Controlled population growth key to sustainable development

THE EDITOR, Madam:

As Jamaicans continue to debate slow population growth based on the latest national population census, which shows a 2.8 per cent growth in the last 14 years, it is imperative that the Jamaica government navigate the complexities of economic development, environmental sustainability, and social welfare It’s essential to consider the impact of population growth on the island’s future. While a growing population can bring benefits, such as a larger workforce and increased economic activity, it also poses significant challenges that Jamaica may not be equipped to handle.

Jamaica’s infrastructure, including roads, hospitals, and schools, is already under strain. A rapidly growing population would put additional pressure on these systems, potentially leading to decreased quality of service, increased congestion, and reduced access to essential services.

The island’s unique biodiversity and natural beauty are crucial to its economy, particularly in the tourism sector. However, a growing population would lead to increased urbanisation, deforestation, and pollution, threatening the island’s ecosystems and natural resources.

There are already water scarcity issues, particularly during periods of drought. A growing population would exacerbate this problem, putting a strain on the island’s water resources and potentially leading to shortages.

While a growing population can bring economic benefits, it also poses significant challenges. A large population can lead to increased competition for jobs, potentially driving up unemployment and poverty rates. Additionally, the cost of providing services such as healthcare and education would increase, placing a significant burden on the government.

Jamaica is not self-sufficient in food production, relying heavily on imports to meet domestic demand. A growing population would increase the demand for food, potentially leading to food insecurity and increased reliance on imports.

Rather than focusing on population growth, Jamaica could prioritise sustainable development, investing in education, healthcare, and infrastructure to improve the quality of life for its existing citizens. By doing so, Jamaica can create a more prosperous and sustainable future for generations to come.

Population growth must be tied to GDP growth. You imagine the negative consequences a higher population growth would have had on the Jamaican economy. Jamaica can create a brighter future for itself and future generations if it maintains a population of 2.5 million.

JOHN MCINTOSH