Dear Editor,

Here lies the dilemma for Jamaican policymakers and the public at large. There is a disconnect between “what the people want” and “what the people need”.

Key examples are:

* We the people need water services, but should the service provision response be communal or individual? Piped or tanked? Chlorinated or pure?

* We the people need lavatory facilities, but should the service provision response be communal or individual? Pit or flushed?

* We the people need housing, but should the service provision response be basic, low-cost or affordable? 100 square metres or 1,000 square metres?

* We the people need an education, but should the service provision response be to year six, year 11 or to level eight on the national qualification framework? Should it be free, subsidised or privatised?

* We the people need roads, but should the service provision response be defined roadway (gravelled) or active response roadway (all types as the need dictates)? Should it be free or tolled?

There are, I am sure, thousands of other issues that could be raised. Society has an obligation to itself and future generations, and so all decisions should be devoid of selfishness and greed. All choices must have a positive effect way beyond our lifetimes.

So any dialogue must be futuristic in outlook as the current populace may have to suffer for the future generations to reap these benefits. I think this is referred to as independence. The most ironic thing is, these questions apply to all countries.

As a Namibian of Jamaican parents I am asking Jamaicans the same questions I am asking Namibians whose independence is younger. It is apparent the problems are universal and so a reflection of us as a people is required to move forward.

These views are personal and expressed for the public as a whole to reflect on our lives. They are not intended for political or sectorial bashing.

David A Jarrett

RDJ Consulting Services CC

Windhoek

Namibia