Dear Editor,

I do believe Jamaica, though currently considered a failed state, can be transformed with a few decisive positive interventions.

The most significant one is the Port Royal development which can act as a major catalyst.

Port Royal developed as a model sustainable project incorporating a significant training and human development component can transform a significant number of areas and individuals in the Kingston, St Andrew, St Catherine and St Thomas areas in particular.

The investment in the infrastructure of Port Royal and Downtown Kingston and the linking of Portmore, Spanish Town and the Blue Mountains by cable car will all be fabulous opportunities for entrepreneurs and will employ significant numbers of people, but the management and careful planning of the development are key.

The solution to the problems Jamaica faces has to be tackled in a holistic way by transforming from the bottom up and not the top down.

Community development via their involvement and buy-in to a transparent and honest process is the key to transformation and we do not have to reinvent the wheel. We just need to build on the numerous already active community groups that promote positive development strategies and actions.

The cottage industries that can be developed to enhance the creativity of our people will be tremendous and this will lead to an entire rethinking about livelihoods and self development

and pride.

I am not suggesting that this will be the panacea or that it will be easy and that there will not be significant challenges, but with the commitment, the will and the perseverance that I believe we all have in us we can overcome and be successful.

Governments should not be against what we wish to do but should join with us and stop being so obstructionist and believe in our own capacity and capability to transform our country.

Jamaicans must be first in whatever we do and we must stop believing that everything foreign is great and anything Jamaican is second rate.

Let us believe in ourselves to transform our country and develop our people and invite foreigners to partner with us, but let us do so in a transparent and open fashion and always remember to put Jamaica and Jamaicans before selfish, short-term gains for individuals who thrive on corruption.

Peace and love.

Robert Stephens

rspragma@yahoo.com