It's the economy, yes

Dennie Quill, Contributor

THIS WAS one of the most sober Christmas celebrations I have witnessed in a long time. Absent were the lavish parties and holiday extravagance of years past. The toning down was reflected in the minimum decorative lights and glitterati which would normally draw oohs and aahs from passers-by. I interpret this as a signal that there is extreme nervousness about our economic future. Tax-wary voters are not sure what will happen in 2012 and the sense of anxiety among people from all sectors is palpable - so instead of splurge, many have decided to conserve.

By Friday, we will have elected a new Government. But it is clear that many people do not believe there will be any quick fixes or that the Government will be able to go on a spending spree. The economic reality of our time is hitting home and many people are curbing expectations.

With 63 seats up for grabs, we will avoid the problem of a tie although the pundits are predicting close results between five and eight seats separating the parties. Whoever is given the mandate to lead this country will have a formidably tough job to get Jamaican out of its current economic predicament and restore hope. Swallowing some painful medicine has been predicted. This no doubt includes rethinking the public service which comes with a massive wage bill and huge benefits. This will be one of the difficult tasks ahead for the new Government and will no doubt be accompanied by the usual howls of outrage. However, an under-skilled and overstaffed public service needs to be balanced and as harsh as it sounds, the courage and confidence has to be found to deal with it.

Critics have flayed the leaders of the two major political parties for failing to provide meaty proposals on how they intend to turn the economy around and achieve fiscal stability. One thing is clear though: the Opposition People's National Party (PNP) is losing out in the blame game, as Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) spokespersons continue to attribute the current situation on reckless economic policies and debts racked up by past PNP administrations. The JLP has been making it clear that the country's economic history did not begin in 2007.

Creative strategy needed

All parties appear to agree that the deficit must be reduced. But what is the strategy? Where are the big ideas? The country is desperately in need of a creative strategy that will spur economic growth which, as we all know, is the vital ingredient in job creation. We can no longer rely on public-sector jobs - that economic model has been spent. But how does the Government stimulate a private-sector-led job creation plan?

When we start talking about jobs, the sad fact is that the majority of persons who crave "something to do" are those who can claim they can "do anything" which translated into English means they have no particular skills. The JEEP proposed by the PNP is the perfect vehicle for those with little or no skills. But it is difficult to make the case that in such a programme the taxpayer will get value for money. If our country is to prosper, we need to reduce the debt, by spending less and ensuring that we achieve balance between private and public sector.

So when it all boils down, this election is really about the economy and not so much about personalities.

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