By Caribbean Premier League,Gordon Laughlin

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Our society’s heavy reliance on imports and limited focus on local production has fostered dependence, complacency, and inflationary pressures. This dependence has dampened innovation and created a culture where affordability and self-sufficiency are often sidelined.

The solution is to allow the currency to fluctuate freely according to market forces. When demand aligns with affordability, the currency will find its true value, encouraging both consumers and producers to adapt accordingly.

Such an approach can incentivise local industries to innovate, diversify, and produce goods and services that meet domestic needs, thereby reducing our import dependency over time.

While this transition may be challenging for some, especially those at the lower end of the spectrum, it is a necessary hardship for longer-term economic resilience.

Like immigrant communities in host countries historically demonstrating resilience through hard work and smart decision-making, our society must adopt a similar mindset—embracing effort, innovation, and strategic change.

This shift will require strong policy frameworks, support for local entrepreneurs, and community buy-in. Ultimately, respecting market dynamics and fostering a culture of self-reliance will help restore our economic balance, build resilience, and unlock sustainable growth for the nation.