2025 has real potential – Jamaica Observer

One of my favorite paintings at home depicts a majestic rural suspension bridge inviting exploration to an unknown destination. This image evokes a range of emotions in friends and visitors who pause and reflect on its beauty. For some people, the spirit of adventure ignites their spirit, while for others it triggers feelings of fear and anxiety.

I often ask, “Would you dare cross a bridge if you don’t know what’s on the other side?”

I often hear: “No.”

As we age, we gain the wisdom to make decisions based on our rich experiences and institutional memory. As we take on new responsibilities, our sense of adventure develops; We transform our carefree spirit into a well-planned, pragmatic approach that leads us to meaningful and thoughtful decisions.

I bought the bridge painting because it symbolizes the uncertainty that creates possibilities; represents the new possibilities that wait on the other side. Instead of fearing the darkness of the unknown, I chose to embrace the journey ahead of me.

This year flew by, perhaps one of the fastest I have ever experienced. The year 2024 flew by. Before I knew it, Christmas came. It felt surreal.

Now that 2025 is almost here, I see it as a year full of transformative opportunities for those who are ready to embrace the unknown, step out of their comfort zone, conduct international research and discover new paths. These opportunities extend far beyond Jamaica.

Given that there is a shift in the job market, with new roles focused on skills suited to an increasingly automated landscape, embracing these changes can lead to innovation and growth, allowing the workforce to evolve in parallel to further develop technological progress.

Today, the five largest companies in the world are all in the technology sector and their market capitalization exceeds that of their competitors by 30 percent. Apple, Alphabet (Google), Microsoft, Amazon and Facebook together employ around 720,000 people.

In contrast, a decade ago, Petrochina, Exxon Mobil, General Electric, China Mobile and Bank of China were among the leading companies, collectively employing about 1.3 million people.

This transformation reflects changes in technology, consumer behavior and market demands, highlighting the dynamic nature of the global economy and the major influence and growth potential of technology in the current market landscape.

This has undoubtedly resulted in a change in demand for traditional roles, particularly in clerical and secretarial positions, including bank and related clerks, postal clerks, cashiers, ticket clerks, data entry clerks, as well as accounting, bookkeeping and payroll roles.

But shifting mindsets to embrace these changes rather than fear them can lead to new opportunities for the workforce as industries continue to transform. This is simply because in today’s technology-driven world, geographic boundaries and visa restrictions no longer limit business travel or the provision of services.

Now Jamaicans should take advantage of the fastest growing roles in technology and AI, in areas such as machine learning specialists. They are leading the way, closely followed by sustainability specialists, business intelligence analysts, information security analysts, renewable energy engineers, and solar energy installation and systems engineers as the economy transitions to renewable energy.

Additionally, education, agriculture, digital trade and commerce will play a crucial role in driving job growth in the coming years.

Specifically, the education sector is expected to grow by around 10 percent, which could create around 3 million new jobs for vocational school teachers as well as university and college teachers.

In addition, demand for agricultural skilled workers, particularly agricultural machinery operators, is forecast to increase by an impressive 30 percent.

In 2020, Millennials have become the most powerful generation in history. They have nearly $2.5 trillion in spending power and an inspiring $17 billion dedicated to loving and caring for pets.

Mobile commerce is revolutionizing purchasing habits: 73 percent of this generation fully uses their smartphone when purchasing online. An impressive 75 percent say social media has a greater influence on their purchasing decisions than traditional television advertising. This represents an incredible opportunity for us to exploit and thrive in these emerging markets.

Many companies are making a transformative shift in their marketing strategies, shifting their resources from traditional print media, radio and television to the dynamic areas of digital, social media and influencers. This is a powerful step to engage with customers whose attention is increasingly captured by their mobile phones.

As a result of these online disruptions, the traditional media landscape is facing a transformation, giving way to a new era dominated by digital streaming content. This shift presents exciting opportunities for innovation and engagement in the way we consume media.

In Jamaica, our largest media company, RJR/Gleaner Communications Group, lost $538 million in the year ended March 2024. If they continue on this path, all of their equity will be wiped out in less than eight years.

Music producers and entertainers are also changing as downloads and streaming take center stage for revenue and sales.

I could go into more detail, but I trust you get the gist of my message.

If you need further training, there are several online courses you can take and other professional training courses right here at home that can give you certification. Never forget that today’s ten most in-demand jobs didn’t exist ten years ago.

Additionally, don’t let gender stop you from changing fields. North America needs trailer drivers to drive across the country. There is no qualification that says you have to be a man to do this.

The future calls us to action and urges us to embrace our urgent responsibilities, strategically reorient ourselves toward new opportunities, and develop a deep understanding of the goods and services that will create or enhance our unique competitive advantage.

Let us face 2025 with boldness and determination, choosing confidence over fear and courage over fear.

Happy New Year and wish you all a successful year.

Lisa Hanna is MP for St Ann South Eastern, People’s National Party Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and former Cabinet Member