THE EDITOR, Sir:
IT IS interesting to read the story 'Local firms losing millions in contracts'. First of all, let me say it is a pretty sad thing because honest hard-working people are going to lose their jobs.
However, who is to be blamed? For too long, Jamaican businesses have been too complacent, not taking advantage of technology, not producing a quality product, treating staff and customers like garbage. They have not adopted new business practices brought about by globalisation.
Over the years, our major companies have been the same; no significant entrepreneurship ventures were born, and mid-sized businesses remained as such for too long. Vibrant small and mid-size businesses are important in any country's economic growth, and Jamaica seems poised to lose a major percentage of existing small and mid-sized businesses.
Even though a great case can be made to blame the government, I will not. Owners and managers are the problem. Grace, Kennedy, Desnoes & Geddes and Sandals, are some Jamaican companies that have weathered every major storm. The reasons for these companies' continued successes are good management, quality product and satisfied customers.
It was interesting when Digicel gave Cable and Wireless its wake-up call. Digicel made the customer their focus and delivered a quality product. Customers responded favourably because Cable and Wireless had failed to deliver what they wanted.
Similarly, companies are turning to quality suppliers who will deliver quality uniforms, and other products.
I hope the remaining companies operating in Jamaica will wake up, and use technology to increase efficiency. Make the customer a major focus, deliver products and service professionally, on time, and never compromise quality.
I am, etc.,
AUDLEY GILPIN Jnr.
audleygilpin@yahoo.com
40 Baronial Crt
Scarborough
Via Go-Jamaica
