Jamaica is among the larger islands in the Caribbean Sea. With a population of a little below three million, this tiny island is known for its culture and the athletic prowess of its people.Sadly, the island is also beset by troubling economic times with a dollar that struggles daily to save face against pretty much every other currency in the world. This is what has led leaders of the state to embark on a thrust to grow Jamaica.
This thrust involves cultivating and marketing local items. The plan is to sell these to locals and export some to foreign markets. The target effects of this is the creation of jobs, accumulation of revenue and reduction in the high import levels that the country now faces.
Some items that locals are being encouraged to produce are; cassava, ginger, bee products, coffee and bananas. The agricultural ministry offers help in terms of marketing and organization. It sets up boards to help the farmers with the marketing and technical aspects related to the project.
The program’s structure entails advertisements on television and radio stations as well as public sensitization sessions.Recently a controversial documentary entitled ‘Grow Jamaica’ was released. It focuses on the potential benefits of Hemp for the island’s economy. This is a part of thrusts by activists who propose the decriminalization of Marijuana.
Contrary to popular belief, marijuana, the source of hemp, is illegal in the country.Decriminalization of the plant for its many uses is an issue that has emerged in political and social forums in the country.Those who support decriminalization often point to the economic benefits of cultivating the plant.The often use the lucrative nature of the illicit trade in the plant as evidence of its economic viability.
Even though the country is facing a serious setback, there are efforts to resolve the problems. The grow Jamaica thrust is just one among the many methods that the country is seeking to use to free itself of the financial dilemma within which it is now embroiled.
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