Dear Editor,
How unfortunate it is that the political arena in Jamaica has restricted, or made very difficult, the entry of new players into the ring. The continual struggle with a failing economy, the disturbing crime rate, and the lack of opportunities for our young Jamaicans is merely the result of old, tired, and clearly failed ideas and efforts of those leaders who have remained at the helm for well beyond their expected tenures.
The same names continue to make newspapers headlines in politics. They continue to flash across our television screens on the nightly news. These same names have continued to hold their positions of authority for decades. So what has changed?
Is the thirst for authority and power so great that it overrides the need for this country to prosper under new and young hands? What efforts have been made to welcome and position young Jamaicans into posts where they can lead and put forth their new, fresh and up-to-date remedies to build this nation?
My one example here will be the Government's delay in its chances to make a profit off marijuana. Knowing when to act and the importance of acting quickly has become pivotal since the dawn of the 20th century. The lackadaisical and apathetic stance on this fruitful investment will not go down well with those investors who are so eager to begin operations.
As the age old saying goes, "time is money". Maybe our politicians are not aware of the viability of marijuana to boost this failing economy because they are so focused on the fact that it is currently deemed illegal on the books. By passing up on such a profitable investment what point are they trying to prove and to who? This is an antiquated attitude that is synonymous with failed efforts. Sadly, they will survive and override the inventions, investments and any other profit-rearing mechanisms which emerge as we try to propel Jamaica forward both financially and socially. As the saying goes, "You can't teach an old dog new tricks."
Wendy Beswick
beswick_wendy@yahoo.com
Old guard holding on for life
-->
How unfortunate it is that the political arena in Jamaica has restricted, or made very difficult, the entry of new players into the ring. The continual struggle with a failing economy, the disturbing crime rate, and the lack of opportunities for our young Jamaicans is merely the result of old, tired, and clearly failed ideas and efforts of those leaders who have remained at the helm for well beyond their expected tenures.
The same names continue to make newspapers headlines in politics. They continue to flash across our television screens on the nightly news. These same names have continued to hold their positions of authority for decades. So what has changed?
Is the thirst for authority and power so great that it overrides the need for this country to prosper under new and young hands? What efforts have been made to welcome and position young Jamaicans into posts where they can lead and put forth their new, fresh and up-to-date remedies to build this nation?
My one example here will be the Government's delay in its chances to make a profit off marijuana. Knowing when to act and the importance of acting quickly has become pivotal since the dawn of the 20th century. The lackadaisical and apathetic stance on this fruitful investment will not go down well with those investors who are so eager to begin operations.
As the age old saying goes, "time is money". Maybe our politicians are not aware of the viability of marijuana to boost this failing economy because they are so focused on the fact that it is currently deemed illegal on the books. By passing up on such a profitable investment what point are they trying to prove and to who? This is an antiquated attitude that is synonymous with failed efforts. Sadly, they will survive and override the inventions, investments and any other profit-rearing mechanisms which emerge as we try to propel Jamaica forward both financially and socially. As the saying goes, "You can't teach an old dog new tricks."
Wendy Beswick
beswick_wendy@yahoo.com
Old guard holding on for life
-->