The Jamaican Government should ensure that there is at least an increase in local jobs in return for providing any of the tax incentives listed above. In particular, the tax incentives should be directly tied to specific areas of job creation and  innovation.

In recent years, several Jamaican companies have used the Jamaica Stock Exchange as a source for business expansion capital. Using the equity market as a capital structure tool has allowed these firms to build capacity within the midst of the recession which started in 2008, and is, by many accounts, still on-going.

The challenge of development confronts us in every sphere of value-creating enterprise and endeavour in Jamaica. We ask why is it so difficult to get things done and to find competent people to engage in the process of development and wealth creation. Those of us who have broader frames of reference, compare how easily and efficiently transactions are concluded in an increasing number of overseas jurisdictions, and praise the productivity and know-how of their workforces. It could be reasonably argued that their core success/failure ingredient is an educated, and therefore trainable, population.

As we reflect on, and in many cases, have good reason to celebrate various aspects of the development of the social, cultural and economic life of independent Jamaica, it is indeed appropriate that we take time out to consider the role that Information & Communications Technology has played in our social and economic development; and more importantly, as we look towards our Vision 2030 Goals, the increased significance of the role that ICT must play as a driver of national growth and development. In this presentation, I will provide the government’s perspective, beginning with the historical context..

Jamaica's observance of 50 years of political independence has been marked by examination and analysis of the country's achievements and setbacks in several areas of national life including economic and human development. How can we use the evidence and experience of the first 50 years to achieve stronger economic growth and more resilient businesses in the decades ahead?

 The continued operation of all four alumnia plants in Jamaica, including even the most efficient, CAW, depends on the industry having a long-term source of competitive energy as well as resolving certain bauxite reserves issues. Two actions are necessary to achieve these objectives: Substituting oil with a cheaper fuel and making the necessary investments to accommodate the new fuel; making the necessary investments to improve the efficiency of whatever fuel is used.

 The benchmark study by the Jamaica Productivity Centre (JPC) on the Electricity Sector in Jamaica estimates that savings at least J$7.43 billion annually can be achieved if JPS reduces its system losses to the average loss recorded by 25 Latin American and Caribbean countries. An MSB-sponsored symposium on the study has elevated the debate on issues by demanding that stakeholders confront and address the evidence-based findings highlighted by the JPC