Dear Editor,
Standards in Jamaica have become so low that politicians are often praised for doing ordinary work and the achievements of a few individuals are seen as hallmarks of national success. By doing this we are only subjecting ourselves to a mystical realm, removed from reality.
A country's success is determined by international standards and Jamaica is competing with the world, so we can't boast of achievements that are pale in comparison to others.
For example, Jamaica presently has the second lowest per capita income in the English-speaking Caribbean. Although it has increased since 1962, we are lagging behind economically when compared with a country like South Korea, a former economic backwater.
If Jamaica had a competition with herself then their argument would have merit, but in reality the country's competitiveness is deteriorating in relation to its competitors.
Now, one would expect that in such an environment we would desist from valuing brawn over brains; clearly we do not learn from our more advanced colleagues. We should know by now that it is a country's ability to produce competent graduates and not frivolous entertainers that improves the investment climate and creates quality jobs in the long-term. Why do you think the renowned business school INSEAD and multinational corporations are creating bases in Asia?
Education is a powerful instrument that has transformed many societies and it's really an embarrassment to boast about producing the best sportsmen and entertainers in the world, when our education system is crumbling and corruption is rampant.
Even a foreigner like Mark Bedeman, a director at IBM'S Business Consulting Group, is cognisant of the fact that education can change Jamaica's fortunes. "The attractiveness of a business environment is determined by many factors considered by corporate executives; including real estate, taxation and workforce," he said
The success of people like Usain Bolt is commendable, but their achievements belong only to them. If we want to succeed, then we must restore honour to education and stop believing in fairy tales.
Lipton Matthews
lo_matthews@yahoo.com
Set our priorities right
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Standards in Jamaica have become so low that politicians are often praised for doing ordinary work and the achievements of a few individuals are seen as hallmarks of national success. By doing this we are only subjecting ourselves to a mystical realm, removed from reality.
A country's success is determined by international standards and Jamaica is competing with the world, so we can't boast of achievements that are pale in comparison to others.
For example, Jamaica presently has the second lowest per capita income in the English-speaking Caribbean. Although it has increased since 1962, we are lagging behind economically when compared with a country like South Korea, a former economic backwater.
If Jamaica had a competition with herself then their argument would have merit, but in reality the country's competitiveness is deteriorating in relation to its competitors.
Now, one would expect that in such an environment we would desist from valuing brawn over brains; clearly we do not learn from our more advanced colleagues. We should know by now that it is a country's ability to produce competent graduates and not frivolous entertainers that improves the investment climate and creates quality jobs in the long-term. Why do you think the renowned business school INSEAD and multinational corporations are creating bases in Asia?
Education is a powerful instrument that has transformed many societies and it's really an embarrassment to boast about producing the best sportsmen and entertainers in the world, when our education system is crumbling and corruption is rampant.
Even a foreigner like Mark Bedeman, a director at IBM'S Business Consulting Group, is cognisant of the fact that education can change Jamaica's fortunes. "The attractiveness of a business environment is determined by many factors considered by corporate executives; including real estate, taxation and workforce," he said
The success of people like Usain Bolt is commendable, but their achievements belong only to them. If we want to succeed, then we must restore honour to education and stop believing in fairy tales.
Lipton Matthews
lo_matthews@yahoo.com
Set our priorities right
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