Still Three Months Off

It may be a bit premature to make comment on it … but then, because of the importance with which it influences our daily existence and the current stress that we are all undergoing, what with the rising cost of living, we think it excusable to take an early look at this year’s upcoming Budget and what it could portend for the citizens of the country.
While our future has seemed, ever since last April, to be shaped by the four-hour-long presentation made by the late Sir John in the House – that has come to be dubbed “The Vision”” and was undoubtedly looked upon as the blueprint for future development on a long-term basis for the island – one cannot help but admit that the economic picture and atmosphere has changed somewhat since his delivery.
It is doubtful whether Sir John, even as visionary as he was, could have foreseen the enormous quantum leap upward that the prices of virtually everything upon which we depend on to survive, would have taken.
With that in mind, we know that even he, had he survived, would today have had to take second – and even third – looks at his projected figures and made appropriate adjustments to them.
There are obviously changes and modifications – some subtle … but undoubtedly some not so subtle – that will be called for, in order to somehow endeavour to follow his “vision”.
And who is to make them?

Do we have individuals of sufficient mettle, sufficient capability to take a look at what he set down and impose and implement their own imprint, their own vision in modification of his, in order to fit in with the current conditions?
Despite the various difficulties that the current administration has had to overcome throughout virtually all of last year, there seems to be emerging some who just may fit the bill.
Tourism for example, is apparently being set on a track whereby it is being called to amplify its effectiveness and provide the country with an ever-increasing economy-stimulating foundation. The plans for augmenting our capacity – in accommodation, in airlift and (in conjunction with the Planning and Housing ministries) in the attractiveness of the product to the overseas consumer – give reason for optimism in regard to that sector, our chief money-earner.
There is hope that, with the consistent aid being supplied by the Taiwanese government, that Agriculture too, may take a turn for the better … and bring us all a little closer to the goal of producing most of what we eat.
Those indicators are not only in themselves commendable, but tell us that, even after the passing of our late Prime Minister, there are those within the corridors of power who are showing the ability to adapt, adjust and modify their portfolios to react and make the most of what we have to work with, given the constantly-changing conditions.
Apparently, Vision did not pass away with Sir John, there are those left behind with the power to exercise some vision of their own.
And three months before we are told what direction our fortunes will take, that has to be considered a reassuring thought.