Orville W. Taylor, Contributor
OH, OH! Or is it, Owe, owe? Recent data revealed that Jamaica's total debt is more than 150 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP). For the uninitiated, GDP is the total value of goods and services produced within a country in a year.
The statistic is frightening because it means that for the foreseeable future and beyond, we will be in debt up to our noses. However, what is more disturbing is that the portion of the national debt that is owed to local interests is close to 70 per cent. In simple language, it is the rich Jamaicans who are now holding the nations 'thread bag'.
The recent Stone polls indicate that P.J. Patterson's legacy is likely to be one steeped in high crime rates, lack of employment opportunities, high cost of living and allegations of corruption. Add to that the debt issue and the public anger is understandable. But as the commentators beat him as he retreats from public life I am sure that the private sector cannot 'jump on his back'.
Despite its declaration of its commitment to good governance and proper codes of conduct for public officials and politicians, this information suggests that it is also to be blamed for the state in which our country is. The export sector has not increased significantly and investors are keener on putting their money in 'safe' investments such as government papers and bonds - simply put, lending the government money for a fee. Sort of like Bustamante in the 1930s.
'RISK AVERSE'
Our private sector is 'risk averse' and, therefore, does not truly deserve the title of 'entrepreneurs.' For the record, the word means "one who organises a business undertaking, assuming the risk for the sake of profit". The cowardly businessmen/women who lower the lending thresholds for motor car loans while sustaining ridiculously high rates for small business and other developmental projects, have no moral authority to speak out against the state of the society today. It is even worse if they are subsidiaries that 'expatriate' foreign exchange as profits, dividends and franchise fees.
I notice that the official representative of the private sector, the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ), has lamented the reluctance of a number of politicians to sign its code of conduct. Among the guidelines is a declaration that they will not knowingly associate with criminals. One Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) Member of Parliament (MP) has told me that he would not be signing it because it is sheer hypocrisy. He has a point. The fact is, many members of the business community have these links themselves. Furthermore, when they pay protection money to thugs, dons and extortionists, what is the difference between them and the politicians? Perhaps they really don't want to take the risk of seeking lawful protection, eh?
Speaking of risks, I doubt that the PSOJ felt that there was any in inviting Minister of Local Government, and Prime Ministerial hopeful Portia Simpson-Miller to its job creation award. Well, as fate would have it, she withdrew much to the chagrin of the organisation. Given that, as in most financial entities, there are grave consequences for 'untimely withdrawals', the female head of the PSOJ was unamused and livid. In defence of the Minister, her spokesperson suggested that the PSOJ had misrepresented the basis of the invitation and was therefore deceptive. Given this, she had no choice but to decline.
I had the opportunity to read the letter of invitation sent by the PSOJ to the Honourable Minister to attend and give a speech at a 'job creation awards' ceremony.
EXPECTED TO FACE A PANEL
While it is true that she was not explicitly told that she would be answering questions relating to her presidential bid in the PNP, the second paragraph of the letter unequivocally stated that she would be expected to face a panel comprising a University of the West Indies senior lecturer and two yuppie business leaders. I have had occasion to have deep sustained discussions about the economy and governance in this country since independence with at least two of the panellists and I know that they are brilliant persons with difficult, non-political questions.
Maybe her staff did not read the letter but there can be no doubt that accepting to give a speech in that forum clearly meant that she would be expected to face questions. I believe that someone in her close web of advisers and support staff missed the boat. Whatever the reason, she did not attend, the non-appearance makes her a 'Poor-show'. Hopefully, we will not have to wait too long for her to speak out on the matter. She is a lady who generally faces questions and speaks frankly. With the exception of one matter that is still a mystery to me seven years later, I have not had many occasions to question her candour and judgement. This is perhaps another. Nonetheless, the public is owed a better explanation than that which Ann Shirley gave on her behalf last week. Let's see how well that debt to the public is paid.
RENETO ADAMS' TRIAL
I cannot comment on the trial of Reneto Adams and his colleagues but I notice that the east Kingston businessman has 'Crawled' out of sight even as Pusey holds his tongue. They have been unsuccessful in locating him but I bet if they 'Call een' to the other television station, she won't 'Danhai' where he is.
On a lighter note, a St. Mary man was arrested for engaging in an act of bestiality with a goat. On the issue of sexuality, one may do whatever he 'may' but I honestly thought that 'animal husbandry' meant something else.
Dr. Orville Taylor is senior lecturer in the Department of Sociology, Psychology and Social Work at the University of the West Indies, Mona.
