Solution to Caymanas Track’s pest problem

THE EDITOR, Madam:

Underground Reptiles in Dealerfield Beach, Florida, USA, is a business that deals in the best selection of amazing reptiles, exotic pets, and supplies in the world. On their website, scorpions and centipedes fetch between US$65 and US$400, respectively!

In the context of our Jamaican society, the word innovation often evokes thoughts of the latest technological advances. In the discipline of economics, however, we are not just thinking about new machines and inventions, but “any new way of doing things”.

In fact, ‘innovation economics’ is a growing economics theory that emphasises entrepreneurship and innovation. Empirical evidence worldwide points to a positive link between innovation and economic performance.

At infestation proportions, these scorpions and centipedes at Caymanas Park need not be a problem to address, especially against the background of the struggling Jamaican economy. In the true spirit of entrepreneurship, they should be harvested for sale in markets in which they sell for a premium.

GOOD FROM BAD

Some bits of advice in life are just timeless, and the one that goes “out of every disappointment comes forth good” is a typical example. Who knows if this seeming misfortune at the track might not be the one to turn around the fortunes of the ailing entity itself! For the over 15 years of this occurrence of infestation, according to racehorse trainers, it is evidence to suggest that a sustainable enterprise could be harnessed from these pesky creatures. Hence, “a new way” of employment creation in Jamaica!

Just as soon as the Jamaican ­society understands the far-­reaching implications of innovation on ­economies, then there will be hope again of enfranchisement from the perennial economic doldrums Jamaica has found itself in for too long now.

E. L. JOHANN WALKER