I want to clarify here ...the issue of SUSTAINABILITY for Jamaica's economy.
 
It's not just about growing bamboo, cane or hemp.
 
It's not a matter of crops alone....but what these natural crops can provide Jamaica in the demand for "green"  as well as manufacturing / industrial side of economic success.
 
Examples =
 
Bamboo has been growing in popularity in the sustainable fabrics fashion industry as well as for everyday textiles for sheets, towels and robes. The attention is due to its potential for environmental friendliness combined with its luxuriously soft feel, flowing drape, and other properties.
 
Bamboo makes wonderful clothing and bedding material. Bamboo fabric is comfortable, very breathable, moisture-wicking, fast drying, thermal regulating, and anti-static, so it doesn’t cling. Bamboo fiber absorbs and evaporates perspiration quickly.
 
These are the benefits of bamboo as a fabric:
Bamboo is naturally anti-bacterial, which simply means it resists the growth of bacteria on the fiber. This quality is found in the finished product, allowing it to resist the growth of bacteria that causes odors even after numerous washings.
 
Further......
 
The use of biodegradable packaging is thankfully on the rise, due to consumers becoming better informed and more concerned about their environmental responsibility. Many restaurants, including fast food chains have changed their packaging and
 disposable paper goods into recycled or recyclable materials.
 
Did you know that biodegradable paper products are now being made from sugar cane?
 
In the manufacturing process of turning sugar cane into sugar, a by-product is created. This sugar cane by-product is called bagasse. This leftover product is pulped and bleached using environmentally safe materials. Now the bagasse is ready to be woven into various types of paper products.
 
Bagasse is a high-yield, renewable resource which averages about 3 harvests per year. This product, which for centuries has simply been "thrown away", is now cleverly being put to use to manufacture products which consumers use endless amounts of every day.
 
What types of products can be made from this sugar cane process? Napkins, paper towels, plates, bowls and copy paper .
 
Hemp is yet another eco friendly plant providing a billion dollar industry. The following link will provide an array of uses.
 
http://www.ecomall.com/biz/hemp.htm
 
Putting this into play......lets take towels for instance.....made in Jamaica w/ bamboo or hemp....the product sold to the islands hotels +.
 
IMO this is what Jamaica needs to look at for their successful future.
 
That IMF loan needs to be put to good use.
 
 

The drastic need for ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION in Jamaica is crucial.
 
From strip mining to recycling.
 
Plastics are literally killing wildlife......view link of baby albatross w/ plastic contents in their systems
http://www.chrisjordan.com/current_set2.php?id=11
 
Plastics are choking the shorelines in addition to the dangerous chemicals leaching into the sea and onto shoreline.
 
Education is a key factor on this front to change consumers habits.

Places like Jamaica can easily become the dumping ground for many developed nations. Because of our heavy urbanization we do not even see the damage first hand until too late. Simple things like our aquired love for packaged foods and no concern for its container disposal, is creating an environmental nightmare that could destroy the very natural beauty of the country.  
 
Jamaica also gets a lot of second hand technology, like used computers, 'deportee' cars and the like that fuels the decline. Encouraging people to clean up, dispose garbage properly, banning substances harmful, policing  and recycling will go a long way to preventing the decay. Environmental protection has to be a new focus of all.

Current fishing practices and protection laws in place need to be better enforced on the island.
 
How many illegal lobsters caught in off season?
 
Many , many, many , many.
 
Crucial sustainability issue.