Since the result of the Happy Planet Index (HPI) showing Jamaicans as the third happiest people on earth behind Dominican Republic and Costa Rica there have been many questions as to its authenticity. Many, including Jamaicans, have criticized and even ridiculed the findings.

 The rationale is that Jamaica has so much crimes and poverty how could it command such an astonishing position on the Happy Index scale? The irony is that, is for this reason why many of the counties in the top ten of the report are poor South American countries and not rich G8 countries. Happiness and material wealth are not synonymous by any means. Having millions in the bank and a big house are vehicles that contribute to happiness but it does not guarantee happiness by any means. If this were the case, why do so many wealthy people commit suicide?

 Happiness is a state of mind that can be achieved based on the expectations that one has. Some people are happy with just providing tonight’s dinner for their family. While others can be miserable because they could not purchase that shiny BMW that their neighbor has. I see many college educated middle class people unable to sleep at night due to mountain of credit cards debts and superficial unattainable and unrealistic goals. Again, to me, happiness is a mental state.

Despite the crime and poverty tourists flock Jamaica yearly. They see something that many of us cannot see. They are wondering how can people with so little resources greet them with such fervor, smiles, friendly faces and such outstanding hospitality? No wonder we say ‘Jamaica, no problem man.’

Filed under: Current Affairs

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