Despite some domestic challenges, Jamaica is raising funds at better rates internationally. Omar Davies, Minister of Finance and Planning, speaks to police officers demonstrating outside his ministry for a salary increase, on Monday, May 9. - RUDOLPH BROWN/CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
THE PRIVATE Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ), in association with Citigroup, will host their annual economic seminar, at the Jamaica Conference Centre on Wednesday, July 27, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Michael 'Chris' Gilford Citigroup managing director-Latin America Debts Capital Market, will be the guest speaker. Other presenters will include the Minister of Finance, Dr. Omar Davies, Leader of the Opposition, Bruce Golding, trade unionist, Dwight Nelson and economist and university lecturer, Dr. Damien King. Government senator, trade unionist and university lecturer, Dr. Trevor Munroe, will chair the discussions.
AGENDA
The seminar will examine the current state of the economy, perspectives from the Government and the Opposition and will consider critical issues which need to be addressed for Jamaica's economic growth and prosperity, including the rationale for the Partnership for Progress (PFP) agreement. Participants at this seminar will get the opportunity to share their views and comments on critical issues relevant to the nation's development.
The Partnership for Progress arose from the PSOJ 2003 annual economic seminar, at which a team from Ireland made a presentation on the dramatic turnaround of the Irish economy.
Fifteen years ago, Ireland was experiencing severe economic and social decline and through a consensual approach to development and a social contract signed between the public and private sector, Ireland has successfully steered its way to recovery and prosperity.
Modelled mainly on the Irish experience, PFP was conceptualised after an October 2003 visit to Ireland by a Jamaican team, comprised of Government, Opposition, trade union and civil society representatives. This grouping has been working towards the creation of a social partnership for Jamaica.
In January 2004, the PFP working committee made their recommendations in the form of a draft memorandum of understanding, to government.
