THE JAMAICA Employers Federation (JEF) has said that one of the major challenges facing the new government will be the creation and continuous fostering of an enabling environment for investment and entrepreneurship.
"The new administration's role must be that of creating such an environment conducive to investment, business expansion and a stable environment that seeks to provide incentives to entrepreneurs and investors," the JEF said in a release.
The Federation thanked the Jamaican electorate for "the democratic maturity that was displayed at the polls," as well as the partners, "especially the EOJ/EAC and the police for their sterling work in making the elections generally fair and free from fear." The Federation also extended congratulations to all the successful Members of Parliament.
"In congratulating the PNP on their historic achievement, we would like to remind them of the historic responsibility that comes with this achievement. The country is at a period in which sustainable economic growth is needed to take the country forward. If we are to be globally competitive, several macro economic issues must be resolved as we move towards the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA), in 2005," the statement said.
"One of the major challenges will be the creation and continuous fostering of an enabling environment in which the foundations are laid for investment and entrepreneurship. The new administration's role must be that of creating such an environment conducive to investment, business expansion and a stable environment that seeks to provide incentives to entrepreneurs and investors.
"A major component of an enabling environment is a responsive and flexible labour market, which serves to assist employers in their drive towards productivity and competitiveness. In this regard, the JEF is calling for the continued reform of the labour market, including labour legislation amendments and the introduction of Flexible Work Arrangements.
"The creation of such an environment will require input from all partners interested in the improvement of the country's global competitiveness and development. In this regard, the JEF feels that there are two key areas that require immediate broad based attention; these are Crime and Violence and Unemployment.
"The issue of crime and violence is a major deterrent to investors, whether local or foreign. It is also a major factor in the reduction of workplace productivity.
"Jamaica is faced with a high unemployment rate and an even greater under-employment rate, which if not addressed immediately will greatly contribute to increased social tensions. We believe that the issue of unemployment must be tackled, over the long run, by addressing the education system and by ensuring that the country produces highly qualified and skilled graduates at the post-secondary level (whether tertiary level or at "trade school" level). It is also imperative that school leavers (from the secondary level) be equipped with workplace skills, which will ensure a relatively smooth transition into the world of work.
"The greatest requirement at this time is strong leadership that will facilitate the garnering of information from a wide cross section of persons. These individuals should possess the requisite skill and knowledge needed to create a strategic plan to bring our island towards a greater level of competitiveness within the next two to three years. The success of any such plan must have as its foundation, a desire to unite the country towards this common goal."
