Frequently, at this time of year, everyone is glued to the media to assess what the Government will do for them.
The cries of “not enough jobs”, or “lack of good roads”, “absence of proper housing”, etc. are usual.
We hear a lot about the need for better health care, dealing with education, as well as what the government is doing about the growing criminal environment. But at the same time, we are paying no attention to our social behaviour and habits.
For instance, everyone uses the beach for recreational activities, yet cleaning up after they have had their thrill seems to be a no-no.
In the heart of the city, many citizens utilize green spaces such as Derek Walcott Square and Constitution Park, but despite the many bins available, they insist on leaving the premises in a mess.
Jay-walking or walking the streets without care and caution, is a growing problem and despite the many parking spaces available at a reasonably cheap cost, many insist they should utilize roadside parking for extended hours.
On our main roads and highways, it is all about speed and bright lights and since everyone has become an online business person, we have vehicle growth that now causes long lines of traffic and time management is now becoming a problem because we are not cultured to leave home early to get to anywhere.
In addition, there are hundreds of accidents monthly on our roads because of no care and attention and a lot of constant road violations
We have a lot of wayward youth still being defended by their parents — especially the mothers always claiming that they are “good” boys and girls, “nice” and “pleasant” youths. Yet, despite all the support, our murder rate continues to grow and most of the criminal actions are done by the very youth that the mothers consistently defend.
Another area of concern is those selling… Regardless of what type of commodity, the prices are sky-high and everyone claims it is because “supermarket prices have gone up” that they are forced to jack up their prices. But in doing so, it is the general public that suffers.
Now, let’s deal with eating habits. I can’t tell people what to eat, but junk foods of all types are causing illnesses of all types, the fast food culture that we have adopted is depriving people of a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. And it is simply because people don’t read or recognize that home cooking is the best and they are too busy on their gadgets to take notice.
Law and order are now being looked into, but these days it seems most of the attention is on traffic, it seems only road users are criminals or break the law, but when it comes to dealing with the root causes or engaging with the crime at a societal level, that is absent.
There are many things we can do to improve our lives and social conditions, but if everyone is dependent on the Government to deal with all these issues we will be caught with our pants down.
I believe in self-help, self-reliance, self-respect and self-consciousness. We have to begin to deal with our reality and see things for what they are. We have to take responsibility for our children’s actions, as well as our own grown-up behaviour.
The government can only do so much.
We also keep blaming foreign influences, but we are equally guilty for having things the way it is.
As the whole world grapples with environmental issues, compounded by global warming and pollution, we have to re-educate ourselves to deal with our growing issues.
The blame game cannot continue. We must accept that we are both the cause and the effect. Despite who is at the helm or is in charge of this country, if we the people do not change our attitude, crappo will smoke our pipe.
And lastly, we have to acknowledge that many who left home seeking a better life elsewhere may have to return to what they think was a God-forsaken Island and some will bring back some bad habits too.
So, we have to look inward and take more responsibility for ourselves instead of falsely believing that we must only depend on governments for our survival. Things can’t get better any other way.