Year in review 2017 by Jamaica Information Service

ACHIEVEMENTS 2017 – STRONG PERFORMANCE – Building prosperity through partnership

ACHIEVEMENTS 2017

Strong Performance Building prosperity through partnership

INSIDE

• Record Employment – 1.2M Persons – 2 • Gov’t Safeguarding Energy Security – 18 • JCF’s Intelligence Gathering Capabilities Enhanced – 9 • Jamaica Strengthens Links Abroad – 22 • Hundreds Employed as JISCO Alpart Resumes Full Operations – 15 • Jamaica Celebrates 55 – 29

ACHIEVEMENTS 2017 – STRONG PERFORMANCE – Building prosperity through partnership

Record Employment – 1.2M Persons

record number of persons were employed in 2017, reinforcing the

Government’s commitment to create more employment opportunities for Jamaicans.

• 1,216,200 persons were employed as at July 2017.

The figure represented an increase of 29,200 persons relative to July 2016.

• The overall labour force

rose by 8,000 persons to 1,371,300 as at July 2017. Cont’d on page 3

Jamaicans employed in various sectors.

Making Home Ownership Easier

he Government made changes to its housing policy, to make home ownership a reality for more Jamaicans. • The National Housing Trust (NHT) loan ceiling was increased from $4.5 million to $5.5 million; interest rates on mortgages for lower-income groups reduced; 100 per cent financing for all NHT units implemented; home grants improved; special grant of $150,000 for persons with disabilities, to retrofit their houses. • Ground broken for 13 housing developments under the NHT. • Housing Schemes in progress include Ruthven Towers, St. Andrew; Colbeck Castle 1 and 2 in Clarendon/St. Catherine; Longville 2A and Monymusk 2 in Clarendon; Barham, Darliston, Masemure, Yeast Plant and Shrewsbury in Westmoreland; and The Estuary and Cashew Grove in St. James. Housing Agency of Jam-

Prime Minister the Most Hon. Andrew Holness with beneﬁciaries of Nashville Mews in St. Mary.

aica (HAJ), broke ground for phase two Luana Gardens in St. Elizabeth.

• NHT and HAJ delivered

a total of 164 housing solutions.

A production of the Jamaica Information Service

• NHT and HAJ handed

over 607 certificates of title to beneficiaries in

January 21, 2018

44 Operation Pride schemes islandwide.

Cont’d on page 3

ACHIEVEMENTS 2017 – STRONG PERFORMANCE – Building prosperity through partnership

Record Employment… cont’d from page 2 HOPE Restored

grammes delivered by the JDF’s five Centres of Excellence.

• More than 14,000 young persons benefited from the Housing, Opportunity, Production and Employment (HOPE) programme, which provides educational and job opportunities for unattached youth aged 18 to 24.

• The National Youth Summer

Employment Programme, accepted 2,300 young persons over a four-week period. They audited street lights and identified vulnerable persons.

• HOPE Mentorship Pro-

gramme was launched over 100 mentors recruited.

Improving Service Delivery

• Passage of the National

Identification and Registration Bill, to pave the way for improved delivery of services.

Under the National Identification System (NIDS), each citizen will be pro-

• 165 persons from 30

• JDF Coast Guard

received two new maritime offshore surveillance vessels to increase its activities in protecting the island’s borders.

Zone of Special Operations (ZOSO)

• Under the National Service Corps (NSC) component of the programme, almost 2,000 young persons received military, vocational and life skills training from the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF).

JSIF Continues to Transform Lives

• To aggressively tackle Prime Minister the Most Hon. Andrew Holness (right) listens to one of the ﬁrst 250 recruits under the National Service Corps which is part of the Hope, Opportunity, Production and Employment (HOPE) initiative.

vided with a randomised nine-digit National Identification Number (NIN), which he/she will have for life.

• The Administration

launched the GOV.JM online portal to make doing business with Government easier, reduce cost and improve efficiency. It is a one-stop shop for Governmentrelated information and services.

• Government signed a

memorandum of understanding (MOU) with China Construction America (CCA) for the drafting of

technical plans to develop a ‘Centre of Government’ to include a Parliament building at National Heroes Park. The MOU will see the establishment of a model for a purposebuilt space to house the Jamaican Parliament, Ministries, Departments and Agencies, Jamaican museum, and other commercial and residential buildings.

JDF Capabilities Boosted

• Directorate of Training

and Doctrine opened at the JDF headquarters to streamline training pro-

crime, the first ZOSO was established on September 1, Mount Salem and its environs, under the Law Reform (Zones of Special Operations) (Special Security and Community Development Measures) Act.

The law seeks to contain crime while safeguarding the human rights of residents and promoting community development through social intervention initiatives.

• The second ZOSO was declared in Denham Town, West Kingston.

• During the operations, eight illegal weapons were seized.

•

underserved communities were trained as environmental wardens. A one-year MOU was signed between JSIF and the Registrar General’s Department (RGD) to assist 4,200 residents of 18 communities spanning seven parishes to obtain birth certificates.

• 3,500 persons in 30

communities received mosquito nets and lid covers for water storage containers.

• JSIF officially handed over the St. Paul’s United Church Early Childhood Institution building which was reconstructed at a cost of $45.3 million.

• A sum of $3 million was

allocated to the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) for the staging of several two-week summer camps targeting 700 at-risk youth. It supported five residential summer camps across the 18 communities that fall under the Integrated Community Development Programme (ICDP).

Cover Photos: PIC. 1: Prime Minister the Most Hon. Andrew Holness interacts with students during a tour of the Monymusk Sugar Factory.

PIC. 2: The Prime Minister presents a citation to the late Violet Mosse-Brown (right), who was the world’s oldest living person. PIC. 3: PM Holness (2nd right) breaks ground for the development of a US$30 million Integrated Technology Park in Kingston, dubbed ‘58HWT’.

PIC. 4: The Prime Minister (right) ‘tests’ the water at the commissioning of the Palmetto Pen/Breadnut Bottom/ Rosewell water supply system in Clarendon. Minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang (2nd left); Chairman of the National Water Commission (NWC), Senator Aubyn Hill (3rd left), and a resident look on.

Prime Minister Holness (2nd left) greets a member of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) on duty in the Zone of Special Operations (ZOSO) in Mount Salem, St. James. At left is Attorney General and Member of Parliament for West Central St. James, Hon. Marlene Malahoo Forte.

PIC. 5: Prime Minister the Most Hon. Andrew Holness (centre) and Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Minister and Member of Parliament for Central St. Catherine, Hon. Olivia Grange (2nd right), with new homeowners at Berkshire Court in Spanish Town, St. Catherine.

ACHIEVEMENTS 2017 – STRONG PERFORMANCE – Building prosperity through partnership

Gains in Economic Reform Programme

amaica’s Economic Reform Programme (ERP) remains on track, following notable out-turns in 2017. • Growth in Net International Reserves (NIR) to over US$3.1 billion covering an estimated 22.6 weeks of goods and services imports.

• Better than targeted Cen-

• •

tral Government Primary Surplus, at seven per cent of gross domestic product (GDP), amounting to over $48.6 billion. Second quarter fiscal year growth of 0.9 per cent. Further decline in the debt to 115 per cent of GDP, down from 120 per cent in 2016.

• Inflation of 4.7 per cent

up to the end of October.

Successful Reviews

• Jamaica passed the

International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) first two biannual reviews under the US$1.64 billion Precautionary Stand-by Arrangement (PSBA).

• Managing Director, IMF,

Christine Lagarde, reaffirmed her personal endorsement of the ERP

during her two-day working visit to Jamaica.

Multilateral Support

Jamaica continued to benefit from additional funding from other multilateral organisations.

• A joint US$30 million loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) for the Energy Management and Efficiency Programme.

• US$7.52 million grant under

Caribbean Development Bank’s Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) to finance projects in education, transportation, enterprise development, and water and sanitation.

• US$20 million IDB loan

to further boost the Credit Enhancement Facility (CEF) for micro, small and mediumsized enterprises.

• US$70 million World Bank loan to spur growth while enhancing Jamaica’s global competitiveness.

• US$12.58 million grant

from the Government of Japan to procure equipment for the ‘Improvement of Emergency Communication System Project’.

Prime Minister the Most Hon. Andrew Holness (2nd right) emphasises a point to International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director, Christine Lagarde (centre), during a reception at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, New Kingston, for ofﬁcials attending the sixth IMF High Level Caribbean Forum in November. From left are Finance and Public Service Minister, Hon. Audley Shaw; State Minister, Hon. Fayval Williams; and Chairman of the Forum’s Organising Committee, Ambassador Dr. Nigel Clarke.

• €6.5 million European

Union (EU) grant to assist the Government in further reducing poverty and improving the living standards of residents in sugar-dependent areas.

Budget

• The 2017/18 Estimates of Expenditure, totalling $715.6 billion, was tabled.

• The first Supplementary Estimates was tabled in

December, showing the Budget moving to $805.4 billion, an increase of $89.8 billion.

