Neil Armstrongn, Gleaner Writer

"Jamaica is getting out of the doldrums somewhat," says Cabinet Secretary Dr. Carlton Davis, "and overall the general economy is showing positive signs."

He was addressing a forum organised by Jamaica National Building Society and The Gleaner Company in Toronto, Canada on Thursday, entitled "Outlook for the Future: Doing Business in Jamaica," The forum gave Jamaicans in Canada an update of the social and economic situation in Jamaica.

Acknowledging that the Governor of the Bank of Jamaica had indicated that the third-quarter growth in the country is greater than the first quarter, Dr. Davis said Jamaica has Net International Reserves of $2.34 billion. He said the unemployment rate is at 10.7 per cent.

Tourism sector

Regarding the tourism sector, the country is hosting more than its population in terms of stopovers and cruise passengers. Describing the Ritz Carlton as the first foreign investment in the hotel sector in Jamaica, Dr. Davis said since then there has been a phenomenal growth of investments in the sector. He said almost 400 years after the British conquered the Spanish in 1655, there is "a Spanish re-invasion which we welcome" in terms of the hotels that are being developed along the north coast of the island. Dr. Davis said it will soon be important for Jamaicans to learn Spanish as a second language to tap into the South American market.

With regard to infrastructure, he said the highway from Negril to Montego Bay has been completed, the one from Montego Bay to Ocho Rios is near completion, and from Ocho Rios to Port Antonio is under construction. Highway 2000, from Kingston to Sandy Bay, is completed.

There are also renovations taking place at the two international airports. Security controls, a public address system and phases of development have been completed or will be introduced at the Sangster International Airport.

Upgrading airport

Construction is under way at the Norman Manley International Airport. The departure and check-in areas at the airports are being upgraded in time for the Cricket World Cup 2007.

In terms of governance, he said the country has undertaken quite a comprehensive electoral reform and will be introducing a Proceeds of Crime Act and political campaign finance reform.

Dr. Davis said remittance is the single largest source of investment funds in Jamaica. He said in 2005, more than half of the population received remittances, and plans will have to be put in place to strengthen the consulates-general which play a major role in the diaspora.

Also making presentations were Dr. Patricia Holness, CEO of the Registrar General's Department; Elizabeth Stair, CEO of National Land Agency; Hugh Thomas, director, passport operations, Passport and Immigration Office; and Melvin Smith, regional manager, JAMPRO New York Office. Dr. Holness said the RGD was the first in the world to provide vital statistics for 2005. She said the aim of the department is to become one of the most efficient agencies in the country. As of 2007, every child born in Jamaica will be given their first birth certificate free of cost.

The forum was chaired by Earl Jarrett, general manager, Jamaica National Building Society.