Letter of the Day | Are people turning to scamming out of desperation?

THE EDITOR, Madam:

I am writing to shed some light on a perspective often overlooked in the discourse surrounding informal economies and the stigmatisation of certain professions in Jamaica. This viewpoint considers the struggles of windscreen wipers and street vendors, to name a few, who hustle daily to make ends meet. Why is it that these hard-working Jamaicans are often neglected by the system that should support their entrepreneurial spirit? Is it not a paradox that, while we champion small businesses, we simultaneously ignore the plight of these individuals? Take the case of Lanzel Stewart, whose integrity was questioned because of misinterpreted social media posts. Mr Stewart stated that his intention was to entertain and that the posts were taken out of context. He is a trained educator and a law-abiding citizen caught in an unwanted controversy. His situation exemplifies our society’s quickness to judge and slowness to understand.

What does this say about us? Are we so quick to condemn that we forget to extend a helping hand? How many Lanzel Stewarts must defend their honour before we realise the issue lies not with the individual but with a system that fails to provide adequate support?

The reality is that many small-scale entrepreneurs operate in a grey area, not out of choice, but out of necessity. They lack the luxuries of loans, grants or basic amenities. They are the unseen engines of our economy, yet they remain unrecognised and unsupported.

Further, the lack of viable alternatives and support may lead some down the path of scamming – a desperate measure born out of necessity. When legitimate avenues for success are barricaded by red tape and neglect, what choices are left? The government views the small business sector in grey scale, with policies often out of touch with the realities on the ground. Yet, it is the vibrant hues of scamming activities that capture their attention in full colour. This selective perception not only undermines legitimate small businesses but also inadvertently glamourises the acts it seeks to condemn.

Is this not a reflection of a society that has failed to provide equal opportunities for all? How long will we allow the dreams of our entrepreneurs to be overshadowed by the stigma of scamming? It is time for a paradigm shift, where every hue of ambition and hard work is recognised and nurtured, not just the ones that scream the loudest in times of crisis. In closing, I urge reflection on these questions and consideration of the broader implications of our attitudes towards small businesses and informal workers. Let us not be hasty in our judgments but strive to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all.

ABIGAIL EDWARDS