THE EDITOR, Sir:
THE JAMAICA Diaspora fund is an excellent idea. This fund must not be accessible to the Government and should not relieve the Government from their responsibility towards a specific service. I am sure there will be numerous ideas on how to disburse the funds. Let me suggest Education, Health Care and Strategic Economic Planning.
A Gleaner article 'Diaspora Conference-Bridging the gap' on 16 June 2006 estimates up to 2.5 million Jamaicans living outside of Jamaica. Whatever percentage decides to contribute, consider funding education to provide free tuition and transportation for our school children up through high school. The Government still retains their responsibility for teachers' pay and building and repairing schools.
Allocate funds to upgrade our health care system and to train emergency response personnel. Our hospital administrators may have pressing needs for equipment or facilities. Begin with one. Upgrade that facility and then move on to the next. This is a simplified version of which facility is first.
ECONOMIC PLANNING
Instead of reacting to changes in the global economy, consider strategic economic planning for Jamaica to soften the impact of other country's economic policies. Remember sugar. Strategic planning could also extend to CARICOM if those partners also have a Diaspora fund and wish to participate.
I am etc.,
BERNARD PARKINSON
parkinsonblp@gmail.com
Stone Mountain, GA
Via Go-Jamaica
