There was a time (I almost said once upon a time) Jamaicans would always say they were waiting until "Budget read". There is no such anticipation these days. They are facing this Budget with trepidation. Blame for the state of the economy and opportunities missed must be shared by all of us. Need I say "us individually, us collectively", with harrowing impact internationally.

I would like to offer a few thoughts; hopefully they can be evaluated for their usefulness.

I begin by observing that Jamaicans have always looked too far for solutions. Why do we always look for a 'big-bang' solution for our 'little problems'?

I suggest it is this state of mind that causes us to send delegations all over the world to sell our bauxite and alumina even when inventories in those countries are fully oversubscribed.

The resident bauxite/alumina companies have closed or will close operations (some might be permanent). But what of the large infrastructure in water and electricity and human resources that will be left idle? Shouldn't we seek to harness them?

Alpart produces approximately 3,000 gallons of water per day. On the other hand, we have the best farmers in Jamaica in St Elizabeth. To the extent we can supply water or irrigation to these farmers, then we should plant crops with long shelf-life, e.g. beans, peas, peanuts and vegetables in abundance.

Cheaper costs

Alpart also produces about 40 mgw (at 60 cycles) and Alcan produces 30 mgw at (50 cycles). I dare say that their production costs are cheaper than those of the old JPS plants. At least Alcan's power can go directly into the national grid.

As a former member of Parliament, some significant assistance I gave to farmers in St Mary was land preparation and planting material. There is always the talk of "idle hands and idle lands". This no longer applies. It's "idle equipment and idle lands". Let's put both to work.

The skills and resources available in the bauxite industry can help to alleviate problems in particular areas and supplement training at our established institutions.

I am, etc.,

Horace A. Clarke

Former Minister of

Agriculture & Mining,

Water & Transport