The Editor, Sir:

This new administration led by Prime Minister Golding, does not have the luxury of time in attempting to get the country on an elevated and sustainable economic growth path. That is a given. In mathematical terms, one is never expected to calculate a 'given'; it is the required that must be unearthed. There may be debate on the formula, but time should never be used up debating the given except in so far as to use it as a launching pad, reminder or stimulus.

There is an old Jamaican proverb which says "while the grass is growing the horse is staving". Some would say this Jamaican horse has been starving for an exceptionally long period while there has only been talk of grass planting. Jamaica's economic growth rate of between one to two per cent by successive governments over the past 18 years or more has stagnated the country and reduced standard of living by chasmic proportions. It would seem that much time has been spent on balancing the books, but not on balancing people's lives, to borrow a term often used by a recent Prime Minister. I recall a graphic cartoon which shows in scene one a man intending to take a flight to a banquet, trying to lock an over-packed suitcase which had sleeves, collars and pants legs sticking out. Scene two had him snipping these sleeves, etc., off with a sharp pair of scissors. Scene three showed the man with a satisfied grin. He had managed to shut the suitcase, oblivious to the various pieces of clothing strewn on the ground. Attendance at the banquet 'all dressed up' was, I suppose, left to the imagination.

All-inclusive

Care must be taken as to how we propose to rebuild this country, it must be in as all-inclusive as possible manner, bearing in mind that the trickle-down effect of personal economic improvement must be felt earlier this time than traditionally.

Toll roads, highway and skyscrapers all add value and convenience to our general ways of life, but there is nothing like 'money jingling in one's pocket'. The problem with building these highways, etc., is that most times the money is borrowed. We have for some years now been inflicted with an insatiable propensity to borrow. Borrowing that is not put to production is many times only political-capital seeking and counterproductive. In our reality, borrowing has largely become an art form. I heard an economist saying recently that we will now borrow not just from Peter to pay Paul, but if given a chance we will borrow from Peter to repay Peter.

Taxes are much too high

The problem is, however, even borrowing from Peter to pay Paul doesn't necessarily mean that one is paying Paul for something Paul sold to one. It usually means you had borrowed from him also. The way forward must be in increased economic production and eventually increased economic growth and development. Taxes are much too high, cost of living stratospheric and hence standard of living is decreasing at an increasing rate.

Anyone with their ears to the ground will realise that the degree of positive expectation that ushered this Government in is not only momentous but impatient. The days of messianic leaders are over. What is necessary now is a cohesive management team with a unified vision, aware of where we are, knowing where to go and how to get there.

The administration's body language must be easily interpretable and its intentions made clear in precise terms. One clearly understands that while disappointment is a function of expectation, impatient expectation takes it to another level. The impatience is easy to calculate, i.e. (lack x long time). Is this lack of patience unreasonable as it weighs heavy as a milestone around these fresh out of the wilderness blend of rust-resistant political practitioners and fledgling neophytes. A redefinition and pointed practice of astute management is not only necessary, it is critical.

I am, etc.,

VERNON B. WILLIE

willviews@yahoo.com