A CRITICAL REVIEW OF "THE FIRST 21 YEARS OF THE 21ST CENTURY: OBSERVATIONS FROM JAMAICA"

Professor Paul Golding's The First 21 Years of the 21st Century: Observations from Jamaica offers a comprehensive analysis of contemporary Jamaica, exploring technological advancements, socio-economic changes, and the impact of the novel Coronavirus. The book aims to provide a multifaceted understanding of Jamaica's recent past, present, and potential future by examining the relationship between local and global forces. The book employed a multidisciplinary approach that draws on historical analysis, social observation, and economic data. Golding uses qualitative and quantitative methods, including historical and statistical data review, to support his observations and arguments. Golding examines critical developments such as the digital revolution, social and political shifts, and the unparalleled challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The book highlights the rapid technological advancements in Jamaica, the persistent socio-economic gaps, and the profound impact of the pandemic on various sectors of society. While the book offers valuable insights into the complexities of contemporary Jamaica, such as the deregulation of telecommunication, the China-Jamaica relationship, the US elections, and the issue of corruption, this review identifies areas that require further depth and specificity. This includes an analysis of technological integration in education, a root cause analysis of homophobia, the implications of the Data Protection Act of 2020 for National Identification Systems, and the long-term effects of the pandemic in Jamaica. By addressing these significant areas of inquiry, scholars and policymakers can contribute to a more nuanced understanding of Jamaica yesterday, today, and tomorrow.