Fear keeps TT behind rest of the world

THE EDITOR: Now that Uber has packed up and booked a ride out of town, we are left to answer the million-dollar question: why is TT so slow to adapt to new technologies?

So many of our local institutions and businesses still operate in an environment of stagnation, totally oblivious to what’s trending in the outside world and afraid to embrace the unknown.

How many of our local businesses offer online shopping and home delivery?

How many local organisations actually have a website and online presence on social media? Some of those that do have a presence online rarely update their sites and oftentimes are afraid of being criticised publicly.

The most successful company launches in recent history have all been technology related. Amazon, Facebook, Apple, Intel, Microsoft, Oracle and Google are just a few that come to mind.

How are we positioning ourselves in this new world? What adaptations have we made to our education system to encourage our young people to choose careers that will be relevant in ten to 20 years? What policies have we created to encourage local and even foreign entrepreneurs to set up shop on our soil and create jobs for the thousands of young people who graduate each year?

The real reasons for Uber’s departure may still not be fully known, but it is not too late for those in authority to find ways to embrace the new world and by extension diversify our economy away from our heavy dependence on the energy sector.

After all, the rest of the world is moving on without us.

STEVEN VALDEZ, Westmoorings