Global Hub Heads Investment Options Being Promoted in the U.S.

Development of the proposed global transshipment and logistics hub is one several potential investment opportunities being promoted among American investors by Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency Professor Stephen Vasciannie.

The hub’s development is being spearheaded by the Government of Jamaica to position the country to take advantage of an anticipated increase in maritime activities, consequent on the expansion of the Panama Canal, scheduled for completion in 2015.

Other potentially viable areas of investment being advanced by the Ambassador include: tourism, information technology, agriculture, and sports.

Addressing members of the Washington Inter-Governmental Professional Group (WIPG) at the Jamaican Embassy in Washington, D.C., recently, Professor Vasciannie said the Government of Jamaica is urging investors to explore and tap into the “myriad” of investment opportunities available under the hub’s development.

He pointed out that the initiative is a massive multi-million US dollar undertaking with several sub-projects, designed to enhance global trade.

Turning to the lotto scam, Professor Vasciannie gave the assurance that the government is doing everything to arrest this illicit activity.

“With the introduction of new legislation (among other provisions), this should not only make it clear that the government is serious about removing this scourge, but it will send a message to perpetrators that it is illegal,” he declared.

Professor Vasciannie told the over 50 attendees that the government has a five point plan to effectively curb the illicit activity. This includes: public education and awareness, increased enforcement, and enactment of new laws, among other inputs.

In her remarks US Congresswoman, Yvette Clarke, announced the re-establishment of the previously dormant Congressional Caribbean Caucus.

She disclosed that within the next few weeks, the Caucus will meet with representatives of the CARICOM Diplomatic Corps, Organization of American States (OAS), various Caribbean Diaspora groups, non-government organizations (NGOs), and the private sector to discuss issues impacting the Caribbean.

“I look forward to working with the Ambassador, and many of the Jamaican organizations in the Diaspora, to facilitate this initiative,” Ms. Clarke said.

The Washington Intergovernmental Professional Group comprises executive level professionals who meet periodically with key policy makers from the US Congress, federal agencies, the private sector, and diplomatic community for interaction and discussions on topical issues.

By Derrick Scott