Is Youth Social Activism Dead in Jamaica?

03/24.2018
Today was the March for Our Lives demonstrations in Washington DC, Parkland, FL, cities throughout the United States, and countries worldwide. The youth worldwide voiced their concerns not only for the specific causes that youth in the United States have been supporting but for their overall concerns that too many lives are being lost to gun violence. In January, 2018, Jamaica declared a state of emergency over some parts of the island to curtail soaring gun crimes. Yet, there was no coming together of the youth in Jamaica today to march in support of the March for Our Lives worldwide movement. Owing to the country's high gun crime rate, Jamaica's youth participation in this worldwide event would have sent a lasting message not only to the people of Jamaica but to the world. However, as noted in a previous blog dated October 1st, 2016, the youth in Jamaica seems unfamiliar or rather indifferent to demonstrating for social causes that impact the nation unlike past generations. This "me" generation appears to be more consumed with owning the latest electronic gadgets and profiling their wears at over-crowded parties and entertaining events. This is the new norm. However, it is concerning that the country is heading in a direction where the youth no longer takes an interest in advocating publicly for social issues that negatively impact the masses of the population.

10/01/16
Emily Shields, radio talk show host, spoke about her astonishment with the responses she received when she sent out a tweet for Jamaican college and university students to get involved in social activism in support of causes that affect their lives and others. She mentioned that as a student at UWI she became aware of how students in the past made a difference by taking a stand against injustices, and she became involved in demonstrations against the unconscionable hike in gas prices. From all indications the responses to her tweet echoed a disinterest in getting involved in public demonstrations for social causes unlike students of the past who readily participated in such actions. Mrs. Shields expressed her disappointment in the future generation's desire to stand up for important causes, and her sentiments are dittoed by this writer. But, she still believes that there must be young Jamaicans who are compassionate in their desire to speak out against the disservices that plague the underserved which may include even themselves. Certainly, there must be those young Jamaicans; however, they seem far and few between since, from public portrayal, the future generation of tomorrow is a "me" generation. It has become a generation where materialism is more important than having concerns about humanity. God forbid if these young people could not own or flaunt their latest expensive cell phones, computers, IPads and anything else that relates to electronics. Furthermore, why would they get involved in social causes when priorities are instead to wear the latest, most costly fashions, profile at popular events in the city, or travel to resort towns to compete among themselves in wearing the skimpiest of clothes and getting drunk at liquor company sponsored events. So, Mrs. Shields should not be alarmed with the twitter feed responses she received since the selfishness that is prevalent in the young generation of Jamaicans today is not surprising. The responses tell a sad story on the future of where the country is heading.

Dr. Errol Morrison and Easton Douglas - Irresponsible Appointment Gone Wrong

The ongoing UTech problems are not surprising.  It was just a matter of time for Dr. Errol Morrison's ineffective leadership to become intolerable. Dr. Morrison is a physician and well known locally for his specialty in addressing diabetes issues. However, when his name was announced in 2007 to assume the responsibility as president of a learning institution, there was skepticism on his knowledge and ability to lead such a prominent university. This is just one of the many leadership appointments that are given based on politics and friendship to people who simple have no knowledge or experience to successfully do a good job outside of their comfort zone. Instead, they have to rely on the knowledge of experts who eventually get tired of being used and not getting any recognition. With time on the hands of inexperienced appointees, their idle minds lead to no good. So, quite often, an autocratic leadership style along with illegal and deceptive practices will occur, as in the case of UTech.
http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20140312/lead/lead2.html

Easton Douglas ..............he made his intentions clear during his CVM interview on the program, "Direct" with Garfield Burford, when he defiantly argued that as the Managing Director for NHT's board of Directors, he must  have an office in the NHT building to oversee the day-to-day operations of the institution??!!  So far four prominent, well-respected  board members have resigned, and this lack of confidence demonstrates Douglas's inability to lead the board. If he cannot lead a board, then his desire to be the CEO of the institution would certainly present a problem. But, in a desire for power, it is difficult to see such shortcomings.