Touring the parish of Manchester, parish of my dad's birthplace was a refreshing and shocking experience. Not much has changed, the natural beauty still dots the landscape. It was interesting to reason with the young farmers in Aucthenbeddie and Shudley about their issues. They lament the lack of opportunities thus their continued interest in farming yams. The price they are paid is so minimal that impoverishment becomes their constant partner. Things become worse with added kids to the family, no immediate access to health care, terrible roads and frequent disruption to water. With the lack of alternative employment, some youths turn to crime and violence. Some youths commit suicide, some become mentally incapacitated and some migrated. I was informed that ganja is a popular attraction for foreigners seeking to exploit the sudden interest in its monetary possibilities. It is evident after listening to youths that our government has no interest in their hopes and dreams.  The government condemned the voice then of Pater Tosh of legalizing the herb, fought against the Rastafarian and Garvey exhortation of self-reliance and food sufficiency and Michael Manley call for a new financial order to help countries like ours.  We never had a plan of development only those that fit into the greed of the 5% that control our economy.

The government must invest in our young farmers; Set up marijuana processing farms for export. Ensuring the farmers get the right payment for their yam product, setting up health clinics to employing local nurses and doctors while providing health care to the community, fixing the roads and provide street lights to reduce vehicular deaths.