|
| Letter
of the Day
February 7, 2000
The Internet as opportunity THE EDITOR, Madam: I REMAIN amazed at the optimism that we are able to maintain here in Jamaica. Amazed because, I remember as a youngster the optimism that my parents shared for the future that we could have here. Many years have passed and the disappointments experienced, due to the lack of progress in Jamaica, has taken its toll on all of us. I have the advantage of my age; it's not too late for me. Perhaps, I should join the realists and pessimists that have migrated in search of opportunity, safety and a future. What is one less individual in the entire scheme of brain and talent drain? It is an undeniable fact that as we move into the 21st century, technology is proving to be the deciding factor of wealth or poverty, among people and nations. The growth of the Internet poses an enormous opportunity for nations that embrace the knowledge, the hardware and the policies required to foster growth in this sector. Unfortunately, Jamaica does not have a sufficient knowledge base or the technology to make significant gains in the Internet sector. However the opportunity exists for Jamaica to have an Internet/e-commerce industry that is comparable to the banking industry that has developed in Cayman. This will materialise as a result of policy and confidence in that policy. The foundation of the Internet is based on an absence of intrusive regulation. This freedom in any medium of such magnitude is power. The outcome of this power will be both desirable and undesirable results. As long as the benefits outweigh the disadvantages the Internet will remain mostly an unregulated medium. The proposal by Cable and Wireless to ban the use of Internet telephony devices cannot be granted. To do so would send a clear signal to potential Internet/e-commerce investors that Jamaica does not offer an Internet-friendly environment. Indeed approval of such a regulation would set a precedent that could severely jeopardise our nation's future. In an effort to stimulate the development of the Internet and out of appreciation for its global reach, the US Government took the decision to not collect sales tax on e-commerce activities until 2002, when the issue will be reviewed. The Bahamas has just announced that they will be building a US$60 million e-commerce facility in its Freezone area. Could they actually be anticipating that Internet companies will be seeking to relocate the necessary servers and IT personnel prior to 2002? In the meantime, our Government is seriously considering sacrificing Jamaica's position in the Net's global economy, so that it may collect more GCT for long-distance phone services. The real-time nature of the Internet is not one that permits any such error. Should GCT even apply to long distance calls, which basically is an export product? Am I the only one who fails to see the logic in this? It seems as if our policy makers see the Internet as a threat, rather than the greatest opportunity of our times. I remain optimistic that our highly motivated Commerce and Technology Minister, the Hon. Phillip Paulwell will emphasise this point in Parliament. I remain optimistic that Jamaicans will one day have the opportunity to excel, as the great people that we can be. We will then be "One People." I remain optimistic that I will be around to witness that day and perhaps participate in that change. I remain optimistic, but not for long. I am etc., DAVID PETERSON |
| Leave Boyd alone
THE EDITOR, Madam: RENE SIMOES and his cronies at the JFF are at him again, Walter Boyd that is. He is now reaping success and it evidently is causing a problem. Because for this young man to suddenly display professionalism and without this horrible attitude they claimed he had, must indicate to the Jamaican public that what they led us to believe about him was questionable. Maybe he was just fed up with the powers that be that were only too willing to ask him to turn his back on his career and concentrate on playing for his country and after a few mistakes turned their backs on him. Please, please, please, leave Walter alone. I wonder, is it a coincidence that his club lost the match on Saturday January 29 and he had to be substituted or is that you are demoralising the Pearl again. He was here and you failed to call him. Why now? Why try to mash up his career? Doesn't he have a family to take care of like all of you? Let him be. He's not getting any younger and you have caused him to waste valuable years by ignoring him while he was at home. Cho man, give the youth a break. I am, etc., LOVE WALTER BAD Lobby group is off base THE EDITOR, Madam: DOES THE group Jamaicans For Justice want blood or justice? If they wanted justice, then instead of calling for a Commission of Enquiry, they would demand that Government give them (or another civic group) the money that would be expended on this Commission and work towards finding appropriate solutions to the street people dilemma. The problem with lobby groups is that they do nothing but say a lot. Action not a bag of mouth. I am, etc., MARLENE SIMONS Brian Lara and the 'Peter Principle' THE EDITOR, Madam: THE BOOK Peter Principle stated that - In time, every post tends to be occupied by an employee who is incompetent to carry out its duties, likewise, one can be promoted into an area of his/her incompetence. The recently poor cricket performance of the West Indies against New Zealand triggered off vehement radio talk on the leadership of Brian Lara. Look at the following quotes - "One thing at a time and that's done well, is a very good rule that many can tell" "Jack of all trades and master of none", "always do one thing less than you think you can do". I do agree with the many who argued that Lara should give up the captaincy and concentrate on the batting - his area of competence. In my opinion, his management style is more autocratic than democratic and this does not work well in any sport. Hundreds of cricket lovers, still await to see Lara's century whenever he walks into the wicket, therefore, his gift is to bat ball not to do administration. Leadership functions include the following - planning, organising, co-ordinating, directing and controlling. Is Lara lacking in any of these areas? I am, etc., E.N. PERKINS
Mr Johnson THE EDITOR, Madam: I TAKE this opportunity to commend Mr. Johnson of United Motors Ltd. He works at the Customer Service area. This gentleman is an "ambassador for that company". On every occasion that I have to take my car to that company I have found him to be courteous, polite, pleasant and very professional in carrying out his duties. He displays a very high level of customer service and he is neatly attired. I do hope other customers found him the same as I did. I offered him a tip which he refused. Mr. Johnson, you had certainly made the rest of my day. Please continue to be an ambassador for your company. I am, etc., MAVIS DENNIS Warm weather keeping tourists away THE EDITOR, Madam: YOU MUST realise that one of the reasons that tourism is down in the whole Caribbean is because of the warmer weather that we have been experiencing in all countries of the world. When we have mild winters we are not as apt to leave for warmer shores because it is not unpleasant where we are. I am etc., BARBARA GRAHAM Portmore needs a hospital THE EDITOR, Madam: PORTMORE IS perhaps the fastest growing community in the island. At last count roughly 250,000 people live there. With this rapid growth have come problems of housing, transportation and health. A few days ago I woke up terrified. There was a strange tightening in my chest. I could not breathe. It was 3 a.m. and I was miles away from the Kingston Public Hospital and University Hospital of the West Indies. It would be five hours before the offices of private doctors in the community would be opened. Still frantic, I managed to stop hyperventilating. But what if my case was an even more serious medical emergency? Portmore needs its own hospital to provide much needed medical assistance. Finding a site should be no problem - judging from the number of proposed housing schemes in the area. Even through the Government is "cash-strapped", a project like this has more benefits than costs - Portmore is, after all, full of potentially productive, trainable workers. A hospital would employ nurses, doctors, technicians, janitors etc. There could be 'spill over' jobs as well like - caterers, taxis, garment making (uniforms, sheets etc). The hospital could be a training institution like the University Hospital. The pressure on the transportation system would decrease as people find jobs in the community rather than heading to 'town'. I am, etc., THANKFUL TO BE ALIVE |
|
 |