The Leader of The Jamaica Labour Party and Opposition, RT Hon Andrew Holness MP was in Birmingham yesterday 3rd June at the Venue Edgbaston Birmingham which was hosted by Jamaica National with other 700 attendees.
At many of these events there are always presentations about investing in Jamaica and the financial powerhouse of the Diaspora.
Mr Holness did give his vision for Jamaica, along with the admission that Jamaica has many problems, whilst good things are happening.
He made no apologies for the sale of Air Jamaica and the Sugar Factories to the private sector, however, as I always ask, why is it when industry is state controlled profitability is rather more difficult than when in the private sector.
He talked about his vision of working financially with the Diaspora on a Bond Scheme with his vision of Building a New City in Jamaica.
He also touched on should he become Prime Minister for which elections have to be held by the end of 2016, he would propose that Jamaicans abroad get the right to vote in addition of having their own MP possibly, however, the constitution would require reforming in order to allow eligibility.
Issues surrounding Independence and how Independent in Jamaica was discussed, however, Mr Holness made it clear the priority must be Jamaica's economic independence, ahead of the issue of the Queen being Head of State, as it can be argued that it is a side issue in the scheme of priorities facing Jamaica such as Education, Poverty, Infrastructure, Employment, Literacy rates, coupled with Economic Development.
In fact it was a very powerful speech and give him his due, he did allow the audience to ask some difficult and searching questions.
The main issue that I focused on as many know is the safety of British National and Returning Residents, who are being asked and there are many who are willing to invest in Jamaica in some way. However, the brutal Murder of Keith Murrain and the initial response of the Authorities in not dealing with seriously, does not help matters. Thankfully, these have been overcome however, the families quest for Justice continues. Mr Holness did point out that Justice is a serious issue for all.
I must confess that it was a useful forum and clearly more of these would be useful, especially, when the real issues that concern the Diaspora are openly discussed.
Desmond Jaddoo
4th June 2015
At many of these events there are always presentations about investing in Jamaica and the financial powerhouse of the Diaspora.
Mr Holness did give his vision for Jamaica, along with the admission that Jamaica has many problems, whilst good things are happening.
He made no apologies for the sale of Air Jamaica and the Sugar Factories to the private sector, however, as I always ask, why is it when industry is state controlled profitability is rather more difficult than when in the private sector.
He talked about his vision of working financially with the Diaspora on a Bond Scheme with his vision of Building a New City in Jamaica.
He also touched on should he become Prime Minister for which elections have to be held by the end of 2016, he would propose that Jamaicans abroad get the right to vote in addition of having their own MP possibly, however, the constitution would require reforming in order to allow eligibility.
Issues surrounding Independence and how Independent in Jamaica was discussed, however, Mr Holness made it clear the priority must be Jamaica's economic independence, ahead of the issue of the Queen being Head of State, as it can be argued that it is a side issue in the scheme of priorities facing Jamaica such as Education, Poverty, Infrastructure, Employment, Literacy rates, coupled with Economic Development.
In fact it was a very powerful speech and give him his due, he did allow the audience to ask some difficult and searching questions.
The main issue that I focused on as many know is the safety of British National and Returning Residents, who are being asked and there are many who are willing to invest in Jamaica in some way. However, the brutal Murder of Keith Murrain and the initial response of the Authorities in not dealing with seriously, does not help matters. Thankfully, these have been overcome however, the families quest for Justice continues. Mr Holness did point out that Justice is a serious issue for all.
I must confess that it was a useful forum and clearly more of these would be useful, especially, when the real issues that concern the Diaspora are openly discussed.
Desmond Jaddoo
4th June 2015