In this era of the TikTok generation,, I find myself contemplating the depth of connection and the power of communication. As someone who's more at ease in the background, my appreciation for this digital wave has grown, even to the point of entertaining the idea of joining in. I dabbled with an introduction, but I've always known that my true strength lies in written expression rather than spoken words. Perhaps it's my newsroom training at the JBC or simply my innate shyness – the comfort of the shadows beckons me..always has to the point where people marvel when they discover that I was really the moving force behind major cultural events that have impacted nationally in this country..
Recently, while scrolling through TikTok, I stumbled upon a profound revelation from an ordinary Jamaican. He offered a stark, unfiltered truth about a pressing issue plaguing our beloved island nation – crime. It's not as complex as it may seem.
He eloquently pointed out how families are tearing themselves apart, and a significant part of this tragedy revolves around the notion of "dead lef," a term embedded deep within the Jamaican lexicon.
Yes, my fellow Jamaicans, the heart-wrenching reality is this: Many Jamaicans in the diaspora work tirelessly, pouring their sweat and dreams into constructing houses within their communities back home, all with the hope of retiring in comfort someday. For some, that dream becomes a reality, but for others, it's abruptly cut short by their own flesh and blood. It's a sinister tale of families unwilling to relinquish the luxurious lifestyle they've become accustomed to in these houses, houses that were never truly theirs.
Yet, the darkest chapter unfolds when the rightful heirs, as designated by the departed, step forward to claim what is rightfully theirs. It is then that the gatekeepers, the self-proclaimed custodians of these estates, show their true colours. They're often individuals who have appointed themselves as career beneficiaries of the property, despite the wishes of the deceased.
The TikToker narrated the chilling story of a son who plotted the murder of his own mother, a woman who had toiled tirelessly in foreign lands, caring for others, just to build a home she could finally call her own. He arranged for a hitman to snuff out her life. Another daughter, driven by the same sinister ambition, took a similar path. However, the hired hands couldn't bear to carry out the vile deeds, and their conscience compelled them to reveal the sinister plot.
In some cases, the gatekeepers aren't even family but rather strangers, paid to safeguard and maintain the property until the rightful heirs return. Yet, the siren call of a lavish lifestyle proves irresistible to these gatekeepers, and they stop at nothing to maintain their ill-gotten comfort.
Our society has taken a disheartening turn, prioritizing material wealth above all else. It's evident in the most tragic of ways, where siblings turn on each other over a simple plate of food or a measly $100. How do we mend this fractured reality, where the pursuit of material gain eclipses the value of human life?
When will these senseless killings over material possessions come to an end? We must collectively question our priorities, for when we depart from this world, we take nothing with us but the echoes of our actions. It's high time we rethink our values and seek to heal the wounds that have torn our beloved Jamaica apart.
Editor:
The contributor, 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.
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It's Just a Click
Some seek to cheat others of their land through other means such as adverse Posession.
ReplyDeletePart of the problem is that we don't make housing affordable. People are willing to turn on each other for an opportunity to get what they think is unattainable in their lifetime.
ReplyDelete