Jamaica faces a number of serious challenges which must be addressed if we are going to realise growth and achieve prosperity.

Tougher gun control needed:

The high firearm-related injury and death rates are due to easy accessibility of guns in many communities. This coupled with gang involvement, drug trafficking and sales are certainly factors contributing to our high murder rates. Research has shown that countries with tough gun control have low homicide rates. There is a need to control the guns entering Jamaica as well as access to them.

Change the normative culture of violence:

A frightening concern in Jamaica is the normative attitudes we have towards aggression and violence. As a result, we have generations of children being socialised to behave aggressively and this behaviour continues to be reinforced at the family and community levels. Our popular culture and the existing political culture support aggression and violence; as a society we have to change these normative attitudes which we have all come to accept.

Zero tolerance approach to crime:

We cannot fix the big things unless we address the small things. The wanton disregard for law and order in this country is destroying the social and economic fabric of society. We have to address the traffic violations, the indiscipline on the road, the callous minibus, taxi and truck drivers. Other issues that must be dealt with include the playing of music in public and on street corners. As a society, we have to address the squatting and unplanned development that is taking place everywhere.

Stem inner-city degeneration:

Inner cities have exploded on us. They are in states of neglect and decay. They breed criminals and have been established as a social structure which is threatening the existence of a lawful, modern state. We have to invest more in inner-city development quickly. Interventions such as parent training, life skills training and vocational training must be emphasised. These interventions have been shown to be successful in a number of communities in Jamaica to stem crime and to help to regenerate communities.

fundamental change in our value systems:

As a society, our values have become distorted and the lines have become blurred between what is acceptable and unacceptable. We need to clearly articulate a set of values that will guide this country. Currently, 'everything goes' and every behaviour is acceptable.

new direction for media:

The role of the media is critical in any modern society. Our media have become too catastrophic, there is a tendency to overemphasise violence, to highlight dysfunctional and vulgar behaviour and to focus on the salacious and the sensational in our society. The media, especially television, need to balance the presentation. We cannot be constantly fed on a diet of that which is bad, sad and mad. Our media need to recognise the critical role it plays and begin to balance the perspective and stimulate positive change in our society.

more active civil society:

Over the past years, we have seen greater participation of our citizens in lobbying, advocacy and championing of human rights. As a result, we have begun to see a change in the political culture of our country. We, all of us as citizens, must continue to participate in civil society as things will not change unless we participate and let our voices be heard.

The critical role of the police:

A modern society needs a competent, professional police force which is free from corruption. While we laud the majority of hardworking individuals in the police force, we recognise that there are many shortcomings.

Address the normative drug culture:

Drugs such as alcohol and marijuana have become accessible and available in Jamaica. It is distressing to see the pervasive use of marijuana in public places and the exposure of our young people to drugs. We need to step up on our public education and to have more focused messages for our youth in order to stem the tide of drug use. If we fail to do so now we will regret our negligence in years to come.

Create a culture of hope:

For too long, we have lived with negatives and despair. The current establishment needs to create a culture of hope. Hope for greater opportunities, hope for a brighter future and hope for a better Jamaica. Too many of our politicians are either sleeping or lost in the struggles of running this country.

Let us all work towards transforming Jamaica. Happy 2008.

We cannot go higher than we think