Heart of Jamaica Survey flags fairness concerns and social reform challenges

A newly released Heart of Jamaica Survey has found that about eight in 10 Jamaicans believe society is unfair, while younger adults are showing greater tolerance for unethical conduct as a way to move ahead. Pollster and market researcher Don Anderson and attorney-at-law and businessman Howard Mitchell said the findings should guide national discussion on social reform.

Anderson said the study was developed in 2024 to measure how Jamaicans view themselves, their country and major social institutions. He said the results were held back during an election period because the data could have been difficult to present without being read through a political lens.

Mitchell said the concerns raised by the survey have existed for years and grew out of private-sector interest in social reform. He linked the issue to Norman Manley’s 1962 argument that, after independence, Jamaica needed social reconstruction, and said later leaders, including P.J. Patterson and Edward Seaga, also tried to address values and attitudes.

The survey covered family life, religion, corruption, the justice system, migration, the environment, cleanliness and people’s feelings about Jamaica. Anderson said the data helps move the debate beyond guesswork, adding that the results also show positive views that are often overshadowed by areas of concern.

Mitchell said one warning sign is that some Jamaicans who hold values still believe breaking the law may sometimes be necessary to get what they want. He said that points to problems of access and justice, and argued that institutions must reduce the conditions that push people toward personal retaliation instead of lawful remedies.

He also pointed to respect as a major theme, saying Jamaicans value being respected but may not always extend that respect to others. Mitchell said leaders across politics, civil society and the church should use the findings to help align the country around conduct that benefits the majority.

Anderson said the survey is intended to be accessible and useful to schools, businesses and wider society. Mitchell added that the data can help Jamaicans better understand who they are and how institutions can respond.