The Editor, Sir:

The economic outlook over the last 18 months has not been favourable as the world economy has plunged into recession and no one knows how long it will last. This Government's saving grace is to blame the current crisis on the previous administration and the general slowdown in the world economy. This blame game does not cut it because there was enough evidence or glaring indicators to demonstrate that the bust in global economy would adversely affect Jamaica. While in Opposition, the contending argument that the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) purported was that what happens in the international markets did not affect us and that the previous administration only used it as mere excuse. We would only hope they realise now that it was no excuse!

The last time the JLP had the reins of government was some 20 years ago and a lot has changed since that time. There are no longer the huge issues of geopolitical principles where, as small countries, we can attach ourselves to large countries and be the recipients of aid, grants and "cheap" loans amounting to billions of dollars. Those days are over, so you either swim or sink. The reality is this - globalisation!

Now, the Government is faced with the hard choice of what to sacrifice in order to present a credible Budget and the ways in which they will plug that $29-billion deficit. The prime minister has proposed that he will take a 15 per cent pay cut, as he will ask his fellow parliamentarians to forgo a 10 per cent increase and seek a public-sector wage freeze. This might seem commendable from the top, but when examined thoroughly there are some major difficulties that need to be considered. First, when the JLP took office they granted all parliamentarians 20 per cent increases and public-sector workers had to settle for single-digit increases. Second, during the election campaign, the JLP promised a smaller Cabinet which was in line with the Nettleford Report; a promise which has not been kept.

Free health care for all

Therefore, if the prime minister is proposing cuts, he should cut his 30-odd member executive arm of the Government. The third and final thing to do is to cut the free health care for all but offer it to children under 12, and do away will this free education and let the poor and destitute access the PATH programme.

There is a litany of problems this administration has to face and there is no longer the rhetoric of who is to blame. There is always enough blame to go around. However, the duty of any government is to deal with the problems at hand not find excuses as to how the problems occur and deliver the requisite solutions. The reality has finally come as it was distinctly stated that there is no magic wand to wave away Jamaica's problems.

I am, etc.,

DWIGHT O. BERNARD

laughdwight@yahoo.com