What's the Standard in Jamaica?

What’s the Standard in Jamaica?

In my country Jamaica, I get the impression that anything goes. There seems to be no standard especially from our Public Officials such as the Politicians.  Daily the news is bombarded with their indiscretions and selfishness done in the name of 'the poor' and 'good of the nation'.  The sad thing is that they (Politicians) all flourish in wealth, whilst those they claim to work for the good of - languishes in poverty of all sorts. 

It's like the Banks, yearly they report profits in the billions, yet those of us who dare to do business with them has nothing to report, except we become less financially capable.  The banks charge you a fee to withdraw your own money if you use the ATM, if you borrow a loan you must repay with high interest rates of 15% and in some instances the rate goes up to 37%. Then on top of that you are asked to pay a General Consumption Tax (GCT) and a service charge, which for some a percentage of the amount of the loan while some charges a flat fee. Not only that, when they are not reaping profits in the billions because the customers use less of their service, they say downturn in economy and the first thing they do is make staff redundant.  They cannot accept that they are making less because people are catching up to them and so decide to save their money the good old fashion way ‘at home’.   Is it greed or is it just the nature of mankind to keep everything selfishly and watch others suffer to death because they are lacking the same thing that they have in abundance?
 
We have a Public healthcare system in our country that has been in shamble from as far back as I can remember. Over the years not much in my opinion has happened to improve the system.  I am convinced that this a deliberate action on the part of those in charge to maintain this kind of system in order to keep the less fortunate in Jamaica in a state of decline. They possess no political will or genuine love in them to take bold actions that will positively impact the lives of the masses.

Over 16 years ago I went to the hospital and I had to share a tiny bed with another patient because there were not enough beds at the time, and I had to pay a fee for the service I received. During my stay which lasted more than 24 hours but less than 36 I was distressed throughout because of the environment within the Hospital. At the time I was there I had roaches crawling on the insipid food placed on ragged cupboard for me, the furniture’s were worn and dilapidated, the windows had many missing panes exposing patients to natures elements and to make things worst some of the staff were so horrible in manners, and I could go on. The politicians (The servants) do they use these Public Facilities? NO! Why? It’s not suitable or proper! When a these Public servants are ill they go overseas  to other countries for treatment or they go to the well to do Hospital in Jamaica that only people with wealth can afford.  Back then you had to pay a small fee and might I say, as small as it was many could not afford it and so there suffering would continue until someone in Charge at the Hospital assessed them and decided whether or not the patient genuinely can/not able to afford to pay before they could be seen by the Doctor.

Today, you pay no fee upfront to see the Doctor.  In 2007 the newly elected Government of the day made a decision to allow healthcare services to its entire people no matter what status you hold. The problem was and still remains that the internal organs that manage the healthcare system needed to be revamped or restructured to make the system efficient and suitable to all. Frankly, I thought that was a first good step in the right direction.

Remember, they (The Politicians) say "we are servants of the people"; which in my view and based on what we have all been taught 'The People' would have been the Masters. Therefore, in reality the masters (The People) languish in the scum of poverty, while the servants (The Politicians) live a life of wealth and luxury.  This is twisted madness! Why can't the people in my Beautiful land enjoy living as they should?  A minimum wage is/by world standard should be able to provide you with the basic amenities to survive, Jamaica's minimum wage is $5,000 per week, the equivalent of USD 48. 39 and a vast majority of the "Masters" (The People) are living on less than that per week and for some, per month.  Where is the justice for the people? Who will stand up against those who constantly oppress the people?

The system that I live in is overwhelmingly in a poor state and there is just no signal from those in charge to  reassure you that there is a light at the end of the tunnel—if this tunnel has a an end. Consequently the young people which are the future generation are stifled by this mess created by these oppressors. Some turn to religion, some to drugs, some to criminality, some to sex and some to others. The sad truth is some of our people are motivated by these things and we become so resilient that in spite of the horrible conditions we endure, we persevere still and reach for higher heights. But what about those who are not motivated and become depressed by this madness!

The good thing about all of this is that I am alive and well and ready to take on these challenges, unfortunately some have fallen along the way during the struggle.  I do feel a sense of obligation to speak of these things, there’s much more to say but I shall withhold myself at this time.