Dear Editor,

I was compelled and moved to write this letter based on an observation and clinical analysis of electors in various communities in St Mary. Recognising that suggestions usually fall on deaf ears, I would like to use this medium to express an approach to the cry for “jobs, jobs, and more jobs”, a sentiment expressed by Prime Minister Bruce Golding.

The job landscape, which is separate and apart from the unemployment data, is elusive and has been a difficult one to conquer. The number one cry on the ground is for “jobs, jobs, jobs”.

Identifying the problems is a simple matter and many will express varying reasons why jobs are scarce or unavailable, and these varying views are intended to have a political bias with no tangible solutions. It is only by formulating solutions that we can conquer the job doldrums that the country is currently in. I would like to focus on the solutions. It is in finding the solutions that we can move and create the answers to these issues.

The following solutions are suggested:

(1) The government must be prepared to work with small entrepreneurs to provide them with technical expertise. As it pertains to industry and good business scope, this can be achieved through seminars and technical expertise through the ministries of agriculture, tourism and industry and commerce.

(2) The manufacturing sector needs a shot in the arm. This will come only through levels of protectionism unparalleled in the marketplace. This short-term level of protection will entail immediate profits to the sector, providing much-needed cash to reinvest in the businesses, and re-capitalise the machinery and investment, thus becoming more efficient and competitive in a future, deregulated environment. Tourism, already full of tax incentives, must be quoted with employment numbers with incentives to employees, including gratuity to be a part of the compensation package.

(3) It is imperative that downtown Kingston and other major towns across Jamaica be revitalised with a sense of urgency. The government must work with small entrepreneurs, as this seems to be the only catalyst at this time. The Urban Development Corporation must take a hands-off approach to development as they have not proved themselves as being the catalyst for development in recent times. The general feeling is that the government should, by compulsory acquisition, acquire abandoned buildings and ensure that they are given to entrepreneurs, if they are prepared to develop them in a timely manner. The government should also encourage the business community to hire at least one extra person.

Although these solutions may seem simple, the “keep it simple, stupid” concept invariably works and will produce an increase in needed jobs, improve development and achieve the growth necessary for the country to move forward.

Councillor Michael Belnavis

Boscobel

St Mary