Hybrid approach best suited for development

THE EDITOR, Madam:

I am writing with reference to the letter ‘Many rivers to cross Jamaica’, published in The Gleaner on December 24.

The phrase, many rivers to coss, was popularised by Jimmy Cliff as a song in 1969. The song portrays life’s struggles as “rivers” that must be crossed, with themes of resilience, loneliness, and preservation. Despite hardship and heartbreak, it’s ultimately a message.

So, no single development strategy, whether bottom-up or top-down, is considered the single “best” approach. Effectiveness depends heavily on context, such as the specific goals, available resources, and political environment. A “hybrid approach that combines elements of both” is recommended to balance strategic alignment with local realities. This is the power the government of Jamaica needs to push forward.

Thus, a “combined or hybrid approach” is widely considered the most effective way to foster robust and sustainable economic development. This involves top-down actors (governments, large institutions) setting a clear vision and providing a supportive regulatory framework, while empowering bottom-up actors (communities, small businesses, individuals, or entrepreneurs) to innovate and implement solutions based on local expertise and needs. Jamaica’s government will cross the “rivers”.

CARGILL KELLY