The Editor, Sir:

I completely agree with Peter Espeut's 'Integrated underdevelopment', May 28. While I feel like a spectator in Jamaica's life, with my eyes fixed on Jamaica and working hard in the United States, I agree that what is needed is a multifaceted approach to the development issue.

It would be interesting if each parish would catalogue its natural resources with an end to seeing how each could be fashioned into industry. Starting with the basics of food and clean water, any number of economic enterprises can be generated. If land exists, so does opportunity.

One-on-one dialogue

The diaspora, now running short on cash, is not short on information or ideas. Not being faced with grim murder statistics, there is more optimism here.

Perhaps dialogue on a one-on-one basis for any of the thousands of potential projects could be more productive than high-powered delegations.

I recommend each ministry create a development strategy that can be applied as a plan for economic development instead of having everything trickle from Jamaica House.

Potential from energy

I should also mention that the energy industry is one that could remake the entire Jamaican landscape. The cost of fossil fuels is now passing the point of propelling economic vitality, while alternative energy systems are being propagandised for the fossil-fuel dinosaurs to continue gobbling the Earth's environment, with massive negative returns.

Jamaica should be getting into wind, solar and marine energy generators - all of which in Jamaica's environment need to be decentralised and are plentiful. So if anyone is reading this who can put me in touch with anyone who is of like mind, I would be happy to participate in such a discussion to put some meat on to those bones.

I am, etc.,

HUGH M. DUNBAR, AIA

hmdenergy@0ptonline.net

West New York, New Jersey