Subscribe Login
Jamaica Observer
ePaper
The Edge 105 FM Radio Fyah 105 FM
Jamaica Observer
ePaper
The Edge 105 FM Radio Fyah 105 FM
    • Home
    • News
      • Latest News
      • Cartoon
      • International News
      • Central
      • North & East
      • Western
      • Environment
      • Health
      • #
    • Business
      • Business Bites
      • Social Love
    • Sports
      • Football
      • Basketball
      • Cricket
      • Horse Racing
      • World Champs
      • Commonwealth Games
      • FIFA World Cup 2022
      • Olympics
      • #
    • Entertainment
      • Music
      • Movies
      • Art & Culture
      • Bookends
      • #
    • Lifestyle
      • Page2
      • Food
      • Tuesday Style
      • Food Awards
      • JOL Takes Style Out
      • Design Week JA
      • Black Friday
      • #
    • All Woman
      • Home
      • Relationships
      • Features
      • Fashion
      • Fitness
      • Rights
      • Parenting
      • Advice
      • #
    • Obituaries
    • Classifieds
      • Employment
      • Property
      • Motor Vehicles
      • Place an Ad
      • Obituaries
    • More
      • Games
      • Elections
      • Jobs & Careers
      • Study Centre
      • Jnr Study Centre
      • Letters
      • Columns
      • Advertorial
      • Editorial
      • Supplements
      • Webinars
    • Home
    • News
      • Latest News
      • Cartoon
      • International News
      • Central
      • North & East
      • Western
      • Environment
      • Health
      • #
    • Business
      • Business Bites
      • Social Love
    • Sports
      • Football
      • Basketball
      • Cricket
      • Horse Racing
      • World Champs
      • Commonwealth Games
      • FIFA World Cup 2022
      • Olympics
      • #
    • Entertainment
      • Music
      • Movies
      • Art & Culture
      • Bookends
      • #
    • Lifestyle
      • Page2
      • Food
      • Tuesday Style
      • Food Awards
      • JOL Takes Style Out
      • Design Week JA
      • Black Friday
      • #
    • All Woman
      • Home
      • Relationships
      • Features
      • Fashion
      • Fitness
      • Rights
      • Parenting
      • Advice
      • #
    • Obituaries
    • Classifieds
      • Employment
      • Property
      • Motor Vehicles
      • Place an Ad
      • Obituaries
    • More
      • Games
      • Elections
      • Jobs & Careers
      • Study Centre
      • Jnr Study Centre
      • Letters
      • Columns
      • Advertorial
      • Editorial
      • Supplements
      • Webinars
  • Home
  • News
    • International News
  • Latest
  • Business
    • Business Bites
  • Cartoon
  • Games
  • Food Awards
  • Health
  • Entertainment
    • Bookends
  • Regional
  • Sports
    • Sports
    • World Cup
    • World Champs
    • Olympics
  • All Woman
  • Career & Education
  • Environment
  • Webinars
  • More
    • Football
    • Elections
    • Letters
    • Advertorial
    • Columns
    • Editorial
    • Supplements
  • Epaper
  • Classifieds
  • Design Week
Letters
January 18, 2012

The challenges of sustainable development

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

{"website":"website"}{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
img img
0 Comments · Make a comment

ALSO ON JAMAICA OBSERVER

High marks for Espappi’s ‘Wiggle N Tickle’
Entertainment, Latest News
High marks for Espappi’s ‘Wiggle N Tickle’
KEDIESHA PERRY Observer writer 
April 4, 2026
Recording artiste Espappi has been creating waves with his single Wiggle N Tickle . The catchy song was produced by Ragz to Richez and released on Mar...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
Fire at the Retirement Dump
Latest News, News
Fire at the Retirement Dump
April 4, 2026
ST JAMES, Jamaica — Firefighters have responded to a fire at the Retirement Dump in St James. The blaze was noticed just before 3:00 pm, and the briga...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
Kingston man facing firearm-related charges
Latest News, News
Kingston man facing firearm-related charges
April 4, 2026
KINGSTON, Jamaica— A Kingston man has been charged with possession of a prohibited weapon, assault at common law, and making use of a firearm to commi...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
Kishane Thompson, Tia Clayton, Ackeem Blake win at Miramar Invitational
Latest News, Sports
Kishane Thompson, Tia Clayton, Ackeem Blake win at Miramar Invitational
April 4, 2026
KINGSTON, Jamaica—Olympic silver medallist Kishane Thompson was one of a plethora of Jamaican winners at the Miramar Invitational Meet in Florida on S...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
St Thomas taxi operator charged after allegedly stabbing spouse
Latest News, News
St Thomas taxi operator charged after allegedly stabbing spouse
April 4, 2026
ST THOMAS, Jamaica—A taxi operator has been charged with wounding with intent after he reportedly stabbed his spouse during a dispute at his home on M...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
Vacae Weekend 2026 kicks off with high-energy ‘The Lawn’ experience
Entertainment, Latest News
Vacae Weekend 2026 kicks off with high-energy ‘The Lawn’ experience
April 4, 2026
ST ANN, Jamaica — Vacae Weekend 2026 officially got underway with a vibrant staging of The Lawn, setting the tone for what promises to be an electrify...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
‘Dem gyal yah heartless,’ says Rena
Entertainment, Latest News
‘Dem gyal yah heartless,’ says Rena
April 4, 2026
KINGSTON, Jamaica—Dancehall artiste Rena has released a new single entitled Yardie Girls No Love/Kingston City , which has sparked much debate. The si...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
Latest News, Sports
Jamaica won three silver medals in first session at Carifta Games
April 4, 2026
KINGSTON, Jamaica— Jamaica won three silver medals on Saturday morning’s first session of the 53rd Carifta Games, which is being held at the Kirani Ja...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
❮ ❯

Polls

HOUSE RULES

  1. We welcome reader comments on the top stories of the day. Some comments may be republished on the website or in the newspaper; email addresses will not be published.
  2. Please understand that comments are moderated and it is not always possible to publish all that have been submitted. We will, however, try to publish comments that are representative of all received.
  3. We ask that comments are civil and free of libellous or hateful material. Also please stick to the topic under discussion.
  4. Please do not write in block capitals since this makes your comment hard to read.
  5. Please don't use the comments to advertise. However, our advertising department can be more than accommodating if emailed: advertising@jamaicaobserver.com.
  6. If readers wish to report offensive comments, suggest a correction or share a story then please email: community@jamaicaobserver.com.
  7. Lastly, read our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy

Recent Posts

Archives

Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Tweets

Polls

Recent Posts

Archives

Logo Jamaica Observer
Breaking news from the premier Jamaican newspaper, the Jamaica Observer. Follow Jamaican news online for free and stay informed on what's happening in the Caribbean
Featured Tags
  • Editorial
  • Columns
  • Health
  • Auto
  • Business
  • Letters
  • Page2
  • Football
Categories
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Entertainment
  • Page2
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Entertainment
  • Page2
Ads
img
Jamaica Observer, © All Rights Reserved
  • Home
  • Contact Us
  • RSS Feeds
  • Feedback
  • Privacy Policy
  • Editorial Code of Conduct