Commentary

Where's the honesty?

YESTERDAY'S MAIN STORY in THE STAR leads one to the conclusion that quite a large number of Jamaicans are no longer honest.

It appears that the days when the majority of Jamaicans were hard workers and honest citizens are gone. Quite a few of us have now resorted to corrupt ways of achieving wealth and survival and in our simple day to day lives encourage things that we know deep down are wrong.

According to yesterday's story, a group of men in Portsmouth, Portmore, have set up their own toll system for collecting money from motorists to use sections of a playfield and the unfinished Highway.

The report further says that the men gather in the area from as early as 6:00 a.m. when the traffic is about to build-up and proceed to collect $50 or $100 from every other motorist that uses the 'shortcut' to avoid the traffic.

This activity takes place before the police arrive in the mornings to monitor the traffic. According to the commuters, the activity has been taking place in the area for some time and usually ends by 7:00 a.m., about the same time the police arrive.

It is not only amazing that a group of youngsters have come up with this corrupt method of using a playfield and unfinished highway to make money but it is also surprising that so many commuters are willing to pay a 'toll' in order to participate in an illegal operation.

Some of the same commuters, from the same community, that have lashed out heavily on the possible introduction of the official toll system are now willing to pay these corrupt individuals.

Is there no longer any honesty in us? Do we now think that the only way to succeed is to come up with 'get-rich-quick' schemes?

While the legal methods may take more effort and time, in the long run there will be more fulfillment and we will walk away with a clearer conscience. We all need to take a deep look inside, we need to stop encouraging corrupt practices.