The number of CORONAVIRUS positive test in Jamaica has jump from 72 to 105. That number is expected to continue to increase as the government rump up testing. This big movement cause the authorities to lockdown a section of the country quickly.
Fear ,panic and uncertainty is everywhere even though the total lockdown is only in a section of the country in other words in one parish, St Catherine. The government is doing a fairly good job informing the people of what they are doing. Question asked in a zoom Q&A as to whether government could have handle the crisis better. The Prime Minister said now is not the time for that question he said we will have time in the future..
The economic slow down will be everywhere no country will be speared some will feel it harder than some and that will be the reality especially for countries like ours. Negril economy is 100% tourism and the hurt is going to be huge.
Global organization like the IMF is predicting big GDP decline. It should be note is that the growth in our was already going in the wrong direction before COVID19... All of our economy pillars have been hit eg bauxite , tourism, remittance and now BPO's (Business Processing Organizations) where the bulk of the positive tests have been found recently. The BPO SECTOR has been a shining light in Jamaica's Economy over the last few years.
http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/lead-stories/20200415/jamaican-economy-shrink-56-imf
Some expert think we should go to the IMF now before our economic situation deteriorate further. They argue that if we go now we should be able to get a better deal than if we wait until our finances and economic prospect is weaken further by the Coronavirus. They also said because we have been doing well as it relates to IMF PROGRAMES over the past seven (7) years they will be happy to help us maintain our good financials.
FARMING AND FISHING OUR BEST PROSPECT
As money, investment and business take their hit and thing slow down farming will take center stag in our life. Subsistence farming will become very important in the near future. I have lived at the sea side for many years. I am gonna have to learn to fish to supplement my farming in this new normal.
Big industrial level farming might become very expensive and supply is going to be a big factor because import is going to be sluggish.
In a few months I am hoping to have cannabis, banana, fish, callaloo in my back yard. I dont think this will be sufficient to my current life style. It will surely reduce my food and sacramental cost. I am hoping if I get it right I will be able to monetize. However monetization is definitely related to the return of tourism in a few months time. Is that likely? What will be the new normal for small business?
JAMAICANS THOUGHT WE HAD ESCAPE USA BLOCKADE
After reports that some Caribbean Countries was blocked from getting needed Coronavirus treatment and test kits Jamaicans were of the view that our friend USA would not do that to us..
Very challenging times, and so much uncertainty around the long-term outcome. I'm glad that you have some plan for yourself. Thank you for sharing news of what is happening in Jamaica,your Prime Minister skipped the question: ours does, too.
it made another just by 20 last night to 125 now
The Tests are a scam. Stay safe. Bless!
https://hive.blog/news/@luca1777/5g-and-corona-no-conspiracy-the-covid-19-testing-is-the-scam
beautiful photographs, Jamaica really is a blessed land and a part of tourism can focus on another important item such as agriculture, hopefully in God this crisis will pass soon and tourism can be activated again luck with its harvest ..
Great article man. I’m up to date on all regarding Covid in JA. I really hope this isn’t the new norm but some farming and fishing makes sense in any economic situation. That is a good move.