Cut the red tape - Samuda

Livern Barrett, Gleaner Writer

Milton Samuda, president of the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC), says the Government is not doing enough to enable optimum performance by the private sector.

A big part of the problem, Samuda says, is the size of government and the accompanying bureaucracy.

"Just too much regulation and bureaucracy," he told The Gleaner, after addressing the Rotary Club of Kingston on Thursday on some of the factors stifling production.

"Government is just everywhere. You can't get the slightest thing done without having to interface with some government department," he lamented.

Samuda's comments come a month after Industry, Investment and Commerce Minister Karl Samuda branded public-sector bureaucracy an "economic pickpocket".

fear factor

The minister explained then that part of the difficulty in removing some of the red tape is a fear by government bureaucrats that this will "let in the (private sector) bandits". He said, however, that this administration would accept the challenge to dismantle and remove some of the barriers.

Despite demonstrating scepticism, the chamber of commerce president said the comments signalled that the Government was finally ready to tackle the problem.

"I have heard that before, but I have a feeling that he (minister Samuda) intends that things will be different this time, and we are going to hold him to it," the JCC president said.

Another critical issue for the Government to address, according to Samuda, is the general lack of confidence in the economy and a number of state institutions.

As an example, he said the average businessman had lost confidence in some of the regulatory systems of government.

"People have lost confidence in the institutions which are to protect them against corrupt officials. So there are many levels on which the lack of confidence has to be addressed."

The chamber of commerce president said putting in place a credible growth strategy that is communicated to everyone and that is "urged upon the nation" should be part of the remedy to reverse the lack of confidence.

How to get growth

Jamaica must surgically and irrevocably remove the bureaucracy and corruption which are choking commerce and dissuading investment.

Ways must be found to increase productivity, harness science and technology, have an educational system far more responsive to the imperative of growth, and which teaches civics, tourism, and entrepreneurship.

Deal with the high cost of electricity and promote the use of alternative and sustainable energy sources.

Reduce the size and influence of government.