THE SECRET TO jump-starting the Jamaican economy is to create a stimulus package that includes incentives and short windows of opportunities for investors and producers alike.

Specifically, the minister of finance should immediately capitalise on his excellent decision to reduce the real estate transfer tax by going even further and reducing the transfer tax by another one per cent for the next six months, and I promise him that he will see so much money coming from everywhere that it will look like Christmas in August.

Another creative strategy that could also be useful in helping to boost the economy would be to engage the major stakeholders in the tourism industry with unique incentives for those who retain more foreign exchange in the local banking system.

Great opportunity waiting

There is also a great opportunity waiting to happen within the Jamaica diaspora. Attractive tax concessions and incentives should now be offered to all Jamaicans who are resident overseas and who choose to return or invest in local businesses or industries within the next nine months.

This is not the time to curse the darkness that attempts to surround us. This is the time to light the candles, sing the sankeys and help those who may have lost their way to come home.

I am, etc.,

Michael C. Moyston

jahspeed@hotmail.com

'Little House', St Mary