What economic growth?

KINGSTON, Jamaica - The Government is correctly preoccupied with what it calls "the growth agenda", and has been telling the country that there will be growth in the immediate future. This is not likely, and there is no gain in talking optimistically about the imminence of economic growth. That kind of talk must be reserved for assuaging speculation, as would be necessary to maintain stability and confidence in financial markets, but does nothing to promote economic growth. In addition, it could be politically damaging to the Government if it does not materialise and raises questions of credibility. A realistic pronouncement would inform the public that stabilisation is a prerequisite for economic growth, but that there are other variables such as the state of the global economy.