While endorsing Prime Minister Golding's recent announcements about the modernisation of the public sector, Joseph Matalon, president of the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ), has urged caution and called for the Government to get to work.

"In the words of Thomas Edison, plans are only good intentions unless they immediately degenerate into hard work," Matalon said during a Lions Club of Kingston luncheon held yesterday at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston. "So let us all now get to work!"

Citing Golding's proposed reforms as ambitious, Matalon outlined those which he described as some of the major elements of the reform programme.

These include a restructuring of the entire apparatus of the State in line with those roles and functions determined as part of the framework designed to maximise efficiency and to provide greater value for the taxpayers' dollar.

He said another major element of the programme was a combination of long-overdue tax policy and tax-administration reforms designed to eliminate existing distortions, and the introduction of legislation to provide for a fiscal responsibility framework that would set parameters for fiscal performance and enhance transparency and accountability.

Industrial policy

Matalon also welcomed Golding's promise to introduce "a wide range of initiatives in the area of industrial policy and investment promotion designed to create an enabling business environment and to improve local competitiveness so that we are in a position to capitalise on the resurgence of the global economy that must inevitably come".

Against the backdrop of the financial and social challenges facing the island, Matalon called for the Jamaican people and Government to unite to face them.

He, however, pointed out that both the administrators and citizens needed to change the tone in which they discuss issues.

"Perhaps at no time in our history has there been a greater need for a sense of national unity and purpose than exists today. And I would suggest to our leaders, if they are to be successful in mobilising all stakeholders in the effort to rebuild our economy, that the conversation will need to take on a different tone."

He added: "(A tone) that is marked by an appreciation of differing perspectives, that does not question others' motives, and perhaps, above all, that is marked by due respect and consideration."