Today our Jamaican neighbours are
celebrating their independence from the UK. Congratulations.

It has taken fiftyseven years to nearly
reach a milestone of sixty. It hasn't been a pretty road but at long
last there are good signs for this country.

PM Andrew Holness, in his Independence
Address, says,”we have much to be thankful for:

◙ The lowest unemployment rate in our
history at 7.8% and youth unemployment fell by 6 percent.

◙ The annual inflation rate is low
and stable at 4.2% and the consumer price index is trending
downwards.

◙ Our credit ratings are positive,
and our foreign exchange reserves are at historically high levels.

◙ We have had record breaking tourist
arrivals for the last two years exceeding 4.3 million visitors with
an 8.6% increase in earnings for the industry.

◙ The deposit interest rate is at
3.2%, which is a record low.

◙ Our Stock Market continues to
perform well, and the consumer and business confidence indices remain
high. These are always good indicators of economic health.

◙ The construction industry is seeing
sustained growth, right across Jamaica and particularly in Kingston
where we see new construction projects going up at a pace not seen in
recent times. And the NHT is providing housing solutions for new
homeowners like never in its history.”.

He also said there are many positive
things “happening in Jamaica right now. There is much to celebrate
on our 57th birthday.”

He did mention some of the concerns but
left out the main one CRIME, excepting for “corruption”. I am
talking about the shootings, the murders and the gangs.

Jamaica is still on the US Travel
Advisory List at Level 2 “Exercise Increased Caution.”

“Violent crimes, such as home
invasions, armed robberies, sexual assaults, and homicides are
common. Sexual assaults occur frequently, including at all-inclusive
resorts. Local police lack the resources to respond effectively to
serious criminal incidents. Emergency services vary throughout the
island, and response times may vary from U.S. standards. U.S.
government personnel are prohibited from traveling to areas listed
below, from using public buses, and from driving outside of
prescribed areas of Kingston at night. “

The Advisory list the places of
concern.

Not that any of this seems to have
stopped US visitors visiting Jamaica. It still wins many of the
Travel Awards.

What would have happened to Cayman if
we had joined Jamaica fiftyseven years ago? We were up to then a
dependency of Jamaica.

I had to ask my wife that question as
she is Caymanain with her roots going back to the first two families
– the Boddens and Watlers.

There is no doubt in her mind that we
have been served far better under the British Crown.

Will we one day go it alone? I expect
so. But the time is not right just now. And it still might take a
long time. Maybe a VERY long time....