I read yesterday a story in the Gleaner about comments made by United States ambassador to Jamaica, Pamela Bridgewater, about her history of fighting corruption in countries where she has served. Ambassador Bridgewater chose her words carefully and I found them encouraging.

However, there were several comments posted in response to the story that tells me many Jamaicans are content living a lie. I feel the time has come for them to face the music.

Jamaica is a corrupt nation and that corruption extends from the corridors of government all the way down to the man on the street. Corruption has become a way of life. That does us more harm than good because, while some people see their particular form of corruption as 'hustling', it is not acceptable to people who reside outside Jamaica, people who would love to spend some money here but are discouraged by the high levels of corruption.

Yet, to some of the posters on the Gleaner page, Ambassador Bridgewater's comments were "rude", "troubling" and "ill-advised". Why? I don't understand. Are we so content with the way things are? Are we so very happy that corruption is one of the main reasons our economy is in the tank and people can't get jobs?

Whether we want to accept it there are many things gone wrong with this beloved country of ours and one of those things are its people. I was having a discussion with a former sports administrator this week, who believes things have gone so wrong with us that whenever someone gets an opportunity to do something to help a sport, their first order of business is to see what they can steal or swindle. In his inaugural speech on January 20, 1961, the celebrated late president of the United States, John F. Kennedy said, "And so, my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country."

critical cornerstones of nation building

It was a profound statement that spoke to one of the critical cornerstones of nation-building - what you can do for your country. Unfortunately, it seems most Jamaicans think the opposite and that is among many of the factors that give rise to the level of corruption that currently exists here.

The harsh reality is that if this country is to become a place where the populace is educated and people can realise their dreams, without having to flee to some other nation, we have to start thinking about 'doing' for Jamaica. Over time, as we start to strip away the layers of corruption and with it the selfish thinking that permeates society, Jamaica will start to give back. We have to learn that you have to give to get. We have to make sacrifices so we can achieve what should be the common goal of making Jamaica a great place for everyone to live.

Right now, we are unable to do it by ourselves because we are so reluctant to embrace change. That is why we need the help. Maybe Ambassador Bridgewater will be the one who will help start the process of change. Change that will ultimately make Jamaica the place we all know it can be.

Send comments to shearer39@gleanerjm.com

Yet to some of the posters on the Gleaner page, Ambassador Bridgewater's comments were "rude", "troubling" and "ill-advised". Why? I don't understand. Are we so content with the way things are? Are we so very happy that corruption is one of the main reasons our economy is in the tank and people can't get jobs?