Minister Williams noted Prime Minister Andrew Holness’ ASPIRE’ programme highlighting access, safety and security, people, infrastructure, reforms and economic resilience. She asked her audience to ‘take comfort that there has been investment in a police force that has been equipped and is undergoing training for engagement with the public.’ She noted that students now have an extra two years in high school to get them job ready and that the HEART programme offered training in various aspects of industry.
Commenting on the damage to infrastructure due to hurricanes and heavy rains, she said the government had the financial wherewithal to make significant repairs as good roads were an enabling factor for the country. She referred to Jamaica’s lowest ever unemployment rate and said that we had more broad-based opportunities instead of just a few industries. She noted that our Debt to GDP had moved from 147% to 70%, citing financial stability and fiscal responsibility.
She noted that the Government will be using AI and big data for greater efficiency. This cannot come too soon as one guest spoke about her frustration in getting land titles for her parents in Jamaica. After unanswered calls, she had to travel here, using the funds that would have been better spent on investment. Productivity continues to be a major challenge for the public sector.
Source: Jamaica Observer
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