Gov’t to Provide More ICT Space

More than 600,000 square feet of new office space will be provided over the next five years as the Government moves to provide facilities for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) services.
“This is the movement that we are heading towards for the future,” said Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Karl Samuda.
He was addressing the official opening of the American-owned Salary.com Jamaica Limited yesterday (Aug.13), at the Montego Bay Free Zone in St. James.
Minister Samuda said he was happy to observe that 95 per cent of space in the free zone was dedicated to the ICT industry.

Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Karl Samuda, addresses the official opening of Salary.com Jamaica Limited yesterday (Aug.13), at the company’s Montego Bay Free Zone location in St. James.

He said that the Government is placing increased focus on ICT as part of the development effort, including providing computer training for students as early as the basic school level.
Observing that some 95 per cent of the Canadian population is computer literate, the Minister said, “until we get there, whatever is being attempted will be frustrated.”
“That is why the Government is placing so much emphasis on getting it started at the basic school level so that by the time a child reaches the high school stage, they would have all the knowledge and skills to create programmes of their own and make the kind of contribution to companies within the ICT sector, that will move the economy forward,” he added.
The Minister, in the meantime, commended Salary.com, noting that the company is strategically placed to assist the small business sector to enhance their operations at affordable costs.
“The opening of this facility is a true expression of confidence in the future of our country and I officially welcome you to our shores. We support you and assure you that the Government of Jamaica is in your corner and we look forward to a long and productive relationship,” Minister Samuda stated.
Salary.com Jamaica Limited is a leading provider of on-demand compensation, payroll and talent management solutions, which is aimed at helping businesses and individuals manage pay and performance.

Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Karl Samuda (2nd l) participates in the official opening of Salary.com Jamaica Limited yesterday (Aug.13), at the company’s Montego Bay Free Zone location in St. James. Others (from l) are: Vice President of Salary.com, Nick Camelio; Senior Vice President of Sales, Teri Shipp; and General Manager, Debra Fraser.

The company was opened in the Montego Bay Free Zone in November 2008 and employs an all-Jamaican staff of 40.