Jamaica's Development stalls on Mobay Bypass....

 https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/opinion/Why_the_contrived_outrage_over_the_Montego_Bay_bypass_221486?profile=1096

Mr. Lewis, let me help you to understand. I preview what I say by stating that as a general principle, all government contracts should go to tender. While I agree with you that Jamaica has a construction sector that is inefficient and mired in corruption and extortion, I do not agree with you that Jamaicans should just resign ourselves to this. Let this project be the first to be different! If the government cannot ensure this, then why have them as government? If the government cannot create a regulatory environment for the construction industry, why have them? If a government cannot tender out one road contract without it getting mired in inefficiency, cost overruns, corruption and extortion then those in power have no business being our government!

Secondly, I cannot speak for the opposition or the Masterbuilders Association as to why they did not complain when the original plan was to use borrowed money. You would have to ask them about that. I limit my objection to the use of a Chinese company for this huge project without giving Jamaican firms the chance at it first when it is our money paying for it. As to the argument about a lack of expertise advanced by the government, expertise can be hired by Jamaican firms.

China specializes in 'being there' for countries that nobody else wants to deal with simply because they know that such countries become vulnerable to economic take over and domination. China is not being 'kind' to us. Any project or investment in Jamaica done by the Chinese has benefitted China already or will benefit them in the future through the goodwill created. To allow Jamaican companies to compete with Chinese companies through a process of open tender is not 'kicking' China to the kerb. Jamaican companies would never get such preferential treatment for projects in China from the Chinese government and we would not expect it either. This project is being paid for by Jamaican money, Jamaican companies should at least get a chance to compete on a project in Jamaica paid for by Jamaicans.

Contrary to what you wrote, this is not a proud moment in Jamaica. If anything, it is quite the opposite. We are admitting that our government cannot regulate the construction industry and that we are irreparably inefficient and corrupt. That is nothing to be proud about.

Raymond D. Grant

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