'Join hands to carve destiny'

Nedburn Thaffe, Gleaner Writer

As the country celebrates 50 years as an independent nation, kindling the philanthropic spirit in Jamaicans will be key to helping the nation's disadvantaged live out the Jamaican dream, some young business leaders say.

The professionals, who were guests at a Gleaner Editors' Forum at the newspaper's North Street offices, agreed that while they were all fortunate to be "living the dream", it would not be complete if the masses are left out.

"People need help getting a fair leg up and it's something I would like to see as part of my dream," stated Krystal Chong, who is the director of marketing and business development at Honey Bun Limited.

Chong believes that while ordinary citizens have a role to play in helping others move along in life, Jamaicans need to demand more from the Government, which has a large role to play in helping to lift people from the rut to realise the dream.

"I would like to see people demand more for themselves. I think the reason why private companies work is because your customer is the person who determines if it's working, if you are going to go out of business, and I think it should be the same for the public sector. People need to realise that they are customers and they are paying taxes," Chong said.

In the meantime, GraceKennedy Brand Manager Rachael Browne believes the natural patriotic spirit exhibited by Jamaicans can be exploited to ensure the country's disadvantaged achieve the dream.

"It's great to see it, it's great to see the Jamaican people pull together and support our athletes and support our upcoming anniversary and I hope that it continues, because then you see the dream coming out," she said.

nedburn.thaffe@gleanerjm.com