Dear Editor,

As we appoint a leader, my deepest fear is that in another 20 years this country will be in the same position, or possibly worse, regardless of which party is in power.

Jamaica is desperate for a leader who isn’t limited by his/her own self-doubt or what the world tells him/her about what is achievable. Nothing great has ever been attained without exceeding one’s own expectations.

Who is it that is going to step forward and dare to dream for this country and our people, far beyond the average man’s expectations? We need a leader who is versed in the art of being “unreasonable”. This leader would set goals at all levels of development that appear too ambitious, but are attainable through self-belief, unity and hard work.

Achieving what seems “unreasonable” requires change from the present status quo; change requires motivation, both in the initiation and sustaining phases. Leaders who are “unreasonable” motivate, they do not settle for mediocrity, their desire and passion to excel have no limits. “Unreasonable” leaders are not shackled by the expectations of others but exude confidence about their own abilities and the people they lead.

We need a leader who truly believes in Jamaica beyond our prowess in reggae music and track and field. Will that be our legacy to the world? Let us not stop there, for that is only the beginning. Let us reintroduce ourselves to the world as disciplined, industrious, productive and worthy global citizens.

For this new year 2012, I wish for an unreasonable leader, with unreasonable goals and a dream for Jamaica that awaken us from our comfort zone and surpasses all our present expectations.

Richard Henry

Programme manager

Addiction Counselling & Support Services

RISE Life Management Services

motivation4change@gmail.com