National Productivity Policy Being Crafted

The Government, through the Jamaica Productivity Centre, is working on a national policy for productivity.

The National Productivity Policy will set the foundation for Jamaica to have a productivity-centred workforce, where goods and services will be produced in keeping with international standards.

This was stated by Minister of State in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Zavia Mayne, during a National Youth Workshop at the Jamaica Conference Centre in downtown Kingston, on November 21.

“We recognise that it will not be an overnight achievement and that for this to be achieved, we must be prepared. The human capital, government policies and programmes, the upgrading and retrofitting of our places of work and a safe working environment are consequential to this achievement,” the State Minister said.

“This Administration is currently, and in a timely manner, addressing these issues, which, over time, will guarantee us the desired parameters we have been searching for to successfully use productivity as an instrument for growing the economy and, by extension, enhancing the quality of life of our people,” he added.

He said Jamaica for years has struggled with low levels of productivity, adding that a global approach that embraces all stakeholders in the society is being undertaken to improve this.

Meanwhile, the State Minister said the Government has brought the level of unemployment down to a “startling figure of approximately seven per cent”.

“Never in the history of this country has this ever happened. There is no doubt in my mind that in the not too distant future, Jamaica can achieve full employment,” he added.

Mr. Mayne said the Administration is cognisant that its efforts must be in sync with the global demand for jobs, adding that training must be done to meet world-class standards and symbolise the importance of productivity.

He argued that in any economy, the concept of productivity attracts attention, as it plays a fundamental role in shaping growth and development and impacts a country’s gross domestic product (GDP).

“The research has shown that every country that has realised appreciable progress in their standard of living, they did so by increasing their labour productivity or their output per worker,” he said.

Mr. Mayne reminded young persons that they have a significant role to play in the Government’s drive to enhance and improve productivity. He encouraged them to be innovative and acquire marketable skills.

The National Youth Workshop, which was held under the theme ‘Future Work: Realising Productivity Growth’, was organised by the Jamaica Productivity Centre, in partnership with the Sir Arthur Lewis Institute for Social and Economic Studies (SALISES).