I am often at a loss whenever Don Robotham, a champagne socialist writes in the paper from the comforts of foreign no less. A more interventionist state is the last thing we need at this time. One need not trod out the several studies showing that the crowding out of the private sector by the public sector stifles innovation and economic growth. One need only look at our heavy debt burden as proof positive of the failings of an overly interventionist government policy.

Government the problem

It is high time we recognise in this country that government is the problem, not the solution. We should strive for a smaller government and have policy makers pursue the route of leaving the economic future of the country to its private individuals and not to the whim and fancy of 'guvament'. Robotham's ideas died in the '70s, a time of great economic crisis which he has conveniently skipped over.

'Ivory tower academics' like him, Norman Girvan, Beckford and Witter who devised the economic miasma which choked this country into bankruptcy should retire and leave the thinking to the new generation who recognises that the entrepreneurial spirit only thrives where the state leaves it alone.

I am, etc.,

ROBERT COLLIE

robert.collie@mfg.com.jm