We the people... I know no safe depository of the ultimate powers of the society but the people themselves. Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826), intellectual, statesman and third President of the United States. THOSE POWERFUL, enlightened words sum up my philosophy on the solution to our economic, social and political problems. We the people hold in our individual hands the key to our own salvation. It does not rest with the government or with the security forces. It does not rest with rich international investors or with the politicians. It does not rest with the developed countries or with international watchdogs. It does not rest with the International Monetary Fund; it rests with us. It is we who determine our fate, our future and the course of our nation. Our cumulative actions have a ripple effect in space and time. The current dilemmas plaguing our nation may appear to be overwhelming. The task of healing the ills within our society may seem daunting but all we need do is decide within ourselves that we can and will effect changes for the better. It is we the people who have the power to chart our future. Our 'leaders' are called upon to assume transient management roles from time to time but we the people are 'in power' all the time. The sooner everyone remembers this, the better it will be for all of us. I have always marvelled at our ability to work hard and to excel (when properly motivated). Many Jamaicans hold two and sometimes even three jobs when they migrate to North America. Most Jamaican students perform far above average whenever they study abroad. The vast majority of Jamaicans who relocate to North America do better than others who have lived there all their lives under similar circumstances (that is why our people continue to migrate). If we were to employ these same positive attitudes to work, study and discipline here at home, Jamaica would be prosperous and safe. Few will have the greatness to bend history itself; but each of us can work to change a small portion of events, and in the total of all those acts will be written the history of this generation. - John F. Kennedy (1917-1963), 35th President of the United States. It is we, the individuals, who make Jamaica what it is. Our every thought and our every action form the threads that weave the very fabric of our society. Our recent history is replete with examples of the negative effect that the actions of some individuals have upon the society. We have witnessed first-hand the effects of selfishness, ignorance, aggression and greed. We have all seen the numerous failed financial institutions and the unmitigated, senseless, self-destructive violence. We have to turn away from our current path because it leads nowhere. It is time that each and every one of us puts our God-given talents to positive use and return this country to its former glory. When the solution is simple, God is answering. Albert Einstein (1879-1955), Nobel Peace Prize Winner, physicist and celebrated genius. It doesn't take a genius to see that we are in dire need of the unity that has eluded us for generations. Divisiveness has only brought us pain and suffering, unity will bring us peace and prosperity. It's as simple as that. Unity means abolishing the self-serving, opportunistic loyalty to any one particular political party and pledging our full allegiance to our country. It is downright unpatriotic to align oneself with any one party if it may be detrimental to the entire nation. Nobody can list his or her nationality as 'PNP' or 'JLP', we the people are all 'Jamaican'. If you have no confidence in self, you are twice defeated in the race of life. With confidence, you have won even before you have started. -Marcus Mosiah Garvey (1887-1940). Founding member of the first trade union in Jamaica, The Printer's Union. Founder of the United Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) and the African Communities League, apostle of African nationalism and historical figure. Social reform We have come to depend on the government for everything. In my humble opinion no government can help us out of our current predicament. It is we who must have the self-confidence to extricate ourselves. We are capable of adapting to any vicissitude. If we all start with the 'small stuff', like showing respect and kindness towards all in our homes, in the streets and at our places of business we will be well on our way towards social reform. Two men looked from behind prison bars, one looked down and saw mud the other looked up and saw stars. Author unknown. I grew up hearing my father quote this poignant phrase on many occasions. People caught in similarly, potentially depressing situations can choose to look at the bad or the bright side of things. Our current national turmoil has trapped us all into brooding over the negatives (mud) but there are many positives (stars) all around us. I maintain that Jamaica's greatest asset is her people, but some of us are beginning to lose hope. It seems that some have forgotten who we really are. Ninety-nine per cent of Jamaicans are blessed with kind hearts, moral fortitude, determination and resilience. We must not give up hope. We must remain confident in our capabilities. We have proven our worth abroad now it is time to prove our worth at home. If we all do what's right, what can possibly go wrong? Dr. Garth A. Rattray is a medical doctor with a family practice.
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