The Way Forward
Earlier this year there was a sound of optimism as the economy of many countries returned to a path of growth in GDP. Triumphantly many economists shouted that the recession is over with a view of great expectations for the future. Well the recession may be over but the recovery has just begun.The collapse of the world’s financial systems may have only taken 6 – 12 months but the work of rebuilding the economies will take much, much longer.
Europe, except for the United Kingdom and Ireland which seemed to have escaped the worst of the crisis is now experiencing financial turmoil. It has started with the announcement by the Greek government that they had lied to the commission about the state of their financial situation and had supplied false information to it. The Greek government has now found itself in a situation where the budget deficit is in excess of 13 per cent and there is 300 billion euros in debt to be serviced this year. As a result the Government has had to announce austerity measures i.e. budget cuts in order to rectify the situation. These measures include additional taxes, wage cuts for public sector workers and reforms to pension entitlements. There is even talk about whether they will have to be bailed out by Europe or if they will have to borrow from the IMF. This has not gone down well with the public and there have been some demonstrations in Greece but nothing too dramatic.
This situation sounds so much like what is happening in Jamaica. The last year was spent trying to prevent the total collapse of the world economies but this year will be spent feeling the effects of the recession. The problems are not easy ones and there are no quick fixes. It will take a lot of sacrifices and much patience to see the end of this situation and we will likely see more businesses fail and more countries turning to the IMF.
In Jamaica, it is time to stop blaming each other for what has happened and what is happening. It is very hard to forecast how much more difficult things may get before they get better. Instead, let us focus our efforts on coming together and working alongside each other with a view to achieving our goals.
Effective management needs teamwork and unity and within this framework there is room for diverse opinions. Instead of bickering with each other, let us reason together to ensure a brighter future for our country.
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9 Responses to “The Way Forward”
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Did you say TEAMWORK?
History has showed that Jamaica’s politics has no capacity for such facet, however, you are right. If we all don’t work together, the nation will perish under the economical mis-management that has plagued us in the past, present, and if things continue as they are, in the future.
Let us put aside personal greed and ambitions to persue a path that will benefit the entire nation which is the only way for our nation to move forward.
Kevin: plugin911@yahoo.com
If we lend our voice to each, who calls for unity, then soon we will all sing the same song and act on the call. I am here to say this Jamaican is not alone. We can solve our problems if we unite. It is not the impossible that others have describe. The power is in each and every hand and if we join our hands together, our power can remove all rubbles. One Love.
You say “In Jamaica, it is time to stop blaming each other for what has happened and what is happening. It is very hard to forecast how much more difficult things may get before they get better. Instead, let us focus our efforts on coming together and working alongside each other with a view to achieving our goals”.
I say that unless we ALL realize and acknowledge what got us into the mess (foolishly high interest rates – compounding debt – FINSAC – unemployment)then we will be at odds as to how to recover and we will be doomed to repeat the nonsense.
I DON”T LIKE THE IDEA YO SALE AIR JAMAICA
The west indies cricket management shoud get rid of the current captain and give it to the guy who is now leading this jamaica team.
Looking for the section in the Gleaner that covers, current and potential growth areas in JA – core competencies unique to JA; also industries or areas that could drive new sustainable industries (infrastructure, innovation and production) that might lead the country out of debt, and from being dependent on imports.
Great update on the Gleaner BTW! step in the right direction.
What is the point of your Editorial in respect of Jamaica, or is Jamaica just memtioned in passing?.We need a proper EDITORIAL from you in respect of Jamaica’s economic future as seen from the point of view of all the negatives mentioned in Claude Robinson’s Article in the Observer recently.
I think more needs to be done by goverment in regards to investment in the country first they must tackle crime for as long as it seems they cannot cope then investment from overseas (USA) will not happen as they fear for their lives,next bring in taxes breaks to attract investment,go for new growth markets ie – broadband,electronics,try to make the e-commerce capital of the region,stop importing foods which can be growm locally I mean ackee in a tin – whats wrong with the country,patty from Miami – just wrong ! And most imoportantly take out the old gaurd in government and bring in people with new and fresh idaes the same names and faces have been in politics in Jamaica for years and can’t /wont solve the problem so why not bring in the best thinkers from UWI’s for example !
Great blog, I love the design of your website.