Spanish Investment will Help Take us Through this Difficult Economic Period..Says PM Golding

Prime Minister Bruce Golding, says Spanish investment in Jamaica is part of what will help take the country through this difficult economic period. He said if there was any doubt, then the society should pause and contemplate what Jamaica’s situation would be today, if the Spanish entrepreneurs were not as active and aggressive as they are, in keeping those flights coming with tourists to the island.
Mr. Golding was speaking this afternoon (Dec 4) at the Seawind Key Investments Commemoration Ceremony for the construction of two upscale resorts- The Secrets St James and Secrets Wild Orchid. The resorts are being erected on the peninsula of the Montego Freeport in Montego Bay, St. James. They consist of two- 350-suites representing a total investment of US$185-million, funding for which is being provided by the Spanish investors and the National Commercial Bank.
Mr. Golding said projects like these are seen as a contribution to the island’s development and he urged more Spanish investors to come to Jamaica. He said Jamaica faced many challenges but the enormity of those challenges made him support investments of this nature.
The Prime Minister noted that many industries including tourism, manufacturing and the agricultural sector, are under great economic stress, and they have called for Government intervention. He said Cabinet is considering a number of initiatives which he hopes to present shortly as it is important to sustain these critical sectors through these challenging times.
Mr. Golding said Jamaica will have to weather this storm but the greater focus will be on the rebound and the recovery and on the things that need to be done now.
“We have to focus on the investments that need to be made now, the plans that need to be put in place now…to ensure that when the world begins to ride out of the crisis.because it will. this is not a life sentence…we want to make sure we position Jamaica so we can be at the head of the line when the recovery begins”, Mr. Golding said.
He commended and welcomed the investors of Seawind Key Investors, noting that during a visit to Spain had given a commitment that the Government and people of Jamaica would always support the Spanish investors. He said Government is building Jamaica gradually as a preferred investment destination. “Jamaica wants to send a clear signal that we are not only open for business but that we are ready for business and we are anxious for business”.
Mr. Golding said Government is addressing some of the areas of bureaucracy and he is now satisfied that we are within reach to deliver the fast track development approval process that was promised and he is impressed with the work done so far. Minister of Tourism, Ed Bartlett in his address, said Jamaica’s tourism industry continues to hold its own despite the global economic challenges. He said the investment by the Spanish was well considered, and that their confidence was well placed in Jamaica.