THE SHIFTING LANDSCAPE OF COMMUNITY:

Lois Grant

I grew up in the vibrant neighbourhoods of Jamaica, where everyone knew their neighbours. Our children roamed freely, playing together outdoors under the sun, and meals were shared wherever they found themselves. It was a time when every child was seen as the village's responsibility, and every adult watched out for their well-being.

One vivid memory stands out: my daughter, in her rebellious teenage years, had managed to offend one of our community's respected elders. In that tight-knit neighbourhood, there were no drawn-out debates or second-guessing. She was swiftly summoned and gently but firmly reprimanded by our vigilant neighbours. In those days, the village raised every child, and the values of respect and propriety were instilled collectively.

However, as I look around today, I can't help but wonder when and where we took a wrong turn. The world has undergone a dramatic transformation. A veil of hesitation now shrouds the act of correcting a child, even if that child is your own flesh and blood. In this altered landscape, parents themselves become the staunch defenders of their children, quick to take offence at any perceived interference. Regrettably, I've personally witnessed how such misunderstandings can lead to enduring animosities.

So, I ask myself: What caused this seismic shift in our communities? When did the fabric of our social bonds begin to unravel so drastically? It's disheartening to see newcomers moving into our neighbourhoods without the basic courtesy of introducing themselves, further exacerbating the disconnect. It's no wonder that the very foundations of our communities are eroding, and the once unifying center seems to be slipping away.

In this changing world, we now live in, where individualism sometimes overshadows communal values, there remains a glimmer of hope. Perhaps, by harkening back to the days when the village raised the child, we can rekindle the spirit of togetherness and nurture a sense of responsibility for one another's well-being. It's a daunting challenge, but one worth undertaking to ensure that the center not only holds but also thrives in our evolving world. 

The Family

Editor's Note:

Lois Grant has dedicated her entire career to the field of communication. She began at Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation as a news editor and later co-founded Innercity Promotions. In 1990, she launched her own production and communication company, Corporate Image Productions. Her notable achievement includes spearheading the Caribbean's acclaimed Tastee Talent contest. Grant's role as Director of Communications in the Office of the Prime Minister further solidified her impact. as a communicator. Her commitment to education is evident through scholarships initiated under Corporate Image, benefiting Jamaica's top performing artists,, media professionals, educators, and esteemed individuals across various fields. She is the production representative for the prominent US network, NBC Sports. 

This matter of family life and communities working in a cohesive way is a matter that your leaders have to address now. While it is important that we grow the economy, it is the quality of relationships among our people that will make a difference. Dysfunctional homes cannot build functional communities, and dysfunctional communities cannot build a great country.The Prime Minister and the rest of our leaders will need to focus on this matter.

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