The question has been asked as to why, after so many years, Jamaica’s economic development has been so minimal. There are some who have also said that any attempt at economic development would be like flogging a dead horse. I will not even pretend for a minute to accept the notion of a dead horse analogy where Jamaica’s economic development is concerned. It is unfortunate to think that Jamaica’s directorate has been caught between the need for pragmatism and the farce of ideological idiocy, so they can embrace neither.

Jamaica’s lack of economic development most certainly can be predicated on the lack of good governance.  Unfortunately, the desire by some to do something by sidestepping the “governors” would not bear fruit for this situation, and therein lies the truth that the fault of the situation lies squarely at the feet of our successive Governments.  I’m in agreement with those who feel we need to start over.

The word Socialism is now connoted with such venom that no leader in the western hemisphere will ever utter that he wants to attempt a socialist state. I seek clarification on this matter however, as my very simplistic view causes me to think that a socialist situation is simply one in which everyone contributes their resources to a resource pool(in this case Jamaica), and the resource pool is then made available to each person as the respective need arises.  This of course is upheld and supported by very stringent rules of engagement. My thoughts I suppose, could be described as those of a Progressive Social Democrat, as indeed I feel that the success of emerging small states like Jamaica requires serious governmental oversight of the use of resources, and the adequate provision of social services.

I see the concept of socialism evidenced in all major systems of importance around us:

• Road Safety- mandatory Motor Vehicle Insurance-small contributions by several motorists- ultimately assisting driver and victim as the need arises.

• Health Insurance- this concept requires no further explanation

• Pensions/Social Security Benefits- previous, plus current contributions, avail assistance to the one now in need.

• National Housing Trust- uses the above method to offer housing solutions to many thousands in Jamaica.

• Life Insurance/Death benefits- same concept.

• All other Insurance Schemes.

• United States of America, the ultimate in Capitalism- has some of the most extensive social welfare programs(unemployment benefits, minority grants, medicare, etc), demonstrating a capitalist structure on a socialist framework

• And finally WALL STREET, the epitome of Capitalism, but alas the stock market- relatively small contributions by each of the many shareholders, leading to expansion and growth of an individual company, and later the cashing in of shares by an individual shareholder to form part of his personal retirement benefits. A surefire socialist skeleton under the mask of capitalism.

Now having recognized the importance of a socialist framework, Jamaica must embrace the concept with passion.  The common thread amongst all the examples above is the fact that each situation is governed by a stringent set of rules, regulations and laws.  Now how effectively can a claim be made that Legislation in Jamaica has been relevant and timely?  How are we maintaining a suitable social framework through the enforcement of laws that would protect the continued development of our people and by extension, our society?  Economic growth is inextricably linked to the personal growth of the individual citizen.

Where is the law that would now say that having been provided with 80% of their economic cost, Tertiary graduates are bonded to Jamaica for five to ten years, and are duty bound to a national development project?  Where is the mandatory enlistment of our young men into the Jamaican military, so that they may at least be taught how to be men, be given a decent skill, and serve Jamaica with pride?  Those of us who have lived on any Halls of Residence understand the sense of pride felt for an institution, having served it as a “Band Of Brothers”.  This is a most powerful sociological concept that has been squandered nationally, effectively lost on the Jamaican populace! Let us not for a minute think that Nationalism and Patriotism are accidental occurrences, they are the conscious result of a people’s subconscious appreciation of good governance  (American patriotism was not bought but it was paid for!!).

Who will stand up in Jamaica to legislate that a wife-beater goes directly to jail, on the strength of the many years of irrefutable medical evidence that proves the disastrous and long-lasting negative effects such situations have on the victims, their children and the family lives of the next generation?

Who will legislate that if you go to school to “fight” Teacher, then you go directly to jail- because Jamaica’s social message is that our Teachers are invaluable?

Who will seek to declare a State Of Emergency based on the disproportionate ratios(80:20) of Female to Male Graduates at the University Of The West Indies(And let this not be lost on us as it begs the following question: When one of the Graduating females marries the ONE graduating MALE, who will the other three marry, and what does it mean for their future family lives and the future of our country?).

Colleagues, not only have we dropped the ball in Jamaica, but to an extent we have turned and kicked it backwards.  There are some who might wonder what all this has to do with economic growth and development, but I dare say it has everything to do with it!  The fact that Jamaica is so devoid of necessary laws and regulations has caused the provisions of basic social services to be extremely expensive, and in some instances impossible.  Consider if you will the fact that the average American can be assured that within say 15 to 20 minutes of dialing 911, help will be on his/her doorstep.  Now extrapolate if you can to the Jamaican condition and consider how much it would cost the Government to afford a similar response to the average Jamaican.  Indeed it would require a complete overhaul, including additional stations, vehicles, equipment, additional officers, auxiliary support staff, software systems, a revamp of our telephone communications systems, just to name a few. Hundreds of Millions of Dollars in my view.

Now what is the significance of this to Jamaica’s economic development?  Well, we all exist within a continuous state of “upwardly mobile thought”, moving upward from one state of comfort to the next. This unconscious reality is expressed by a formal concept referred to as Maslow’s Hierarchy Of Needs. At the most basic level of these needs, just above the need to breathe, is the need for safety.  Safety encompasses the security of body, family, and resources. Now without this provision Jamaica cannot expect to move to the next level of love and belonging, nor can we get to a level of esteem that allows enough respect for self and others, or transition further to self actualization- the state where man is at his most creative, a state that engenders entrepreneurship and self reliance, the cornerstone of true economic growth and development in any country.  I assure you therefore that if Jamaica is not able to guarantee the basic safety of her citizenry, Jamaicans shall never realize their true economic potential. A stark and sad reality it is.

The scholars amongst us should now bear us the fruits of our collective investment in them. The University of The West Indies must have a more formal and active role in directing the development of Jamaica in particular, and the region in general.  In its assessment of the developmental needs, courses should be designed, created, and implemented to service Jamaica’s needs.  Issues such as Alternative Energy Sources, advancement in Plant Pharmaceuticals, and Information Technology should mark the front page of the University’s agenda. This should then be supported by legislation that provides for the creation of manufacturing industries under the expressed direction of the University Of The West Indies.  Such a framework is not possible in Jamaica without good Governance, and therefore it cannot be achieved without good Government.

We are required at this juncture to now operate Jamaica at a level where we can have an Upper House, whose concerns will have little to do with the politics of the day but instead will be driven by the desire to enhance the lives, ensure the liberties, and cradle the hopes of our citizenry. Such a house should operate on it’s own agenda where such an agenda, underscored by the needs of the Jamaican citizenry, is executed with a clear vision for the future of the country. The practice of politics is counter to our true developmental agenda. Politics as a science seeks primarily to retain relevance and to retain power. If elected as true visionaries on behalf of their people, the politicians’ relevance cannot be measured IN THE NOW, as they are required to see and act on the future.  Unfortunately, it is so measured.  Neither should they be concerned with the maintenance of power, when in true service to the people: but they are. It is within this milieu that Jamaica finds its biggest problem! Unfortunately we cannot get around  the politicians.

What Jamaica needs therefore is big Government, Good Men and Guts.

Tags: capitalism, citizen, economic development, governance, government, health insurance, Jamaica, life insurance, maslow's hierarchy, national housing trust, socialism, university of the west indies, wall street