THE EDITOR, Sir:
I WAS very pleased to read about the expressed dissatisfaction of the trade unions, with regard to the Minister of Finance's lack of reference, in his budget presentation to job creation and the general issue of employment. It is most encouraging to see relevant bodies speak out about societal issues, especially those that affect so many of our people.
The budget belongs to the people. What we have been presented with so far is abundantly compromised and has a niched focus, as opposed to a thorough, far-reaching one. It simply does not speak to our direct needs, as citizens of Jamaica.
At the very forefront of the budget should be addressed - education, health and employment. We need to hear about projections for job creation initiatives. We also need to hear about temporary employment schemes and/or job relief programmes. And what of the nation's health portfolio, particularly as it relates to our children and the elderly?
The education sector continues to exist, bereft of exact mission. Schools continue to be overcrowded and many children are still not attending school daily. We have yet to implement a standard curriculum, per academic level. We took long enough to sort out the secondary/comprehensive conundrum and are deeming the introduction of the GSAT an historic feat. Whither the revered 'great allotment' to education - to the distribution of salaries, maybe?
It just seems that our national priorities are somewhat confused and our sense of purpose tends always to focus on one notion. Rectifying the financial disaster is indeed to be prioritised but in a manner that is complementary to the rest of our sectors. After all, the participation of all relevant elements contributes to the sustenance of the greater mission.
At the end of the day, after all of the pretty verbiage has been uttered (in vain), myriads of people are still without jobs, as they are without health care, and those who are vested with these 'luxuries' still live in great fear of losing them.
I just cannot understand how a Government can table a budget that does not speak to the issues that relate directly to the quotidian life of a Jamaican person. The budget is purely political - it is all about rectifying an embarrassing economic crisis, at the expense of the Jamaican people. That, dear Editor, just does not prepare this country for any sort of future in a new millennium.
Will better ever come?
I am etc.,
TRICIA GRINDLEY
E-mail: triciagrindley@jamweb.net
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