We must be willing to have honest conversations about Jamaica’s history and the decisions that have shaped our country. From 1972 to 1980, Jamaica adopted democratic socialism and shifted its foreign policy, strengthening relations with socialist countries, including Cuba, while joining the Non-Aligned Movement. That period was followed by serious economic challenges, our first major debt crisis, and increased political and gang violence. I respect Michael Manley’s intellect and his willingness to challenge the status quo, but I also question the judgment behind the direction Jamaica took during that period. Today, the global system is changing again. With the rise of China, India, Russia and the European Union, Jamaica must remain strategic in how we engage the world. Our foreign policy must always put Jamaica’s national interest first. We cannot abandon multilateralism, but we must ensure that the system works for the realities of today and that Jamaica has a strong voice in it.(Andrew Holness)