Letter of the Day | Another Youth Month, same youth struggles

THE EDITOR, Madam:

As we celebrate another Youth Month in Jamaica, a familiar picture comes into focus: parades, speeches, pledges, and promises. Yet, year after year, for many Jamaican youths, not much changes. They continue to face the same set of struggles that seem almost as old as Independence itself.

The dreams of homeownership, financial stability, and a comfortable life appear increasingly out of reach for many. As it stands, it’s as if Jamaica’s young people may need to work until age 75 before they can even hope to secure a stable, comfortable future.

Despite the energy and ambition of Jamaica’s youth, who are eager to contribute to the nation’s progress, systemic barriers persist.

Homeownership, a fundamental measure of economic security and quality of life, is still a distant aspiration for the vast majority of those under 35. With escalating property prices and stagnant wages, the prospect of buying a home seems more fantasy than reality. This economic strain bleeds into other aspects of life, limiting the ability to save, invest, or even pursue further education without plunging into debt.

This disconnect between ambition and opportunity is not just unfortunate; it’s perilous for a nation with a predominantly young population. When young people cannot envision a future in their homeland, they start looking elsewhere. Migration – once seen as a path only for the few seeking adventure or family reunification – has now become an attractive, and sometimes necessary, consideration for a growing number of Jamaica’s youth. As they weigh the slim prospects of building a stable life here against the opportunities available abroad, many young Jamaicans are left wondering: what’s the point of celebrating a Youth Month if they can’t even secure a sustainable future at home?

BOLD ACTION

To stem this tide of disillusionment and the resulting brain drain, bold action is needed. A crucial step would be to offer a targeted salary increase for public sector workers under 35. This proposal would recognise the unique financial challenges young people face in today’s economy, offering them a reason to stay and build their futures here rather than seeking better pay and conditions overseas.

The financial boost would provide a much-needed lifeline to young professionals, especially those working in essential but often underpaid roles within the education, healthcare, and public service sectors.

Higher wages would not only enable them to live more comfortably but also make critical life goals – such as saving for a home or starting a family – more feasible.

In turn, this increased financial security would help Jamaica retain its brightest minds and build a more robust, resilient public sector that supports the nation’s long-term growth.

While a salary increase may seem like a temporary fix, it’s also an investment in the future. Retaining young talent within Jamaica’s borders is essential for sustaining and nurturing a skilled workforce that will drive innovation, improve public services, and ultimately contribute to economic development.

Higher wages could also serve as an incentive for further training and professional growth, as young people see a viable path for career advancement without needing to leave the island.

MUST DO MORE

A country that truly values its youth must do more than offer celebratory events and inspiring slogans once a year. It must make tangible investments that address the core issues facing young people: access to fair wages, affordable housing, and economic mobility.

If we genuinely believe that “the youth are the future”, then it’s time to put that belief into action by making Jamaica a place where young people can envision a future.

As we navigate this Youth Month, let us not settle for another round of familiar rhetoric. Let’s dare to ask why, year after year, young Jamaicans are still struggling with the same issues. Let’s commit to real solutions – like the public sector wage increase for workers under 35 – that offer young people the security they need to put down roots in Jamaica.

If we don’t, we risk not just losing a generation but also the dreams, innovations, and possibilities that only a young and thriving population can bring.

LEROY FEARON

Acting Dean,

Faculty of Education

The Mico University College