By Robert Stephens, ContributorOUR VISIONS of where we would like to see our country in the future are what motivate us to succeed and drive us into action. I would, therefore, like to present some visions for us to contemplate for our future development.
Our most important goal must now be sustainable economic growth. Growth in the economy, generating meaningful jobs, recognising the importance of developing, protecting and enhancing the natural, social and cultural environment are critical.
Let us take some time to reflect on the tremendous assets of Jamaica and act to develop our country into the economic dynamo of the Ameri-cas that we have the potential to become. There are several major assets, which we need to understand and develop in a sustainable fashion.
These are:
Location
Jamaica is ideally located, geographically, in the middle of the Caribbean between North and South America. This is a significant competitive advantage in terms of our access to shipping, airline and satellite communication links in the centre of a region with approximately 800 million of some of the most affluent people in the world. The opportunities for development as a distribution, tourism, information technology and communications hub are awesome.
People
Jamaica produces an abundance of the most exciting, effervescent, expressive, warm and creative people in the world. This is one of the most important assets we have, and we must develop and nurture though education and training to enhance our natural creative talents.
Natural environs
Our location in the tropics and in the centre of the Caribbean Sea again has a most significant influence on the beauty and productivity of our natural environs. Our climate and the extent of our indigenous flora and fauna have earned us a special place in the world as a natural greenhouse.
Culture
Our culture, as expressed in our music, dance, food, theatre, art, craft, grooming and speech have a far greater influence on the world than our size would suggest. How many countries can claim that a popular music segment was created by them, as we can, in respect of "reggae". The Jamaican "Jerk" flavour and "dreadlocks" have also taken off worldwide.
Brand recognition and value
Jamaica has some powerful brand recognition and value, both generally as a country and some specific products and brands. Blue Mountain Coffee, Appleton Rum, Red Stripe Beer and Walkers Wood sauces and other gourmet products are just a few of the well-known and growing brands of Jamaican products that are in great demand worldwide.
Sports
Jamaica excels at several sports, especially athletics, netball, cricket, soccer and even bobsledding. The outstanding performance of our sports representatives is world recognised.
With this abundance of talent and natural assets what we now need to do is mould this into a vision to guide our sustainable economic and social development and prosperity.
Robert Stephens is the president of Pragma Consultants. The above is part of a series of articles in which he examines Jamaican investment opportunities.