More Income Tax Relief

• The personal income tax

threshold was increased to $1.5 million on April 1. Nearly 400,000 persons on the Pay As You Earn (PAYE) falling below the threshold were exempted from paying the tax.

Financial Inclusion Strategy

• A National Financial

Inclusion Strategy intended to improve Jamaica’s financial system by 2020 was crafted. Jamaicans, particularly those previously underserved by the domestic financial system, are able to save safely and build resilience against shocks.

LAVCA Ranking

• Jamaica climbed to 8th

on the Latin American Private Equity and Venture Capital Association (LAVCA) 2017/18 Scorecard. This reflected a five-point improvement in the country’s score, which increased to 51.

TAJ/ICAJ MOU

• Tax Administration Jam-

Finance and Public Service Minister, Hon. Audley Shaw (left), and Senior Vice President, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Shigeru Maeda (2nd left), sign a US$15 million loan agreement for the Energy Management and Efﬁciency Programme.

Finance and Public Service Minister, Hon. Audley Shaw (left) and General Manager, Country Department, Caribbean Group, IDB, Therese Turner-Jones, display a copy of the US$15 million loan agreement to support the Government’s Energy Management and Efﬁciency Programme.

aica (TAJ) and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Jamaica (ICAJ) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen their collaboration on tax-related matters. This facilitated the establishment of a Consultative Committee to provide a forum for dialogue between the entities’ senior officials on wide-ranging issues.

ACHIEVEMENTS 2017 – STRONG PERFORMANCE – Building prosperity through partnership

Prime Minister the Most Hon. Andrew Holness (left) observes as Chairman, Jamaica Special Economic Zone Authority, Metry Seaga, shows him an artist's impression of a Special Economic Zone. Occasion was the inaugural Jamaica International Exhibition Trade Show at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in June. At 2nd left is Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Minister, Hon. Karl Samuda.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness (3rd right) ofﬁcially opens the US$5.537 million Kupius Bridge in Pennants, Clarendon, which was built by China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) under the Major Infrastructure Development Programme (MIDP). From left are: Economic and Commercial Counsellor at the Embassy of China, Fan Jianghong; Speaker of the House of Representatives and North Central Clarendon Member of Parliament, Hon. Pearnel Charles Sr.; Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Audrey Sewell; Chinese Ambassador to Jamaica, His Excellency Niu Qingbao; Chief Executive Ofﬁcer, National Works Agency, E.G. Hunter; and Deputy General Manager at CHEC, Dr. Zhimin Hu.

Member of Parliament for East Rural St. Andrew, the Most Hon. Mrs. Juliet Holness (4th left), reaps strawberries with students from St. Jude’s and Seaview Gardens Primary Schools at the farm of Fitzroy Mais (3rd right) in Mavis Bank.

ACHIEVEMENTS 2017 – STRONG PERFORMANCE – Building prosperity through partnership

Boom in Business Process Outsourcing

he Government under the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation capitalised on the boom in the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry, facilitating a number of investments to create increased job opportunities for Jamaicans.

• Work began on the improvement of 4.8 kilometres of main road from Agualta Vale to Broadgate in St. Mary under a J$597 million contract with Surrey Paving and Aggregate Company Limited.

• Work was done in eight

Job Creation

sections of St. Elizabeth as part of a $7.7 million National Works Agency (NWA) hot mix patching programme.

• In late September, Prime

Minister the Most Hon. Andrew Holness broke ground for a US$30 million technology park in Kingston. Dubbed ‘58HWT’, the park will have the largest BPO facility in the Englishspeaking Caribbean, providing 3,300 call centre seats and more than 5,000 permanent jobs.

• The Prime Minister broke

ground for construction of the Excellence Group’s Oyster Bay Hotel in Trelawny. It will provide 2,200 jobs for Jamaicans during the building and operation phases.

The US$110 million project is being undertaken by the Excellence Group.

• Special Investment Am-

bassador to India, Senator Aubyn Hill, was appointed as the new Executive Director of the Economic Growth Council (EGC).

He is tasked with managing the administrative affairs of the Council, which deal with coordinating projects that help to spur growth.

Growth

• In November, the Planning

Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) reported that GDP grew by an estimated 0.9 per cent for the July to September quarter.

Improved Business Climate

• The World Bank’s Doing

Business Report (DBR) 2017 named Jamaica among nine countries in the Latin American and

• The Government spent

$3.6 billion on 24 mediumsized road projects, including the Mona Road Rehabilitation and Drainage Improvement Project, Sandy Gully repairs and Ocho Rios bypass.

Prime Minister the Most Hon. Andrew Holness (right) is accompanied by General Manager of Alorica, Clarence Cardwell, on a tour of the business process outsourcing company, formerly West Corporation, which operates out of the Portmore Informatics Park in St. Catherine. Alorica has more than 1,000 employees within the park.

Caribbean (LAC) region to have implemented more than one business reform. The country also ranked in the top 50 worldwide in business processes such as starting a business, getting credit and resolving insolvency.

US$64 million. It is 74 per cent complete.

• In December, the Gov-

ernment signed a contract valued US$19.175 million to improve 20 kilometres of main roads

•

under the Constant Spring Road Improvement Project. Design was finalised for the US$18 million Ferris Cross to Mackfield Improvement Project in Westmoreland.

• A sum of $1.33 billion

was allotted through the Road Maintenance Fund (RMF) to carry out routine maintenance and rehabilitation programmes.

• The Government allocated J$2 billion to undertake islandwide rehabilitation

Cont’d on page 7

Roadworks

• Work was completed on

the widening of Marcus Garvey Drive in Kingston at a cost of US$20.5 million. In October, the Prime Minister officially opened the corridor between East Avenue and Harbour Street.

• The US$4.4-million Bar-

bican Road upgrading works began in August and is 30 per cent complete. This undertaking also involves a sewerage and water pipe installation upgrade project valued at US$1.04 million, which is now 80 per cent complete.

• Work continued on the

Mandela Highway Improvement project, valued at

Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Hon. Daryl Vaz (2nd left), examines a bag of castor beans shown to him by Project Director for the Jamaica Baptist Union (JBU) Grow Castor Bean Project, Dr. Judith Johnston (2nd right). Occasion was the ofﬁcial launch of the initiative at the Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel in St. Andrew. Looking on (from left) are Chief of Operations at the Jamaica National Bank, Janice Robinson Longmore; and JBU General Secretary, Rev. Karl Johnson.

ACHIEVEMENTS 2017 – STRONG PERFORMANCE – Building prosperity through partnership

Boom in Business Process… cont’d from page 6 of parish council, farm and main roads.

Water/Sewerage Projects

• The Warsop/John Daggy

Water Supply System in Trelawny, the irrigation system in the Duff House/ New Forest area of Manchester, and the Palmeto Pen/Breadnut Bottom/ Rosewell Water Supply Project in Clarendon were commissioned into service.

• The Government awarded

a contract to VINCI Construction Grands Projets, based in France, to undertake work on the Port Antonio Sewerage and Drainage Project (Stage 2) over a 16-month period.

• Work continued on the

J$131.9 million Bay Farm Villa Sewerage Project in West Central St. Andrew to replace the 40 year-old waste-water treatment plant.

• A US$43.9 million con-

tract was signed with German company, Diehl Metering, to supply 450,000 solid state water meters to the National Water Commission for installation islandwide.

Protecting the Country’s Forest Reserves

• The boundary of the

Cockpit Country and of the Cockpit Country Protected Area was announced. This margin will be declared and gazetted.

Logistics Hub

• The Logistics Hub Master

Plan and Market Analysis was completed. This document will serve as the developmental road map to establish Jamaica as a global logistics hub.

Climate Change

• 18 community-based

organisations and civil

Prime Minister the Most Hon. Andrew Holness (2nd right), along with Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett (left), and Chief Executive Ofﬁcer of the Excellence Group, Monserrate Amengual (right), breaks ground for construction of the Excellence Group’s Oyster Bay Hotel in Blue Waters, Trelawny, in March. Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Hon. Daryl Vaz; and Member of Parliament for Southern Trelawny, Marisa Dalrymple-Philibert look on.

society groups were awarded grants totalling $84.92 million to implement climate change adaptation and resilience-building projects across the island.

to strengthen the island's capacity to develop and

implement climate change response strategy.

• An Increasing Access to

•

State Minister with responsibility for Works in the Ofﬁce of the Prime Minister, Hon. Everald Warmington (2nd left), speaks with Member of Parliament for North Central Clarendon, Pearnel Charles Sr. (centre), while touring areas in the parish that were damaged by heavy rains in May. At left is Labour and Social Security Minister, Hon. Shahine Robinson.

•

Climate-smart Agriculture (IACA) programme was launched, which aims to train persons in aquaponics. Communities in upper Clarendon benefited from a US$783,000 Climate Change Adaptation programme, courtesy of the Environmental Health Foundation (EHF). The initiative is to increase production and improve the livelihood of farmers in the communities that are prone to disasters. Jamaica received a US$300,000 grant from the United Nations (UN) Green Climate Fund (GCF)

Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang (right), discusses aspects of plans for the Port Antonio sewerage and drainage project with Country Manager, VINCI Construction Grands Projets, Timothee Delebarre, at the contract signing ceremony at the Ofﬁce of the Prime Minister.

