The Editor, Sir:

It is interesting to note that some people like Mr. Brand, in a recent edition of the on-line Gleaner, are calling for the abandonment of the Jamaica dollar, in exchange for the 'Benjamin' (U.S. dollar). But, would this solve our economic problems?

Hypothetically speaking, what if the U.S. dollar should depreciate against other currencies much the same way the Jamaican dollar does? To Mr. Brand, it would be swapping 'black dawg fe monkey'.

Where the answers lies

The answer lies in (1) the psyche of our people (2) human resource management (3) export/import imbalances (4) dependency (5) poor market strategy for local farmers.

In order for us to come out of the doldrums, we need to factor in those five key areas in our quest for sustainable economic growth and the well-being of our people. Above all, the psyche has to change, and this has to do with the way we treat each other as fellow human beings.

I am, etc.,

LLOYD D. SCOTT

jamdown_17655@msn.com

4609 Chester Ave

Philadelphia, PA

Via Go-Jamaica