I have lived and visited many countries; however, the longest I have lived in any country is Canada.
Based on the politics of many of these countries, it would seem that the opposition (local/municipal, provincial or Federal/National; using the Canadian model) makes grandiose, expensive promises. They also fail to provide a clear vision, and attainable goals to achieve those visions
When they do get elected, the first words of proclamation are along these lines as follows:
- There is no money left from the previous administration
- We need to raise taxes
- We need to borrow more money to fulfill our obligations ( the promises)
- We have to postpone the implementation of most of the promises until the last year in our mandate.
- There is no mention of any attainable vision.
In the recent Jamaica election process, the then opposition party (now duly elected) promised “FREE” tuition. Now there are reports surfacing that the deficit is large.
Please refer to this article
http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/html/20070907T220000-0500_127132_OBS_____B_DEFICIT_FACES_NEW_GOV_T_.asp
There was a similar (almost identical) situation in Ontario, Canada, when the Liberals were voted in four years ago.
This sounds like déjà vu.
Prior to the voting AND debates there was a discussion about this very topic of “Free” tuition.
The Jamaica Labour Party..again and again..with free education
http://jamaicangirl2007.wordpress.com/2007/07/
I refer to the below listed article in the Jamaican Observer, and ask.
-Can there be “FREE” tuition in Jamaica?
-Can Jamaica afford “Free” tuition?
-What are the pitfalls/alternatives if Jamaica does not have “Free” tuition?
A little too late, is much too late -- German Proverb
Walk Good
3 comments:
Can i just say that I predicted what was in the Observer today but didn't realise it would materialise so quickly? I had to call a colleague of mine who is doing post grad studies like myself and have a good laugh. I knew this would happen! This is why the PNP was saying all along that they would not abandon the cost sharing scheme. I am dying to hear how this plays out. School opens on Monday and most parents who had paid the fees want a refund NOW as promised. The ones who have not paid do not plan to pay and the schools are asking them to pay...what a confusion!
Hi JG
It is sometimes humble to be right, but in this case (seeing that it was discussed on your blog BEFORE the elections)it is gratifying to know that you DID look at the issues.
I hope after the euphoria of installing the new PM, that all this will be rectified.
Well said.
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