THE EDITOR, Sir:
AT INTERVALS, based on prevailing events, leaders of this country have urged the Jamaican people to unite as, without unity the country cannot progress. There is seldom , however, any suggestions on what the Jamaican people can do in the name of unity.
With the events of 9/11 and our ever-increasing crime problem, it can truly be said that there is no time like the present to unite. A good example of a call to unite is Butch Stewart's dollar initiative of the early 1990s. Our dollar, for different reasons, is again under pressure. A devaluing dollar might benefit a few exporters , speculators and those receiving remittances might believe they are benefiting also, but the majority of Jamaicans do not benefit. It is time for a new initiative.
The basis of this proposed initiative is to buy Jamaican. One example is in our purchasing of non-alcoholic beverages. With the wide range of Jamaican beverages, why does the Jamaican consumer consider a foreign beverage? Jamaicans need to be more conscious of what they purchase and whether or not there is a good Jamaican alternative to the foreign product which is about to be chosen. Increased consumption of local products will result in more local production which results in more jobs and less crime. Jamaicans could also unite around our farmers. For Jamaicans who can afford to, we need to preferentially purchase local produce. This is one means of encouraging young farmers that farming can be chosen as a way of life. This could result in the reduction in urban drift. Urban drift and the lack of opportunities in the towns has been one of the reasons for our crime problem. The purchasing of local produce will also reduce the pressure on the dollar
Jamaica needs a relief effort. The reduced foreign exchange inflows which are typical at this time of the year coupled with the problems of 9/11 have caused our government to spend US$150m of the NIR to support our dollar. We need to find creative ways to encourage Jamaicans overseas to support Jamaica. There are hundreds of thousands of Jamaicans who love Jamaica and would be willing to repatriate if it wasn't for our crime crisis. There are however overseas Jamaicans who are willing to help. We must garner their support. Rather than asking them to return for holiday we can:
1. Request our countrymen to go down to the Caribbean stores and purchase Jamaican products
2. Request 'Jamaican churches' overseas to work with their local branches to support local projects and charities
3. Request 'Jamaican churches' overseas to work with local properties and local churches to host camps and retreats to boost occupancy at these properties.
Unless we employ new and visionary thinking , our Jamaica will not be propelled out of its current crisis.
I am etc.,
EMILE D. GRANT
scribble8868@netscape.net
Ewarton P.O.
St. Catherine
