PM promises more jobs, investments to rescue economy

Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller has once again outlined initiatives, in addition to her previously announced employment programmes, to add jobs to the bleeding economy.

In a 70-minute long address to supporters during the public session of the People’s National Party’s (PNP) 74th annual conference at the National Arena this afternoon, Mrs. Simpson Miller outlined that her administration was committed to reducing the unemployment rate, now at 14.3 per cent.

She revealed that the government would commence a number of capital projects this year, which would spur growth and create employment. The investments, which will take place from 2012 into 2013, are valued at nearly $7.5 billion.

Mrs Simpson Miller noted that the government has already created 15,000 jobs under phase one of the Jamaica Emergency Employment Programme (JEEP), and is investing a further $6 billion to employ between 35,000 and 40,000 people Jamaicans under the programme, while a further 40,000 sustainable jobs would be created under the Jamaica Employ Programme.

She promised 7,000 more jobs are to be created by private sector initiatives, such as the Dolphin Cove expansion; the construction of a 66-megaWatt power plant by the West Kingston Power Partners and the establishment of a call centre by an Indian firm by October.

In addition, Mrs Simpson Miller revealed that the government would be putting an emphasis on housing and water during the fiscal year, outlining a number of projects that had already commenced and others her administration intends to implement.

Among the initiatives was a $1 billion project in Nashville, St Mary and increased housing benefits for young professionals, who she said will now include professionals from age 25 to 40.