Dee Hunt, GUEST COLUMNIST

This is an open letter to every citizen of Jamaica.

Our heritage is dying a slow and painful death. Apart from our national holidays when we gyrate and celebrate, not much of the legacy that was left by our ancestors is being carried on by this generation. Therefore, not much will be left for the young ones to appreciate.

Our young generation has lost respect for our elders, for national emblems, and monuments, and lacks knowledge of our history. Some are reared in unstable homes where they receive lack of nurturing and then they are unleashed on society.

Others are trying to find their purpose, making their way to school with little or no lunch monies, acquiring subjects, then are asked by employers to have experience when they are just leaving high school. Why do we make their life so challenging then dislike them when they become criminals? Our country is made up of so many talented people and, until we learn how to capitalise on the various activities that do not only require book knowledge, I am afraid we will move backwards instead of forward.

A country cannot experience significant growth if its citizens do not recognise the importance of supporting local businesses. A large percentage of all fruits and vegetables purchased in Jamaica, among other things, is imported.

These are produce we grow and could grow here in Jamaica. Instead of buying produce that has travelled across the sea, why not spend some of our money on products that have been manufactured locally and grown locally? They taste fresher and, more importantly, it benefits our economy. When citizens buy and support local businesses, the money goes directly into our country and helps these businesses to grow and maintain sustainability on the market. Buying local products also creates much-needed jobs for our citizens.

We call upon the government for everything and we hold it accountable when it does not perform to our standards, but before we can further chastise it, we need to chastise ourselves. We ignore our entrepreneurs and constantly fill our trolleys with imported items dressed in clothing and shoes from various parts of the world, instead of supporting our locals. I am in no way saying we are to boycott the goods and services from other countries. I am simply asking us to balance the trolleys when we shop, purchase the clothing, and wear our brands proudly.

Local crafts

Our local craft industry is suffering. As usual, we pass the craft vendors in Fern Gully because we still harbour the thought that these businesses are for tourists. We need to support these businesses more often and not rely on visitors to make the necessary purchases. How many of us own a piece of handmade craft hung or placed in a corner decorating our homes? How many of us ventured to the craft market and purchased items to give as gifts on mother's day or Christmas?

We have allowed this to happen. Yes, every single one of us is responsible. We did not carry on that flame that our ancestors have left us. We no longer feel that burning in our 'belly bottoms' to turn things around and see what we can do to play our part. We only learn to appreciate our country when we travel overseas and experience the harsh reality of working three or four jobs in freezing temperatures. We come home and, at the airports, we fall to our knees thanking God for Jamaica.

In 2015, let us not take our paradise for granted. Support each other. Life tuff, but wi no haffi play so ruff.

I am Jamaican and proud to be one.

Dee Hunt is a writer and blogger. Email feedback to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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Regarding my article in today's Gleaner i was asked by several persons who shared the same sentiments i did but had this to say.. " Yes Dee is true but who will take charge?".

My response is this.

Years have passed since that question have been asked and it is the question on many lips. WHO to take the reigns. While there are the usual political exchanges and continuous campaigns to get more greens and orange here we stand in the middle, the people of Jamaica. We are the ones who make the selection when we go to the supermarkets to pick up our regular supplies, we are the ones wearing the CK,MK,a and all the expensive brands of clothing that many of these owners have expressed their disgust in "Black People" wearing their brands.

Brand Jamaica is ours. If we wear them and use them it will become a trend and our young ones will fall inline. So the WHO is us. Putting aside the colors on one side we are the ones who shift the items on the shelves and create the demand and supply of these products.

Over the years whenever i spoke about buying more local products i often get the response " the quality is poor". in some cases that has been seen so yes the quality may be poor for a particular product but there are so many other QUALITY products that are manufactured here on the island. If you are still using this excuse in 2015 it is unfair. If there is a particular item you have found to be unworthy speak about it but do not generalize all products.

There is quality in Jamaica and Quantity waiting to be purchased. Let us begin the process today not tomorrow.