Letter of the Day | Overcome the efficiency paradox

THE EDITOR, Madam:

As a Jamaican living overseas for the past two years, I’ve been continually amazed by the efficiency of the social services in the country that I am living in. Most of my tasks, including banking transactions and resolving utility queries, are conveniently completed from home. And if I do have to step out, solutions are often provided within the hour. This stark contrast to Jamaica, which made me reflect on the country’s relationship with efficiency, specifically our deep-seated distrust of it.

In Jamaica, being fast is often seen as taking a shortcut, suggesting a trade-off with quality. A quick fix is often deemed inferior in quality, leading us to unnecessarily complicate even the most straightforward tasks. For example, it could take hours to complete a basic bank transaction in Jamaica, which involves unending paperwork and multiple verification processes. In comparison, two taps on my phone or computer overseas, and that same transaction is processed and completed within minutes.

This difference highlights how inefficiency can negatively impact productivity and diminish the quality of life. There exists an implicit belief that “good” results necessitate a considerable amount of time and effort, extending from basic government services to everyday transactions and beyond. There is a prevailing notion that the more challenging a task is, the higher the perceived value of its outcome, as if difficulty inherently translates to worth.

This mindset not only constrains our ability to excel, but also serves as a barrier to the advancement and development of our nation. It hampers innovation and discourages the adoption of efficient practices that could propel us forward in terms of innovation and progress. After all, real worth is not determined by how much we struggle, but by how much we can achieve when we eliminate unnecessary obstacles. Efficiency isn’t a barrier; it is the key to unlocking growth and advancement.

YASHEKA WALTERS-ELLIS