The Editor, Sir:

I believe that Jamaica has mostly itself to blame for not being a more well-off country. Despite having abundant natural resources, some of the brightest, most creative people in the world and fairly good investment inflows, it continues to crawl along economically after 45 years of Independence. I think a fundamental ingredient is missing from the recipe for success, and I think it is national unity.

When I speak of national unity I do not refer to blind, overzealous patriotism. I instead speak of that 'core unity' that notably exists in all successful societies. Unity as it relates to the development and maintenance of law and order, a strong justice system, stable economic policies, national sovereignty and most importantly, putting country above political parties.

In the case of Jamaica, national unity is also needed in those core areas, along with long-term strategies for paying off the country's debts, stopping the depreciation of the dollar, education, and further development o energy sources.

The capacity to unite the country in these core areas will be greatly limited by the global economic environment. To move forward economically will not only depend on the policies put forward, but also on the type of focus that is brought to bear on these issues. There can be no focus without unity. 'Unity is strength'.

I am, etc.,

EVERTON JACKSON

Florida

jacks374@hotmail.com

Via Go-Jamaica