KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) is calling for a renewed national commitment to values, character and ethical conduct.

The PSOJ, in a press release on Wednesday, stressed that Jamaica’s social and economic progress must be underpinned by citizens and institutions that demonstrate integrity, accountability, respect and responsibility.

The call follows comments by Jamaica Teachers’ Association President La Sonja Harrison, who urged schools to place greater emphasis on character development, values and attitudes in shaping young Jamaicans.

The PSOJ said this is a timely and necessary conversation, but one that must extend well beyond the school gate.

Chairman of the PSOJ’s National Values and Attitude Advancement Committee (NVAAC), Howard Mitchell, said strengthening national values requires sustained action rather than periodic appeals for change.

“Values are ultimately demonstrated through behaviour. If we want our young people to embrace integrity, respect, accountability and responsibility, then they must see those qualities consistently demonstrated by the adults and institutions around them. Schools have an important role, but they cannot carry that responsibility alone. Families, businesses, public institutions, community organisations and leaders at every level must be part of the solution,” he said.

Meanwhile, PSOJ President Patrick Hylton said the country must recognise that economic development and social development cannot be separated.

“As a country, we rightly place significant emphasis on economic growth, education, technology and the skills our people will need to compete in a changing world. But the Jamaica we are building must also be grounded in character. Integrity, respect, discipline, accountability and a sense of responsibility to others are not secondary considerations. They are fundamental to building strong institutions, productive workplaces, safe communities and a society in which people can trust each other,” Hylton said.

Jamaica’s values are shaped in our homes and schools, but also in our workplaces, communities, institutions and through the conduct of those entrusted with leadership. Strengthening our national character therefore requires collective responsibility and a willingness to ensure that the standards we promote are also reflected in how we behave.

The organisation is encouraging businesses and business leaders to consider how they can play a more active role in reinforcing positive values among young Jamaicans.

“Through mentorship programmes, internships, apprenticeships, work-readiness initiatives, school partnerships and other structured engagements, businesses can help young people understand the relationship between character and success in the workplace. As Jamaica accelerates efforts to develop the human capital required for a more competitive and technologically advanced economy, technical and digital capabilities must be complemented by the interpersonal and behavioural competencies that allow people and organisations to succeed,” PSOJ said.

Similarly, the PSOJ is calling for the current back-to-school period to become an opportunity for a broader national conversation about the kind of citizens Jamaica seeks to develop and the standards expected of its institutions and leaders.

“Rebuilding values cannot be treated as the responsibility of any single institution. Schools must teach and reinforce them, families and communities must nurture them, businesses must practise and reward them, institutions must uphold them, leaders must model them and the state must exemplify them as a matter of policy and enforce laws which shape appropriate behaviour. For Jamaica to achieve sustainable economic and social progress, the development of skills and knowledge must go hand in hand with the development of character,” it said.