“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times; it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness; … it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair; we had everything before us, we had nothing before us.”
This quote from the Charles Dickens novel, A Tale of Two Cities eloquently expresses some of the conflicting realities of Jamaica in 2011.
As we approach the end of another year, it might be tempting for us to become cynical about our nation’s growth in the past and potential for the future. Politicians, psychologists, financial analysts, civil society groups and ordinary citizens all have varying opinions about the economic challenges that hinder our progress.
With ‘Brand Jamaica’ continuing to ride high, why is it that we couldn’t take advantage of our tremendous popularity and goodwill to reap financial benefits in 2011?
Jamaica is uniquely blessed
I believe that Jamaica already possesses everything necessary for our development. We have natural resources and attractions on par with the world’s best; sports development programmes that continually produce winners; a stimulating culture of music, food and personalities that is appreciated worldwide, among other blessings.
However, until we create an inspired vision, spurred by motivated leaders, committed followers and a collective will to win, then Jamaica will forever remain in the quicksand of financial deprivation. The only solution to our woes is for all of us, individuals and institutions alike, to concentrate our efforts on increasing our productive activities and creating sustainable profits.
Despite the challenges we faced in 2011, there is still a lot to be thankful for. Recognising that the law of attraction states that whatever you focus on multiplies, I choose to concentrate on our blessings instead of complaining about our problems. Here are just a few reasons to look back on 2011 with an attitude of gratitude:
Freedom of labour
“Everything that is really great and inspiring is created by the individual who can labour in freedom” – Albert Einstein
One of the things that we often take for granted is the relative level of freedom that we enjoy in Jamaica; for the most part, free enterprise is respected and encouraged here. Despite the many job layoffs this year, there were still many hardworking business owners who kept the country afloat.
Small business is the engine for our future growth, so more persons need to become a part of our free enterprise system. We need more entrepreneurs to innovatively package what we have in Jamaica and exploit the demands of the global marketplace. Let’s give thanks for our ability to create wealth with our own hands.
Access to the internet
“The Internet is becoming the town square for the global village of tomorrow.” – Bill Gates
In 2011, an unknown resident of rural Jamaica, Clifton Brown, gave a passionate plea on the television news that nobody ‘canna cross’ the flooded river in his community. Within a few days, Brown’s video went viral on the Internet, and he became one of the year’s most notable personalities, gaining fame and fortune in the process.
While many people may use the Internet for entertainment purposes, we must recognise the tremendous potential that it has to create profits. We need to learn how to utilise this medium to reach international markets with our Jamaican products. Let’s give thanks for our ability to communicate with the world.
Unlimited opportunities
“Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” – Thomas Edison
Over the years, this column has explored hundreds of different options of making extra income that anyone in Jamaica can enjoy. It is often in times of great difficulty that the best opportunities reveal themselves. In fact, in 2011, many of our challenges have presented earning prospects for persons who are willing to commit the time and effort.
Despite the opportunities that abound here, there are still too many people who struggle to make ends meet or find employment. Opportunity does not offer a handout; it can give you a hand up the ladder of success only if you are prepared to climb it yourself. Let’s give thanks for an abundance of opportunities to earn.
The Jamaican community
“Jamaica – To Di Worl” – phrase and pose made popular by Usain Bolt
One of the features that sets Jamaica apart from the rest of the world is our identity as a people. Whether we are illustrating a story with comedic phrases or creating a new trend that will reverberate around the world, we are undeniably unique. There is a certain comfort in the camaraderie that we share as members of the Jamaican community.
We continue to distinguish ourselves around the world in many arenas, including sports, music and the arts. Many Jamaican emigrants have played important roles in developing their adopted lands, but these members of the Diaspora remain committed to the advancement of their homeland. Let’s give thanks for the privilege of being Jamaican!
Copyright © 2011 Cherryl Hanson Simpson. No reproduction without written consent.
Originally published in The Daily Observer, December 22, 2011
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Cherryl is a money coach and business mentor, and founder of Financially S.M.A.R.T. Services. See more of her work at www.entrepreneursinjamaica.com and www.financiallysmartonline.com. Contact Cherryl