I would like to spell out two pointers as to what I believe can be done to reinvigorate Jamaica's economy and help create jobs. First is innovation to transform agriculture and put farmers firmly in the driving seat of change. The second pointer is to produce energy from waste.

Jamaica continues to lag behind developed economies such as Latin America with regard to gross domestic product (GDP). The main reason for this is considered to be a failure to address the need to improve efficiency and productivity, which are the key elements of economic growth. Jamaica is not doing well and has been borrowing money to survive instead of producing to survive. The country continues to be more dependent instead of more independent in the production of food.

In a time of economic instability, the Government must act to bring new ideas and market opportunities to Jamaican farmers. The Government is also a key player in developing infrastructure and new technologies. Government programmes are needed for stabilising prices and farmer-income equality, ensuring food safety and reducing hunger. Having plenty of food does not guarantee that farmers earn fair incomes and prices are stable.

Devise a strategy

The Ministry of Agriculture could meet with researchers, representatives from the private sector and farmers' organisations to discuss technological, institutional, and organisational innovations that could transforming agriculture. The main purpose of the meeting would be to devise a strategy to transform the rural areas with roads, water supply, electrification, research, market support and others. The bottom line is to assist the farmers in becoming more involved in technology sooner rather than later.

There must be a real-growing movement of consumers wanting to buy local food rather than food from other countries. Plus, the other real benefit of local farmers as suppliers is it gives people a chance to actually talk to the people who produce their food. Farmers want steady markets for their produce and this is the time for all of us to come together and buy Jamaica. I live in the United States but go the proverbial 'extra mile' to buy Jamaican products.

Renewable energy source

The second point which I would like to address is the production of energy from waste. Jamaica needs to convert municipal solid waste into renewable energy. Municipal waste to energy is a fantastic way for Jamaica to turn garbage into a renewable energy source that can help heat and power many homes and businesses. Solid waste can be a big renewable energy source that has other environmental benefits as well. When garbage is turned into municipal energy, the benefits are numerous. There is less garbage to clutter and fill our landfills, so that fewer landfills are needed and less trash is thrown out. Municipal waste-to-energy programmes also lessen the demand for oil and other fossil fuels because the energy converted from the solid waste is used instead of oil or other fossil fuels.

The Jamaican Government and the National Solid Waste Management Authority could bring on board experts with experience as both operators and advisers in renewable energy. In some cases, the experts could work with private-sector companies as advisers, helping companies raise equity capital and building and operating a plant. Waste management can deliver environment-friendly and economical waste-disposal solutions. It can also provide vocational training and many jobs to local employees.

If properly managed, waste-management service will become financially self-sustaining and reward its capital providers. It's a win-win situation.

I am, etc.,

Neville Carnegie

USA