Can we fix Jamaica?

THE EDITOR, Sir:

IN BILL Clinton's inaugural speech he stated that, "What is wrong with America can be fixed by what is right with America". Can this statement hold true for Jamaica? Can we rightly say that all that is wrong is so overbearing it overshadows our true potential? What is really wrong in Jamaica anyway? Are the problems we face so different from what other developed/underdeveloped countries have faced? What stigma keeps pushing us among the infamous?

The most obvious problem we face seems to be a year-round problem. The statistics show that on an average four persons die daily. But is this our only concern? Should we not be more concerned about the reasons, rather than figures.

We curb crime, what is left is an increase in a corrupted policy-making body. For surely corruption must exist for illegal weapons to be on such a high increase in Jamaica. Someone is not doing their job or a network of charlatans are at their best. Politicians or layman? We may never know.

The Guardian Life advertisements point to our subtle uniqueness. Our culture, beauty, hospitality and our infectious charm are unparalleled. Can this, our most obvious advantage create a counterbalance? Or has it already? There are guests who have been to Jamaica many times over. Hedonism, Half Moon, Sandals, and others can attest to this. Tourists love here. But, are overseas investors knocking on our doors and lining up to invest? Why would a country that offers this type of authentic, incontrovertible service fall short in accomplishing its goals.

Perhaps that is just not enough. We do have other benefits we are probably not aware of. We need to start utilising them.

I am, etc.,

SOPHIA BURRELL

nadburrell@yahoo.com

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