Dear Editor,

“Blacks’ problem lie not in the head of white people, but rather in the wasted and incompletely fulfilled lives of too many black people” — Dinesh D’ Souza

Nothing is wrong with lauding Jamaica for its spectacular performance in athletics and entertainment, but the country’s success in these sectors, must not overshadow its failures.

Most Jamaicans like to boast about the accomplishments of our world-class entertainers and athletes, but we cannot idolise individual achievements forever. Although the entertainment industry can boost growth rates, by itself it will not improve Jamaica’s international reputation or lift the majority of Jamaicans out of poverty. Smart investments in education and technology can, however, transform Jamaica’s economic fortunes. This policy has been pursued by many states and it never fails.

Furthermore, a country educational standards are often used a guide to determine prospective investment destinations, especially in science and technology. Since Switzerland has the highest number of scientific publications per capita in the OECD and, according to a study conducted by Harvard Business School, Sweden has the second highest number of trained engineers per capita, therefore it should not surprise us that both countries are two of Europe’s shining stars. Even Estonia, a former pariah state, is reaping the success of smart reforms implemented in the 90s, presently high-tech industries account for about 15 per cent of its GDP.

With Jamaica’s economic track record of slow growth, the focus on entertainment is ridiculous. If we want people to take us seriously we cannot only be known for fun and games. When other countries become leaders in e-government and education, portraying ourselves as singers and dancers cannot be an alternative. When this is done we only solidify the view that blacks are mere minstrels that left hard work behind when slavery ended. No nation can become successful by wishing and hoping, but if Jamaicans believe that singing and dancing will make Jamaica a great nation, they can continue to entertain themselves while we become the laughing stock of the world.

Lipton Matthews

lo_matthews@yahoo.com