Jamaicans in the Diaspora Urged to Seek Opportunities for Investment

Deputy Chairman of the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), Earl Jarrett, has called on nationals in the Diaspora, to become proactive and recognise and seek the opportunities for investment in Jamaica, for their own wealth creation, as well as for the development of the nation’s economy.
The long term development plan, he said, is to position Jamaica as a developing country by 2030, with infrastructure to become a prime location to live, work, raise families and do business.
Mr. Jarrett was speaking at the ‘Diaspora Night’, of the Annual Area Blitz, hosted by the Jamaica Hotel and Tourism Association (JHTA), on September 15, at Gulfstream Park in Hollywood, Florida.
Titled ‘Come Home to Jamaica’, the one week event, in collaboration with the JTB, is expected to market Jamaica, through its tourism, and financial and investment services.
Speaking about investing in Jamaica, Mr. Jarrett cited developments taking place in the nation’s infrastructure, including tourism, transportation, entertainment and agriculture. Other potential changes would become apparent, he said, and urged persons to be aware of the process of development taking place in their island home.
For example, in the transportation sector, he spoke of the extensive renovation of the road network, that would eventually create easier channels for movement of persons, business and agriculture and accessibility to rural communities across the island.
He also mentioned renovation of the island’s two airports and port facilities, and the range of services stemming from the tourist industry, that would also create opportunities for investment in the service industry.
Mr. Jarrett also pointed to the general improvement taking place in the Government’s service agencies, saying they are more efficient and user friendly.
On the Jamaican Diaspora, he said that nationals in overseas communities represented a valuable resource base, that could contribute to the wellbeing and prosperity of the nation’s economy. To this end, he encouraged persons to seize the opportunity to build Jamaica through sound, economic investment.
Speaking to the challenges being faced by the nation at this time, Mr. Jarrett said that Jamaica is being affected by other global issues, among them oil increases. “Regardless of whatever happens globally, Jamaica is positioned to take off,” he argued.
A range of items showcasing the island’s tourism products are being exhibited by the JTB, Air Jamaica Limited, the JHTA, and several others representing hoteliers, tour operators and attractions, as well as the Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS), of which Mr. Jarrett is General Manager.