PM makes 'absolute' commitment to investors

Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller on Tuesday drove home a message that her administration would be prudent spenders and that Jamaica was open for business to owners of capital willing to invest.

"Let me reassure all investors, both domestic and foreign, that our administration is totally committed to the need for macroeconomic management," said Simpson Miller at the opening of the annual capital markets forum in Kingston.

"This commitment is absolute. We are a responsible Government with no intention of engaging in irresponsible activity or making extravagant commitments," said the prime minister.

The 7th annual Investment and Capital Markets Conference, hosted by the Jamaica Stock Exchange, is this year focused on 'Forging alliances: opportunities amidst the crisis' - a theme Simpson Miller sees as regional economies seeking opportunities for growth and development.

Simpson Miller indicated that her Government would prioritise social investments to improve the quality of education, training and health services — essential ingredients, she said, to create better living standards for Jamaicans.

"Within that context, increased job creation is not negotiable," said Simpson Miller.

The PM also said there would be greater attention to issues such as taxation, enforcing contracts, pension reform, and labour productivity.

"Overall, we recognise the urgent need to provide conditions favourable to investment," Simpson Miller said.

sabrina.gordon@gleanerjm.com