ACHIEVEMENTS 2017 – STRONG PERFORMANCE – Building prosperity through partnership

Social Safety Net Strengthened

he Ministry of Labour and Social Security continued to make provisions for the society’s most vulnerable. This was achieved by significantly boosting benefits under the Programme for Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH), improving services for special needs children, and enhancing education and training for persons with disabilities.

PATH

• The Government increased

the allocation to PATH by 47 per cent. This represented a $3.68 billion increase in the 2017/18 Budget and which boosted the total provision to $11.47 billion.

• Basic benefits increased by 30 per cent, which moved the individual monthly allocation from $400 to $600 per child.

• About $115 million was

allocated to provide transportation for students. A further $120 million in bursaries and grants was provided for students graduating from secondary to tertiary institutions. An additional $100 million was allocated for students at tertiary institutions.

• Seventeen tertiary-level students were awarded scholarships totalling $15 million.

Special Needs

• The Government

upgraded the Early Stimulation Programme (ESP) Assesment Centre in Kingston through an $86 million provision from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

• The Stimulation-Plus

Early Childhood Development Centre (STIMPLUS) benefited from a $70 million expansion of its facilities.

• The Jamaica Council for

Persons with Disabilities (JCPD), the United

Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and Digicel Foundation partnered on a two-year $58 million project that will bolster the registration of children with disabilities to improve their access to social services from the JCPD.

• The Social and Economic

Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities Project was launched to provide training to PATH beneficiaries with disabilities; about $130 million was allocated in the 2017/18 Estimates of Expenditure for the project.

Senior Citizens

• Tribute was paid to the

late supercentenarian Violet Brown, who, at 117 years, was the oldest person in the world. She was presented with the Prime Minister’s Medal of Appreciation. Mrs. Brown passed away in September.

Labour

Labour and Social Security Minister, Hon. Shahine Robinson (right), tours the Stimulation-Plus Early Childhood Development Centre in Rockfort, Kingston, where ground was broken for expansion of the facility. Accompanying her are Director of the Early Stimulation Programme, Antonica Gunter Gayle (left); Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Colette Roberts Risden (2nd left); and students and staff of the facility.

• The Occupational, Safety

and Health (OSH) Bill was tabled in Parliament.

• 2,000 persons were

placed in jobs through the Labour Market Information System (LMIS). An additional, 3,700 vacancies were identified and 6,000 individuals referred for employment.

• Ground was broken for

construction of the Ministry’s new St. Ann Parish Office at a cost of $513 million.

Overseas Employment Programmes

• 9,326 persons benefited

under the Canadian farm, factory, skilled and lowskilled workers programmes.

• The United States hotel

and farm work programmes employed 6, 610 persons up to November.

Labour and Social Security Minister, Hon. Shahine Robinson (right), makes a presentation to Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH) scholar, Chedukia Langley, at PATH’s 15th anniversary awards ceremony.

ACHIEVEMENTS 2017 – STRONG PERFORMANCE – Building prosperity through partnership

JCF’s Intelligence Gathering Capabilities Enhanced

mprovement of the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s (JCF) intelligence gathering and operational capabilities, and strengthening social interventions to contain crime and violence were among the National Security Ministry’s major achievements.

• Seven hundred pieces of

riot gear, valued at US$90,000, were donated by the United States Government.

• The Regional Drug

Enforcement Training Centre (REDTRAC) launched an interactive website, to provide information on the entity’s projects and programmes.

Intelligence Network

• The forensic capabilities

were boosted with the acquisition of a BULLETRAX-3D System by the Institute of Forensic Science and Legal Medicine.

Training

• A total of 450 policemen and women were trained in conflict resolution to better enable them to respond to domestic violence.

• The National Deoxyri-

bonucleic Acid (DNA) Registry was established, making it easier to positively identify the real perpetrators of crime.

• The databases of the

Firearm Licensing Authority, Department of Correctional Services, Private Security Regulation Authority, Jamaica Constabulary Force, and Jamaica Defence Force were merged.

• The Ministry partnered

•

with telecommunications companies Digicel and Flow to make the Stay Alert application (app) automatically available on smartphones. The JCF began using WhatsApp in its crime fighting efforts. The number is 876-564-6840.

National Security Minister, Hon. Robert Montague (centre), signs a Memorandum of Understanding for the University of the West Indies, Mona, to train Jamaica Constabulary Force recruits. Others signing (from left) are Pro Vice-Chancellor and Principal of UWI, Professor Archibald McDonald; and Deputy Police Commissioner, Clifford Blake. Standing is UWI Campus Registrar, Camille Bell Hutchinson.

• Three mobile apps were

developed to revolutionise policing. They are Jamaica Eye, Jampol Stats, and e-policing.

Refurbished Police Stations/Posts/Training Facilities

• A total of 197 police stations are being repaired, of which 17 have been completed. Two dormitories were refurbished at the National Police College of Jamaica (NPCJ), while four were built at Harman Barracks to

accommodate more JCF recruits.

• Approximately 10 mobile

police stations were deployed to crime hotspots.

Strengthening Operational Capacity and Border Security

• Three new marine bases

were established at Rocky Point, Clarendon; James Bond Beach, St. Mary; and Alligator Pond, Manchester.

• A total of $4.5 million was

spent to refurbish three police stations on Labour Day, with support from the NCB Foundation. These were Vineyard Town in Kingston, Summit in St. James and Alligator Pond in Manchester.

• The Ocho Rios Police

• A King Air surveillance

airplane was purchased to provide additional border protection and security.

• A total of 401 motor vehi-

Station received a new stand-by generator.

•

cles and 36 motorcycles were acquired to boost the JCF’s mobility. One hundred and fourteen cars were repaired under Operation Quick Fix.

• Thirty vehicles were allocated to the Zones of Special Operations.

• Three thousand bullet-

• New police constables participate in a drill during a Passing Out Parade and Awards ceremony at the National Police College of Jamaica, Twickenham Park, St. Catherine.

proof vests and 3,500 helmets were purchased for the JCF. Dogs were acquired from Colombia and the United States to aid in contraband interdiction and search and rescue.

• More than 200 volunteer

pastors and JCF peer counsellors were trained in Domestic Violence Intervention.

• Members of the Joint

ZOSO Task Force received human rights and social development training.

• Thirty-two correctional

officers benefited from NVQ-J scholarships valued over $1.2 million, while another 20 received specialised tactical training to improve security in the prisons.

• An additional 20 officers were trained in greenhouse technology.

Strengthening of JCF

• Jamaica’s 29th Police

Commissioner, George Quallo, was installed.

• The number of police

recruits increased by 346. An additional 223 persons were recruited for the JDF.

• A total of 135 former

district constables transitioned to the JCF.

• A new forensic pathologist

was recruited to assist in reducing the backlog of autopsies. Cont’d on page 10

10 ACHIEVEMENTS 2017 – STRONG PERFORMANCE – Building prosperity through partnership

Intelligence Gathering… cont’d from page 9 Department of Correctional Services (DCS)

• A new school building,

valued at approximately J$3.19 million (US$25,000), is being built at the Tamarind Farm Adult Correctional Centre in St. Catherine by Food for the Poor.

• Ten inmates at the Centre

were trained in modern agricultural techniques under a greenhouse project sponsored by Carib Cement Company Limited.

• Electronic monitoring of

inmates was introduced.

• The College of Agricul-

ture, Science and Education donated a hydroponic farming facility to the St. Catherine Adult Correctional Centre to assist with inmate rehabilitation.

• Rehabilitation initiatives

were increased in the seven adult prisons, where skills training programmes such as furniture making and food processing were introduced in collaboration with the HEART Trust/ NTA. Literacy classes also commenced for

inmates who are unable to read.

‘We Transform’

• Under the ‘We Transform’ programme, young people in correctional care were equipped with the requisite skills and support to enable them to become productive lawabiding citizens thereby reducing reoffending.

• More than 300 children

under the care and supervision of the DCS participated in the inaugural ‘We Transform’ competition and expo. The event showcased the skills and creativity of the children, aged 12 to 17, in art and craft, agriculture, culinary arts, computer science and fashion designing.

New Path Project

• The Department received

US$2.5 million to expand this rehabilitation programme.

Citizen Security and Justice Programme (CSJP) III

• CSJP’s Men with a Message (comprising reformed persons)

Minister of State in the Ministry of National Security, Senator the Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr. (2nd left), examines crops being grown under the Tamarind Farm Adult Correctional Centre Greenhouse Project. Others (from left) are Senior Superintendent for the Centre, Baldwin Rollins; Chairman of Carib Cement Company, Parris Lyew-Ayee Sr.; and Correctional Ofﬁcer, Linton Campbell.

engaged 8,057 at-risk youth from high schools islandwide on the dangers of criminal involvement.

• CSJP III partnered with

the National Council on Drug Abuse (NCDA) to implement a substance abuse treatment programme, benefiting 157 young persons.

