New IMF Agreement will Inspire Confidence and Hope – PM

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller, said that the new agreement to be negotiated with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will provide a measure of confidence to the business community, while offering hope for the Jamaican people.

She was addressing the American Chamber of Commerce of Jamaica (AMCHAM) Speaker’s Forum Luncheon 2012, which was held Thursday Feb. 16 at the Ritz Carlton Golf Resort and Spa in Rose Hall, St. James.

The Prime Minister said that as the Government looks to provide real solutions and tangible opportunities for personal development and economic advancement, it will be seeking to forge partnership with all stakeholders including the private sector.

She argued that central to this new partnership is confidence, which will come when business leaders, investors and entrepreneurs, have a clear sense of direction. 

"That is one of the reasons why we are moving to put in place a credible medium-term macro-economic programme with the IMF,” she stated.

The Prime Minister lauded the work of AMCHAM in Jamaica, noting that the organisation has played a “tremendous role” in promoting business, trade and investment between the United States and Jamaica. “I know AMCHAM has been a solid and committed partner for over 25 years and I want to commend you,” she said.

She noted that AMCHAM's interests have not been confined to business, but includes enhancing the country’s social infrastructure and building the capacity of civic leadership.

She mentioned a social intervention project undertaken by the organisation in the Grant’s Pen community, which she said, resulted in the transformation of that area, with crime and violence significantly reduced.

“Since your intervention in this community, which was so important and so good, you would have noticed that we are not having the level of challenges in that area, and I want to commend you and also commend the people of Grant’s Pen,” she stated.

The Prime Minister urged the organisation's continued engagement in nation building for the years to come.

“In emphasising the importance of this new era of public-private partnership…I invite your renewed commitment and continued contributions to achieving the development goals for our country through renewed partnership, increased investments, expanded business alliances and commercial activities,” she stated.                                          

By Glenis Rose, JIS Reporter