Dear Editor,

President Paul Kagame of Rwanda visited Jamaica recently.

One of his noticeable traits is a calm demeanour, although he is perceived by some in his country as authoritarian. Despite this, Kagame has managed to balance his image well, especially abroad. And we are aware that firm and decisive leadership is needed in certain situations.

Jamaica could learn from Rwanda how it was able to change course after years of turmoil.

Kagame was once a child refugee; he became president of Rwanda in 2000 and is now one of the most-respected leaders in Africa. The success of Rwanda under his leadership has been remarkable.

Kagame led his country through much of its development since the mid-90s when there was war and a campaign of genocide resulting in 800,000 people being killed. Today it is one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa, boasting a 69 per cent increase in gross domestic product (GDP) between 2010 and 2020.

So what is it about Rwanda?

Kagame’s socio-economic policies have been effective in altering the mindset of the people. Challenges are now seen as opportunities.

The Kagame Goverment has facilitated massive foreign investment, which increased agriculture production, manufacturing, and tourism. Rwanda is now self-suffient, producing much of what it eats.

The country has also made significant progress with gender equality, and women are now more visible in prominent leadership positions across business, politics, and other sectors. Women were once the underrated gender due to stereotypes; however, they have proven to be great leaders, visionaries, and good managers of scarce resources.

Rwanda has reduced corruption significantly to the extent that the 2017 Corruption Perception Index ranked Rwanda as one of the least corrupt countries in Africa. Again, this is driven by the change in mindset.

Rwanda is ranked by the World Bank as one of the easiset countries to do business with, which helps to attract investors.

Its climate and environmental policies have also been effective, and citizens have been working together to reduce pollution, which benefits everyone. Additionally, the country is considered to be the cleanest in Africa and one of the cleanest in the world. And while its poverty rate remains high at 39 per cent, it is hoped that declining unemployment rates will reverse this.

Rwanda has also managed to attract many returning residents. Those who left the country to study and work abroad have returned with skills and funds to invest, which have given a boost to entrepreneurship and the growing work force.

Partnerships between Jamaica and countries like Rwanda could be beneficial.

Jamaica is 1/4 the size of Rwanda, in terms of population, and although our experiences are different, we face similar challenges and opportunities. We can learn about governance and leadership and policy implementation, and how to maximise our potential to achieve the type of economic growth necessary to create impact.

Jamaica’s GDP is marginally at 1-2 per cent when positive, while Rwanda’s growth rate has been impressive over the past 20 years.

We must put greater emphasis on exports as we import four times the value of our exports, which puts additional strain on the value of the local currency, driving up prices. We import everything, even basic food items. Development is a mindset and we must find ways to facilitate this.

We must reject corruption and crimiality and nurture a more disciplined society where rules and laws are enforced on the roads and in schools. Eventually, people will get it.

Greater emphasis should also be placed on leisure, pleasure, and cleaner air and surroundings, this helps to improve quality of life and provides fertile ground for development, which benefits all.

P Chin

chin_p@yahoo.com