We have all at one point or another
heard the phrase ‘less is more’ used in some sales pitch, promotion, or
advertisement. This catchy phrase also pops up in situations where overdoing
something is discouraged and in some cases frowned upon.
Situations where the one(s) guilty
of the overdoing usually do so because the particular situation is a new one
and there is a lack of experience in dealing with whatever the subject matter
is.
Over the past few years, we here in
The Cayman Islands have witnessed phenomena where less is definitely more, but
with very negative results. This phenomenon is actually the single most
important problem facing our islands today.
I am specifically referring to the
relationship between our decreasing expat population (less), increasing number
of unemployed Caymanians (more) and the explosion in crime that has resulted
(more). This cause and effect relationship has become quite apparent to all who
possess the slightest bit of sense and is most noticeable in the financial
services sector where sometimes the existence of one expat equates to multiple
job opportunities for Caymanians. All but the most stubborn of us now realise
that when we had more expats we had less unemployed Caymanians and less crime.
I would therefore like to take this
opportunity to implore all of my fellow voters who also recognise this problem
to contact the MLAs who represent their district, and ask them to please work
together to educate their constituents, parents and children alike with regards
to what makes our consumption based economy work.
Suggest to them to have public
meetings, maybe even create a permanent website, to use examples(especially
from the financial services sector) that show why having certain expats here
results in jobs and business opportunities for Caymanians and that it needs to
be simple enough for even our children to understand. I say this because if our
children understand how our economy works from now, our country stands a far better
chance of never finding itself in this difficult situation again. We have to begin
thinking long term!
The result of this will be the
empowerment of our people with knowledge and it will allow our MLAs to stop
being overly concerned about the votes of certain constituents who apparently
do not understand what is needed to make our economy successful. Our MLAs can
then focus on their true purpose of instituting policies that will strengthen
our economy and put Caymanians back to work without having to worry about
political backlash.
However, I would like to emphasise
to our leaders that they cannot wait for the educational process to be
completed before they start making the necessary decisions, especially the ones
affecting the ‘less is more’ relationship mentioned above.
I honestly believe that our MLAs
already know what decisions are necessary with regards to this issue and many
other important ones affecting our country, and time is not on our side. The
sooner these decisions are made, the sooner we can see positive results. The
effects of which, combined with the educational campaign, will unify all of us
behind the common goal of long term prosperity for us, our children and many
generations to come.
Lastly, to all my fellow
Caymanians, especially those in their teens, 20s, and even 30s; think long term
and you will be successful before you know it!
Noel March
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