A ‘radam’ moment of our own making
Dear Editor,
The recent debacle of allegations engulfing Stocks and Securities Limited (SSL) and National Commercial Bank (NCB) is stunning, to say the least, given the amount of money missing and the high-profile individual implicated.
While it is most prudent to await the results of the ongoing investigations, one cannot but see a clear irony in all of this. There is a very well-known biblical reference that says you reap what you sow. And at this time Jamaica is reaping what it has sown as a nation.
From making excuses for young men and women engaged in lotto scamming, using slavery to justify it, to the glorification of all sorts of “chopping” in the music, the view that one must live above ones means, it is a wonder we haven’t had at least two SSL’s per week in this country. Jamaica has for far too long encouraged the get-rich-quick mentality without hard work, and we are now faced with this scandal that could have serious ramifications for this country’s international standing.
How many elderly people overseas are now living in poverty after being scammed of their entire life savings by hoodlums in this country? How much tears are being shed because, as a country, a large cross section has been taken in by scamming, either by actively engaging in it, providing tacit support, or spending the proceeds of the ill-gotten gains? Didn’t we expect that at some point those that don’t have access to lead sheets but handle vast sums of money on a daily basis would want to engage in what is now a widespread practice of stealing in this country?
Jamaica is facing a “radam” moment of our own making.
As a nation, we cannot continue on this path. The headlong rush to get rich quick, to live the high life, above ones economic means, must stop. It has a seriously deleterious effect on the nation as is quite evident in the high murder rate. We need a serious reset. A national reset — a reset that puts back into the national psyche the love for working to achieve a goal and educating oneself to climb out of poverty.
These attitudes may seem old-fashioned and antiquated, but they are time-tested strategies for a good life. It is full time we start obeying God’s commandments, one of which says thou shalt not steal.
If we don’t recapture some, if not all, godly morals, it’s a guarantee that we will continue to see an increase in fraudulent activities, and Jamaica will continue to have its never-ending radam moments. We are reaping the fruits of a nation labouring in what is ungodly.
Fabian Lewis
tyronelewis272@gmail.com