Sacha Walters, Staff Reporter

Karen Turner (right), mission director of USAID Jamaica, speaks to Pat Ramsay (left), chairman of WLI, and Judge Marlene Mahaaloo Forte.

There should be greater partnership between the Jamaican Government and the private sector in order to better prepare the country for global success.

This was one of the suggestions made last Thursday by Robert Armao, an international attorney and marketing specialist.

Mr. Armao was the guest speaker at the Women's Leadership Initiative's (WLI) annual fund-raising luncheon at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel, New Kingston.

Addressing the audience on the topic 'Jamaica Positioned', he made suggestions for gearing Jamaica towards global success. "The private sector must be the tide to rise all boats," Mr. Armao said. He added that in order for the country to blossom internationally, the private sector must get involved in development, as a country cannot depend solely on the government to grow.

improve health care

He also pointed out that, as in many other countries, Jamaica should work on improving health care for women, thereby giving them greater options and possibly reducing unplanned pregnancies, as well as improve early childhood education.

In terms of moving the country forward, Mr. Armao congratulated the WLI for improving the society through community development, providing health care and helping to fight the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

The WLI is a part of the United Way Women's Leadership Initiative and 'Building Bridges' exchanges launched by former U.S. Ambassador to Jamaica, Sue Cobb, in 2004. Its aim is to foster economicdevelopment, knowledge sharing and partnership between Jamaica and Florida's public and private sectors.

The luncheon was chaired by Oliver Clarke, chairman and managing director of The Gleaner Company, while Pat Ramsay, chair of the WLI, welcomed guests.