ON MONDAY, May 17, the Jamaican community and friends of Jamaica in the New York Tri-State Area, will get a chance to hear about matters which significantly impact the state of the Jamaican economy at a forum entitled: 'The Jamaican Economy: Outlook for the Future'.
This is the first in a series of forums to be hosted by the Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS) and the Gleaner Company Limited, and will feature Dr. Omar Davies, Minister of Finance and Planning, as the main presenter.
The forum follows on the heels of Dr. Davies' recent Budget Debate presentation and is part of JNBS' s 130th anniversary celebrations in 2004.
Minister Davies has indicated that he is looking forward to participating in the forum. "I welcome the opportunity to meet with such a group of influential business and community leaders and to take their questions about the state of affairs in Jamaica," he said, adding that "most will be surprised at the range of opportunities which exist."
Other panellists include Earl Jarrett, general manager of the JNBS and a vice-president of the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ), and Mr. Oliver Clarke, Chairman of JNBS and the Gleaner Company Limited, and former president of the PSOJ. Also slated to bring greetings is Dr. Basil Bryan, Consul General for Jamaica.
Over 100 influential business and community leaders, who have been associated with JNBS, are expected to attend.
"Our aim is to present an opportunity to overseas Jamaicans for them to have first-hand knowledge of the current status of the Jamaican economy. They will also get a chance to interact one to one with key decisions makers through an interactive session," said Earl Jarrett.
Last year, JNBS and the Gleaner Company Limited also facilitated a series of forums on the impact of crime and the illicit drug trade on the Jamaican economy. These forums were held in Toronto, Canada; Florida, Brooklyn and Manhattan in the United States, and Manchester, Birmingham and London in the United Kingdom (UK). The programme included presentations from Dr. Peter Phillips, National Security Minister, as well as senior members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force.
