Jamaica: Land of wood and water — but for how much longer?

If there ever existed a metric to measure the national pride of every country in the world, Jamaica would undoubtedly rank number one. We are a small country with a grand cultural identity that is recognized worldwide. No matter what we go through, no matter how we may fall short, nobody can deny that there is something special—something uniquely nice—about Jamaica.

As a people, we take great pride in our history, music, athleticism, enterprise, might, and swagger. But where is the Olympic-Carnival-Festival-level celebration for the thing that connects us all? The one tangible thing that gives us the right to call ourselves Jamaican to begin with? Where is the pride in the physical land we love?

Often dubbed the “Land of Wood and Water” for its rich forests and plentiful streams, Jamaica has captivated many with its natural beauty. For centuries, this land has fed us, providing the best quality of fruits, vegetables, and healing herbs on Earth. She has protected us, hiding us in caves and forests during times of colonial warfare and mitigating many hurricanes with her tall mountain peaks. Her rivers and oceans have soothed our worries and cleansed our bodies and souls for generations.

Whether you were born on the island or born from someone who was, our connection to this small portion of Earth grants us our proud Jamaican identity. But as rumors swirl about potential oil discoveries near our shores, I can’t help but wonder: how much longer will we enjoy the privilege of our natural paradise, while unchecked greed and the lust for power drive us toward exploiting our land and mismanaging our precious natural resources?

In an era where economic prosperity often hinges on finite resources like oil, Jamaica stands at a crossroads. The potential benefits are clear: oil revenues could alleviate debts, fund infrastructure, and boost the economy. Yet, without a clear and fair game plan that prioritizes the ecological health and longevity of our island, we risk digging ourselves into a hole deeper than the one we will drill to access this rumored oil.

Take, for instance, the over-mining of bauxite, which has already scarred the Jamaican landscape and contaminated our rivers. Jamaica’s forests have suffered greatly from deforestation, largely due to bauxite mining, as we have lost over 75% of our original forest cover. This deforestation not only reduces biodiversity but also worsens soil erosion, making the island and the homes built on it more vulnerable to natural disasters such as hurricanes.

Additionally, clearing forests for such activity disrupts the ecological balance, weakening the land’s ability to withstand climate change. At this rate, how much longer can we expect to experience the natural beauty that is our birthright? How much longer before our favorite mango species go extinct? How much time do we have to indulge in the uniquely sweet and robust flavor of our Blue Mountain coffee beans before our disregard for ecological consequences tips the scales to the point of no return? Will our grandchildren’s children get to wade in the same rivers that rush through our land like blood through our veins, or will they only know them through stories of the old days when Jamaica was a lush haven?

Despite millions in profits generated from bauxite mining, ordinary Jamaicans see little benefit. The wealth often escapes the local economy, enriching a few while leaving communities grappling with environmental degradation and economic disparity. As Jamaicans, we must demand transparency, accountability, and a fair share of the benefits from any resource extraction—be it bauxite, oil, or any other valuable resource we are blessed to discover in the future. Our leaders must prioritize the well-being of the land and its people over short-term gains. Without a unified vision for sustainable development and equitable resource distribution, the very qualities that make Jamaica beloved—a rich cultural tapestry woven from its natural wonders—stand to be further degraded.

Our connection to the land is profound. It shapes our identity, inspires our creativity, and sustains our livelihoods. We are strong thanks to our vibrant food, spices, and herbs, which spring from our fertile soil. Our love for vivid colors in clothing and homes reflects our appreciation for the rich hues of our diverse natural environment. We have translated the relaxed and rhythmic patterns of chirping birds, the gentle swaying of palm trees, the steady rhythm of ocean waves, and the calming rustle of tropical foliage into reggae—our most renowned cultural export.

We Jamaicans have much to be proud of, but we cannot forget that our cultural prowess and influence are largely attributed to the connection to and inspiration from our rich and abundant land. We are blessed because our land is blessed. If we mishandle our blessings and take them for granted, in time, the land we love will become the land we lost.