56 Business View Caribbean - Nov 2014
JAMAICA
ernment to deal with the concerns. We find that this
has been very useful, because it enables not only us
as the stakeholders that are involved, but the wider
society to become more confident in terms of informa-
tion that comes from the government of Jamaica on
the economy.
BUSINESS VIEW: Now you mentioned the response
from the citizens and their level of confidence, what
has been the feedback, if there’s been any so far?
Do they have a sense that this will be a major help to
the process? Or how is the general reaction been?
DAVIS-WHYTE:
The reaction has been good. Certainly
from the point of the view of the confederation of trade
unions, we call our offices and delegates together on
a quarterly basis and give them the information really
from the horse’s mouth and not just depend on the
communications that are issued by the co-chair. And
the feedback that we are getting is that while people
are still feeling the brunt of the harsh economic times,
you get more of a sense of a person’s understanding
and also wanting to contribute. We get suggestions at
our meetings and if, in fact, things are not going the
way they should be in their view, then that information
is fed to the EPOC through us as the representatives of
the workers. I expect that is a similar process as of the
other stakeholders who are involved.
BUSINESS VIEW: I’ve talked to a few businesses in
Jamaica and obviously, there’s a concern. Can you
talk to me about the economic landscape? Obvious-
ly it’s not in a good place right now, or things like
this wouldn’t be necessary, but give me your sense
as someone that’s on the inside of what needs to
happen and what direction it’s going in. Do you feel
like progress is going to be made and things will be
different fairly soon?
DAVIS-WHYTE:
This is what we’ve been at pains to say
to our members. This is really a situation where you
have to be prepared to go for the long haul, because
this is not going to be corrected overnight. If we are
looking for overnight solutions, or solutions that are a
