From Humble Beginnings to Global Outreach
I was born in Jamaica and emigrated to Canada in 1985, and although I left physically my heart always remained loyal to my home country. It is by God’s amazing grace I was compelled to institute a leadership program to train, transform and empower leaders in all areas of society from early childhood to maturity. The knowledge and experience gained from living and visiting other countries in North America, Europe and Asia are invaluable. This knowledge has prepared me to contribute in a significant way, to address some of the pressing issues that are plaguing our beautiful island, for example: crime, dishonesty, and immorality.
-Delroy Michael Cameron PhD
Where Change Begins
In my reflection I have come to a deep realization that the Jamaican culture needs to be transformed. I have been prompted to return home prior to covid 19, to help to usher in this change, and to express my opinion on where change is needed the most. I have outlined some of the changes in the following paragraphs.
Great effort has been made to improve the infrastructure of the island, visibly seen in the monumental improvement to our roadways. This improvement has brought our roadways and infrastructure up to world class standard, however even with all the improvement and new development, there is a root problem that must be addressed. Before looking at the negatives, I dare say that most of the attractions in Jamaica are not noticed until someone like me visits Jamaica on a vacation.
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Where Change Continues
Although this document is not from a historical perspective but from a mere observational and experiential approach. I must say in a culture that produces its own music, and where music is deeply loved, certain sports are revered and not to mention the passion and income generated by tourism, crime is a serious problem and I am sure this is not a surprise to anyone.
While many are seeking to migrate for various reasons and some rightly so, I am commissioned by my faith in Jesus Christ to return as a difference maker.
Everyone will agree that something needs to be done to change this pattern. I believe if words can change the outcome of World War
II: It is very clear that words can change the
hopelessness of our youth from a life of crime to consciousness. Words can change despair to hope, anger to love, immorality to inspiration, and dishonesty to honesty. Words can essentially create something out of nothing.
The Good The Bad & The Hope
A culture is identified by ethnicity, art, music, language, commerce, religion, behavior and practice.
Jamaica is overwhelmingly populated by law abiding and hard-working citizens doing their best for the economy and country to prosper. Unfortunately, alongside the good is the existence of criminal deviances running parallel to overshadow, undermine and manipulate the purpose and vision of the very citizens striving to make Jamaica an even better country.
It is important to look at the facts to decide if transformation of a culture is necessary. For a number of years, criminality and the fluctuation of the economy have been major problems plaguing Jamaica.
At one point Jamaica was number one in the world for murders committed per capita, and for the past twenty years Jamaica has steadily remained in the top eight globally. Prior to 1980 the number of murders in a year rate was under five hundred. However Jamaica has consistently averaged over one thousand murders per year since. Last year 1463 murders were committed with one in nine being children. This is simply devastating for a country with a population of just under 3 million people (2.7 million as of 2018).
The Jamaican dollar is among the weakest global currencies due to corruption, fraud, bribery, robbery. and scamming. These criminal elements have become relatively normalized in the culture, with people in authority finding themselves included as participants. Unfortunately this wide array of wrongdoing and criminality has become normalized and accepted within the culture.
Last year (2022) over five hundred lives were lost on the road because of dangerous driving that many consider to be normal. Unethical and dangerous practices such as: overtaking in a right turn only lane, following an emergency vehicle, or driving with an emergency light to get ahead. These illegal practices and behaviours are observed throughout the island.’
Nonetheless, in spite of such negative the vision of CMV is to change the narrative from accepting negative as normal, to establishing a new cultural standard and way of thinking that will elevate Jamaicans as a people. There is a wise saying from Proverbs 14:34. “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.”
The late Winston Churchill said, “The farther backward you can look, the farther forward you are likely to see.”
Frankly, when focused on creating positive change it becomes very easy for one to see hope: possibilities, opportunities, and a culture shift that will transform generations to become a beautiful island. Exemplifying Jamaica’s (and CMV’s) motto of “Jamaica land we love”.
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