It boggles the mind to think that despite being blessed with an abundance of natural and human resources, the majority of Jamaicans continue to suffer from the ill effects of a weak economy and poverty. I am now convinced that there is a deliberate effort to keep Jamaicans in a state of ignorance in order to allow for continued corruption and misappropriation of resources by some in government and private-sector leadership.

This is clearly a strategy that is working and, unfortunately, many unsuspecting innocent bystanders have been tricked into adding to this divisive and destructive cycle.

Valuable resources

I can speak with accuracy and authority on this subject, as it relates to our entertainment sector, where I have spent more than 25 years working on various private and state initiatives designed to educate, empower and equip talented individuals to compete more effectively in the global market.

I think we can all agree our music is one of the most valuable resources we possess. My experience shows the majority of individuals operating in the Jamaican music industry are being forced to operate from a position of ignorance. They are ignorant with regard to their rights and who is best equipped to represent them. Most are also ignorant with regard to what is required to structure their businesses and the industry properly.

While we have done very well on the international stage, the number of Jamaican participants in the music industry who run successful businesses is way too small, and the benefits to the overall economy much less than it should be.

Don't believe the hype, and you can't judge a book by the cover. We all need to read more carefully, think outside the box, talk less and do more.

I am, etc.,

LLOYD STANBURY, Esq

lloydstanbury@hotmail.com