Jamaica has the distinction of having some 70 per cent of the world's supply of queen conch. The muscular flesh of a part of this animal is regarded as a delicacy by peoples in places such as France. We are as much, if not more, the conch capital of the world as we are the undisputed sprint capital. Yet, the returns to Jamaica from the export of this commodity are almost infinitesimal.

Model example

There is an MSc thesis that was delivered to the SALISES at the University of the West Indies nearly a decade ago, titled 'The Economics of the Conch Industry'. The methodology saw a dovetailing of an economic model and the growth model of the conch to assess the returns to the society as a whole from the exploitation of this resource. The return from the industry was less than six per cent.

Another finding of interest was the extent to which the businessmen in this industry had to settle for any price their overseas clients offered them. This was so because they were almost, to a man, dependent on these clients to outfit their crew and boats. It defies economic theory that, a even with a virtual monopoly, Jamaica is a price taker in the trade of this commodity.

The poor level of management and lack of forward planning are very much evident. It is my fervent hope that the changes that are being effected by the minister of agriculture will address these inefficiencies. This resource belongs to the entire Jamaica and the society has a right to get meaningful returns from the exploitation of this natural resource.

I am, etc.,

GREGORY JOHN ROBERTS

g3210ster@gmail.com

Birmingham University