GROUP MANAGING Director of Jamaica Producers, Dr. Marshall Hall is urging Government to encourage private sector enterprise development in depressed areas of the island.Dr. Hall, who was responding to his recent induction into the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) Hall of Fame at the Hilton Hotel in Kingston recently, says Government should foster this development by identifying enterprise zones in these areas and provide incentives for private businesses to operate.
"Say to the private sector: 'If, with prior business approval, you establish in these zones what you plan to do and your business survives, there should be some rationally structured tax incentive for short, well-defined periods of a few years," he says. Businesses must be successfully established first before incentives are paid.
He says this strategy will not merely offer support for start- up businesses, but will develop neglected areas across the country by providing a stable environment and a future for the young. He says this should put the country on course to use and develop many idle lands and empty factories in both rural and inner-city communities.
"I am suggesting that we look at the problem of depressed communities and try a bold and entrepreneurial solution. That solution involves getting businesses to locate in the heart of these communities."
13TH INDUCTEE
Dr. Hall is the 13th inductee into the PSOJ's hall of fame. The hall of fame is designed to honour Jamaican businessmen who have made significant contributions to the private sector and the island. The nominees are required to have served the private sector for at least 25 years.
President of the PSOJ, Beverley Lopez, says Dr. Hall was chosen for his best practices in leadership as group managing director of the Jamaica Producer's Group for 30 years and his contributions to the business community at large.
"His professionalism, high standards and strong work ethics are all traits to emulate," she said.
Under his stewardship, the Jamaica Producers group has suffered the ravages of three hurricanes: Hurricane Allan in 1980; Gilbert in 1988 and 'Ivan' last year. The hurricanes cost the banana industry several billion dollars in damage. 'Ivan' alone destroyed 100 per cent of standing crop and 95 per cent of maiden suckers.
The industry's vulnerability to natural disasters forced the company to diversify its products and include fresh juices and fresh produce as part of its export to the United Kingdom. This diversification has pushed up the industry's yearly revenue to US$80 million.
"Jamaican problems require Jamaican solutions. If we are to catch up, we have to try something different from the tactics of the countries we are trailing otherwise we will forever be behind," Dr. Hall says.
The company is currently on a move to strengthen the marketability and production of its new products. It recently struck a deal with the British government to support the development of their juice plant in South Wales. The plant currently employs 500 people and pays out $150 million in taxes yearly.
