Dear Editor,
There has been much talk about the development of the Jamaican economy and how we can achieve growth. If we take an in-depth look, we'll realise there has always been a lack of solutions. Another problem is that when those in authority speak about this topic they always try to politicise the issue. My conclusion from all of this is that these people either don't know what they are doing or deliberately set up the country to remain in office.
We have huge problems in Jamaica. Some say our main problems are crime and unemployment, but I say the largest problem Jamaica has is economic development.
Economic development, crime and unemployment can be solved easily. I personally believe that our economy should not be so dependent on tourism. If a country's main way of earning foreign exchange is dependent on persons coming to its shores, then there is a huge problem. There must be some level of productivity in the country for the development of other industries. This is what Jamaica should do while continuing to grow the tourist industry.
While in Montego Bay a few years ago I said to the mayor that sports as a real industry can surpass the current economic impact of tourism. He did not get it. This is an area that, if properly managed, can bring much returns to the country. Other areas for economic growth include hemp production, factories for clothes manufacturing, a new angle to bauxite, development of real casinos, the formation of a government-backed record label to distribute and market all music coming out of Jamaica, similar to how tourism is marketed and promoted, imposing quotas on the importation of foreign goods, formulate a 10-year plan for Jamaica to feed itself, plus having new regulations which will give birth to new entrepreneurs.
These would be long-term ideas for growth which, if achieved, would leave Jamaica in a better economic position as they would reduce unemployment and crime, as well as help solve all our other problems.
Horane Bown
Jasports Multimedia Company Ltd
horane.brown@gmail.com
All Ja's eggs can't be in one basket
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There has been much talk about the development of the Jamaican economy and how we can achieve growth. If we take an in-depth look, we'll realise there has always been a lack of solutions. Another problem is that when those in authority speak about this topic they always try to politicise the issue. My conclusion from all of this is that these people either don't know what they are doing or deliberately set up the country to remain in office.
We have huge problems in Jamaica. Some say our main problems are crime and unemployment, but I say the largest problem Jamaica has is economic development.
Economic development, crime and unemployment can be solved easily. I personally believe that our economy should not be so dependent on tourism. If a country's main way of earning foreign exchange is dependent on persons coming to its shores, then there is a huge problem. There must be some level of productivity in the country for the development of other industries. This is what Jamaica should do while continuing to grow the tourist industry.
While in Montego Bay a few years ago I said to the mayor that sports as a real industry can surpass the current economic impact of tourism. He did not get it. This is an area that, if properly managed, can bring much returns to the country. Other areas for economic growth include hemp production, factories for clothes manufacturing, a new angle to bauxite, development of real casinos, the formation of a government-backed record label to distribute and market all music coming out of Jamaica, similar to how tourism is marketed and promoted, imposing quotas on the importation of foreign goods, formulate a 10-year plan for Jamaica to feed itself, plus having new regulations which will give birth to new entrepreneurs.
These would be long-term ideas for growth which, if achieved, would leave Jamaica in a better economic position as they would reduce unemployment and crime, as well as help solve all our other problems.
Horane Bown
Jasports Multimedia Company Ltd
horane.brown@gmail.com
All Ja's eggs can't be in one basket
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