Distrust in the diaspora
published: Thursday | June 24, 2004

THE EDITOR, Sir:

THE ONLY way the government is going to deepen the country's economic and political links with Jamaicans in the diaspora is to improve the efficiency of many of its organisations and cut the bureaucracy.

There is a great distrust of the financial sector, realtors, lawyers, property developers, government and other professionals. This is not going to go away by having a two-day conference. For instance, in the area of real estate it is difficult to explain to Jamaicans abroad why it takes four months or more to transfer a registered property and the government's take of 15.50 per cent of the purchase price.

We should really improve our speed in order to take a greater advantage of this economic gain because it might not last for another 20 years.

The children of Jamaicans in the diaspora are not going to be as committed to relatives in Jamaica and Jamaica.

I am, etc.,

WAYNE COKE

Tontine Place

Kingston 20