Like many people living in the Caribbean we are frustrated by our growing problems (crime, corruption and lack of basic services). Our frustration comes across when we talk about the Caribbean which might be the reason why many of us complain about life in the Caribbean.
After so many years of political independence why can’t we fix our problems in the Caribbean? There are no simple answers to this question but perhaps we should put it in perspective. Compared to America, an independent country for more than 200 years, many Caribbean countries are much better off and I can imagine how many people will disagree.
Behind the glitter and glamour of life in America, is another world where poverty is even worst than many countries in the Caribbean. I still remember my first visit to Liberty City in Miami. I was speechless when I saw the level of poverty and despair in that part of the city. Only a few miles away were large mansions with expensive cars. And maybe that’s why so many of us want to escape to “greener pastures”.
So let me introduce you to the poorest city in America, Camden, New Jersey. This is another example of the America that many people in the Caribbean don’t get to see on TV.
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Don’t get me wrong, we all have a sense of responsibility to make the Caribbean a better place, you, me and the people that we elect to govern our country. After 20,30 or 50 plus years there are some problems that we should have solved especially running water, education, basic healthcare and an acceptable standard of living. And while I compare us to America, I think we have to simply raise the bar with regard to the people that we elect to manage our country.
But I am going to appreciate what I have, the beautiful beaches and warm sunshine and the laid back mood of my Caribbean people. For now whenever I hear my Caribbean people complaining rather than defend the good things that we have here in the Caribbean, I’ll simply go enjoy the sunshine and a dip in the beautiful blue sea.
Life in the Caribbean Is “Not Perfect” But Show Me One Place Where There is Perfection
