50 years minus one years ago when the independent Jamaica was a mere baby, the gust of freedom was blowing in many places. Other nations were also sensing the gust of freedom from colonial rule. This was been done in a back drop of the cold war in Jamaica’s back yard, where alignment with the west was critical in light of the bay of pigs (The US attempt to dislodge communism from Cuba in 1961). The gust for freedom was also very evident in the birth of the civil rights movement. On a sweltering summer day in August of 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., gave the seminal speech of the 20th. Century that provided the vision, drive and momentum for this movement’s monumental achievements.
Key milestones and anniversaries provide us with reflective moments to determine our future destiny. In the recent past, I was painfully reminded of our increasing sense of uncertainty beyond the pride in our Olympic prowess, and performing art skills. We have discovered that freedom has its cost. In 2011, a survey of Jamaicans revealed the stark ling fact that the majority of Jamaicans would prefer return to British rule. The choking debt servicing situation is dashing the hope of independence and raising the temptation of seeking a sugar daddy. The continuing global economic situation makes self development even more critical. The ghost of our own Greek tragedy is a rising specter for many thoughtful Jamaicans.
Mindset certainly makes a big difference. King’s speech was a catalyst to connect hearts and minds in a focused determination to change the fortunes of a stifled people. Like a pebble disturbing a stagnant pond, the stirring of the Jamaican community is needed to tackle our deepest challenges. Fresh thinking will allow us to set in motion a new wave of actions to amplify the success factors needed for this new era.
Let’s imagine that our current leader decided to take the upcoming Independence period to address to nation about its prospects in light of the multitude of challenges. She wants to squarely meet the challenges, but frame them in an outlook of possibility.
Your job should you decide to take it is to provide two elements that we will include in an info-graph of fifty (50) elements to give shape to Jamaica’s imaginative future. It will be called
Elements of Jamaica’s Future Success Stew
You may want to frame your response in light of the expectation of the growth of nations.
Please submit your entry here by June 30, 2012.
Our collaboration expressed in this manner is the first tiny step we can take to shape a glorious future.
