Hard Times in Jamaica
Brethren and sisters reading articles about Jamaica might gain the impression that all is well on the island. This is very far from the case. The beacon time for ecclesial activity was from the early 1960s to the mid 1980s. Since then the light has flickered and dimmed somewhat.
The economy of the island has suffered from various factors in the past twenty years. Even before the current recession, the value of exports was falling. Markets for its bauxite, sugar and coffee were undercut by cheaper sources. For decades, those with the means have been leaving the island, especially so in the last ten years. Money transfer agencies profit greatly from their charges but the consequences of father being abroad for long periods do not need explaining.
Criminal activity, already rife through drugs, has received a boost in the recession due to increased poverty. Murders for several years have been around seventeen hundred per year. In spite of the tendency to have large families, the population is falling and is now around 2.7 million. Because of the fear of drugs and crime, tourism once a prime earner, is greatly reduced. Most of the visitors stay safely behind high-walled enclaves on the coast. We suspect that few of the poor benefit from the prosperity accrued by resort owners. The only expanding work area is security. There are guards everywhere, though their effectiveness is minimal. All windows are barred and no-one enters a shop without leaving their bags with security. Whilst very many are feeling the pinch, a few are so hard-pressed that they do not have any food for days on end.
It would be a miracle indeed if at least some of these issues did not affect the brethren and sisters. Suffice it to say, our brothers and sister are going through hard times for the reasons explained above, and for others. In January 2008, the CBM of Canada accepted responsibility for the well-being of Christadelphians in Jamaica. In 2009 it openly admitted that it could not provide sufficient funds to pursue its aims (see ‘Tidings’ September 2009, p.404-405). It seems necessary for an initiative on the island from the UK or elsewhere for the sake of the ecclesias and the truth in Christ. Some brave missionaries would be very welcome; perhaps you could help? Young and not so young, particularly couples, would also be very welcome for periods of, say, three months.
Although the CBM of Canada have said that they are struggling to find volunteers, this does not mean that they are not, as far as they are able, caring for the needs of brethren and sisters. It would, of course, be courteous for volunteers to liaise with their representatives. If you are interested in any way, you may find it useful to contact the writer of this article.
Bro David Welch (Teignmouth, UK)
