No place like Jamaica
published: Wednesday | August 13, 2003

THE EDITOR, Sir:

A COUNTRY struggling with a national debt in the billions, crime being carved into our culture, a government that seems to be out of ideas. However, once it's party time there is no place like Jamaica.

Even though there is no significant growth in the Jamaican economy over the years a large majority of Jamaicans always manage to dress in the latest, drive the latest and most expensive vehicles and they party like crazy. The last week of July and early August saw a successful Reggae Sumfest, which set the stage for a great holiday weekend. The hotels and guest houses along the North Coast were fully booked, mostly with locals who flocked the resort towns for some great parties. No matter what the economic situation of the country is, no festive event or holiday weekend is ever a flop. The money for these parties comes from somewhere; are Jamaicans using their disposable incomes to party? Are Jamaicans planning for the future? Are working Jamaicans planning for their retirement, their children's education, or planning on making a major purchase, such as a house? Even as most Jamaicans will say they are tired of the hand- to-mouth living, not many of them save. The salary might be small and things might seem rough, but effective budgeting, careful planning, and taking advantage of safe investments can make a significant difference over time. It is important to have fun but it is even more important to be able to care for yourself once you reach a certain age.

Personal financial planning is very important. If we don't plan to be financially stable we will continue to be poor, both individually and as a nation. I am, etc.,

Audley Gilpin Jnr

audleygilpin@yahoo.com

Scarborough

Ontario

Canada

Via Go-Jamaica

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