President of the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ), Beverley Lopez.
THE PRIVATE Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) wishes the nation a successful and prosperous 2006. As we reflect on the past year, it was a time of both progress and immense challenges. During 2005, the Jamaican economy was affected by the effects of severe weather conditions, along with increased costs for gasoline, transportation and utilities. Violent crimes continue to affect us all, taking the lives of far too many of our citizens and significantly impeding the nation's growth. During the year, the PSOJ focused the attention of the political directorate, and the entire nation, on this vital issue. The Reclaim Jamaica Crime Forum, the Stand for Jamaica Rally, the launch of the Jamaica Crime Fund and the signing of the Code of Conduct were all critical initiatives for the PSOJ. It is our fervent desire that, as a country, we must begin to realise greater progress in the fight against crime and a more just society.
Job creation helps to alleviate poverty and helps to build essential skills for the advancement of our economy. For 2005, the PSOJ/Cable & Wireless Jamaica monthly Job Creation awards programme, recognised and honoured thirty-three companies which, through expansion, have created new employment opportunities or have provided jobs for well over forty years. The PSOJ is supportive of initiatives to provide greater access to credit, especially for small and micro businesses, as it is through these areas, that employment opportunities will be created.
FIGHT AGAINST CRIME
We will continue our efforts to support the fight against crime, to focus on education which recognises the skills sets required by the private sector and to ensure the economic security of all our citizens. As citizens of Jamaica, we need to work together to demonstrate a spirit of resolve and unity, build a culture of service, citizenship and responsibility which helps to strengthen our country and to offer hope. As 2006 unfolds, let us encourage all Jamaicans to be mindful of our blessings and to reaffirm our commitment to achieve peace and prosperity for all.
Let us seek to gain wisdom from the past in order to face the future with courage. 2006 promises to be an active year, starting with the partial implementation of the CSME. We encourage the private sector to take full advantage of the new regulations that allow for free movement of capital, human resources and the right to establish businesses in other Member States. The CSME is expected to safeguard the economic development of CARICOM Member States, improve the standard of living of the CARICOM national and also to increase the competitiveness of CARICOM businesses while enhancing the prosperity and growth of the region. Current developments in multilateral trade and recent cuts in sugar and banana prices have further strengthened the need for a regional single market and economy.
The imminent retirement of the Most Honourable P.J. Patterson from representational politics, following that of former Leader of the Jamaica Labour Party, the Most Honourable Edward Seaga, brings to a close a political era in Jamaica. We wish them well as they move on to new chapters in their lives. It is our hope that new leaders will bring a fresh outlook and renewed vigour to address the critical issues which faces our nation.
In March 2006, the PSOJ will celebrate its 30th anniversary and will be hosting a number of celebratory events in recognition of this noteworthy milestone. Since its inception, the PSOJ has provided an effective means through which to lobby the government for policies and programmes beneficial to the private sector. The Organisation is fully committed to fostering unity and co-operation within the sector as a whole and continues to channel its resources to alleviate the economic and social problems of our country.
Let us as Jamaicans join in ushering this New Year with resilience and renewed hope. On behalf of the private sector, we wish you all a productive and happy 2006.
"A Peaceful and Prosperous Nation is our Priority"
