‘Reset The Vibe’– Dr. Henry

Director General, Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ), Dr. Wayne Henry, has called for a national “reset” to restore trust and strengthen community energy and participation as the country works to achieve the goals under the Vision 2030 National Development Plan.

Addressing the Kingston and St. Andrew Governance Conference at the Jamaica Conference Centre in downtown Kingston on Wednesday (March 25), Dr. Henry argued that the reset is necessary, as shifts are being observed in how communities function and operate.

“In some instances, the spirit of volunteerism has become less prominent and the traditional village concept where communities act collectively has evolved over time. This has sometimes resulted in a weakening of connections and a faltering of collective actions,” he contended.

“We need to… reset the vibe, as sustainable development depends not only on systems but on strong and engaged communities. We must create avenues where people feel confident that their voices matter. Every Jamaican should have a clear and accessible way to express what their community should look like and feel like,” he stated.

Dr. Henry contended that when people feel included, they begin to reconnect, creating the environment essential for strong communities.

The Director General underscored that building Jamaica’s future goes beyond physical development.

“It requires strengthening social capital by fostering collaboration and enabling communities to take an active role in shaping their own development. This can be achieved through strong partnerships between government and civil society, institutions and communities, and across generations,” he outlined.

Dr. Henry pointed out that youth engagement is also important.

“In order to restore the village concept, our young people must be included as participants and leaders. Their perspectives, creativity and energy are essential to shaping the future of our communities,” he emphasised.

Dr. Henry noted that civil society organisations (CSO) have a key role to play, serving as connectors, facilitators and trusted partners within communities.

He urged them to embark on a mission to restore a sense of purpose and belonging, reminding individuals that they are not just recipients of development but active contributors to it.

“As we approach 2030, we are building on a solid foundation but progress from here will require intentional action from public and private partnerships and civil society,” Dr. Henry said.