The Editor:

I am concerned about rural development. I am from St Thomas and much of our parish has remained unchanged since the 1865 Morant Bay Rebellion. I assume 90% of the work force in St Thomas work outside the parish. There is absolutely no sustainable employment within the Parish outside of government agencies. I fear that the young people of the may have become disillusion about their future. Opportunities are scare and this one might admit has become the major spark of disenchantment of my people. 

 Do not forget this historically significant Parish among other rural arishes. We’ve been discussing a new network of roads leading to St Thomas without any concrete evidence of its commencement. I implore the government to approach this with confidence. This will certainly be a prelude to economic advancement and investment in the Parish. 

 There are massive economic opportunities in St Thomas. We naturally produce many fruits such as mangoes. Expand that industry into something bigger where jobs are provided and we can produce value added products. We can also do the same with the coconut industry which has an established foundation in the Parish. St Thomas also possess many natural harbours and wharves along the south coast. These are just a few of the natural resources in St Thomas we can capitalize on.

 I have a vision for rural people and that is an inclusive Jamaica that is govern by equity. Rural people must be a part of our discussion towards achieving development. We will never achieve massive economic growth until we strategically involve rural people. 

KIMBERLY ROACH