Dear Editor,
Finance Minister Dr Peter Phillips earned a barrage of unfavourable responses from some Jamaicans for his address to the meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank in Peru as reported in the Daily Observer, September 12, 2015 'Caribbean faces social unrest unless world treats it better, Phillips warns'.
The jarring responses/comments, to that news report online are based on their dissatisfaction; disputing and questioning the validity of his claim.
I would be more inclined to exercise caution in my reaction to the minister's remarks. I need specifics regarding the basis of his claim before being able to arrive at an informed opinion.
Granted, the minister is a learned man; proficient in factors and history related to international economic trends and development. He is a man not known for making wild and unsubstantiated statements, he should be given the benefit of the doubt regarding the validity of his case and premise. That being said, until Dr Phillips is able to spell out the basis of his argument, it will be difficult for most of us to understand the direct connection and responsibility of the international community for the development of infrastructure within Caribbean countries.
On the other hand, it is important to take into consideration the forum to which his argument was directed. It could be that the main historical trading partners of the Caribbean, such as the US, Canada and UK, as well as multilateral institutions are very much aware of the foundation of Dr Phillips' grouse. But we the people need specifics to understand his position and put his appeal in its proper perspective.
So, for now, the minister's claim is long on blame, while short on specifics.
Barrington Bryan
Newark, New Jersey, USA
bbrypublish2@yahoo.com
Peter Phillips needs
to give specifics
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Finance Minister Dr Peter Phillips earned a barrage of unfavourable responses from some Jamaicans for his address to the meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank in Peru as reported in the Daily Observer, September 12, 2015 'Caribbean faces social unrest unless world treats it better, Phillips warns'.
The jarring responses/comments, to that news report online are based on their dissatisfaction; disputing and questioning the validity of his claim.
I would be more inclined to exercise caution in my reaction to the minister's remarks. I need specifics regarding the basis of his claim before being able to arrive at an informed opinion.
Granted, the minister is a learned man; proficient in factors and history related to international economic trends and development. He is a man not known for making wild and unsubstantiated statements, he should be given the benefit of the doubt regarding the validity of his case and premise. That being said, until Dr Phillips is able to spell out the basis of his argument, it will be difficult for most of us to understand the direct connection and responsibility of the international community for the development of infrastructure within Caribbean countries.
On the other hand, it is important to take into consideration the forum to which his argument was directed. It could be that the main historical trading partners of the Caribbean, such as the US, Canada and UK, as well as multilateral institutions are very much aware of the foundation of Dr Phillips' grouse. But we the people need specifics to understand his position and put his appeal in its proper perspective.
So, for now, the minister's claim is long on blame, while short on specifics.
Barrington Bryan
Newark, New Jersey, USA
bbrypublish2@yahoo.com
Peter Phillips needs
to give specifics
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