Prime Minister Launches LEDSP in St. Ann

The Local Economic Development Support Programme (LEDSP) of the Social Development Commission (SDC) was launched by Prime Minister, the Most. Hon. Portia Simpson Miller on May 7 in Ocho Rios, St. Ann.

Under the LEDSP, the Prime Minister said promotion of the micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) sector will be given priority.

“That is why the Government has been placing emphasis on this area to secure economic growth, create jobs and positively transform the lives of our people. We know that small enterprises face a range of challenges. Most are under-resourced and have difficulties accessing the necessary finances. We have consistently put programmes in place to assist the MSME sector,” she noted.

The Prime Minister lauded the efforts of the SDC at community development, noting that Jamaica’s first economic development support programme was launched as far back as 1935 when Jamaica Welfare was established by the late National Hero, the Rt. Excellent Norman Manley.

She said the mission of Jamaica Welfare is being continued through the work of the SDC, which forms a critical part of Jamaica’s Vision 2030 national development goals.

“Today the SDC is continuing that mission to empower the population, so that all can participate in an integrated, equitable and sustainable national development process. People participation is critical to Jamaica achieving its national development goals. The first goal set out in the Vision 2030 national development plan is that all Jamaicans will be empowered to achieve their fullest potential,” the Prime Minister noted.

She pointed out that operators of 27 community businesses who attended the launch of the LEDSP is a signal of support for the development and growth of the nation.

The Prime Minister encouraged business leaders to undertake capacity development programmes, aimed at ensuring that their ventures grow from strength to strength.

Highlighting the goals of the LEDSP, Mrs. Simpson Miller said it is positioned to be an important contributor to creating sustainable livelihood.

“It is doing this in communities while increasing the pace of economic growth in the country. It aims to bring new persons opportunities and neglected areas into the mainstream of the productive and developmental process,” the Prime Minister explained.

Mrs. Simpson Miller said the SDC will be developing a data base that will serve as a hub for networking among the partners, with the ultimate goal being increased benefits to the citizens from an expanded local economy, which improves the quality of life for all.