JEEP to create 700 jobs in a fews days, says PM

In a few days Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller says the Government will create approximately 700 jobs when the much talked about Jamaica Emergency Employment Programme (JEEP) begins rolling.

Speaking at today’s first meeting of the Peoples' National Party National Executive Council (NEC) since its landslide victory in the December 29 general election, Mrs Simpson Miller announces that the Government will launch a small part of the programme on Wednesday. She says the jobs will be created across seven parishes.

However, Mrs Simpson Miller declined to give details on the programme, but says the Government will be providing incentives to private sector companies that participate in its implementation.

She says other aspects of the programme will be unveiled in the days ahead, particularly in the areas of agriculture and information and communication technology.

Mrs Simpson Miller says agriculture and fisheries minister Roger Clarke will announce details of continuing talks with local and foreign investors about creating jobs in that industry in parliament.

Meanwhile, Mrs Simpson Miller has put supporters and candidates in the upcoming local government election on alert. Local government election, which was postponed several times last year, are due by March.

Responding to recent comments by Opposition leader Andrew Holness, Mrs Simpson Miller told supporters attending today’s meeting of the NEC in Ocho Rios, St Ann that they should prepare for victory at the polls once again. She said it was time for Jamaicans to be liberated and empowered.