Monique Hepburn, News Editor
Casserly
WESTERN BUREAU:
BY YEAR-END, service-driven companies operating in Jamaica's free zones will be able to benefit from tax-exemption schemes currently enjoyed by companies engaged in manufacturing.
Minister of Industry, Technology, Energy and Commerce, Phillip Paulwell, on Friday issued a firm commitment to the operators of call centres and other entities, that the long-awaited amendment to the Free Zone Act will be carried out.
"There has always been an issue with auditors that the rules concerning free zones be crystal clear," the minister said. "Cabinet had long approved the amendment, but the process has taken us longer than we expected."
"Manufacturing companies are allowed to operate tax free but by the end of the year, this will now be extended to those companies who offer services as well."
Following a tour of three companies (e-Services, Vista Print and ACS) in the Montego Bay Free Zone, Minister Paulwell told their representatives that the Government would be pursuing a new thrust, billed 'Growth with Stability', in the information and communication technology (ICT) industry.
He commented that in light of the continued decreases in telecommunications rates, as well as increased capacity, which has been boosted through true redundancy, there will be a move to assist existing companies in their efforts to expand as well as to attract new investors.
"We have seen expansion in our telecommunications and greater ability in terms of broadband. We now have true redundancy so that if one company is down, there is another company to fill the breach."
"Our telecom costs are falling 50-70 per cent and there is tremendous capacity in Jamaica at this time. e-Services, for example, is now managing more calls per day than a number of countries in the region."
Patrick Casserly, e-Services boss, commended Mr. Paulwell for the support given to the ICT sector.
"It is very important that we get the legislative framework in place to secure our expansion," said Mr. Casserly. "I have always felt that the Government has always supported this industry, but it is now for us to educate the public on the benefits generated from this industry."
