JPC Intensifies Drive to Improve Productivity

The Jamaica Productivity Centre (JPC) will be intensifying its drive to inculcate a productivity culture among Jamaicans, during National Productivity Awareness Week from October 7 to 11.

Executive Director of the JPC, Dr. Charles Douglas, informed that the fifth annual observance under the theme: ‘Productivity: Pathway to Competitiveness and Growth’ forms part of strategies to heighten awareness of the importance of productivity among all stakeholders, and the wider Jamaican populace.

“The JPC continuously promotes the importance of productivity through various activities, which is a key factor in order to move the country forward. We believe that the week’s observance will create greater understanding of what productivity really means to Jamaica, which will, in turn, lead to sustained improvement in our standard of living,” Dr. Charles pointed out.

The JPC Executive Director, who was addressing a Think Tank held on September 24 at the Jamaica Information Service’s (JIS) head office in Kingston, pointed out that a culture of productivity benefits all aspects of life, and will result in improved income, and better working conditions and job quality.

Importantly, he stated that if labour productivity is to be enhanced and sustained, trade unions and organisation management must pay keen attention to continuous training of employees and the operations management systems; and improving physical working conditions, and interpersonal relationships in the workplace.

The week-long celebration includes an opening ceremony to be held on October 7 at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston; a secondary school poster competition; expositions; and a two-day conference from October 8 and 9 at the Jamaica Pegasus.

Supporting organisations include: the Heart Trust/NTA, Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ), Ministry of Industry, Investment, and Commerce, the Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH), Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO). National Housing Trust (NHT), Office of the Utilities Regulation (OUR), Sagicor, GraceKennedy Company Limited, and Digicel.

The JPC, which falls under the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS), serves as the organisation for promoting productivity and providing related products and services, to facilitate and sustain productivity at the national, sectoral, and enterprise levels.

Established in April 2004, the JPC is a tripartite organisation involving the Government of Jamaica, the Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions (JCTU), and the Jamaica Employers Federation (JEF).

For more information on National Productivity Awareness Week activities, persons can contact the JPC at 922-1590 or visit their website at www.jpc.com.jm.