How come Jamaica, how come?

I am so distraught when I look at and think about my country these days... imagine at almost 48 years old, Jamaica - the country with the most potential on the planet - walking up and down the streets of the world like a mendicant - hat in hand, begging to supply her daily needs!
When I think of Jamaica, I think of the little train that could, but didn't. We have the most talented people on earth, yet, we refuse to produce. We are contented sapping up the name-brand this and that, from every where else in the world. Our people have this 'get-rich-quick' mentality that pisses me off daily. No one is willing to work anymore, everyone wants a hand out. It is this culture that has been cultivated by our politicians and unfortunately, this same culture has taken root.
Most people (particularly men) are content, sitting on the roadside from 'cock crow' in the mornings until dogs howl at night, digging out their hand middle. When will we realize that no one can change our destiny but ourselves? Bob Marley phrased it aptly when he said 'None but ourselves can free our minds'! When will we realize that if we depend on the state and politicians, we dig ourselves deeper into a mire from which we may never recover?
People, Jamaica is a great nation and Jamaicans are a great people. There isn't a corner of this earth that does not have a Jamaican living there. Our people are excelling all over the world. The world has our attention. Our brand is big! Nothing makes me prouder than when I am in foreign and here a local artist on the radio or see a local brand in the supermarket.
In August 2008 & 2009, our athletes forced the world, to stand at attention and to go as far as to learn the Jamaican National Anthem, because it was the most popular song in Beijing and Berlin. When will we recognize our potential? When will we begin in take ourselves seriously? When will we love and appreciate ourselves for who we are and stop trying to change our skin colour or hair texture to fit into another's mold? Come on Jamaica... wake up! We are in a crisis but we are not the crisis. Like the great Marcus Mosiah Garvey, I challenge us this morning, "Up ye mighty race (Jamaica), you can accomplish what you will".