THE GOVERNMENT does not seem to have a vision of the future of Jamaica. If they do they have not shared it with us during the first 100 days of their newest term.
We know that our debt is at a very high level. There is much concern about our ability to repay the interest and principal due each year. But the last two Budgets that the Government has presented show expense growth far in excess of revenue growth. This means that rather than reducing debt, debt is growing.
Budgets like this, at this time, seem inappropriate if not irresponsible. The Budget in 2002, coming before a general election, was anticipated to be politically driven and unrealistic. Much greater concern centres on the recent Supplementary Budget which failed again to face reality. This last failure suggests a Government more interested in winning the forthcoming local elections rather than getting national finances into better shape.
Jamaica needs to be told, and repeatedly reminded, of its dire, and eroding financial condition. The Government needs to give visible indications that it is responding to this condition. For example, commit to smaller government. We do not need so many ministries - 17 in all to run the country. Let us develop a plan to concentrate government about the issues that Government needs to run - education, health, law and order, and infrastructure; maybe the facilitation of economic growth and job creation. Other areas of Government should be contracted as quickly as possible.
These core subjects should be managed with determination, high competence and zeal.
To do this requires the Government to go on a very visible and transparent programme of improving the management capability of our ministries. The last 20 years have seen a continuing slide in public sector managerial competence. With a few notable exceptions, appointments are made based on political chummery and not on managerial ability.
As the first 100 days come to an end, the Cabinet needs to come out with a short, understandable commitment to tell us what they plan to do with Jamaica in the next four years. Is it too much to expect a real vision statement and action plan?
THE OPINIONS ON THIS PAGE, EXCEPT FOR THE ABOVE, DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE GLEANER.
