Jamaica: Paradise and Paradox

Volume 1

Jamaica’s exquisite beauty that encompasses verdant hillsides, rolling plains, pristine coastal areas dotted with white sand beaches incessantly caressed by the wind and bathed by turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, plus the ‘irie vibes’ of Jamaicans collectively conspire to make the Island a unique place on planet Earth. Political Independence from Britain in 1962 ignited hope of a better future for all Jamaicans. Indeed, Jamaica made significant early progress, was regarded as the ‘Pearl of the Caribbean,’ and a positive example for newly-Independent countries. But now, there is pain in paradise! Jamaica is a paradox! Although still stunningly beautiful, and has registered some notable successes, Jamaica’s dominant portrait is of a traumatized nation hobbled by many problems, the most troubling of which is a full-spectrum crime problem resulting in one of the highest murder rates globally. The author was born after Independence, and in this two-volume book, he discusses Jamaica’s challenges and offers prescriptions for restoring the health of his sick homeland.