Diversify the economy
published: Wednesday | May 12, 2004

THE EDITOR, Sir:

I AM a concerned citizen and I fear the worst for Jamaica's future. If this mediocre Government continues to only use tourism as the major foreign exchange earner for the island, then I fear what the future will bring. Do we really believe that tourists will always want to travel? What if another 9/11 occurs, one that is more devastating than the previous, what then will this incompetent Government of ours do?

We need to diversify our economy more. Jamaica needs to earn more from newer sectors, especially the Information Technology sector. It is without a doubt that information technology is the future, and we need to move along with it. Yes, continue to invest in tourism, but try to develop newer sectors that will hopefully, one day, overtake tourism as our major foreign exchange earner.

This is crucial to Jamaica's development. We need to be able to rely on other forms of earnings for the country that will lessen our dependence on tourism.

I am, etc.,

MIKE BUDASINGH

gman20@yahoo.com

Kingston 5

Via Go-Jamaica