Creative use of natural resources
published: Friday | June 20, 2003
THE EDITOR, Sir:
THE BBC is a window to the world in many ways. Often it offers stories about how poor people are making money from creative use of natural resources and becoming caretakers of the forests, wetlands and waters. It seems to work in other countries - car seats from coconut fibre in Brazil, biodegradable plates from cassava in Thailand, community-run forests in Guatemala, for example.
Why doesn't it work so well here, despite the opportunities (lots of unique but vanishing resources, lots of creativity, lots of willing funders)? Because in Jamaica too many politically connected individuals regard donor-funded organisations and projects as targets that they can hijack for their own profit. Such individuals seem to get protection and even encouragement.
Does this happen elsewhere? Probably, but Jamaica seems to have more than its share. Ultimately the freedom these thieves enjoy reflects a lack of political will to demand accountability and encourage ordinary people to protect and profit from the environment or, Heaven forbid, begin to participate effectively in governance.
One Parish Development Committee a non-partisan partnership of public, private and civil society interests has made it clear that it won't tolerate cynical rip-off artists. It's time for others to follow their lead so that Jamaica can join the more progressive movements in the developing world and regain its collective wealth and democracy.
