marine biologist and projects and administrative coordinator for Jamaica at the Sustainable Ocean Alliance Caribbean Robyn Young

CEO of KaDon Music Enterprise and violinist Kamoy Gordon

Attorney-at-law Iqbal Cheverria.