‘Jamaica’s best days are ahead’
Outgoing finance minister emphasises social cohesion as key to Jamaica’s growth
Published:Saturday | October 5, 2024 | 12:08 AMAsha Wilks/Gleaner Writer
Dr Nigel Clarke, outgoing Minister of Finance and the Public Service, stressed the importance of social cohesion in Jamaica’s ongoing development during a speech at the Rotary Club of New Kingston’s general meeting yesterday at the Liguanea Club, St Andrew.
He reassured the public that the Government is actively promoting social unity to drive both economic and community progress.
“Jamaica’s best days are ahead,” Clarke said, referencing several government initiatives, including the procurement of new garbage trucks, the acquisition of buses for public transportation without borrowing, and the renovation of four major hospitals – Spanish Town Hospital, Cornwall Regional Hospital, the Western Children and Adolescent Hospital, and a new complex at the University Hospital of the West Indies.
Clarke also highlighted the recent implementation of the reverse income tax credit, which took effect last Wednesday, benefiting lower-income earners.
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together,” Clarke said, quoting an African proverb to emphasise the Government’s approach. He reiterated that social cohesion plays a crucial role in Jamaica’s long-term development, applauding the efforts of NGOs and nonprofits in promoting unity and advancing communities.
Reflecting on Jamaica’s political system, Clarke noted the nation’s long history of liberal democracy, stating that Jamaica has “practised liberal democracy for 75 years”, a distinction few countries can claim. He described this tradition as a “precious treasure” that is deeply woven into the country’s culture.
However, Clarke was quick to point out that electoral democracy alone is not enough to drive national progress. He urged that democracy must be harnessed wisely to achieve Jamaica’s broader development goals.
SOURCE OF PRIDE
He also encouraged a shift in the national mindset, urging Jamaicans to discard feelings of inadequacy. The finance minister invoked the words of National Hero Marcus Garvey: “Without confidence, you’re twice defeated in the race of life; with confidence, you’ve won before you’ve started.”
Clarke explained that Jamaica faces unique developmental challenges compared to wealthier nations, such as Europe and the United States, which had time to grow economically before adopting liberal political and economic models.
“We are attempting something that few other countries have done,” he said, emphasising Jamaica’s efforts to develop a liberal economy and political system simultaneously.
He concluded by urging Jamaicans to take pride in the nation’s ambitious path. “So, never let anybody come and tell us that we are not good enough,” Clarke said. “We are taking on a mission that requires more effort, but that should be a source of pride and respect for the path we have chosen.”
Clarke demits office in a few weeks to take up the position of deputy managing director of the International Monetary Fund effective October 31.