Shortcuts to Jamaica’s prosperity
THE EDITOR, Madam:
THE FOLLOWING are some shortcuts that Jamaica needs to achieve prosperity.
Crime: Greater use of 5G technology and CCTV, increased facial-recognition technology, more powerful computer and algorithmic manipulation of data by law enforcement, to connect the dots and fill in unknown intelligence.
It also requires a number-based National Identification System, banning of guns and imposing the death penalty for violators, as well as equal enforcement of criminal laws across socio-economic and class strata.
Transportation: Heavy use of light-rail train services and electric motor vehicles islandwide, and a move away from gas and dieselpowered motor vehicles and improved highways.
Trade: Move away from AngloAmerican reliance for trade and explore Africa, the entirety of Asia, South and Central America, Northern and Eastern Europe, and China. Also, extricate Jamaica from the WTO and NAFTA.
Energy: Less reliance on oldstyle fossil-based energy. Larger embrace of renewable energy like solar, hydro, wind and nuclear energy sources.
Manufacturing: Greater use of 3D printing, assembly lines and robotics.
Agriculture: Greater scientific approach. Greater degree of automation and mechanisation.
Economic model: A hybrid, liberal amounts of private investment, the free market system coupled with a high degree of government centralisation. More active government involvement in the production process and greater public/private alliances.
Political system: The abandonment of the Westminster/ parliamentary-style of government and the total embrace on US-style Republican system of democracy.
Information: Greater embrace of cheaper, faster and increasingly ubiquitous hardware and software manipulators of data.
Currency: Abandon the destroyed Jamaican dollar and fully embrace the US dollar.
Social organisation: Greater embrace of urban planning and societal organisation.
Safety net: Better government involvement in creating a safety net where food, clothing, shelter, health and education are concerned.
Foreign investment: Continue to embrace foreigners among us, but force them to become Jamaican citizens as a condition of major investment in our economy. PAUL HAYE Haye_p@yahoo.com.