Dear Editor,
In order for Jamaica to experience meaningful and sustained economic growth, I make the following suggestions, leaving some to others who are of no less intelligence and knowledge:
1. The Government must almost slavishly act on the advice of leaders in the private sector such as Butch Stewart. They all demonstrate that intelligence transcends education and, in any case, education must be relevant, just as evidence must be relevant in court, and what we consume must be relevant to our well-being.
2. Income tax for individuals earning up to $2 million per annum should be abolished since there is a high tax on most consumer goods, and show love for the poor thereby.
3. Government must rely not only upon taxation, borrowing and the sale of government property, but also on investments and having a compulsory share of at least 20 per cent in all major commercial banks which are all too prosperous at the expense of society.
4. Do not continue to provide free education except up to primary school level and provide scholarships only for those subjects which contribute to economic growth and development, as far too many diplomas are passports to poverty, as most knowledge can today be earned on the Internet and libraries.
5. Cut the cost of running the public service, retaining only those that are proven to be true public servants and not only drawing their breaths to draw their pay. Also, create and maintain a policy of payments and promotions according to performance only.
Owen S Crosbie
Mandeville, Manchester
oss@cwjamaica.com
In order for Jamaica to experience meaningful and sustained economic growth, I make the following suggestions, leaving some to others who are of no less intelligence and knowledge:
1. The Government must almost slavishly act on the advice of leaders in the private sector such as Butch Stewart. They all demonstrate that intelligence transcends education and, in any case, education must be relevant, just as evidence must be relevant in court, and what we consume must be relevant to our well-being.
2. Income tax for individuals earning up to $2 million per annum should be abolished since there is a high tax on most consumer goods, and show love for the poor thereby.
3. Government must rely not only upon taxation, borrowing and the sale of government property, but also on investments and having a compulsory share of at least 20 per cent in all major commercial banks which are all too prosperous at the expense of society.
4. Do not continue to provide free education except up to primary school level and provide scholarships only for those subjects which contribute to economic growth and development, as far too many diplomas are passports to poverty, as most knowledge can today be earned on the Internet and libraries.
5. Cut the cost of running the public service, retaining only those that are proven to be true public servants and not only drawing their breaths to draw their pay. Also, create and maintain a policy of payments and promotions according to performance only.
Owen S Crosbie
Mandeville, Manchester
oss@cwjamaica.com