Pain the price of success

A.A. Bobby Pottinger,  Guest Columnist

The present Government is leading the recovery of our economy and is creating a platform for positive and lasting change that will go beyond the lifetime of many of us. As bitter as the medicine we must take today may be, there is no other cure that will restore our country to full economic and social health than what is prescribed for us now.

What is of special interest in all of this is the fact that every single sector - rich or poor - is sharing in the cost of change. While all of this is going on, we are all being educated as to the reasons for the harsh measures we must now confront. The prime minister, the minister of finance, and the entire Government must be commended for facing up to the challenges of creating a better life for us and for future generations of Jamaicans.

The courage and steadfastness of the minister of finance, Dr Peter Phillips, in finding so many creative ways of getting more tax dollars from us with very little complaint is remarkable.

UNDERVALUED DOLLAR

Our minister of finance has explained at length the economic situation of the country and the painful remedy that we need to take in restoring our economy. Our dollar has been steadily declining against other currencies. Our dollar, to my mind, is undervalued. To restore it to a respectable value, we need to earn more foreign exchange and import less.

The message seems to be reaching all of us. In simple language, Dr Phillips has been telling the nation, "If your outgo exceeds your income, your upkeep will be your downfall." I can see the stress and tiredness of the message, but let us all join hands in restoring Jamaica to a place of pride.

The playing field is being levelled. I sense a feeling of optimism that the future of our country is in good hands. All of us, therefore, must play our part in increasing production and exporting more so that the consequent increase in foreign exchange will assist in stabilising the dollar.

We have too many idle hands and equally too many idle lands. Creative ways have to be found to bring both to play in our productive drive. There is room for the creative marketing of our crops, locally and overseas. The EXIM Bank and JAMPRO both have a vital role to play in this drive. Motivational parish meetings are necessary at the local level to stir up positive responses and to get small businesses to move.

RESPECTABILITY RETURNING

We are regaining our respectability in the international community as we strive to reduce our dependency on external borrowing. All of us, both Government and Opposition, must get behind these innovative changes that are necessary to create a better Jamaica.

In all this transformation, I see a maturing Opposition emerging that is seeking to ensure that every nut and bolt is tightened and in place. We believe in the two-party system, so if we can all agree on the changes that are taking place, if and when there is a change of government, there will be a platform on which to continue the drive for the lasting development of our people.

So heartiest congratulations to the Government that is here to lead the reform. Our combined support is with you. Continue to share and enlighten us on the way forward.

Thinking well is wise, planning well is wiser, but doing well is the wisest of them all.

A.A. Bobby Pottinger is custos emeritus of St Mary. Email feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com.