THE EDITOR, Sir: WITH REFERENCE to your news item on page A2 of The Gleaner, dated 24 inst. titled 'Get ready for CSME' regarding the appeal by Jacqueline Coke-Lloyd, Executive Director of the Jamaica Employers' Federation (JEF). The challenge is that while the 'pundits and pontiffs' are speaking and firing warnings about the CSME and the need to be ready, there is not enough public education taking place to reach the ordinary citizens of this country to bring the awareness of the CSME, and furthermore, its implication for them individually and the country collectively.Let it be known that Jamaicans are not a 'reading populace', we have become an oral society, so we need to understand this and tailor the message for these media such as radio, television and print, for example, The Star and the XNews. The print media reaches a section of the populace, not necessarily the majority.
REACH OUT TO THE POPULACE
May I suggest that, while symposia and conferences are just an example of some of the media which can be utilised; the need to reach out to the populace is of greater importance for this to be really meaningful. Appeals can be made for citizens to 'prepare for the challenges of a regional body'; not having an idea what they really are to prepare for is an effort in futility. The following recommendations could be considered:
1. A programme of public education and awareness through collaboration with Parish Councils through town hall meetings and the Members of Parliament with the Parish Councils and partner organisations such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade , Ministry of Commerce and Technology, Ministry of Industry and Tourism, The University of the West Indies (UWI) and University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech).
2. Utilise the popular morning programmes on radio and television such as 'Good Morning Jamaica' and 'Smile Jamaica', along with other popular radio and television programmes.
3. Utilisation of the Jamaica Library Service network, have booths at our major festival and trade shows; and utilise popular artistes in the music fraternity to aid us in getting the message across.
It is my hope that these few recommendations will engender a heightened awareness among our citizens -"the man and woman in the streets", and harness our capacities to optimise the benefit of this pending Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME).
I am, etc.,
HUGH ANTHONY
SIMMONDS
irieboy01@yahoo.co.uk
c/o University of Technology
