Most J'cans hate their gov't - survey

Leighton Levy, Star Writer

Jamaica is among the top 12 countries in the world that hates its government the most. According to MarketWatch, a respected financial website launched in 1997, the people of the land of wood and water, ranks 10th among countries where its people think little of its leaders.

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According to MarketWatch survey, only 20 per cent of Jamaicans approve of their government (tied for the ninth highest). The findings say 86 per cent of Jamaicans believe government corruption is widespread, which is tied for the 17th highest among the countries polled.

Economic instability

With unemployment, in 2013, at an estimated 15.3 per cent, which ranks the country 16th highest among countries surveyed, Jamaica is painted as a picture of gloom. "Financial hardship and economic instability in Jamaica have contributed to the nation's abysmal government approval rating. Nearly 60 per cent of Jamaican survey respondents told Gallup they did not have enough money for food in the previous 12 months, and more than 15 per cent of the workforce was unemployed last year, both among the higher rates reviewed," MarketWatch claimed. "Not only was it hard to find a job, but Jamaica has also had one of the world's highest inflation rates. Last year, 86 per cent of respondents said they believed corruption was common throughout the government".

According to MarketWatch, the country that has the distinction of hating its government the most is Bosnia Herzegovina. They are followed by Bulgaria, Greece, Czech Republic, Moldova, Pakistan, Peru, Romania, and Costa Rica. Jamaica is tied at ninth with Portugal with Spain rounding out the list of the top 12.