The Editor, Sir:

I have been following with interest over the last three months attempts by all stakeholders in Jamaica to move to a PFP agreement. This is an excellent move.

However, I would suggest strongly to all and sundry, rather than expend energies overtly, first, they need to seriously look at the productivity of the private sector. It should be well noted it is a partnership for progress whereby, ALL will have to pull their weight equally, i.e. Government, Trade Unions and Private Sector.

What seriously concerns me is in a presentation by Joseph A Matalon, Chairman, Advisory Board Jamaica Productivity Centre, he stated (his body of knowledge is sacrosanct - above or beyond criticism, change, or interference) that the Jamaican worker productivity is 22 per cent of that of Trinidad. Does the private sector in Jamaica train people?

Hence, the ideal situation is for the government to take the lead and put our private sector through what could be referred to as a Private Sector Enhancement Initiative (PSEI) to bring the greater majority of the Private Sector to 'Global Village' standards. Otherwise, the PFP could end up being another 'flop' show.

I am, etc.,

Dr CHARLES

DEMONTAQUE,

Phd, Stafford University

c/o 101 Weybrige Road

Addlestone Road, Surrey

United Kingdom