In it's five-year strategic information technology plan, which can be downloaded at the Ministry of Commerce, Science & Technology's Web site (www.mct.gov.jm), the Government has made it clear that it intends to help facilitate and promote e-commerce, but has this really happened? Computers and computer parts are now taxable items, the telephone calls that are needed by most for Internet connectivity are now in a higher tax bracket, and a Jamaican-dollar (only) credit card still cannot be used for an online real-time purchase at any Web site.

FIVE-YEAR PLAN

Ministers Maxine Henry-Wilson, Phillip Paulwell and Burchell Whiteman, in their opening message of the five-year plan, stated that "Jamaica stands at the threshold of a golden opportunity. We can either act decisively and embrace it, or wait and be left behind."

With Forrester Research (www.forrester.com) recently announcing the results of a survey that estimated online sales (e-commerce) by United States companies of more than US$76 billion in 2002, one can't help but feel as though we are indeed being left behind.

Aside from having a specific advantage with its own natural resources, the Internet is probably the closest thing to a level and competitive playing field that a developing country such as Jamaica could have. The five-year plan highlights the important role of the Government in eliminating legislative, regulatory and administrative barriers for individuals and the private sector to take the lead with regard to e-commerce, but the pace at which this is being done undoubtedly helps to exaggerate the stereotypical image of the Jamaican Government as a slow-moving bureaucracy.

First and foremost, as it would with agriculture, tourism and other industries that are important to the country, the Government should look to foster entrepreneurial endeavours that use e-commerce as a base. The removal of the GCT on computers back in 2001 was a good step in that direction, but the subsequent change to this and other taxes is surely a blow to the dreams and goals of those who may seek to make a living in the cyber world.

SORELY LACKING

If taxes and financial incentives are not the means by which the Government is looking to foster e-business, then it should work to ensure that the legislative and administrative environment is greatly improved. In this regard, cyber laws and the facilitation of online real time transactions in Jamaican dollars are sorely lacking.

Summer is almost here, and with it will come a whole new batch of fifth and sixth form college and university graduates who will be looking to join the working world. Opportunities in traditional fields of employment are becoming fewer and far between, so it's important now more than ever before for the Government to create the best possible environment for e-business to be a serious and smart alternative.

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