A large share of Jamaicans believe the country is unequal, corruption is becoming normalised, and many would leave if given the chance, according to a new nationwide survey examining the “hearts and minds” of the Jamaican people.

But while the findings point to deep frustration with fairness, opportunity, and public institutions, they also reveal a society still strongly anchored in family, education and respect — even as many Jamaicans grapple with fear, social division and what presenter and CEO of Market Research Services Limited (MRSL) Kisha-Kaye Anderson described as a growing moral “grey area”.

The study, conducted by MRSL among 1,102 Jamaicans across all 14 parishes, found that 81 per cent of respondents believe “the world is not level”, while 42 per cent said they would pack up and leave Jamaica tomorrow if given the opportunity.