The Jamaican people are by nature, fiercely individualistic, and nothing is wrong with that. This is what sets us apart on the world’s stage and allows our culture to shine so brightly in the areas of music, art, food, and sports. However, while we nurture our individual talents we must also remember where we came from, and those communities that helped grow us.

 
I came from the rural parish of St. Mary. A place that, when I was growing up, was steeped in community values. Where every adult looked out for every child, and children learned to respect their elders because they knew their advice came from a place of genuine concern. Things have changed since then, and society is paying for it to the tune of increased rape, murder, and violence against our children.  

Dr. Herbert Gayle argues that we are witnessing an “unrecognizable and undeclared war” in Jamaica. However, the murders can be brought down across the region within 15 years if scientific approaches are used to handle violence, with preventative, structural, and long-lasting programmes on both the individual and community levels:

“Education and training, with parenting skills, mentorship, and alternative justice interventions, while providing economic opportunities that affords ontological security to all,” which are urgently vital especially when the data reveals approximately 53 percent of our murders are done by repeat killers.

We have to move away from the concept of ‘a nuh my pickney…” and return to ‘a my pickney”. Get back in touch with our community roots. Be an advocate for those who need intervention–whether they are experiencing challenges at home, struggling with mental health issues, or falling victim to abuse.

Be their voice! Do not sit by as the future of Jamaica suffers in silence!

If we work together for the good of our children, we can create a safer, brighter future for Jamaica. The only question is: Will YOU do your part?