THE EDITOR, Sir:
MY WISH for the new year is for Jamaica to be placed firmly on the path to becoming a developed nation. After some travels to some of these so-called developed nations, I have come to realise that it is not so much an economic issue for a country to be a place where someone can live a fairly decent life. There are some fundamental differences in the way governance is approached in these countries. As a resident who loves this country with all my heart, I would like to propose some simple fundamental guidelines which I think will lead Jamaica to basically function as a 'developed country'.
Local government services should not be a sign that elections are coming. In most developed countries, election or no election, the roads are fixed; street lights are consistently maintained, etc.
In developed countries, most civic and local government services are made easily accessible to the citizens but there seems to be a strategy in Jamaica to make it as hard as possible for 'average Joe' who has no strings to pull on his behalf. For example, acquiring a driver's licence in Jamaica can be like applying for a U.S. visa. You are disqualified for all kinds of mystifying reasons. I was failed four times before the examiner gave up on getting a bribe from me then after you finally get the licence, the biggest mistake that can happen is for your driving licence to get lost. You are sent up and down the island to all kinds of offices may God help the 'country folks' who have to go to Kingston. In developed countries, you just have to visit one or two offices and your new licence comes in the mail within one or two weeks.
Developed countries recognise that government is probably the biggest business on the planet and approaches it from that perspective. Hence, a lot of their politicians are increasingly not of the 'political mould' but are experienced and successful businessmen, actors, sport personalities, etc. Jamaica has one of the most educated set of politicians lawyers, doctors and other various kinds of professionals but most of them have never managed a business before going into politics and if they did, it was not done successfully. When you take a look into their private worlds you will be sure to see one disaster after another. New methods of taxation seem to be the only strategy that's produced by our politicians when in reality it is an effort to cover up governmental deficiencies instead of creative approaches for problem-solving and nation-building. We desperately need sensible businessmen at every level of government in Jamaica who will use their God-given acumen to create and manage wealth for the good of Jamaica.
Every citizen is highly valued by the systems of developed nations. For example, the U.S. is willing to start a whole war and put the lives of soldiers at risk in a bid to rescue just one of its citizens from a dangerous situation. In Jamaica, we do not have a culture of placing high value on each other. It shows up in many aspects of our national life both in the private and government sectors. Just walk into the average store or government office and you will see what I am talking about. The disrespect and humiliation that you encounter is incredible. In Ocho Rios where I live, many drivers will only stop for you to cross the road, if you have a tourist or someone white in your company. When you are by yourself, no one pays you any mind! This same kind of mentality makes its way into most systems of the country.
I am convinced that Jamaica has what it takes to be a fairly successful nation. We need to change our approach. After we do our part, then God will do the rest.
I am, etc.,
WESLEY BOYNES
wesley_boynes@northgateglobal.com
#5 Milford Road
Ocho Rios, Box 612
St. Ann
Via Go-Jamaica
