PM Calls for Partnerships in Growth Thrust

Prime Minister the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, is emphasising the need for partnerships in the Government’s growth thrust, stating that the welfare of Jamaicans will remain a priority in the process.

“It is a partnership where we work together and the benefits of the partnership will be shared equitably and fairly.  You have a role to play in growth and we are bringing you in at the table,” he said.

Mr. Holness was addressing the launch of the Economic Growth Council (EGC) and the appointment of Michael Lee-Chin as the entity’s Chairman during a ceremony on Wednesday (April 27) at the Office of the Prime Minister in Kingston.

The Prime Minister said the establishment of the Council is aimed at creating the framework for sustained growth and economic development.

He noted that now that the country has established a set of policies for fiscal discipline, there needs to be a strategy in place for economic growth which outlines “what to do, how to do it, who is responsible for it, who will be held accountable for it and so we are building that out now.”

“We take the view that we have to start this process of institutionalising economic growth as a settled strategy/policy that Government will pursue,” he added.

The Prime Minister said that one of the building blocks in the growth architecture is the Office of the Prime Minister joined with the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, which encompasses many of the technical experts.

The EGC will advise the Government on the adoption of a framework to facilitate economic growth, following consultations with stakeholders from sectoral groups both locally and abroad.

Once the growth initiatives have been adopted by the Government, the Council will be tasked to support and monitor their implementation across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.

The Council is also mandated to update the Prime Minister on the progress in attaining these initiatives and also report to the Jamaican people.

The body is tasked with supporting the Government in securing investments for Jamaica.