Businesses must drive economic growth

THE EDITOR, Sir:

It is being posited that the ruling party lacks a growth agenda. However, the crux of the matter is that Jamaicans will be required to drive growth by being productive.

The Government can only create a regulatory environment that is conducive to investment. Therefore, if the present administration succeeds in creating the conditions for growth, citizens must assert themselves and add value to society.

But unfortunately, many Jamaicans still believe that the Government should generate growth by attracting massive investment projects to the island. Such projects, however, have often resulted in short-term employment and the repatriation of profits to foreign countries. growth and development are only possible, when citizens create new industries and build institutions.

It is most disheartening to hear people say that Jamaica lacks industries, since this is obviously an indictment on citizens for not being industrious. It is a fact that Jamaica is rich in resources. Therefore, the lack of industries suggests that those with capital and talent are not using their initiative.

For example, it is odd that Jamaica has mineral deposits, but not a booming mining sector. Instead of wondering what impediments prevent entrepreneurs from investing in the sector, most Jamaicans are likely to blame the Government for underperformance.

But in other countries, private entrepreneurs would start companies and build a research institute. They would not wait on the government to create an academy to train workers. Furthermore, it is not sufficient for one to create a business; Entrepreneurs must be value creators.

LIPTON MATTHEWS

lo_matthews@yahoo.com