C&W, 'I told you so'

THE EDITOR, Sir:

A STORY in the June 24, 2001 edition of the British Sunday Business newspaper suggested that Cable and Wireless could pull out of conventional Caribbean telephony to solely focus on Internet protocol-based business data traffic. Such a move could inject 4 billion into the current 7 billion war chest Chief Executive Graham Wallace has realised in an aggressive divestment programme over the past two years.

I am amused by this since I wrote in another newspaper about the likelihood of such a move taking place almost two years ago to the day of the UK report. At the time, I was ridiculed by certain members of this Government and indeed a few employees of the local C&W set up for making such a suggestion. But of course, that was the time of the hostilities endured by anyone daring to voice opposition to the cosy environment C&W had long enjoyed.

This captures perfectly the essence of why countries like Jamaica cannot cease developing and become developed. Immaturity and short-sightedness have long gripped the planning of this country's affairs, and will only lead to further disenchantment for those who could make a difference.

I am, etc

JENS WINTON

E-mail:

jenswinton@email.com

Princeville Commercial

Centre

95-97 Constant Spring Road

Kingston 10

Via Go-Jamaica

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