• About 731 youth benefitted from psychosocial support through individual counselling sessions.

• A total of 480 at-risk

youth were prepared for the workforce through Vocational Skills Training (VST). Another 144 are being prepared for VST.

• Approximately 102 youth from volatile communities were placed in permanent jobs, which increased the number to over 1,000.

Two of four boats donated to the Jamaica Defence Force Coast Guard by the United States Government under the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative.

• Two hundred and thirty-

seven school-age youth were engaged during 2017 in a Summer Diversion/

The new Longville Park Police Station in Clarendon.

Behaviour Modification Programme.

Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA)

• Ninety-eight immigration officers successfully completed a border

training course and are now better equipped to carry out their duties.

• A Drop Box was estab-

lished to eliminate the need for persons queuing when renewing passports. Cont’d on page 11

ACHIEVEMENTS 2017 – STRONG PERFORMANCE – Building prosperity through partnership

Intelligence Gathering… cont’d from page 10 Private Security Regulation Authority (PSRA)

• Regulatory agencies bene-

fited from a five-day professional certificate course in International Regulatory Affairs and Reform to improve their skills and competencies.

Firearm Licensing Authority

• The new five-member

Firearm Licensing Authority (FLA) Board was appointed.

Get the Guns Campaign

• About 833 illegal firearms

were seized between January and December.

JCF 150th Anniversary

• Several activities marked this

milestone. These included an inaugural awards ceremony hosted by the Ministry and a series of concerts.

Community Safety and Security Branch

• The JCF, through its Com-

munity Safety and Security

Branch, established 50 police youth clubs in schools.

Other Projects

• A memorandum of

understanding (MOU) was signed by the Ministry, the JCF and the University of the West Indies (UWI), to facilitate training for more police recruits at the UWI’s Mona campus.

• A 15-member Security Pro-

gramme Oversight Committee (SECURIPOC) was launched to monitor the compliance and progress of the Ministry’s Departments and Agencies in relation to the implementation of key performance indicators, and make recommendations.

• More than $500 million was collected from the Traffic Ticket Amnesty. It involved tickets dating back to 2010.

Some of the 97 new and pre-owned motor vehicles that were handed over to the Jamaica Constabulary Force by the Ministry.

National Security Minister, Hon. Robert Montague (left), listens as Executive Director, Institute of Forensic Science and Legal Medicine, Dr. Judith Mowatt (2nd left), explains features of the BULLETRAX-3D System. Seated is Firearms and Toolmarks Examiner at the Institute, Stephanie Blake. The system was donated by the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean.

12 ACHIEVEMENTS 2017 – STRONG PERFORMANCE – Building prosperity through partnership

Record-breaking Year for Tourism

amaica had a recordbreaking year in tourism during 2017.

Visitor Arrivals and Earnings

• Jamaica's tourism industry

marked a historical milestone, welcomed 4,300,241 visitors to the island in a single year.

• Stopover arrivals totalled 2,353,461 while cruise passenger arrivals amounted to 1,946,780.

• Earnings amounted to

approximately US$3 billion, increasing by more than 10.2 per cent over the previous year.

UNWTO Conference

Jamaica, for the first time, hosted the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Global Conference under the theme: ‘Jobs and Inclusive Growth: Partnerships for Sustainable Tourism’ from November 27 to 29. Key outcomes: • The 15-point Montego Bay Declaration, a blue-

print for global tourism sustainability, from which an action plan for destinations will evolve.

• Signing of a multi-desti-

nation agreement between Jamaica and the Dominican Republic that will provide both countries access to a combined larger market.

• A Global Tourism Resil-

ience Centre to be established in Jamaica.

• A memorandum of understanding was signed between the Tourism Ministry and American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) to facilitate the training and certification of persons involved in the industry.

• Online accommodations

company, Airbnb, launched its Trip Experiences platform in Jamaica. The entity also announced that it will allow Jamaica to access its data, in a bid to improve the country’s destination marketing thrust.

Visitors enjoying the Ocho Rios Bay Beach.

More Hotel Rooms

Jamaica’s hotel room stock increased by over 1,000

Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett (left), escorts Jamaica's four millionth visitor for the 2017 calendar year, American, Jill Bell, along with her husband, Stephen Bell (right), who arrived at the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay on December 15.

with the opening of several resorts during the year. These include: • Azul Beach Resort, Negril – 150 rooms • Hideaway at Royalton Negril – 600 rooms • Sandals Royal Caribbean ‘Over the Water Villas’, Montego Bay – 12 rooms • Breathless Resort & Spa, Montego Bay – 150 rooms • Spanish Court II, Montego Bay – 124 rooms • Jewel Grande Montego Bay Resort and Spa – 322 rooms • Zoëtry Montego Bay – 49 rooms • Royal Decameron Cornwall Beach Resort in Montego Bay, St. James

• An agreement was signed with representatives of the Excellence Group of

Luxury Hotels and Resorts to build two hotels in Oyster Bay, Trelawny, which will add over 700 rooms to the island’s stock. The first, a 325-room hotel, is being built at a cost of US$110 million and is slated to be opened during the first half of 2018. The other hotel, which will add 400 rooms, will open at a later date.

• Ground was broken for

the construction of an AC Hotel at a cost of US$50 million. The project is a joint venture involving Sandals Resorts International, Marriot International and ATL Automotive.

• These projects, along

with the Sandals proposed development of Dragon Bay Hotel in Portland at a cost of US$100 million, can Cont’d on page 13

ACHIEVEMENTS 2017 – STRONG PERFORMANCE – Building prosperity through partnership

Record-breaking Year… cont’d from page 12 medium-sized tourism enterprises. It represents the second tranche of the $1 billion TEF/EXIM Bank loan facility, which was launched in September 2016 with an initial $300 million capital injection by the tourism entity.

potentially create 5,000 additional new jobs.

Training

• Cabinet approved plans

for the development of Jamaica’s first Hotel School as well as the establishment of a Craft Development Institute and Artisan Villages to support the Ministry’s thrust to strengthen the sector’s human capital.

Team Jamaica Programme

• The TPDCo has expanded

its ‘Team Jamaica’ training and certification programme. The entity joined with several approved training partners (ATPs) to make the programme more accessible to industry stakeholders.

• The Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo) signed an MOU with the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts to develop a Craft Development Institute in St. Ann’s Bay, St. Ann.

Devon House

• The new 5,000 square

Tourism Linkages Network

The Ministry continued to strengthen links with other sectors through five networks – Gastronomy, Health and Wellness, Knowledge, Shopping, and Sports and Entertainment. Initiatives embarked on include:

Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett (2nd right), enjoys a sample of Devon House ‘I Scream’ at the ofﬁcial opening of the expanded parlour on the grounds of the Kingston-based attraction. Also sampling the novelty treat (from left) are: Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Minister, Hon. Olivia Grange; former Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Edward Seaga; and Managing Director of Scoops Unlimited, Carol Clarke-Webster.

Destination Assurance Councils

• These bodies have been established to ensure that the quality, standards and integrity of the tourism product are maintained.

• Establishment of Jam-

aica’s first Gastronomy Centre at Devon House in St. Andrew.

TPDCo District Constables

• Launch of the Blue

• An additional 93 men and

Mountain Culinary Tour.

women graduated from the TPDCo’s District Constable Programme. They represent the second cohort of recruits to complete the six-week programme.

• Launch of the Tourism

Agri-Linkages Exchange Online Platform to facilitate the purchase and trade of goods between farmers and buyers within the local industry.

Award

• Minister of Tourism Hon.

• Mapping of a compre-

hensive list of restaurants, food festivals and tours and other culinary information.

National Export-Import (EXIM) Bank Loan Facility

• This was boosted by an

additional Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) allocation of $350 million to continue the Bank’s provision of loans to the operators of small and

feet ice cream parlour was officially opened. The project was funded by the Tourism Enhancement Fund.

Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett (right), examines a shoe made from cardboard by paper engineering, sign and graphic artist, Marvin Hibbert (centre), during a tour of the Trench Town community in Kingston in February. Looking on (at left) is Head of the Agency for Inner-City Renewal, Dr. Henley Morgan.

Edmund Bartlett was bestowed with the Caribbean Journal 2017 Caribbean Tourism Minister of the Year Award. He was recognised for being an effective tourism ambassador, and was lauded for spearheading Jamaica’s hosting of the UNWTO Global Conference in November.

14 ACHIEVEMENTS 2017 – STRONG PERFORMANCE – Building prosperity through partnership

Public Sector Transformation Programme Continues

ork under the Public Sector Transformation Programme progressed with the approval of a new policy governing the classification of public bodies, implementation of which is under way. Finance and the Public Service Minister, Hon. Audley Shaw, announced that the Public Sector Transformation Plan is being finalised for tabling in Parliament. Additionally, he advised that 84 State entities have been identified for divestment, merger, subsuming into Central Government or closure.

These included: • The merger of the Child Development Agency and Office of the Children’s Registry to form the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA).

