PRESIDENT OF the World Bank, Paul Wolfowitz, has indicated to Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller that the Bank would consider fast-tracking the implementation of projects in Jamaica.
These include strategy to support the Government's emphasis on a number of areas including community development and early childhood education.
Last week, Mrs. Simpson Miller met with officials of the World Bank in Washington, United States.
BALANCING LIVES
The Prime Minister told the World Bank that Jamaica would continue its programme of fiscal management, and stated that in addition to balancing the budget, the government was also working towards balancing people's lives and improving the living condition of the poor.
She highlighted several areas of emphasis including early childhood education, youth and community development, rural development and the agriculture sector.
The Prime Minister said Jamaica was grateful for the assistance it had received from the World Bank over the years, and said the country would welcome any additional support that can be provided to help create a better quality of life for Jamaicans.
President Wolfowitz said the Bank was committed to working with countries to reduce poverty, adding that education was a key element of this strategy.
He said in addition to providing children with the opportunity to excel, education also establishes the right foundation for countries to experience growth and development.
WELCOMED EMPHASIS
According to the Office of the Prime Minister, the World Bank officials noted the investor friendly climate that exists in Jamaica and the ease with which new business can be established in the country.
It is reported that the World Bank also welcomed the emphasis being placed on the agriculture sector and expressed an interest in funding a programme that would encourage linkages to the tourism industry.
Included in the delegation to Washington were: Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister, Anthony Hylton; Ambassador Gordon Shirley, Jamaica's Ambassador to Washington and Dr. Wesley Hughes, director-general of the Planning Institute of Jamaica.
