A NEW 13-member board of directors has been appointed for the Jamaica Promotion s Corporation (JAMPRO) consisting primarily of persons with training and experience in commerce, industry, technology, trade and business management. The board is headed by businessman Joseph A. Matalon who was re-appointed chairman.
The Minister of Development, Paul Robertson, in his address at the inaugural meeting of the new board, explained the context in which JAMPRO was expected to operate and urged the board to guide the organisation into achieving its targets for investment and export promotion and job creation. He also asked that the board ensure that the highest standards of fiscal probity and transparency were maintained.
Board chairman, Mr. Matalon has said that, "the wide cross-section of interest and the wealth of experience and expertise represented on the board augurs well for JAMPRO's progress as the organisation proceeds with its modernisation programme." JAMPRO's goal, he said, is to "significantly increase levels of investments in Jamaica, multiply our exports and be recognised globally as a leading investment and trade development agency."
Several board members said they were honoured to have the opportunity to contribute to national development in this way.
Jamaica Exporters Association President, Ricky Wates, said that JAMPRO's role in helping to increase production is something he is happy to participate in. "I hope that my grounding and experience in agriculture and exports will help Jamaica in choosing the direction that will facilitate increased agricultural production as well as improve competitiveness."
Jamaica Manufacturers Assoc-iation President, Clarence Clarke, sees his role as "deepening the link between JAMPRO and the manufacturing sector especially as it relates to small and medium size businesses". He pointed to JAMPRO's links with overseas markets and the assistance that JAMPRO can provide in developing strategic alliances and joint ventures.
National Commercial Bank's Executive Vice-President, Kris Astaphan, said that he was "honoured to have the opportunity to contribute to the Jamaican people by being a member of JAMPRO's Board". He described JAMPRO's management and staff as "dedicated professionals who have as their singular focus, adding value to Jamaica."
Professor Alvin Wint, commenting on the new board, said that JAMPRO was of "great importance to the enhancement of Jamaican-based enterprises...I am pleased to be part of an institution that can have significant impact on the development of our country."
Other members of the board are Director-General in the Ministry of Development, Dennis Morrison; Port Authority of Jamaica President and Chief Executive Officer, Noel Hylton, O.J.; Attorney-at-law, Dan Kelly; Jamaica Public Service Company's Chief Executive Officer, Charles Matthews; RBTT Bank of Jamaica Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Amrit Sinanan; SITEL Caribbean Chief Executive Officer, Patrick Casserly; JAMPRO President, Pat Francis; and JAMPRO Staff Association President Berletta Forrester.
JAMPRO is Jamaica's export and investment promotion agency and was created by the Government to stimulate and facilitate investments and exports.