• Establishment of the new

HEART Trust/National Training Agency, incorporating the Apprenticeship Board, Jamaica Foundation for Lifelong Learning and National Youth Service.

• The merger of the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Commission, Jamaica Racing Commission, and the Casino Gaming Com-

•

mission to form the Jamaica Gaming Commission. Divestment of Caymanas Track Limited to Supreme Ventures Limited.

• Closure of the Road Main-

•

tenance Fund and transferral of its operations to the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation. Closure of the Board of Survey’s administrative offices, the operations and services of which are being managed by the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development.

• Closure of several Urban

Development Corporation (UDC) subsidiaries that were dormant. These included: Portmore Commercial Development Limited Centre, Montego Bay Shopping Centre Limited, and Kingston Waterfront Hotel Company.

Wage Bill Management

Several actions commenced to achieve a public sector wage bill of nine per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) by the 2018/19 fiscal year. These included: • Completion of a Compensation Review and Negotiation Framework.

Finance and Public Service Minister, Hon. Audley Shaw (left), shakes hands with Chief Executive Ofﬁcer, PetroCaribe Development Fund, Dr. Wesley Hughes, at the launch of the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service/PetroCaribe Development Fund scholarship programme. Education, Youth and Information Minister, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid (2nd left); and Finance and Public Service State Minister, Hon. Rudyard Spencer, share the occasion.

• Cabinet approved the

Performance Management Policy Parameters, and completion of the Policy by December 2018. Cabinet approved proposed clear and unambiguous rules for hire, promotion and exit, and commenced work to develop these.

• Completion of Operating Model for HR shared services and the HR Operating Model for the Public Sector.

(GARD) in the AGD. This Division will be responsible for generating and delivering reports on Government business.

• Review, standardisation

Scholarship Programme

•

• Design of a Special Early Retirement Programme and the commencement of pre-implementation activities.

Human Resource Management Transformation

Activities were undertaken to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of human resource management in the public service.

• Roll-out of the integrated State Minister for Finance and the Public Service, Hon. Fayval Williams (2nd right), presents a citation to Civil Servant of the Year 2017, Acting Director, Corporate Services, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Kerry-Ann Alicia Spaulding (2nd left). Sharing the moment (from left) are: President, Jamaica Civil Service Association, O'Neil Grant; State Minister for Finance and the Public Service, Hon. Rudyard Spencer; and Cabinet Secretary, Ambassador Douglas Saunders.

human resource management system in the Office of the Services Commission; eGov; Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency; Transport Authority, and Accountant General’s Department (AGD).

and harmonisation of HR policies to support MyHR+. Commencement of work to develop an HR competency framework.

• Capacity-building training

for HR officers in November.

Jamaica Customs Agency

• The Ministry appointed

Velma Ricketts as the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) new Chief Executive Officer and Commissioner of Customs in April.

Accountant General’s Department (AGD)

• The AGD’s functions were

•

expanded as part of the Government’s move to centralise revenue inflows. The AGD now receives revenue from the JCA and Tax Administration Jamaica. Approval was granted for the establishment of the Government Accounting and Reporting Division

• The Government, through

the Ministry and the PetroCaribe Development Fund, launched a $30 million scholarship programme to provide support for tertiary students. The facility is being administered through the Ministry’s Scholarship and Assistance Unit, and is part of ongoing efforts to provide State interventions to facilitate human capital development. The programme was designed to assist Jamaican citizens in pursuit of their educational goals in the areas of entrepreneurship, logistics, Spanish and energy. Partially funded scholarships are provided for undergraduate studies, whether academic or technical; postgraduate and/or research leading to a university degree or professional development.

ACHIEVEMENTS 2017 – STRONG PERFORMANCE – Building prosperity through partnership

Hundreds Employed as JISCO Alpart Resumes Full Operations

undreds of employment opportunities were created and increased economic activities were generated for communities in and around St. Elizabeth, following the resumption of full bauxite and mining operations at the JISCO Alpart, at Nain, in June.

Bauxite

• The agreement between

the Government and the new Chinese owners, Jiuquan Iron and Steel Company (JISCO), unlocked the flow of an additional US$1 billion in investment, creating approximately 800 jobs.

• The company shipped its first cargo of 35,000 tonnes of alumina to China on December 29.

• The Government and

JISCO signed documents to facilitate investment of approximately US$3 billion over a three-year period.

• Other improvements

include a US$500 million 230 megawatt liquefied natural gas (LNG) power plant, a new aluminium foil and stainless steel

production facility, a new aluminium sheet plant, and a new welding rod plant.

• JISCO also plans to

upgrade Port Kaiser, modifying it to handle larger ships; to assist with housing and other support facilities for port workers; and to set up a greenhouse agricultural demonstration project.

Mining

• Government established

the geomorphological boundary of the Cockpit Country described as the ‘Core Cockpit Country’ and the Cockpit Country Protected Area, which includes existing forest reserves, significant hydrological and ecological features, and cultural and heritage sites.

• The Ministry, through the

Jamaica Bauxite Institute (JBI) restored some 267.78 hectares of mined-out lands, which represent 90 per cent of such lands. The areas are being provided to farmers for food production, and planting for the nutraceutical industry.

Transport and Mining Minister, Hon. Mike Henry (right), observes factory operations during a tour of the JISCO Alpart plant in Nain, St. Elizabeth. At centre is the company’s Managing Director, Liu Wanxiang.

Maritime Sector

• The Caribbean Maritime

University (CMU) was formally established on September 28 during its inaugural Charter Day Ceremony, which coincided with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) commemoration of World Maritime Day.

• The US$400 million proj-

The Caribbean Maritime University (CMU) team demonstrates the use of one of the three ﬁre trucks donated to the CMU by the Government of Japan through its Grant Assistance for Grassroots and Human Security Project. The ﬁre trucks, along with an ambulance, were handed over during a function at the CMU, Palisadoes Park in August.

•

ect, being undertaken through funding from the PetroCaribe Fund, will offer more than 20 professional courses and four new CMU degree programmes. These include a Master of Science in Automation, Master of Science in Mechatronics, Bachelor of Engineering in Automation and Bachelor of Engineering in Mechatronics. Jamaica was successful in its bid to be re-elected to the IMO Council Category C, for 2018/2019.

Transport and Mining Minister, Hon. Mike Henry (right), listens as Systems Development Manager in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Edson Williams (seated), demonstrates the Island Trafﬁc Authority’s Vehicle Management System. Looking on (from left) are Managing Director of the ITA, Ludlow Powell; and Deputy Superintendent of Police, John Wright.

Land Transportation

• The Rural Urban Transport pilot project was launched in September along three routes: May Pen to Old Harbour, May Pen to Lionel Town via Hayes, and May Pen to Toll Gate via Osbourne Store.

• Modernisation of the

Island Traffic Authority (ITA) was advanced with rehabilitation and upgrading of examination depots across the island. The expanded May Pen depot was officially opened. Refurbishing of the Swallowfield and Spanish Town depots was completed.

16 ACHIEVEMENTS 2017 – STRONG PERFORMANCE – Building prosperity through partnership

Ministry Assists Farmers to Rebound After Floods

he Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries implemented several programmes and initiatives to foster growth and to assist farmers who suffered major losses during the flood rains.

Poultry/Egg Production Up

• Broiler/poultry production

•

AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES Flood Recovery Programme

Beet Army Worm Mitigation

• A $118 million allocation

• More than $17 million was

was made available to assist some 10,000 farmers islandwide who were severely affected by the heavy rains in May, which resulted in losses estimated at $794 million.

allocated to assist farmers impacted by the beet army worm, especially in sections of Manchester and St. Elizabeth.

Agro-processing

• The Government, with

Support for Farmers

• high-quality seeds for

Farmers The Government’s thrust to increase production of high-quality seeds for agricultural production was boosted with the acquisition of equipment and supplies valued at more than $2.5 million.

National Irish Potato Programme

• The Ministry allocated

$50 million to provide crop

is up two per cent, with 128 million kilogrammes produced compared to 125 million kilogrammes in 2016. Egg production in 2017 increased by approximately four per cent to 184 million, compared to the 2016 output.

Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries Minister, Hon. Karl Samuda (right), inspects bananas for export with General Manager, Banana Board, Janet Conie. The 36,000 pounds of produce were loaded in a container at the compound of the Agriculture Export Centre (AMC Complex) in Kingston.

care and productivity support for the National Irish Potato Programme. Under the programme, local production increased to 18,231 tonnes in the first nine months, satisfying 90 per cent demand.

Banana

• First shipment of 36,000 lb

of green banana to Trinidad and Tobago occurred on December 25, followed by a weekly shipment of the fruit to Trinidad over the next six months.

• Coffee Farmers

Registered coffee farmers are benefiting from an $80 million initiative to improve and increase yields over time. The project, which falls under the Ministry’s Productivity Incentive Programme, focuses on training as well as the purchase of inputs, such as fertilisers, fungicides, and tools.

