Prime Minister Bruce Golding (right) in conversation with Joseph Matalon (left), chairman of the Jamaica Productivity Centre (JPC), yesterday morning, during the National Productivity Conference, held at the Knutsford Court Hotel in New Kingston. Looking on are Andrew Gallimore (second left), minister of state in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, and Anthony Hyde, deputy chairman of the JPC. - Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer

There is a need for specific initiatives and policies to be put in place if Jamaica's productivity level is to increase, says Prime Minister Bruce Golding.

Golding, who was speaking yesterday during the National Productivity Conference, held at the Knutsford Court Hotel in New Kingston, said he was disappointed with the country's productivity ranking.

Jamaica ranked 86 out of 134 countries, according to the 2008/ 2009 World Economic Forum of Global Competitiveness Index.

"We have lost ground, we have slipped behind in terms of our productivity ranking," Golding said.

Catching up

The prime minister said that, in order for the country to "catch up" with its competitors, it has to identify what needs to be done and what initiatives are to be mounted.

"It is going to require specific initiatives, policy support and a new commitment on the part of all of us," he said.

Education and training, according to Golding, are major factors which influence the productivity of a country.

However, Golding highlighted the fact that the lack of skilled personnel was preventing the country from achieving higher levels of productivity growth.

In responding to Golding's comments, president of the Jamaica Manufacturers' Association, Omar Azan, told The Gleaner yesterday that a national campaign would help to increase productivity levels by making all sectors of the society more aware.

He said the campaign would be a way for all Jamaicans to play a part in nation building.

In relation to long-term plans to increase productivity levels, Azan said education had a major role to play.

"Education is the key to increasing productivity," he said.