The current global financial crisis and our Jamaican dollar slipping constantly against the US dollar put us in a very precarious situation and the fallout of the sale of the nation's sugar factories to the Brazilian firm, Infinity Bio-Energy, is a major blow to our economy.

But I always say everything happens for a reason. This is not the time for us as Jamaicans to be looking for answers elsewhere. We have to learn to be more self-reliant and to capitalise on the resources that are readily available to us in this country.

Emancipate ourselves

I believe that its time to emancipate ourselves from the pre- and post-slavery sugar era. These valuable farmlands can be used for crops that may yield more income than sugar and may not be as labour intensive as sugar. Sugar plantations require large amounts of land which may not be necessary as in the case of other crops.

It is time to look for new sources of income, fresh new ideas and individuals who believe in themselves and their ideas. Invest in our own and their ideas - feed our own population so that we can cut down on imports. Jamaica is a great country and we have achieved greatness. It is time that we channel this into the development of our great country.

I am, etc.,

ERON SAMUELS

eronsamuels@gmail.com