The Editor, Sir:

I write in reference to the most recent debates, letters and articles surrounding the Jamaica vs Trinidad trade wars fiasco. Indeed, as a consumer living in a receding economy, I feel that this egotistical battle of who is right and who is wrong is the least of our worries.

Rather than band together as a team, which is what CARICOM is meant to be, our countries have found it more prudent to focus on the bureaucracies of our nations' ministries. Forget about productivity and the monies lost, forget about the consumer in Jamaica who only has a 'nanny' (J$500) to spend! Forget about those who stand to lose their jobs when Trinidadian investors withdraw their funding because our Government and manufacturers do not care enough to follow a few procedures.

Mistakes happen, get over it! As good managers, our ministers should be looking for a solution to the problem rather than adding to it.

In the 1960s, Jamaica had a booming manufacturing industry, but did not maintain this. Today, Trinidad is on top of its game in that arena because it reinvested in its economy and improved its manufacturing industry. Jamaica, on the other hand can boast very few manufacturing companies, are truly loyal to this country such as Lasco and GraceKennedy. Trinidad's manufacturing is probably the most affordable in the region and its products of good quality and cost to the consumer.

While I would like to Buy Jamaican all the time, my earnings do not allow me to do so. Is it not the same 'sell out' if we buy more American stuff such as Frito Lay (Doritos, Cheetos), Snickers, Tide, Purex detergent, Evian Water, Zephyrhills Water, Aquafina Water, etc? Do we not prefer to support the Caribbean's efforts than North America's and Europe's? Having a choice matters to a broke-pocket consumer like me. Since I live in a democratic country, it would be nice to be afforded my freedom of choice!

It is time we start putting our money where our mouth is and invest in our country rather than blame another country for our mistakes simply because it insists on adhering to its rules.

Boss mentality

Has anyone ever wondered why Trinidadians invest in Jamaica? They have First-World machinery and have the confidence to produce products that are of good quality and are affordable to our consumers. We curse them on one hand and beg for their investment on the other which the Government is well aware of. Who will we blame when we see future investments from Trinidad because our Government asked for it? Will we block the investors then at the detriment of our countries stability?

The 'big man' boss mentality seems to go way up the echelons of our society and politics. We need to look beyond the problems by finding solutions. Come now Karl Samuda, do the job we hired you to do and resolve the issue!

I am, etc.,

BROKE-POCKET CONSUMER