Few people will be surprised by the findings of a more-than-year-old survey – some of which were released this week – showing that a significant share of Jamaicans is willing to use shortcuts to get ahead.

Nor is it surprising that younger people, those between 18 and 44, are more inclined than older groups to bend the rules for personal gain.

A more positive interpretation, based on the thin slivers of data disclosed by pollster Don Anderson and businessman Howard Mitchell – who is increasingly emerging as a vocal voice of conscience – is that 69 per cent, or roughly seven in 10 Jamaicans, prefer to operate within the rules rather than cheat for economic gain. A similar proportion (67 per cent) says it is wrong to prioritise oneself over others.