Why Jamaica is really poor

THE EDITOR, Sir:

With regard to Keiran King's column, 'Why Jamaica is poor' (March 5, 2014), I believe it's because you, yes, you reading this article, have not made optimum use of the talent entrusted by The Master [God]. Jamaica is still poor because we have not yet done as every other great power before us has done, which is to lay claim to more of the world than we are entitled to.

While not doing this, we have lost the chance to tap the vast potential of our diaspora. Jamaica is still poor because we have forgotten about valuable allies in the form of Jamaicans living overseas. Sadly, most of them have also forgotten about 'us' in Jamaica and our seemingly petty struggles.

Jamaica is poor NOW because of what we each decide to do NOW. We are not poor because black and white people happened to live and die on the island 200 years ago.

The problem with us Jamaicans, like Mr King, is that we look inwards and to the past for solutions. We should look outwards and to the future for how to live. Countries become great when old men plant trees they will never live to sit under. This is the view we should adopt.

PETER CAMPBELL

Managing Director

Caribbean East Atlantic Company Limited