Cabinet Approves Economic Advisory Council

Cabinet has endorsed the establishment of an Economic Advisory Council to advise the Minister of Finance and Planning, Hon. Dr. Peter Phillips, on financial and economic issues, which will promote growth and development in the country.

The Council will comprise former Financial Secretaries, Collin Bullock and Shirley Tyndale; and Economist, Dennis Morrison.

“Cabinet was informed that the economic challenges facing Jamaica at this time were considerable and would require informed and timely implementation of suitable remedial measures,” Minister with responsibility for Information, Senator the Hon. Sandrea Falconer, told journalists at the weekly Jamaica House press briefing, held at the Office of the Prime Minister, on April 4.

Meanwhile, Cabinet also approved the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Government and Canada, to establish a Canadian operational support hub in Jamaica.

“This hub will enable the Canadian government, through its military (the Canadian Force), in collaboration with our Jamaica Defence Force, to provide logistical support to operations throughout Latin America and the Caribbean,” the Information Minister explained.

She pointed out that the operations of the hub would be consistent with the policies and laws of Jamaica, and would include peacekeeping, humanitarian, development, and disaster relief.

“Cabinet was also advised that the government of Canada has routinely deployed Canadian forces across the world to offer humanitarian assistance and other support. For the Canadians, the most effective and efficient way of providing this support is through a network of operational support hubs, allowing for easy airlift of sea and air assets in response to crises covered by the hub,” Minister Falconer outlined.

“It’s not a military force that’s going to occupy,” the Minister emphasised.

By Alphea Saunders, JIS Senior Reporter