SAMUDA

MINISTER OF Industry, Investments and Commerce Karl Samuda has announced the establishment of a community-production enterprise.

The initiative, which falls under the Incubator and Community Production Enterprises Project, was announced during Samuda's contribution to the Sectoral Debate at Gordon House yesterday.

Encouraging production

Samuda, who opened the debate, said Government would be encouraging production by supporting small manu-facturers through the programme.

"If a micro-entrepreneur who is already in business can employ additional persons by getting access to an important piece of equipment, we could provide that individual with the equipment under a discounted lease-purchase arrangement," Samuda said.

The minister further explained that the person would be required to pay for the equipment, but if he defaults on payment, it would be repossessed. The person, Samuda said, would pay a discounted price for the good.

Proposed free zone

Meanwhile, Samuda gave Parliament a glimpse of his vision for a progressive Jamaica - the Caymanas Economic Free Zone.

The proposal, which is without cost and date guidelines, proposes to turn the section of Ferry, St Catherine, south of Mandela Highway, into a free zone.

Samuda's dream, which would be accommodated on 500 acres of land, would house numerous industries and clusters, which, he said, would contribute to the greater national development.

Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett will make his Sectoral Debate presentation today. West Portland Member of Parliament Daryl Vaz, who spoke yesterday, said that the minister will make an announcement which would make Portland "the playground for the rich and famous".