Jamaica’s Independence Gala………A Waste of the Country’s Finances

I simply cannot understand how a government that’s struggling to make two ends meet, takes pleasure in wasting money on events that are of no benefit to the citizens of the country.

Every year the Jamaican government sets aside millions of dollars to host this ludicrous Independence Gala with no regards for the myriad of problems that needs fixing. We have so many homeless persons living in Jamaica, the unemployment rate continues to escalate and we have so many bad roads yet the government has forked out $57m to celebrate Jamaica’s 52nd year of independence.

While I don’t have a problem with celebrating, the real problem lies in the amount of money that is spent on foolishness. I’m sure the government could find cheaper ways of celebrating. What’s the purpose of government officials arriving at the National Stadium in expensive cars? What’s the purpose of persons gyrating to the sounds of Vybz Kartel on the seats of the National Stadium? What’s the purpose of dancehall artistes gliding across the stage holding their crotch and pointing gun fingers in the air? I bet the organizers didn’t even ensure that the event started with prayer?

On the other hand, I have to ask myself independence from what? Yes, we are free from slavery but we aren’t as independent as we think. We continue to borrow from the IMF, we remain indebted and the poor man feels the burden. So are we really independent? I don’t think so!

When will our government wise up and face the reality? Our dollar has devalued and the government continues to spend foolishly. My gosh! Then again, Jamaica isn’t a poor country as many may think, the leaders are just incapable of managing the finances and resources. The civic ceremony held earlier today was quite sufficient and each parish could host a candlelight vigil tonight to thank the Eternal Father for taking us safely into our 52nd year of Independence. But instead, being the ‘rich/independent’ country we are, we throw $57m down the gutter and 52 years later we shall continue borrowing. Foolish!

Annoyed Sharmz

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