I wish to thank the University of the West Indies and the Caribbean Maritime Institute for coordinating this symposium because (so far) the discussion about the logistics hub has been characterized, in the main, by too much misinformation and disinformation. Through forums like this one we have to get the information flow correct; we in Jamaica are great debaters; and it does not even matter if we are talking the truth or what makes sense, so long as we have a say in the discussion. This is unfortunate because it runs the risk of damaging potential, damaging a tremendous opportunity and we can talk ourselves into gridlock over this opportunity. Through this symposium a lot of the information that needs to be shared can be shared without the noise. click here for full text.

The first thing that we should keep in focus is the fact that the Jamaica Logistics Hub Initiative is not a new idea. The project has been articulated, evolved and developed over many years of discussion. It did not start with me nor the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce or any single agency in government. In this latest articulation, however, the project seeks to pull together a number of streams of activities and potential benefit for Jamaica. And the expansion of the Panama Canal has given an impetus in establishing the timeframe; the time for talking must end and the time for action started. 

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About the Author

Anthony Hylton

Anthony Hylton M.P., is Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce