The Editor, Sir:

I have recently been doing quite a bit of travelling within the Caribbean. Everywhere I go, Jamaican music is popular, and our music is played on the local radio stations. Unfortunately, that is the extent of our positive impact and there is very little of our products on the supermarket shelves.

Some of the countries such as Aruba, Curaao, Cayman and Barbados are growing at a high rate and they have to resort to importing workers from other countries.

Unfortunately, they are not seeking Jamaicans anymore; now its Indians, Philippinos and Venezuelans. In fact, these countries are implementing legal restrictions that result in Jamaicans that have been in these countries having to leave. On enquiry, it appears that these countries are afraid of allowing the build-up of Jamaicans for fear that we will export violence to their countries. This, therefore, results in missed opportunities for our people to earn a decent living for them and their families.

This week, Jampro is putting on a trade show to showcase our products for exports. I have written to all of our customers in the Caribbean inviting them to attend. Not one of them have taken up the offer for fear of the violence that may await them. This is another lost opportunity for our exporters.

These are but two examples that illustrate the far-reaching impact of violence on our society. I can only hope that at least one of our political parties will put up a clear plan to tackle this problem for the next election. The party that has the most credible plan will have my vote.

I am, etc.,

JOHN MAHFOOD

johnmahfood@yahoo.com