THE EDITOR, Sir:DR. OMAR Davies is being severely criticised for the poor performances of Jamaica's economy over time. I do not believe that these criticisms should be levelled at Dr. Davies exclusively, as other Ministers should be equally criticised.
For instance, those with responsibilities for tourism, industry, investment, public utilities, transport, commerce, mining and agriculture have been derelict in their duties without being criticised in any methodological way.
The intended purposes of these ministries include the stimulation in some strategic way and through partnerships a continuous increase in Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Interestingly, a coalition of rent-seekers is advocating a replacement for Dr. Davies as the Minister of Finance and Planning.
Perhaps they should interrogate the "new membership schedule of commitments" given to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) by Jamaica on March 9, 1995. This schedule of commitments has had a devastating effect on our manufacturing and textile and clothing industries.
The prediction for education services, tourism, advertising and video tape production, ceteris paribus, will impact negatively on GDP. These potential costs to the society will not be the result of Dr. Davies' failings, however, from all indications it might be the result of an incompetent decision.
I wish to encourage Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), students, civil society, the epistemic community and citizens to break the chains of this unitary state.
Let us propel our ideas and arguments into an environment of consensus building and policy-oriented approach. We wish to advise the political actors to encourage these contemporary doctrines and principles.
In doing so we will lift our level of discussion to the point where we do not just see Dr. Davies as our economic problems because we will be able to critically and dispassionately analyse the decisions taken by Ministers.
I am, etc.,
ANTHONY WOODBURN
anthony.woodburn@uwimona.edu.jm
President, The Young Economists Association (YEA)
The University of the West Indies, Mona
Via Go-Jamaica
