Dixon

Today, The Gleaner presents the views of Hugh M. Dixon, executive director of the Southern Trelawny Environmental Agency, on the positive traits of Jamaica as a nation.

There is greater access to media and communications, making Jamaicans more aware and confident to express their issues without intimidation and the fear of ridicule. This is opening up avenues for expression, creativity and providing a medium to monitor and criticise the performance of those who govern.

There is resilience among Jamaicans operating in several critical sectors of the society like agriculture, small business and manufacturing. This is good for promoting import substitution and ensuring food security.

The banking sector in Jamaica is well regulated, making it possible to redirect its lending to the many creative ideas for manufacturing indigenous Jamaican products, expanding agri-businesses and the development of new community-based tourism attractions to boost the island's product. Jamaica is the most diverse island in the Carib-bean region with an array of landscapes that can appeal to the most discerning visitors at the high and low end of the tourism market. The shrewd Jamaican banking community with guarantees from the Government can now unleash business development options to place Jamaica ahead of the game as the world economy recovers.