Cheaper Energy Urgent Imperative of Growth Agenda – PM

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller, says cheaper energy is an urgent imperative of the country’s growth agenda.

She emphasised that the country has to seek the best, most efficient and effective solutions to its energy problems, while explaining that conservation is also a critical element.

The Prime Minister was making her contribution to the 2013/14 Budget Debate in the House of Representatives, on Tuesday, April 30.

[Read the Prime Minister’s 2013-14 Budget Presentation]

Mrs. Simpson Miller said that the Offices of the Prime Minister and the Cabinet, in partnership with the Ministry of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining, have undertaken an energy conservation programme, which has resulted in electricity consumption levels being the lowest they have been in the last two years at the main office.

She added that similar energy efficiency and energy cost saving measures were also introduced during the past six months at the National Housing Trust, Development Bank of Jamaica, King’s House, Bureau of Standards, the Civil Aviation Authority, Jamaica Information Service and the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.

“On the supply side, my mandate to the Energy Minister, Hon. Phillip Paulwell, is thatno viable energy option must be ruled out as we seek to diversify our fuel mix. Bold decisions have been and will continue to be taken as we go for growth and unleash our full potential,” Mrs. Simpson Miller said.

The Budget presentation was made under the theme: ‘Going for Growth and Development, Unleashing our Full Potential’.

By Latonya Linton, JIS Reporter