File photos
From left, Haughton, Seivwright, Chambers, Reid, Kerr Jarrett, Samuels and Allen.
Mark Titus, Freelance Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
In his inauguration speech on September 11, Prime Minister Bruce Golding set the timetable for a number of projects and programmes his government would implement within the first 100 days of his stewardship. Below, Western Jamaica's business and civic leaders express their views on the performance of the Jamaica Labour government to date.
mark.titus@gleanerjm.com
Dennis Seivwright, President, Falmouth Chamber of Commerce: "The Government needs to stop behaving as if it is still campaigning and buck heads with the Opposition to put things in place to solve our growing problems."Utterances by the Government are still irking the Opposition, in particular the leader. These statements are not good for achieving harmony. The state of crime now is alarming and we need to put our foot down as Jamaicans, not as JLP and PNP."
Melody Haughton, President, Montego Bay Craft Vendors' Association: "We have taken ten steps backward, from where we were. We hardly got any business before and based on what I have seen so far, I don't expect that to change."
Pastor Glen Samuels, President, West Jamaica conference of Seventh-Day Adventist churches: "I think we had a great expectation, especially in the area of crime and the runaway murder rate, which seems to be getting worse. I am also disappointed about some pronouncements by some of the members of the Government side.
"Politicians need to take a more mature approach in rallying their supporters, without sinking to the gutters; we can't continue to practise that kind of politics. I hope that the PM will distance himself from these statements and strongly reprimand the ones responsible. Mr. Golding received high marks for the speech he made at his swearing-in. Now he needs to flesh that out and ensure that thos to the party follow that pattern."
Theo Chambers, President, Hanover Chamber of Commerce: "Based on the proposal that I have seen and the changes that are taking place within the Government, I am upbeat that a drastic change is now taking place, and I am sure that it is going to develop the entrepreneurial spirit."
Pauline Reid, President, Montego Bay Chamber of Commerceand Industry: "There is a certain level of enthusiasm among the business sector, both locally and abroad. This energy, if galvanised and utilised effectively can only have a positive effect on the country, allowing for the implementation of projects, new developments and new trends that will propel economic growth for us.
"However, I still believe that enough emphasis is not being placed on finding solutions to the social problems which exist. In many instances, this seems to be the root cause of crime and violence in our society. Government has to pay more attention to the needs of the less fortunate in our society while, at the same time, implement policies that will assist the security forces in managing crime."
O. Dave Allen, Chairman, Community Organisation for Management and Sustainable Development: "The Government has not lived up to expectations of the populace in terms of its commitment and its stated objectives. In terms of crime and violence, it has failed miserably."
Mark Kerr Jarrett, businessman: "One hundred days is a short time given the depth and severity of the nation's problems. However, the crime situation and the escalation of murders is of great concern. But we must understand that the whole process of transition takes a while, so we will have to give the new commissioner and security minister time to develop their strategies. Everything I have seen and heard so far makes me hopeful."