Support for the Sugar Industry

• The Ministry was able to

provide support to Monymusk Sugar Factory in Clarendon which resulted in the production of some 11,500 tonnes of sugar and the preservation of 800 jobs.

Revised Sugar Packaging and Labelling Standards in Effect

• The Government introFinance and Public Service Minister, Hon. Audley Shaw (left), and Head of the EU Delegation to Jamaica, Ambassador Malgorzata Wasilewska (right), exchange signed grant agreements to provide €6.5 million to enhance the living standards of residents in sugar-dependent areas. Sharing the moment is Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries Minister, Hon. Karl Samuda.

duced revised standards for the sale of brown and granulated sugar in the retail trade, effective July 1.

support from the World Bank, made an investment of some $320 million to establish agro-processing facilities across the island through the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF). These include: • Seven multi-use agroprocessing incubators valued at some $208 million in the parishes of St. Elizabeth, Westmoreland, Hanover, St. James, Trelawny, St. Mary and St. Catherine • A cold storage facility at Iterboreale in St. Mary valued at some $24.3 million • A cocoa-drying facility valued at $21 million in Portland • A $27 million honey extraction and bottling plant in Hanover • New pump and irrigation system valued at over $30 million at New Forest/Duff House Agro-Park in Manchester

INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE COJ Ranks Number Two in the World

• The Companies Office of Jamaica (COJ) was

Cont’d on page 17

ACHIEVEMENTS 2017 – STRONG PERFORMANCE – Building prosperity through partnership

Ministry Assists … cont’d from page 16 ranked number two in the Global Competitiveness Report for Opening a Business, moving up five places from 2016. The COJ was also ranked number five in the world for Starting a Business.

BSJ Rebranded

• The Bureau of Standards

Jamaica (BSJ) was rebranded and its regulatory responsibilities removed and assigned to the National Compliance Regulatory Agency. Some 89 standards were gazetted and promulgated by the BSJ.

Institutional Strengthening of MSMEs

• The Ministry established its Micro Small and Mediumsized Enterprise (MSME) Division to focus on the

sector in a more structured way.

MSME Conference

• Industry Ministers and

small-business operators from across the region participated in the inaugural Caribbean MSME Conference at the Hilton Rose Hall Resort and Spa in Montego Bay in July.

Cannabis Licences Issued

• History was created with

the issuing of the first two licences by the Cannabis Licensing Authority of Jamaica (CLA) for local entities to legally operate in the cannabis industry. Everything Oily Labs was presented with a processing licence, while Epican received a licence for cultivation.

Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. J.C. Hutchinson (centre), selects yam for purchase at the inaugural farmers’ market on the grounds of the Jamaica 4-H Clubs on Old Hope Road, in St. Andrew. Looking on at right is Executive Director, Jamaica 4-H Clubs, Ronald Blake.

18 ACHIEVEMENTS 2017 – STRONG PERFORMANCE – Building prosperity through partnership

Government Safeguarding Energy Security

he Ministry of Science, Energy and Technology made significant strides in safeguarding the country’s energy security through projects in fuel diversification, including renewable options and liquefied natural gas (LNG).

The facility is to assist approved entities with renewable energy and/or energy efficiency retrofits.

• A loan facility for the Energy Management and Efficiency Programme (EMEP) was signed in November with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency. The loan is valued at US$40 million, and includes funding support from the European UnionCaribbean Investment Facility (EU-CIF).

Energy

• A 20-year Power Pur-

chase Agreement was signed between Eight Rivers Energy Company Limited and the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) to supply electricity generated from solar to the national grid.

• National Energy Policy

Communication and Information Plan implemented and National Petroleum Codes completed.

• Ground was broken in

December for construction of a 37 megawatt (MW) solar power plant in Westmoreland, which is estimated to cost US$60 million.

• The 20MW WRB Enter-

prises (Content Solar) solar power plants were officially opened in June in Clarendon.

• Ground was broken for

Jamalco’s 100-megawatt LNG plant in December.

• Petroleum Corporation of

• A project monitoring and Windmills at the BMR Jamaica Wind Farm in Malvern, St. Elizabeth

• An Energy Licensing

Administration Office (ELAO) was established in the Ministry to accept and process applications for net billing licences.

• As at October, 50 applications were processed and 40 licences issued.

• The draft Integrated

•

Resource Plan (IRP) was completed and consultations commenced, and a technical committee established consisting of major stakeholders. The World Bank-funded Energy Security and Effi-

•

ciency Enhancement Project (ESEEP) was completed on October 31. Five loans were disbursed under the Development Bank of Jamaica’s Line of Credit facility to small and medium-sized enterprises, totalling US$391,003.07.

Jamaica (PCJ) was awarded a grant in October by the United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) to support the development of an offshore wind farm.

• Draft regulations for net

billing, auxiliary connections and power wheeling completed.

Science

• The Government signed an MOU with Biojam Industrial Research and Development (BIRD) Global Inc. to undertake a feasibility study for the creation of a science and technology park in Jamaica.

• A Scientific Research

• Portfolio Minister, Dr. the

Council (SRC)-built and patented biodigester system launched at the Noel Holmes Hospital.

Hon. Andrew Wheatley, was awarded the Central American and Caribbean Renewable Energy Congress (RECAM) 2017 Renewables Champion of the Year Award.

• Draft of Science, Innovation and Technology Policy completed.

• The Government committed

• JPS, through its sub-

sidiary, South Jamaica Power Company Limited (SJPC) began the execution phase for the 190MW LNG-fired power plant at Old Harbour Power Station.

evaluation system established and development of a long-term demand forecast model for the electricity sector completed.

Science, Energy and Technology Minister, Dr. the Hon. Andrew Wheatley (left), admires a drone that was built at the Andrew Wheatley Centre for Digital Innovation and Advanced Manufacturing at the Caribbean Maritime University, during the ofﬁcial opening of the facility in November. Others (from 2nd left) are: Head of the CMU’s Drone Department, André Subron; and Department engineers, Dario Lawrence and Giovannie Pierre.

$30 million over the next three years to fund highquality research projects in the areas of indigenous knowledge and water research as part of Jamaica/ South Africa Agreement

Cont’d on page 19

ACHIEVEMENTS 2017 – STRONG PERFORMANCE – Building prosperity through partnership

Gov’t Safeguarding Energy… cont’d from page 18 on Scientific and Technological Cooperation.

aims to equip 150 trainees with international industrystandard training in 3D animation for feature films.

Technology

• Design for GovNET was

completed and report from consultant delivered.

• Launch of new public

Wi-Fi locations at Devon House, Mandela Park, St. William Grant Park and Olympic Way in Kingston and St. Andrew; Junction in St. Elizabeth; and Mandeville in Manchester.

• Data Protection Bill tabled in Parliament.

• Handover of $13 million

worth of laptops and software to 40 members of the community of persons with disabilities.

• Launch of the mobile post

• Jamaica achieved number

office service in St. Ann. It will serve more than 50 communities and adjoining districts currently without postal services.

one ranking for cybersecurity and readiness in the Caribbean region.

• Launch of the Government of Jamaica Portal www.gov.jm.

• Completion of Community

Access Point (CAP) solarisation designs and implementation plan.

• $14.5 million provided for

the purchase of 31 computers for the Institute of Jamaica’s (IOJ) junior and cultural centres, to facilitate greater access to infor-

Minister of Science, Energy and Technology, Dr. the Hon. Andrew Wheatley (left), and Group General Manager of the Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica, Winston Watson (centre), are shown a map of Jamaica’s offshore blocks where Tullow Oil will be carrying out 2D seismic surveys, by Manager, Business Unit, Tullow Oil, Eric Bauer (right).

mation and communications technology (ICT) for users.

• Launch of the US$779,000

Creative Industries Education and Employment Programme (CIEEP), which

Science, Energy and Technology Minister, Dr. the Hon. Andrew Wheatley (2nd left), assists St. Mary resident, Cheyanne Henderson (left), in accessing a technology application on one of the 16 desktop computers installed at the Annotto Bay Computer Resource Centre. Looking on are Mayor of Port Maria, Councillor Richard Creary (2nd right); and Councillor for the Annotto Bay Division of the St. Mary Municipal Corporation, Hugh Bryan.

• Launch of a state-of-the

art centre for Digital Innovation and Advanced Manufacturing at Caribbean Maritime University (CMU).

20 ACHIEVEMENTS 2017 – STRONG PERFORMANCE – Building prosperity through partnership

Major Infrastructural Works at Public Health Facilities ajor infrastructural works were undertaken at public health facilities across the island as the Government moved to ensure that Jamaicans had access to quality and effective health care.

•

Upgrading and Expansion

More Ambulances

• The ambulance service

• Upgrading and expansion

•

was boosted with six new vehicles, purchased at a cost of $83 million with support from the EU.

works were carried out at the Falmouth Hospital in Trelawny and the Savannala-Mar General Hospital in Westmoreland, to accommodate patients from the Cornwall Regional Hospital (CRH) in St. James, where work began to replace the ventilation system that was expelling obnoxious fumes. Repairs commenced at Chapelton Community Hospital in Clarendon in December. This will be completed in six months.

