One-Stop Shop in Economic Growth Ministry

Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Hon. Daryl Vaz, says the Ministry will be making it a lot easier for persons to do business by creating a “one-stop shop” to cut bureaucracy.

Addressing the recent 55^th anniversary luncheon of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association in Ocho Rios, St. Ann, Mr. Vaz said the concept of the Ministry was born out of the need to create, under one umbrella, all the critical agencies needed to facilitate a speedier and clearer path to development and investments.

The Minister said he is mindful of how painstakingly long business interests have to wait for approvals to be processed, adding that the Ministry was created to “facilitate and not to frustrate”.

“Our ultimate goal is to eliminate the running around and the unnecessary delays in various approvals.  We want the approval process to be smooth and as quick as possible, so you can get your projects off the ground and in a reasonable time,” Mr. Vaz added.

He noted that one of his primary roles is to ensure that the business climate is investor friendly, where Government is seen as a partner rather than an adversary.

Mr. Vaz emphasised that while the turnaround time will be much quicker, “we still have to do the proper due diligence and ensure there are adequate checks and balances.”

The Minister said that all the business indicators worldwide have been showing that this is the best chance Jamaica will ever have to achieve growth, and it is imperative that the opportunity is not wasted.

“The timing is impeccable and we have to seize the moment. I can tell you that as Minister, I will not be taking my eyes off the ball as this is one time we cannot afford to lose,” he said.

Mr.  Vaz pointed out that areas that fall under the Ministry are economic planning and monitoring, investment promotion, agro business, factory construction, logistics hub, small business and special economic zones development.