Young people want substance, ready to come off the political sidelines

WESTERN BUREAU:

As Jamaica gears up for the impending general election, some young Jamaicans have decided that this time around, they will not be only watching from the sidelines but will be speaking up and demanding meaningful inclusion in the political process.

But with growing disillusionment and historical exclusion from decision-making spaces, many are questioning whether the system is doing enough to keep them engaged.

“Youth advocacy in Jamaica, particularly through groups like JYAN (Jamaica Youth Advocacy Network), has been instrumental in challenging the rising tide of apathy,” says JYAN representative Dashawn Carter. “We aim to cultivate a rights-aware generation who feel empowered to engage with governmental institutions.”

Through its YouthVoices initiative, JYAN has worked directly with young people across the island, holding focus groups and stakeholder dialogues to craft a youth manifesto. From that, five core issues emerged including education reform, youth employment, mental health, governance participation, and safety.

“Young people underscored the urgent need for a more inclusive, modern, and equitable education system,” Carter explained. “They expressed frustration with outdated curricula, unequal resources, and a lack of life skills education. We’re calling for universal access to tech devices, curriculum reform, and a stronger focus on mental health and civic engagement.”

Carter also shared concerns that political leaders are not truly listening.

“It’s hard to believe our concerns are being heard when, for years, issues we’ve vocalised have failed to be addressed,” he said, referencing the 2021 death of four-year-old Nashawn Brown. “The prime minister echoed the cry of many young people … to end corporal punishment in all settings, promising to ban the inhumane practice. And now, four years later, … we’ve yet to see any substantive efforts towards the fulfilment of the promised corporal punishment ban.”

Still, JYAN’s efforts go beyond encouraging youth to vote. One thing JYAN aims to do is demystify political participation by showing youth how to advocate for policies, attend local meetings, and hold leaders accountable.

For Carter, politics is not just about casting a vote, but it is also about shaping the policies that impact young people’s lives.

YOUNG JAMAICANS TURNED OFF

Petrecia Morrison, a political science graduate from The University of the West Indies, echoed similar sentiments. She believes many young Jamaicans feel turned off by “the culture of ‘diehardness’”.

“You’re born and see your grandmother PNP [People’s National Party supporter], your mother PNP, and you’re just expected to fall in line. A lot of us are not interested in that,” she said.

For Morrison, civic education plays a critical role.

“Before university, I didn’t even know who my MP (member of parliament) was or what they did. But when I got to UWI and had those forums and conversations, I developed a like for politics.”

Morrison further acknowledged that both major parties have engaged youth arms in their campaigns.

“But is this just because it’s election season? Where was that involvement before?” she questioned. “Start integrating youth from early. Don’t wait until it’s time to campaign.”

On the role of social media, Morrison says she has mixed feelings.

“Yes, it’s a great medium to put out information and all of this, to get it directly at everyone’s fingertips, but it’s how we kind of steer it to make sure that the conversation especially stays on something, because then a lot of the times, what social media does, it picks up the points that are going to be catchy for people and not addressing the issues themselves.”

If given the chance to reform Jamaica’s political system, Morrison would start in high schools.

“Don’t wait until we’re 18 to teach us about MPs and governance. Start earlier. Let us understand and engage from then.” She also confirmed that she plans to vote.

“To not vote is still a vote,” she declared, highlighting that her top-three issues are unemployment, education gaps, and crime.

Meanwhile, 25-year-old John*, who asked not to be identified by his correct name, wants to see more from politicians.

“Show the change all around,” he urged. “Not just fix one road and post about it. You cannot benefit one set of people and then leave the multitude in the dark.”

DISHEARTENED BY UNDERDEVELOPMENT

The man, who has never voted, said he has become disheartened by underdevelopment in rural communities.

“Too many developments are being undermined,” he said. “We need better roads, housing, and access to basic commodities like water.”

Still, he believes in democracy.

“It can make a difference – we are a democratic nation after all,” he said, even though he admits that he remains sceptical of the politicians and their transparency.

When asked if he would ever run for office, he was also sceptical.

“I used to believe so, [but] not right now,” he said.

Carter, Morrison, and John all agree, however, that if youth are to participate more actively in Jamaica’s democracy, they need to see results rather than potentiality. That means more than just being seen during campaign season. It requires being heard, included, and empowered long before ballots are printed.

“Young people want substance,” Carter said. “Enough with the gimmicks and exaggerated speeches. We want structured promises and meaningful action.”

mickalia.kington@gleanerjm.com