From left, Davies and Jarrett
JAMAICA HAS great prospects for economic and social growth, Finance Minister Dr. Omar Davies told the 2004 Jamaica National Building Social (JNBS)/Gleaner Company Limited-sponsored forum held on Thursday July 29, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The meeting aimed at providing members of the Jamaican diaspora with first-hand knowledge on issues of national importance and to offer tangible and realistic solutions.
The 2004 series, which focuses on development, investment and growth in the Jamaican economy, is the second in the series held since the start of the year; the first being in the New York Tri-state area in May. In his address to the Jamaican community there, Dr. Davies encouraged them to invest locally.
TREMENDOUS OPPORTUNITIES
While admitting that the Jamaican economy is being challenged by issues such as crime, debt and poverty, he said tremendous opportunities exist for economic and social growth at the regional and national levels. The establishment of the Caribbean Single Market & Economy (CSME) in 2005, he said, along with bilateral negotiations between CARICOM and the United States will offer a means of effectively addressing these issues. The CSME will offer free regional movement of capital, goods and services, growth in non-traditional and value added exports, encourage regional partnerships and harmonise economic, fiscal and monetary policies.
Dr. Davies also highlighted several international corporations that have already capitalised on opportunities for investment in Jamaica such as the French company's construction of a road network to link the major cities and towns, and the building of a chain of hotels to further strengthen the island's tourism product.
STIMULATE DIALOGUE
According to Earl Jarrett, general manager of JNBS, "The series is a successful public/private sector collaboration through which the Society can provide an avenue to stimulate dialogue at various levels on social and economic issues of national importance." This, he noted, is in keeping with the work of the Society at home. "JNBS sees itself as a facilitator in not only keeping the Jamaica Diaspora abreast of issues of national interest, but also in stimulating social development in Jamaica," he explained.
