Dear Editor,

I read with much interest Lisa Hanna’s Sunday, November 23 column in the Jamaica Observer entitled ‘Paying for the Jamaica we want’ in which she provided insights for development as we deliberate the road ahead, following the devastation left behind by Hurricane Melissa.

It is true that Melissa pulled back the curtains, like an X-ray, as Hanna put it, exposing the extreme levels of underdevelopment and poverty which we’ve ignored for too long. The people who suffered the most were those living on the fringe. Some volunteers providing aid got emotional as they visited remote parts of Jamaica they never knew existed, others expressed surprise that people actually lived in these places. As Hanna stated, “For decades, too many families have lived one storm away from disaster.” I heard someone suggest that inequity is a mask for philanthropy, I had to think about that. In every breaking, we can find opportunities to chart a new course.

Hanna mentioned countries such as Sweden, Finland, Norway, and Denmark which consistently rank among the happiest countries, with robust economies and boasting superb education, health-care systems, and social services. These countries also have high tax rates of 40 per cent plus. Canada also has high tax rates based on a graduated income system, whereby higher income brackets attract higher tax percentages which contribute to gross domestic product (GDP).

Of course, these are First-World countries with vast resources. But a small country like Jamaica could apply some of the basic concepts that work. A vibrant free market remains at the core of these economies, essential to creating income and building wealth. They strive to create opportunities for all so that no one is left behind. As Hanna correctly states, nothing is free in these societies, taxpayers contribute and see what they’re getting in return in terms of quality of life, which leads to happiness and peace of mind.

The approach we adopt must be unified, with emphasis on equity. I maintain that the best place to start is by significantly reducing corruption with a robust system of controls, checks and balances, as well as penalties which will improve accountability and integrity. Corruption cost Jamaica close to US$1 billion per year, and we are ranked high on the global corruption index. Imagine if we were able to reduce losses from corruption by 50 per cent, the resources could be channelled to provide better services such health care and education.

The Jamaica we want must be stronger in foundation and place a greater emphasis on accountability and integrity. Jamaica’s per capita GDP is approximately US$7,000-US$7,500, significantly less than that of Barbados and The Bahamas. We have so much resources, including a rich culture and a vibrant tourism product, yet we lag far behind several Caribbean nations in terms of economic productivity. Our economic growth averages 1 per cent-3 per cent per annum, hardly noticeable for any impact.

As we rebuild, we must ask ourselves: Are we content with the current development models and levels of poverty? Are we concerned about the opportunities we provide to our people, especially the young in school? Are we pleased with education outcomes in which up to one-third to one-half of school leavers are reportedly illiterate, innumerate, poorly socialised, and basically unproductive? Will we ever acknowledge the critical link between education and economic growth? How can we retain more profits from tourism in Jamaica to help the economy? Are we happy with our economic ranking against other Caribbean countries?

As we move to rebuild, we are actually at a critical turning point at which policymakers and planners have an opportunity to think about these things and make decisions which could have a profound impact on the future of Jamaica, based on what we want.

P Chin

chin_p@yahoo.com