‘5 in 4’ Growth Plan Will Benefit Poor and Vulnerable

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, says measures by the Government and the Economic Growth Council (EGC) to put Jamaica on a path of higher and sustained growth will benefit the poor and vulnerable.

The Council, which was launched in April, is committed to achieving five per cent growth in gross domestic product (GDP) in four years.

The Prime Minister said the eight initiatives for growth put forward by the EGC in its Call-to-Action speak to a system of financial inclusion, which will move persons from poverty to prosperity.

“If you look closely at the strategy, it takes into consideration elements that will include the poor, the dispossessed, the vulnerable,” Mr. Holness said.

The Prime Minister was speaking during a panel discussion and signing of a declaration of intent to implement the EGC’s growth plan, at the Courtleigh Auditorium, New Kingston on Monday (November 7).

“I am happy about the plan, as our mandate and our commitment is to the poor. It is about empowering people, ensuring that they have the access, that they have the amenities and the knowledge, through education, which gives them independence and freedom to realise their potential. This plan is pro-poor,” he stressed.

Mr. Holness expressed confidence in the ‘5 in 4’ growth plan, noting that the country is already reaping the rewards of the discipline from various sectors to maintain social order and cohesion as well as to improve the macroeconomic environment of the country.

“This Government will make sure that we are faithful to the sacrifice that the people have made. We deserve results. We are a great country. We will make Jamaica the place of choice, the centre of the Caribbean region for culture and lifestyle, trade and commerce, logistics, technology and information,” he said.

Mr. Holness said that through the roadmap of growth initiatives, and the Council’s engagement through quarterly updates, the public can help the Government remain faithful to the commitment of implementation.

The Prime Minister; EGC Chairman, Michael Lee-Chin; and Vice Chairman, Ambassador Dr. Nigel Clarke, used the ceremony to sign a declaration of intent with private-sector groups, unions and civil society, which underscores the Government’s commitment to the specific policies that fall under each growth initiative.

The measures put forward by the EGC include maintaining macroeconomic stability and pursuing debt reduction; improving citizen security and public safety; improving access to finance; pursuing bureaucratic reform to improve the business environment; stimulating greater asset utilisation; building human capital; harnessing the power of the diaspora; and to catalyse the implementation of strategic projects.