The Times They Are A’Changin’

August 8th, 2016

I have participated in several activities and events recently that have come to roughly the same conclusion: We can’t go on in the same old way. Enough already!

Across the globe, and in Jamaica too, I sense a growing impatience with the “same old, same old” and a desire to explore new directions and ideas. The JN Foundation certainly underlined this by giving a “revolutionary” theme to their Education Leadership Summit on July 25 and 26. In his message, the Foundation’s Chairman Earl Jarrett talked about “the need for vigorous change in our schools to move our nation forward.” Presenters from overseas and home-grown dynamos like Renée Rattray inspired school principals and senior teachers with their purposeful and focused energy. During a conversation with the participants, Ms. Rattray reflected: “This is my ‘why?’ – this is what I’m here for,” referring to her career in education. “It’s beyond you,” she added, referring to her vision. Her desire for positive change is irresistible and instinctive.

Such passion cannot be ignored, and should not be. But can we achieve a 360 degree revolution in thought, and how long will it take? Are all stakeholders on board?

Minister of Energy, Science and Technology, Dr. the Hon. Andrew Wheatley (2nd left) participates in the breaking of ground for construction of the Caribbean’s first Net Zero Energy Building on the University of the West Indies’ (UWI) Mona campus on May 10. Others (from left) are: Professor of Caribbean Sustainable Development at UWI, Professor Anthony Clayton; Senior Programme Manager, Energy, Climate and Technology Branch of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Kenya, Geordie Colville; and Emeritus Professor of Chemistry at the UWI, Professor Tara Dasgupta. (Photo: JIS)

At another completely different event this summer – a scientific forum on Solar Radiation Management organized by the Caribbean Academy of Sciences (CAS) Jamaica at the University of the West Indies (UWI) campus – CAS President Professor Tara Dasgupta suggested that we “think like a First World country.” Although I am not fond of the First World/Third World terminology, I understood what “Prof” meant when he spoke about the Net Zero Energy Building on campus, for which ground was broken in May. And it is, literally ground-breaking, and one of a kind in the region. Professor Dasgupta says the building “will be a showcase for the whole Caribbean.” And while we are thinking that way, we can “get moving on research,” the Professor enthused, to complement the work. He would like to see all the buildings on the UWI campus retrofitted. Let’s go for it!

Cecile Watson (right) with Minister of Education, Information and Youth Ruel Reid and Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance and Planning Fayval Williams, at the launch of FundRiseHER in Kingston on July 29. (Photo: Facebook)

Meanwhile, there are many Jamaicans who are embarking on the road to economic empowerment. Well aware of the challenges and the likely hurdles to overcome, they are “up for it.” They are embracing risk, exploring new openings and opportunities. One recent initiative is the FundRiseHER™ initiative founded by CEO of pitchandchoose.com Cecile Watson and Valrie Grant, Founder of GeoTechVision and the Commonwealth Woman Entrepreneur of the Year. It is supported by Arif Zaman, Executive Director of the Commonwealth Businesswomen’s Network in collaboration with the Caribbean Export Development Agency. It’s the first of its kind, too – a Commonwealth-wide crowd funding initiative that’s well worth supporting to raise capital for women entrepreneurs.

J-FLAG organized a feeding program during PRIDE week, providing sustenance to 5,000 people over five parishes. They have a strong volunteer spirit! (Photo: Facebook)

PRIDE Jamaica 2016, organized by J-FLAG, is another example of breaking barriers. There are many young Jamaicans who are prepared to “push the envelope” – although the LGBT community was really expressing itself in celebration and in recognition of the progress it is slowly making towards a more tolerant and free society. The week was packed with events – some light and social in nature, others (like a forum in which family members spoke about supporting their LGBT children) more serious. Considering that this is only the second edition of PRIDE, the response was heartwarming, with allies and supporters joining the community to celebrate.

Wake up, politicians! Let’s get moving into the future. (Photo: JIS)

Yet, while scientists, youth, civil society, entrepreneurs and others are looking forward into the future, one gets the feeling that many of our leaders are still a few steps behind. Yes, the politicians have finally figured out how to use social media effectively; and yes, the private sector is touting its great new products. However, our Parliament is one of the most unproductive in the world; Member of Parliament Ronald Thwaites has pointed out that the Lower House sits for only three and a half hours weekly, and committee meetings often cannot reach a quorum. Where is the energy, the focus – the sense of urgency? We did not vote for politicians to simply preserve the status quo like their predecessors. Nor do we buy products and services so that private sector CEOs can increase their bonuses, while contributing little to the welfare of Jamaicans and Jamaica (why don’t they fully embrace renewable energy and conservation, for example? What about the “green economy” that is so much talked about?)

How disappointing.

Well, the times may not be changing fast enough in Jamaica (especially for our youth), but perhaps we could say, to quote another old song: “Things ain’t what they used to be.”  I hope our political leaders are getting the picture. To whom much is given, much (more) is expected.

Tags: Caribbean, Caribbean Academy of Sciences, Cecile Watson, Commonwealth Businesswomen's Network, Earl Jarrett, Education Leadership Summit, entrepreneurs, FundRiseHER, J-FLAG, Jamaica, JN Foundation, LGBT community, Net Zero Energy Building, Parliament, Pride, Professor Tara Dasgupta, Renee Rattray, Ronald Thwaites, social media, solar radiation management, Technology, University of the West Indies, Valrie Grant, volunteerism