Leave Goat Islands Alone: -4,000 Jobs + 4,000 Jobs = Zero Jobs!

The Goat Islands have become a topic of many discussions within the past few weeks. The location rose to fame when news surfaced that it was being considered to be one of the locations for the development of transshipment ports in Jamaica, as apart of the government’s plan to create a logistics hub to facilitate the efficiency and promotion of international trade and provide new and innovative economic opportunities for the country.

Dead Giveaway

However, despite how sugar coated the government has presented the idea, there are many citizens, lobby groups, and environmentalists that are not buying into the idea.

Recently, economist Dr. Andre Haughton offered his two cents on the issue, pleading for the government not to disturb the livelihood of 4,000 people to provide employment for another 4,000. He also expressed concerns over the long term ownership of the project and the nature of the work that will be done by locals.

“I think it is stupid to disrupt the livelihood of 4,000 people to provide employment for another 4,000. The hub must be negotiated as a value added for the country, and not just value added for the politicians.”

What are your thoughts on transforming Goat Islands into a transshipment port? Will it be a gift from heaven should it be pursued? Or a sin from hell? Sound off below.