THE EDITOR, Sir:

Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller chuckled when asked by a journalist what "Plan B" was as it relates to our negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and this was not revealed.

Plan B, probably, was not revealed by the prime minister because of strategic economic and political reasons.

It is of utmost importance for our leaders to have at least another option when faced with matters of such a critical nature and remain open-minded. Open-minded means one is prepared to entertain new ideas. An open mind opens options and keeps options open, especially during crises.

Jamaica's current economic situation may not have yet reached the critical stage where it has become universally accepted that we are in a crisis, but the longer we take to finalise an agreement with the IMF, the more this likelihood.

How will the protracted delay affect or alter Plan B or any other options that the Government may be contemplating?

create opportunities

The global economic situation is unfavourable and unpredictable. Options present the chance to create opportunities from adversities. People get anxious or panic when they start running out of options, and an accepted definition of hell is: enduring the unbearable without any option.

It is for these reasons that it may not prove a bad idea for the Government to reconsider and allow for more openness, so there can be timely evaluation of the limited options available and prompt action based on the path more suitable to Jamaica's economic and political interests. Hesitation and inaction will certainly worsen our economic situation.

DAIVE R. FACEY

DR.Facey@gmail.com