While I am a very strong supporter of diversifying our present economy there are some realities we all must face in order for this to take place. The first of these is that capital is needed to begin our attempts at diversification. It is clear with the present condition of our economy that no one is prepared to take any form of risk with their finances. The entire nation is right now in a watch-how-you’re-spending mode and this goes for every sector of the country, including the Government.
While I agree that we have to watch our spending we can also stagnate growth and hinder our chances of getting out of this present recession. Like any new venture there must be investment to kick-start the operation.
The second obstacle we have to deal with is the manpower. I believe that if we are going to diversify the economy one of the areas that hold tremendous opportunity is the land. Our country has a rich supply of soil than can grow various products quite easily, as we have seen in the past. The problem here, however, is the labour force.
We have to be realistic to the fact that people no longer want that type of employment. One individual said to me that that is hard work there must be some easier way to make a living. Another person asked who is going out there to suffer in that hot sun? You only have to look at some of our social programmes and you will see what I am saying. Most of the time the workers are in the shade avoiding the sun. So the utilising the land aspect, in the light of diversification, is dormant and will remain so until there is a change in attitude.
The third reality we will have to face is that of work ethics and sacrifice-making. With any new thing being put on the market, sacrifice is necessary for success. You can ask anyone who had to build from ground up and have been successful. You will hear of the sacrifices they had to make.
Our entire work ethic will have to change. Now this is hard talk but I have heard citizens right hear describe people in this country as being lazy and having poor work ethics. For example, failing to turn up on work on time, always having an excuse for leaving work early and extensive coffee and lunch breaks, “lahaying” on the job. Diversification will also need a change in our attitude if it is going to be successful.
These are challenges but nothing so difficult that cannot be overcome if we as a nation are serious. We can make this happen; let us do it together.
Arnold Gopeesingh,
Lower Saddle Road, San Juan