Great Strides in Economic Reform

Minister with Responsibility for Public Service in the Ministry of Finance and Planning, Hon. Horace Dalley, says great strides are being made with respect to economic reform and public sector modernisation.

Making his contribution to the 2014/15 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives, on Tuesday, July 8, Mr. Dalley said among the areas where successes have been realised are the re-engineering of the public procurement regime; public sector transformation; and pension reform.

He noted also that the expected technological and legislative improvements at Customs; the improved gaming landscape being made possible through critical pieces of legislation and mergers; and the continued training of public sector workers to prepare them for work in a modern economy, are also of significance.

“The current gains in economic reform and public sector modernisation are being consolidated to position our country firmly into a modern economy, characterised by growth in all economic indicators; rapid evolution and adaptation of technological change; dynamic efficiency in public service delivery; increased productivity; and structural transformation,” said Mr. Dalley.

He further noted that achieving these five objectives is the vision of the current administration.

“This Government was elected to office to help steer this island into calmer seas and advance the hope for a brighter future for our people. We are working tirelessly to effect the critical reforms, thus ‘sleep’ is never an option,” Mr. Dalley assured.

The Minister said the country’s economic reform programme is therefore on track; growth has returned; and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) agreement is securely in place.

He argued that all Jamaicans must recognise that securing the growth and development of the country is a collective responsibility, for which all must unite.