In consideration of our recent history, despite what many may construe as our less than sterling performance in our economic and social achievements and our propensity for violent interaction among ourselves, Jamaica has demonstrated an uncommon ability to survive in the face of insurmountable odds. We have survived the vagaries of the weather, the battering of international economic forces, the onslaught of drug pushers and criminal gangs, even the continued ineptitude and dishonesty of our own corrupt politicians. And yet we somehow manage to maintain some modicum of forward momentum as a nation. It has sometimes been difficult to escape the conclusion that even though we have no natural enemies as a people, we have somehow become our own worst enemy.

But where have we reached today, and are we making any progress? We all know that there is something very special about Jamaica that keeps bringing visitors back to our shores, or keeps the fires of eventual return or retirement burning in the hearts of our own people of the diaspora who went before. We also know that with unity, focus and resilience, we could capitalise on that very special something that could catapult us up into the very stratosphere of growth, development and prosperity, if we really wanted it. But what would it take? A sober and honest assessment of our situation can lead to one conclusion only - that first and foremost, deep down in the heart of every Jamaican, this country must be placed first on the list of all our priorities.

First before party loyalty, first before business connections, first before our own selfish considerations of greed; there must come a point in the life of every Jamaican if we are to be successful, where we rally around the flag and become imbued with a powerful spirit of patriotism that makes us feel and stand proud to be Jamaicans wherever we may be.

Having this "carved-in-stone" unswerving loyalty to a political party cannot be a part of that. Jamaica must come first.
There is now a reasonable consensus around that our new government, albeit under very trying circumstances and considering the messy situation they have inherited, is putting their best foot forward and doing a reasonable job. It is incumbent on us as Jamaicans therefore to offer support and encouragement and pray that they succeed. Their success is our success and to realise our full potential both locally and in the international marketplace, the name of the game must be unity among ourselves. We must learn to applaud whatever is good for Jamaica and its people, regardless of what source it is coming from.

It is indeed most disappointing to hear, day after day, people on the call-in programmes and on public forums lambasting the government just after a few months in office for things that are not in place. If they are so aware of what has to be done, then why can't they come up with positive programmes to move Jamaica forward and offer a helping hand. The logic of their position remains contrary to their own self-interests and completely betrays any claim of trying to help this country. To be continually naysaying and nitpicking about a perceived lack of progress can only contribute to our demise. Let us light a candle and stop cursing the dark.

Even in Parliament, one gets the distinct impression that the sole purpose of the Opposition is to see the government fail.
Doesn't there come a time when good programmes should attract the unqualified support of both sides? Must all government initiatives be met with rancorous condemnation or silence? Can't we at some point come together in unity for the good of the people? It is difficult to imagine that Dr Omar Davies in his budget response could find nothing positive to say about Mr Shaw's presentation. It is high time that the Opposition realise that the "worst nightmare scenario" is not cutting it anymore and we must move on.

At this point in Jamaica's history, what is most important for us all is economic empowerment, both at an individual and a national level, and we must all work assiduously to fashion a future for ourselves that embodies this mantra. We must unite to bring peace, prosperity and economic empowerment to the country.

Lance Robinson is a freelance journalist.

lrobinson22@gmail.com

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