Jamaica Productivity Centre Accelerates ‘Train the Trainer’ Programme

As part of efforts to reverse negative productivity trends, the Jamaica Productivity Centre (JPC) has accelerated its ‘Train the Trainer’ programme, while continuing to provide technical assistance services to small and medium enterprises.
Minister of State in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Andrew Gallimore, made the announcement yesterday (June 30), in his contribution to the 2009/10 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives
The ‘Train the Trainer’ programme, he explained, “is designed to increase the number of persons with the capacity of driving productivity improvement decisions. In this regard, the HEART Trust/NTA, the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC), and the Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions (JCTU) are already co-operating with the Centre.”
Mr. Gallimore also informed that the JPC has produced its first summary report of Jamaica’s productivity performance for the period 1972-2007. Work is currently ongoing to measure the performance of critical industries such as electricity, public transportation and water.
Meanwhile, the State Minister informed that there are still some significant challenges to improving productivity in Jamaica and these include: a lack of widespread awareness and understanding of productivity and its importance in national economic and social development; poor work culture, ethic and attitude; and the need for information on national, sectoral and industry productivity performance.
“I urge leaders in the public and private sectors to work with the board and management of the JPC to deliver the productivity gains so critical to our nation’s competitiveness and improvement in the living standards of our people,” Mr. Gallimore said.