Produce or die

Poor leadership, lack of vision and inability to execute undergird Jamaica’s failure to realize its true potential. Gleaner columnist Julian 'Jingles' Reynolds says the Government must make ‘Produce or Die’ its mantra. He proposes a Development Czar to galvanize business growth that will reduce unemployment, drive export and create wealth. Likely candidates include Claude Clarke, Douglas Orane and Dr. Rosalea Hamilton. Read article

Smile Back Jamaica

Coca-Cola once wanted to teach the world to sing in perfect harmony; now it wants to see us smile. The international beverage giant has set off on a mission across Jamaica to spread the simplest, most universal expression of happiness, a SMILE, hoping that Jamaicans will smile back. Enjoy a clip from this innovative campaign, which will soon be made into a Jamaican television commercial.
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Of mergers and acquisitions

As we continue to play political football with the Digicel-Claro merger, Gleaner contributor Gordon Robinson deconstructs the issue. Party sycophants are so busy playing the blame game that fundamental principles have been ignored. Young Andrew is not the problem, says Robinson. Our ire should be directed at a regulatory system that puts politics over professionalism. Will the new administration make a change? Read article

Catchy phrases, clichés and joblessness

The day of reckoning is here. The PM no longer has the protection of the opposition benches to talk and her pronouncements cannot escape scrutiny. In a speech delivered at Cari-Med's 25th anniversary workers' appreciation awards ceremony Senator Dr Christopher Tufton asks, How sustainable is JEEP and Jamaica Employ? The Government must reconcile wishful thinking with the fundamentals of economic management. Read article

Jamaica, Republics and the Commonwealth

Sir Ronald Sanders challenges the underlying assumption that republican status is incompatible with Commonwealth membership. Like India, Dominica, Guyana and other independent nations that have cut the monarchical knot, Jamaica could remain a member of the Commonwealth. It would be opportune to do so. Membership brings great benefits, including technical assistance, training and professional resources. Read article

The passing of a pioneer

Groundbreaking playwright and intermittent teacher Barry Reckord has left a rich but under-explored legacy. He was among the first modern black playwrights to be published in England but never truly earned a living from his craft. Perhaps because he explored unfashionable ideas that did not necessarily make for good drama - religion, politics and sexual politics. The Guardian’s Margaret Busby puts Reckord centre stage. Read article