THE EDITOR, Sir:

ON THURSDAY, December 3, an article 'Byles misses a plan' by Devon Dick was published. It is quite obvious he did not put much thought into what he wrote. What use is a plan if it is not properly implemented or known by the masses? One would think that an 'effective plan' would entail a road map for implementation along with a timetable for implementation.

He makes reference to Vision 2030, but how many persons have read the 343 page Strategic Plan and how does this plan treat with the issue of 'effective implementation'?

Rather than attacking the messenger, the good reverend would have made better use of precious space by seeking to educate the populace about the contents of Vision 2030 and the 'plan' for proper implementation.

While I hold no brief for Richard Byles, the attacks on him because of his statement from various and varied corners are curious. His critics should investigate his antecedents as it related to public service in this country.

Byles is doing his job

In the first instance, Byles worked at the Jamaica Industrial Development Corporation (JIDC) which morphed into the present Jamaica Trade and Invest (formerly JAMPRO) and Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC). Beyond that, he has chaired the public boards of the National Water Commission (NWC) and presided over a period of tremendous infrastructural upgrade. He continues to serve the public albeit not with as much fanfare as others.

Pastor Dick is not alone in his attack on Byles, who also drew 'friendly' fire from a popular morning talk show host who criticised him because he did not call for debt default.

The naïvete of the host is astounding. Byles, a savvy businessman, head of a multinational company which has a fiduciary responsibility to its shareholders, could not be expected on public radio to support the notion of a default. It would be highly improper of him so to do publicly.

A plan is as good as its implementation. So, if there is poor implementation, chances are, the plan is half-baked. However, for the discerning, Byles was really throwing some serious rockstones and obviously some people got struck.

The current administration is adrift and the country along with it. Despite the Vision 2030 Strategic Plan, the country appears to be drifting helplessly along. The much touted road map to combat crime obviously was stillborn.

Rebuke for poor performance

There clearly was not plan to deliver jobs! jobs! and more jobs! So Byles was really rebuking the administration for its poor performance. The current administration is so ineffectual at implementation that not even a simple routine extradiction request it can implement.

Byles, as a citizen of Jamaica, has a right to his opinion, especially when that opinion is informed. He certainly cannot be regarded glibly as a member of the chattering classes.

He has contributed far more to the gross domestic product of this country than some who seek to hush him up because he dares tell the minister of national security to stop pussyfooting around and go see how Colombia has been able to tame its crime rate.

Fighting crime is not Byles' job. Creating wealth and jobs are his and he has delivered with aplomb. Those elected to lead must step up or step down.

I see a lot of green in the attacks ... and it is not just Labourite green.

I am, etc.,

ARNALDO BROWN

arnbrown07@hotmail.co

Knutsford Boulevard

Kingston 5