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SURVEY: Is Jamaica Making Progress? (Perceptions of Development in Jamaica)

Information and Consent Statement

You are invited to participate in an academic project (Master’s Thesis) about “Development in Jamaica”. This study is being done by Cara-Marie Findlay (proud Jamaican), a student in the Malmö University (Sweden) Communication for Development Master’s programme. You were selected to participate in this study because you are either a Jamaican national or a part of the Jamaican diaspora (native to Jamaica, but living outside the country).

The Purpose
The purpose of this survey is to determine how Jamaica’s social and economic progress is currently being perceived by Jamaicans at home and abroad; and to understand the perceived values and philosophies that shape Jamaica’s current plan for social and economic development. There are no wrong answers.

Who can participate?
If you are over the age of 18, and a citizen of Jamaica, or were born in Jamaica but are currently living abroad then you qualify for participation. 

How much time will it take?
This survey asks a total of 17 questions and it will take you approximately 15 minutes to complete. 

The benefits of participation
Although you may not benefit from this survey directly, your contribution will be a valuable addition to my research and findings. This in turn, I hope, will lead to a greater public understanding and contribute to the betterment and development of Jamaica so that it becomes a more prosperous nation, where all of the country’s citizen shave the opportunity to be successful. 

Are any risks associated with this survey?
There are minimal risks associated with this survey; however, a risk of breach of confidentiality always exists and steps have been taken to minimize this risk as outlined in a section below.

How will my information be protected? Notice of Confidentiality. 
I do ask for your name to confirm your consent and participation. However, it is OPTIONAL to include your name and location. Your information and answers will remain confidential to the best of my ability. To minimize any risks, only one person, Cara-Marie Findlay, will have access and handle the raw data. Any identifying personal information, for example, name, will be redacted and no personal identifiers will be revealed during the analysis and write up of the findings. 

Is there any money or other compensation for completing the survey?
There is no compensation for participating in this survey. 

What happens if I say yes, but I change my mind later?
You do not have to complete this survey if you do not want to. If you agree to be a part and complete it, but later change your mind, you may withdraw your response at any time. There are no consequences of any kind if you decide that you do not want to participate. To withdraw your response please contact Cara-Marie Findlay at caramariefindlay@gmail.com. 

Who can I talk to if I have questions?
If you have questions about this project, you may contact Cara-Marie Findlay on WhatsApp at (404) 981-2569 or caramariefindlay@gmail.com

By continuing with this survey you are indicating that you are at least 18 years old, have read this consent statement and agree to participate. You are free to withdraw your response at any time.
1.How closely do you follow Jamaica's social and economic development progress? (The answer options below include the word IMPACT which is defined here as influencing every day decisions - life, business, or otherwise)
2.In your opinion, are Jamaicans (in Jamaica) empowered to achieve their fullest potential?(Required.)
3.In your opinion, is Jamaica safe? Are Jamaican citizens largely free from the threat of danger or harm?(Required.)
4.In your opinion, is Jamaica’s economy getting stronger? (A strong economy is a stable (not easily disturbed) economy with effective systems for organisation, and includes a supportive business environment).(Required.)
5.What are some values or philosophies that you consider to be distinctly/uniquely Jamaican? (VALUES: principles or standards, and also beliefs with an emotional attachment; PHILOSOPHY: an underlying set of ideas)
6.Were you aware of Jamaica's national Development plan - Vision 2030 Jamaica - BEFORE this survey? (Questions 1-3 of this survey are related to Goals 1 and 2 of 4 in Jamaica's national plan)(Required.)
7.What values or philosophies do you think inform (or shape) Jamaica's current plan (as you know, perceive, or experience it) for a better society? (VALUES: principles or standards, and also beliefs with an emotional attachment; PHILOSOPHY: an underlying set of ideas)(Required.)
8.In your opinion - Which (or Whose) voices/opinions are being taken into consideration as it relates to social and economic development in Jamaica?
9.Are you associated with any organisation (government ministry, department, office, non-profit or NGO) currently involved in development activities in Jamaica? (Associated with meaning a founder, manager, staff member or volunteer)(Required.)
10.Do you have any other comments about social and economic development in Jamaica?
11.I am...(Please select the option that best describes you)(Required.)
12.Please select your age range.(Required.)
13.I am a...(Please select the option that best describes you)(Required.)
14.OPTIONAL: Where do you currently reside? Parish (or State) and Country (For Example, St. Andrew, Jamaica OR North Carolina, USA) 
15.OPTIONAL: What is your name? (Please enter first and surname, STRICTLY asked to confirm your consent to participation)
16.What is your email address?
17.Would you like to receive a copy of the consent statement via email, be made aware of the final results of the survey, and/or receive a copy of the final published paper? (Please NOTE: If you select any of the YES options below, you need to enter your email address above in response to question 16, thank you!)(Required.)