Relax fiscal rules to tackle low literacy

THE EDITOR, Madam:

In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, which has devastated so many communities across Jamaica, and as we rally to address this immediate crisis, we must also confront Jamaica’s struggle with low literacy levels among our children and the widespread poverty faced by thousands of families. These conditions have quietly weakened our resilience for generations.

In this regard, the following are critical questions all stakeholders must consider:

1. Why didn’t we exercise the option to relax the fiscal rules before to confront the literacy crisis?

A country with strong literacy has better equipped households to withstand shocks; whether hurricanes, economic disruptions, or social challenges. Literacy is a foundation of self-determination. A literate population is better able to access jobs, navigate challenges, make informed decisions, and rebuild their lives independently.

This is being clearly demonstrated already, many of the households already beginning their own rebuilding and recovery efforts share one common characteristic: higher levels literacy and education. They have the skills, employment, and resources to act quickly. Meanwhile, those without such opportunities are left more vulnerable, more dependent, and more exposed.

2. Are we prepared to apply additional fiscal flexibility to confront the literacy crisis?

This is not only a social issue, it is an economic one. Consider our economic sectors, how long can companies and firms continue to recycle the same small pool of highly literate and job-ready employees?

A country with limited literacy is a nation with limited economic growth. Expanding literacy expands our talent base, strengthens our labour force, and increases the number of households capable of creating wealth and sustaining themselves. As we rebuild from this hurricane, let us also commit to rebuilding the educational and social foundations that will determine our long-term resilience.

The fiscal flexibility we apply today should spark a national conversation: if we can mobilize urgent resources for physical reconstruction, we should also be able to mobilize meaningful resources to address the chronic literacy crises that hold our people back.

All Jamaicans; policymakers, private sector leaders, educators, and community voices, to engage in this dialogue. Our recovery must not only repair what was destroyed, but also strengthen what has been neglected for decades. If it means further relaxation of the fiscal rules, let’s they be done now.

NLF