Dear Editor,

Vision 2030 is Jamaica’s strategic road map to guide the country towards achieving its goals of sustainable development and prosperity by 2030. Its signposts are in line with the inclusive development goals of the United Nations that has graduated beyond basic food, clothing, and shelter to integrate the standards and principles of human rights through participation, non-discrimination, and accountability.

The overall aim of Vision 2030 Jamaica, the national development plan, is to make Jamaica the place of choice to live, work, raise families, and do business. But where are we now at this juncture in our society?

A glance at the document will reveal that we are way off track in achieving any of the seven principles put out by the Vision 2030 Advisory Committee.

With the year 2030 just three years away, what successes can we point to? Development plans seem stuck in the pipeline. Can we put our pride behind us and take up the lessons we taught Singapore? Or is it too late to teach an old dog new tricks?

Transparency and accountability remain mere buzzwords, when will we see them in action if we are basically doing things the same way?

Operationally, patients are being given surgery dates over one year away. Schools are overcrowded and understaffed. Access to technology is limited, and some people still do not have flush toilets. Our heritage sites, such as the Ward Theatre, have been allowed to descend to rubble and we poorly manage the other assets we do have. So many buildings, once bubbling with commerce and activity, now lie derelict. We have an ever-growing import bill that is not being countered by any growth in local production or exports.

Had the People’s National Party (PNP) won the 2025 General Election what difference would we have seen? Better hospitals, better schools, better trained government workers? People still standing outside in the sun waiting to pay their taxes? Who will take care of our elderly, homeless, and mentally ill? Why are we still sending burn victims overseas for treatment? Why are women suspected of having breast cancer waiting months for a mammogram? The number of murders, stench of uncollected garbage, and long wait in lines at public offices for paid and unpaid services are troubling.

So are we truly pursuing Vision 2030? Or is it simply not the party’s vision?

I would never blame the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) for all Jamaica’s ills, but it needs to pull up its socks.

Concerned citizen

Jamaica