Dear Editor,

The news is filled these days with discussions about sustainable development. At its simplest level, the assumption is that every state or society should try to construct an economic structure that contains elements of its own self-perpetuation. Not only should the society have an economy that avoids downturns and recessions, it should also expand continuously to satisfy an ever increasing demand for modernity and its necessities. By any measure that is a tall order, especially for small states.

One does not have to subscribe to pessimistic ideas of a conspiratorial and inevitable globalisation that favours the large, rich and powerful over the small, poor and weak to realise that the concept of sustainable development is an ideal that cannot ever be achieved. If that were so, there would not be in the news depressing accounts of the economic woes of the United States, or the European community – or the alarming reaction to the economic situation of Greece, Italy Spain, and a host of other countries. Even developed countries find it hard to maintain their economic equilibrium in these universally challenging times.

So what we need to do is drop the lofty but vague expressions such as “sustainable development” or “developing society” and other misleading phrases introduced in the imported rhetoric. Ask simple questions and demand clear workable answers. How can we get more Jamaicans back to work – or just simply, how can the government provide sufficient work for Jamaicans? What areas should the government concentrate on that would provide long-term benefits that are higher than the investment costs? How can Jamaicans create a harmonious relationship between government and the private sector that benefits the great majority of Jamaicans? What immediate and long-term measures are required to reduce crime and its exorbitant costs to the society?

Rome was not built in a single day; and even God needed some seven days to create the world. So no one should expect a magic wand to solve the present problems of Jamaica. Instead, what would be a major step forward is for the new government to begin to set up some priorities for moving forward that will attract the support of the majority of the people. To do this, it is important to examine the resources and then explore the most feasible methods for achieving the desired ends.

What is no longer affordable is the penchant for running to international agencies to borrow money to build things, repair things, and pay the debts on borrowed money. Borrowing, especially from foreign agencies, is not a way to build any economy. Moreover, it is time that our wise leaders realise that the big international agencies really do care about the interest of Jamaicans. Their priorities are not those of Jamaica and should not be expected to be those of Jamaicans. If Jamaicans really want to start on the long and difficult road to a balanced, debt-free society then they must begin with small steps. Increase the amount of food grown and consumed on the island. Increase the services provided by Jamaicans to Jamaicans. Reduce the dependency on foreign products. And as painful as it is, withdraw from the ostentatious, addictive consumer society. These measures will make us a better people and a better country. If we can live with that it would be tantamount to a form of sustainable development.

Joseph Clark

Washington, DC

USA