Dear Editor,

“Exodus! Movement of Jah people” is a line from musical legend Bob Marley’s song Exodus, which he sang decades ago.

While Marley may have been singing about rastafarians’ repatriation to Africa, Jamaicans are eager to exit to everywhere except Haiti. The teachers, nurses, doctors, police, and ordinary citizens are actively checking the internet for overseas programmes to which they can apply. Some Jamaicans are willing to go on a daily exercise plan to be able to pole-vault over the United States-Mexico border wall.

The situation becomes more interesting when Jamaicans adjust their sexuality to seek asylum in foreign lands. Jamaicans who are educated at overseas universities often opt to use their knowledge and skills abroad rather than return to build the island. The situation, however, is bittersweet as remittances, which is second to tourism, gets a medal for helping the country to stay afloat.

The recent utterances from Jamaica’s dearly beloved Prime Minister Andrew “Brogad” Holness which spoke to attracting bright minds to politics has only helped to push more Jamaicans to the plane. This statement was rather profound, but unfortunate for the leader to make. As a country we should be seeking to attract the best talents in all facets of professional service rather than trying to cue the best so-called talents into politics.

The irony of the prime minister’s statement came to the fore when a video of Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) council nominee Steve Graham struggling to pronounce words while reading at a graduation service in Old Harbour made the rounds on social media. It is unacceptable for the Government to be encouraging people to enter representational politics with massive salary increases when other public servants with degrees are not so lucky.

It was a national shame when Canada recently granted visa-free access to some countries and Jamaica was left standing in line. What is the problem in a country that tells tourists ‘Jamaica, no problem, mon’? Why is it that an island which is surrounded by white sand beaches; has the fastest man and woman; and has the best food, music, and a resilient people is struggling with emigration? The powers that be need to look seriously at what they are doing wrong and put country over self in addressing this serious issue.

The fight between the two major political parties and the fight among party members are evidence of the personal agenda of our leaders. Mismanagement of the countries’ resources, failure to curb crime, government disrespect, a lack of vision and growth are reasons educated emigrants give for leaving.

Jamaica’s educated are angry that politicians can live lavish lifestyles, drive high-end vehicles, and eat the finest delicacies on the bill of the people, who are finding it difficult to meet the bare essentials.

It is sad that on the heels of Jamaica’s 61st year of Independence its people are looking overseas in order to live a decent life. This speaks volumes about our leaders and brings into question Jamaica’s ability to realise its 2030 vision of making Jamaica the place of choice to live, work, do business, and raise families.

The exodus will continue

Hezekan Bolton

h_e_z_e@hotmail.com