Dear Editor,

It is always a positive sign when civil society and private sector leadership take an active interest in the governance of our country and matters pertinent to its development. The appeal made by the private sector/civil society leadership to the political leadership of the country at a press conference on Thursday should be considered an unmistakeable sign of their unwavering commitment to Jamaica, and their vested interest in leadership that puts the country first and governs in the interest of the people of Jamaica.

Well-thinking Jamaicans should readily thank the group for bringing to the forefront a set of economic and social imperatives around which consensus can be built. It must be our collective mission as a people to harness the resources and ideas at our disposal to secure a safer, more prosperous Jamaica.

Given my fervent commitment to improving the fortunes of this country, I invite Jamaicans all over to support efforts aimed at mobilising the nation around the five key issues identified by the private sector/civil society, as we partner in solidifying consensus around commitments upon which policies and Government action going forward are to be predicated. Make no mistake, our principal focus at this time should be securing robust economic growth so we can generate the revenue necessary to do even more in providing critical social services, honouring our debt obligations, and protecting the most vulnerable among us.

Alas, we should in no way be satisfied with things as they are at present. Anaemic growth, rapid currency devaluation, low wage offers to public sector workers, and drastic expenditure cuts every year will not take us anywhere any time soon. Jamaica needs policies that will set the stage for moving our people from poverty to prosperity. Why not complement fiscal responsibility with growth inducement initiatives? Why not stabilise the dollar so that the burden on the manufacturing sector can be eased and enable them to become more productive? Why not get our energy projects right once and for all, instead of these frequent glitches a la EWI and Abengoa?

I am particularly inspired by the policy positions and outlook on Jamaica’s future being articulated by the parliamentary Opposition. As the people who passed the fiscal responsibility framework into law, pursued business-friendly policies, kept the exchange rate stable for over two years, and enhanced the social safety net by expanding the Programme for Advancement Through Health and Education and school feeding programme, on top of the flagship no-tuition fee policy and no hospital user-fee policy, it is evident that the policies and ideals to which the Jamaica Labour Party is committed are consistent with the five areas broadly identified by the private sector. I have no reason to believe that there will be a departure from these key imperatives and policy commitments when there is a change of administration following the next general election.

As a matter of fact, the private sector, civil society and the public in general can rest assured that the Government-in-waiting will continue to devise and share with the public, policy prescriptions that will inure to the growth and development of our economy and the advancement of the Jamaican people. Passing International Monetary Fund tests and paying bond holders are important, but securing robust economic growth, facilitating our manufacturers and producers, improving access to quality education, and catering to the sick and the needy are extremely important. Indeed, it is how a government manages the affairs of a country in the real sense.

Marlon Morgan

Deputy Spokesman on Agriculture and aide to Opposition Leader Andrew Holness

marlonandremorgan@gmail.com