The decision facing Jamaica and China in
determining the location of the proposed "Very Large Ships Port" is
one that will set the foundations of relationships between the two countries in
years to come. So it would be prudent not to rush such a decision and look
carefully at worthwhile alternatives.
So far we have only heard of one option
being seriously considered- that of the Goat Islands. One can see some of the
initial attractions of this location. It is a "green-field" site (not
so good if you are a concerned environmentalist) which means it will be easy to
clear the land and erect the buildings without having to consider any
resident people and associated issues.
If China wants to embark on an
all-inclusive / exclusive arrangement this is a good option. It would be free,
ostensibly, to do as and what it wants to do in a secure, ring-fenced setting.
It could almost "sanitise" itself from direct unwanted attention from,
and engagement with, the wider Jamaican society.
However this is a short term view with
limited positive upsides and risks of major failings in future years. We are
already witnessing the fallout between parts of the local Jamaican society
and the Chinese with regards to a lack of environmental sensitivity and
consideration about Goat Island. Furthermore if the Chinese are providing,
deliberately or unintentionally, a competing system to traditional world
maritime trade then there is a risk that a Goat Island venture could become a
failed white elephant in the not too distant future.
So let us consider an alternative - building
the proposed port WITHIN the Kingston Harbour. Use the opportunity to
economically regenerate vast sections of
downtown Kingston - that should appeal to politicians with constituencies
located there!! Utilise the existing abandoned tracts of land and clear some
with derelict buildings to place this new port on the water front west of the
existing New Ports East and West. Engage the local downtown Kingston communities
in the construction of the port initially and subsequently in as many aspects
of its operations as feasible.
Make the benefits of this infrastructural
development REAL to Kingston and its population. In locating this new port
close to existing ports it gives the Kingston ports "twin" operations
more flexibility whatever the future of maritime trade structure and hubs.
There will be multiplier effects too with the downtown economy as port and
other workers earning money will spend that income in their adjoining
communities. Crime and violence will diminish as unemployment will be
substantially reduced. Affiliated industries - many also maritime related -
will more likely take root in the waterfront areas and downtown communities who
will have a tangible stake in the success of this initiative. This could
contribute to a much needed revival of the entire water-front area and poorer
communities of downtown Kingston. It will have benefits that extend to the
tourism, cruise ships, leisure, heritage and other sectors.
The
message to the Chinese is - do they want to collaborate with us in Jamaica in
real and meaningful partnership on this project? There is so much we can all
benefit from with the successful implementation of an appropriate operational model.
Yes the Kingston Downtown Revival Model initially it will appear more
challenging and have more complexities than a Goat Island Green-Field site. But
the synergies and benefits of the former option far exceeds the latter and is
certainly more sustainable in the long run.
The Chinese have a long history of their
peoples enjoying successful relationships in collaborating with, and integrating into Jamaican
society.
This was epitomised in Tessanne Chin's
successful rendition on the USA TV show "The Voice" last week - personifying
what is possible when diverse communities work in harmony.
So, as she sang in that song, we too say to
the Chinese and Jamaican parties in this matter - "YOU GOT TO GET UP AND
TRY AND TRY AND TRY"
