THE EDITOR, Madam:
When we are in trouble or in adverse situations most persons can identify their friends. Likewise, nations in the global marketplace can attest to this reality.
The European Union (EU) slashed prices of sugar by 39 per cent for the commodity coming from the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) states. China, with the third largest economy, has the capacity to ward off poverty in these regions which have depended on the monoculture of sugarcane cultivation for centuries. These European countries in question have taken ours and have exploited us. Then, they are now dumping the depleted states, which are the hallmarks of the present prosperity, serenity and dignified state of affairs.
Due to reverse colonisation - independence and nationalisation - (ACP) nations now entertain, and, as such, they don't need these former colonies anymore.
We are thankful for China and their intervention; they have signalled that they might be of assistance to us (ACP) states. I think we should continue to strengthen our diplomatic relationship and ties with this rising superpower. We reciprocally have a lot to offer in their prosperity and growth as a world power. As a part of our continued accessibility to continue dialogue due to our position in the G77 "League of Nations", we are very privileged, due to PJ Patterson our Prime Minister, in the organisation. China can be one of our better friends.
We have already embraced the idea that the influx of tourists to our country, in particular, can magnify our economic prospect, enhance and propel growth and advancement. We should sever ties with countries which we do not have the propensity to benefit from, other than the struggling poor states which depend on our world renowned unique diplomacy skills. Some countries have no humanistic instinct or conscience for the lesser states.
The Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo) in collaboration with the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), can fine-tune their efforts for sustainable growth of the sector. We can utilise the local Chinese to teach the people of our island the Chinese language instead of going the expensive route in using expatriates which will consume our already lack of scarce monetary resources. We have a comparative advantage in relation to the rest of the Caribbean region in this regard. As such, we should utilise and make the best of our advantage.
We possess people with insight and a visionary approach to move us to fulfil our dreams. The Foreign Affairs Minister Hon. KD Knight, with his brilliant deputy Mr. Delano Franklyn, is more than able as an individual to bring us to a new level of liquidity in the economy. This innovative proposed plan could bring us out of this despicable quagmire to a state of ascendancy due to our strangle hold on the region.
We will have to decrease our import and make concerted effort to export more. Our macro-economic (international) policies have to be revised to get some semblance of stability. Our micro-economic (local) policies must be in alignment with the macro-economic policies but not supersede our foreign allies to cause instability. The micro-economic policies involve social programmes for the entire well-being of the citizens. The liberalisation of the market, hence the ports of entry, (both land and air) encourages mammoth spin-off in earnings and bolsters growth due to increased investments. We wish to engender the desired benefit for growth of our economy for our ultimate prosperity.
The Chinese is our best hope. The first of the Chinese entered our country in 1854 as indentured labourers hence becoming a part of our rich cultural legacy deeply engrossed in the words of our motto "Out of many one people". We are depending on their investment with our current banana woes and sugar sagas.
I am, etc.,
Paris Taylor. (Mr.)
367-4099
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