Set records in politics, economics

THE EDITOR, Sir: JAMAICA RECENTLY celebrated its 55th anniversary since independence from Great Britain. It provides us with an opportunity for reflection and introspection.

We have done exceptionally well on the world stage in various fields, such as through the efforts of our first superstar, Bob Marley, and later Jimmy Cliff, in the area of music. We have also done well in culture with the likes of Louise Bennett-Coverley. Our first national hero, Marcus Garvey, was way ahead of his time and continues to be praised and honoured worldwide for instilling in black people the need for independence and self-reliance. How can we forget our many beauty queens? Remember, also, Jody-Ann Maxwell, the first non-American to win the Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee competition.

Our latest superstar, Usain St Leo Bolt, mesmerised the sporting world. But will Jamaica ever get a world record in economics or politics? What if we could get a 9.58% in economic growth. Will we ever get a world-record reduction in crime?

It can be done. There has been a lot of talk about the success of Singapore, which was able to transform its economy from Third World to First World in just 35 years. Having moved its per-capita income from US$500 to US$50,000, Singapore is now one of the richest countries in the world.

We already have world records in music, culture, sports, medicine and food. It’s time to do the same in politics and economics. KEMMEHI LOZER k_lozer@yahoo.com