The world as we have known it all our lives and for generations prior is changing rapidly.

The inward-looking, ‘Make America Great Again’ perspective of President Donald Trump’s US Administration partially underlines today’s reality.

In America today there’s a far less friendly attitude towards outsiders than previously. It’s exemplified by the rounding up and deportation of people considered illegal immigrants, increased cost of US visas, and a new tax on remittances from that country.

Suddenly, the United States doesn’t seem quite the “Land of Opportunity” it used to be.

Those with knowledge of such things say Jamaica earns well in excess of US$3 billion annually from money sent back by our people abroad — perhaps as much as 65 per cent originating in the United States.

It is an undeniable fact, as pronounced by a responder in our Sunday edition that, “A lot of people live off remittances…”

People depend on money from their relatives and friends abroad to buy food, cover medical bills, pay for utilities, rent, mortgage, and so forth.

But we also know that Americans, like everyone else, have the right to act in their own self-interest. There is no compelling duty to the rest of us.

As another responder in our Sunday edition framed it: “It’s their country and they have a right to implement whatever rules and regulations…” may suit them.

Jamaicans and their leaders must also act in our best interest. For example, in the context of new tariff regimes being introduced by the Trump Administration, Jamaica’s food security has to be given serious, proactive thought. That’s not just in terms of price and availability for the average household, but also in defence of our tourism industry.

For that reason, implementation of projects such as the long-awaited Pedro Plains Irrigation Expansion Project in southern St Elizabeth, priced at $26 billion which Agriculture Minister Floyd Green says will increase agricultural production by 35 per cent, are vital.

Also, as part of that push for home-grown progress, the anti-crime drive must continue with the elimination of the gang/thug culture as a key component.

Up front criminality apart, Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness has correctly identified labour shortages and an unwillingness of far too many young men to take on honest work as a factor triggering labour shortages in our expanding economy.

Mr Holness, who as Member of Parliament for a mostly socio-economically depressed constituency, is well aware of the issues, and urges young men to embrace opportunities for skilled, relatively well-paid jobs.

Too many, he says, are choosing instead to be gun-toting criminals.

How is that attitude and culture to change? Essential though it is, law enforcement by itself is not enough.

We have said consistently in this space that, as has been recommended by former prime ministers Messrs P J Patterson and Bruce Golding, a comprehensive, long-term national campaign is needed to re-socialise our people in terms of values and attitudes.

Sadly, years ago, just such a campaign, orchestrated and led by Mr Patterson, died because of political expediency.

If anything the need is even greater today.

Using whatever tag they may choose, whichever party takes control of Government after upcoming elections will need to embrace and implement such a campaign with the complete support of all Jamaica.