• An agreement worth $5.8 billion was signed with the Government of China for the construction of the Western Regional Children’s Hospital in St. James. The facility will provide paediatric treatment and specialised care for children under 12 years old in that part of the island.

NHF Subsidies Increased

• In April, the NHF increased subsidies on 42 prescription drugs and diabetic supplies at a cost of $100 million.

Improved Pharmacy Service

• The Public Sector Phar-

macy Initiative resulted in the reduction of waiting time for persons accessing prescription drugs at public health facilities. In many cases, it took just half an hour to get drugs, whereas in the past this ranged from two hours to three months.

Health Minister, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton (2nd right), breaks ground for the construction of a building at the St. Catherine Inﬁrmary to house social cases from the Spanish Town Hospital. Also participating (from left) are Local Government and Community Development Minister, Hon. Desmond McKenzie; Chief Executive Ofﬁcer of the National Health Fund, Everton Anderson, and Mayor of Spanish Town, Councillor Norman Scott.

• The Drug Serv Pharmacy

in Portmore was upgraded at a cost of $42 million, to serve some 320 persons monthly and to provide seating for 65 customers.

• The Balaclava Health

•

Centre in St. Elizabeth was renovated at a cost of $14 million, provided by the Culture, Health, Arts, Sports and Education (CHASE) Fund. Cancer patients in Western Jamaica gained easier access to medical care, following the opening of a US$15 million ($1.88 billion) Cancer Treatment Centre at the CRH Montego Bay, St. James. It was constructed through a partnership involving the National Health Fund (NHF), the TEF, the Vincent HoSang Family Foundation, and the CHASE Fund. Partnerships were established with Municipal Corporations and private entities to construct

facilities for patients who have taken up permanent residence at hospitals. Expansion of operating theatre and renovation of male sugical ward at St. Ann’s Bay Hospital.

Prevention

• The Sealant Project was

•

Health Minister, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton (left), greets patients at the upgraded Drug Serv Pharmacy in Greater Portmore, St. Catherine.

expanded to improve the oral health of some 50,000 children who have issues with their teeth. Through a $100 million programme, the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine was introduced to protect girls against cervical cancer, which accounts for the deaths of many women every year. To promote responsible health among the youth, the Ministry of Health, in conjunction with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, and other partners, launched the Healthy Youth, Positive Energy (HYPE) programme, to promote Cont’d on page 21

ACHIEVEMENTS 2017 – STRONG PERFORMANCE – Building prosperity through partnership

Major Infrastructural Works at Public Health Facilities… cont’d from page 20 healthy lifestyles in schools. The focus was on physical activities, healthy eating, saying ‘no’ to drugs, and caring for the environment.

NCD Control

• As part of its national

strategy and action plan to prevent and control non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and reduce premature deaths due to the illnesses, the Ministry initiated the Jamaica Moves campaign.

Public Health

To ensure that the Zika virus was further controlled, some 500 public health aides were engaged to rid commutnities of mosquito breeding sites.

• A Mosquito Control and

Research Unit was set up at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona Campus, to help in the eradication and control of mosquitoes.

More Nurses

• Cabinet gave approval for some 300 additional posts for nurses to increase the number of heath professionals in the public system.

• The Government also

initiated arrangements for expanded training for eight categories of nurses who serve the public health system, and forged partnerships with the Governments of the United Kingdom and Cuba for training.

Health Minister, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton (right), joins in an exercise session at the launch of the ‘National Baking Company Moves’ held in July at the company’s Half-Way-Tree Road facility in Kingston.

Health Minister, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton (left), interacts with baby Shanoya Johnson, while visiting with heart surgery patients at the Bustamante Hospital for Children in Kingston. Shanoya’s mother, Veanka Rodgers, looks on.

22 ACHIEVEMENTS 2017 – STRONG PERFORMANCE – Building prosperity through partnership

Jamaica Strengthens Links Abroad

he Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade facilitated bilateral relations with several countries that secured increased access to economic and technical assistance and cooperation initiatives, as well as trade and human resource development programmes, in support of the economic growth and job creation agenda. These resulted in the signing of several agreements, and implementation of a number of projects and activities. These include:

Maarten that were devastated by Hurricanes Irma and Maria. The provisions included evacuation of 185 persons by special charter flights to Jamaica and emergency relief supplies, including food, water, blankets and toiletries.

• Jamaica signed and rati-

fied the Amendment to Annex III (7) of the Agreement Establishing the CARICOM Development Fund (CDF) to allow lessdeveloped member States to access development funding.

• A grant agreement for a

•

$1.6 billion project for the Improvement of Emergency Communication Systems and a US$15 million Loan Agreement for the Energy Management and Efficiency Programme (Japan). Donation of three sport utility vehicles to the GOJ, which are being utilised by the Ministries of Health, Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade; and Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries (Korea).

• Project on strengthening

on-farm Water Management Capacity in Climate Resilience Production and Productivity; Cooperation Project on a ‘Multi-Hazard Risk Assessment Platform for Caribbean Educational Facilities’; Cooperation on the Development of the

World Trade Organization Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister, Senator the Hon Kamina Johnson Smith, delivers Jamaica’s policy statement at the 72nd United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Caribbean Integrated Crime and Violence Information System; workshop on Exploring Natural Dyes for Sustainable Entrepreneurial Development; Project on the Bioengineering of Yam and other selected Caribbean roots and tuber crops biomaterial for value-chain expansion and pre-commercialisation analyses (Mexico).

Official and Working Visits

• An Agreement on Cooperation in Sport, as well as a Memorandum of Understanding on Institutional Cooperation between

PROCHILE and JAMPRO were signed during a visit to Chile by Ministry officials.

• Jamaica welcomed sev-

eral officials from China, including State Councillor and Director of the Central Foreign Affairs Office in China, Dr. Yang Jiechi; Vice Chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission (NRDC), His Excellency Ning Jizhe, who signed a production framework agreement on production capacity and investment; and Minister of the Gen-

eral Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of China (AQSIQ), His Excellency Zhi Shuping, who signed an MOU on sanitary and phytosanitary measures to facilitate the export of local seafood to China.

• Jamaica hosted a joint

delegation from the Association of Caribbean States (ACS) and the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), to discuss arrangements for the implementation of the ‘Impact Assessment of Climate Change on Sandy Shorelines Project’ in the island. The 31-month project is valued at US$4 million.

• Jamaica also received an

additional US$1 million to facilitate the country’s role as the main Englishspeaking partner for the project.

Regional and International Engagements Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister, Senator the Hon. Kamina Johnson Smith, addresses the Jamaica 55 Diaspora Conference in July.

• The Ministry assisted

Jamaicans in the British Virgin Islands and St.

• Jamaica’s fourth Trade

Policy Review (TPR) was conducted by the World Trade Organization (WTO) in September at its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.

• Jamaica became the 53rd country to sign the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons at the UN Office of Legal Affairs in December.

Jamaica – EU Relations

• The Ministry convened the third Jamaica-European Union (EU) Political Dialogue. Issues discussed included political and economic developments; highly indebted middleincome countries, crime and security; human rights and the post-2020 future of African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP)/EU relations.

Elections and Successful Candidatures

• Jamaica was elected to

the Executive Board of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to serve a fouryear term from 2017 to 2021. Cont’d on page 24

ACHIEVEMENTS 2017 – STRONG PERFORMANCE – Building prosperity through partnership

Laws Approved to Advance Financial, Security and Justice Agenda

he country’s financial, economic, public sector reform, justice and security agenda was advanced through Parliament’s enactment of several pieces of legislation.

Legislation Passed 1. Arbitration Act 2. Children (Guardianship and Custody) (Amendment) Act 3. Caribbean Maritime University Act 4. Transport Authority (Validation and Indemnity) Act 5. Pensions (Public Service) Act 6. Constitution (Amendment) (Establishment Fund) (Payment of Pensions) Act 7. General Partnership Act 8. Limited Partnership Act 9. Integrity Commission Act 10. National Identification and Registration Act 11. Defence Act 12. The Agricultural Loan Societies and Approved Organisations Act 13. The Property Tax (Amendment) No. 2 Act 14. The Property Tax (Validation and Indemnification) Act 15. Telephone Calls Tax Act 16. Telephone Calls Tax (Validation and Indemnification) Act 17. Public Debt Management (Amendment) Act 18. Law Reform (Zones of Special Operations) (Special Security and Community Development Measures) Act 19. Plea Negotiations and Agreement Act 20. Road Traffic (Temporary Ticket Amnesty) Act 21. National Housing Trust (Amendment) (Special Provisions) Act 22. Transfer Tax (Amendment) Act 23. The Income Tax (Amendment) Act 24. The Stamp Duty (Amendment) Act

25. Local Governance (Amendment) Act 26. Betting, Gaming and Lotteries (Amendment) Act 27. The Civil Aviation (Amendment) Act 28. The Tourism Enhancement (Amendment) Act 29. The Companies Amendment Act 30. The Processed Food (Amendment) Act 31. Bank of Jamaica Act 32. Appropriation Act 33. The Road Maintenance Fund (Repeal) Act

Orders and Regulations Approved 1. Twelve additional areas of forests, totalling 1,862.74 hectares, declared as forest reserves. This followed approval of the Forest Reserves Orders 2. Civil Service Establishment (General) Order 3. Provisional Collection of Tax (Income Tax) (No. 2) Order 4. Banking Services (Deposit Taking Institutions) (Agent Banking) Regulations 5. Political Parties Registration Regulations 6. Special Economic Zones (SEZs) Regulations

Legislation Tabled 1. Occupational Safety and Health Bill 2. Data Protection Bill

Legislation Passed in the House of Representatives Only 1. Building Bill 2. The Licences on Trade and Business (Validation) (Indemnification and Amendment ) Bill 3. The General Consumption Tax (Removal of Exemptions) (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 4. Special Economic Zones (Amendment) Bill 5. The Criminal Justice (Administration) (Amendment) Bill 6. The Indictments (Amendment) Act.

Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen (right), delivers the Throne Speech at the opening of the 2017/18 session of Parliament at Gordon House in February. The speech was delivered under the theme ‘A Firm Foundation for Prosperity’.

24 ACHIEVEMENTS 2017 – STRONG PERFORMANCE – Building prosperity through partnership

Jamaica Strengthened Links… cont’d from page 23

• Jamaica was also elected to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council – during the 30th Session of the IMO General Assembly at IMO Headquarters in London.

Hague Child Abduction Convention

• Jamaica became party to

the ‘Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction’. This now enables the Ministry to work with the Child Protection and Family Services Agency to assist in international child abduction cases.

Diaspora Affairs

• The Ministry underwent

•

restructuring, which saw the creation of a new Diaspora, Protocol and Consular Division. A successful Jamaica 55 Diaspora Conference was held between July 23 and 26 at the Jamaica Conference Centre, downtown Kingston.

There were 1,341 participants from the United Kingdom, Canada and

the United States of America, as well as nontraditional locations of Cayman, Japan, Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates.

Ambassadorial Appointment

• Sheila Sealy Monteith was appointed Jamaica’s Ambassador to Belgium and Permanent Representative to the European Union and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). She will also serve as nonresident Ambassador to other European countries.

Policy Measures

• The National Foreign

Trade Policy and Action Plan 2017-2020 was adopted by Cabinet as a White Paper. It aims to provide a road map for strengthening the foreign trade regime, a tool for capacity building, and a reference document for policymakers and other public and private sector stakeholders.

Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister, Senator the Hon. Kamina Johnson Smith (left), exchanges signed documents with China’s Ambassador to Jamaica, His Excellency Niu Qingbao, for the construction of the Western Hospital for Children in St. James.

ACHIEVEMENTS 2017 – STRONG PERFORMANCE – Building prosperity through partnership

Government Demonstrates Commitment to Education

he Government continued to demonstrate its unwavering commitment to education and youth development, significantly increasing budgetary support to the sector. This included provisions for tuition, plant upgrading and maintenance, and skills training and employment opportunities. Measures were also put in place to improve childcare and protection.

Increased Funding

• Allocation to education

from $95 billion to $98.7 billion.

• More than $37.6 billion

went towards the secondary level, with per capita support moving to between $176,994 and $190,000. Funding outside of salaries was increased to $7.2 billion.

• Funding to primary,

all-age and junior high schools moved to more than $1 billion outside of salaries. These institutions received $19,000 per student, up from $1,100.

• The provision for infant

schools increased by 169

per cent to $2,500 per student from an average of $850 per student.

• A sum of $112 million was allocated for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) integration in schools.

School Construction and Maintenance

• 172 institutions benefited

from repairs at a cost of $554.3 million under the schools maintenance project. Of the sum, $316.7 million was disbursed to 122 schools to undertake crucial works to facilitate the reopening of plants for September. The other 50 institutions are under contracts for various types of renovation at a cost of $174.4 million.

• 11 contracts were awarded at a cost of $49.5 million for works under the earlychildhood rationalisation project, aimed at the merger or construction of institutions. Four projects were completed, while seven are in progress with works between 60 per cent and 90 per cent complete.

Education, Youth and Information Minister, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid, has the attention of students of Alpha Infant School in Kingston during a Read Across Jamaica Day activity at the institution on May 9.

• Work was advanced on

the building of three classrooms at Pembroke Hall High School in St. Andrew at a cost of $14 million. The project inspection was done on December 8.

• Ten classrooms were built at the Old Harbour Primary school in St. Catherine.

• Cedric Titus High School

in Trelawny received four new classrooms at a cost of $31 million.

• At the Sydney Pagon

•

Academy in St. Elizabeth, work was 40 per cent complete on three classrooms at a cost of $24 million. Work was 80 per cent complete on a $27 million upgrading project at the Bellevue Primary and Junior High School in Trelawny.

• A media centre opened at Guy’s Hill High School in St. Catherine.

• The Allman Hill Primary

and Junior High School in Above Rocks, St. Andrew, received an Infant Department complete with amenities for early childhood growth and development.

Education, Youth and Information Minister, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid, addresses a Post Cabinet press brieﬁng at Jamaica House.

• Several canteens were

refurbished at a cost of $200 million.

• $76 million was allocated

in the 2017/18 Budget to upgrade bathrooms at 35 of 42 schools that still had pit latrines. Up to the end of the year, construction was almost completed at 16 institutions, while work was in various stages on others.

• The remaining seven

schools are being completed through partnership with the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF) and the Culture, Health, Arts, Science and Education (CHASE) Fund.

Early Childhood, Primary and Secondary Schools

• 100 institutions were certified as meeting the Early Childhood Commission’s (ECC) 12 operational standards.

• The National Standards

Curriculum (NSC) for Grades One to Nine was fully implemented, and 9,472 teachers, out of a targeted 12,000, were trained in July and Cont’d on page 26

26 ACHIEVEMENTS 2017 – STRONG PERFORMANCE – Building prosperity through partnership

Gov’t Demonstrates Commitment… cont’d from page 25 August. The new curriculum aims to improve the general academic performance, attitude, and behaviour of students.

• Primary, all-age and junior

high schools began receiving payment directly from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information. These schools continue to receive their maintenance grant of $50,000 per school along with janitorial support of $172,000.

Career Advancement Programme (CAP)

• $800 million was allocated to fund the CAP, an increase of more than $190 million over the previous year.

• More than 8,000 students were enrolled in CAP at 110 centres located at secondary schools, com-

• Ananda Alert partnered

Programme of Advancement Through Health And Education (PATH)

with Facebook to share broadcasts of missing children on the pages of Jamaican users of the social media site.

• Provisions were put in

place for PATH beneficiaries to have one cooked meal at school for five days each week free of cost.

• The play therapy room at

the Glenhope Childcare Facility was refurbished. The facility will assist in the psychological treatment of children who have been exposed to traumatic events.

• More than $111 million

• 86 Mathematics coaches

were deployed to provide support to more than 200 primary and secondary schools, moving up from 56.

Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA).

munity and teachers’ colleges and private training institutions.

•

was allocated to provide literature books for secondary students in Grades Seven, 10 and 11. An allocation of $2,000 each was made to cover the cost of identification cards and uniform-related items for students at the secondary level.

• Book vouchers of up to

$2,000 per student were provided for the neediest students at a cost of $40 million.

• A Rural School Bus Transport System targeting PATH beneficiaries, valued at $200 million, was rolled out in St. Thomas, Port-

• A mobile Mental Health

State Minister in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, Hon. Floyd Green (2nd left), plays with children of the Glenhope Childcare Facility in the therapy room, which was opened in February.

land, St. Mary, Clarendon, Manchester, St. Elizabeth, Hanover and St. James.

Technical and Vocational Training

• 457 students were enrolled in the pilot course of the Associate Degree in Occupational Studies.

• HEART Trust/NTA, in col-

laboration with the Ministry, developed and launched its Upskilling programme for persons already doing certain types of jobs. More than 2,000 persons have been trained under the programme.

• The National Qualification Framework of Jamaica (NVQ-J) was launched. It provides a register for all qualifications in the Jamaican education and training system.

Capacity Support

• The Ministry and BAU Education, Youth and Information Minister, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid, looks on as ﬁve-year-old Devon Primary and Infant School students, Quewayne Davis (centre) and Jayquon McIntosh, demonstrate their writing skills.

International University in Washington DC partnered to provide 107 scholarships for student-teachers to pursue undergraduate and graduate programmes

at the institution under a three-year memorandum of understanding (MOU), valued at J$378.2 million (US$3 million).

• The Ministry and the Public/

Private Sector Partnership signed a five-year MOU to better align education and training to meet the needs of the labour market.

Safety and Security

• The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) partnered with the Ministry on a $4 million safety and security in schools programme.

• Under the project, some

130 handheld metal detectors and five walk-through metal scanners will be provided to institutions.

• A walk-through metal

detector was installed at Edith Dalton James High School.

Child Care and Protection

• The Office of the Children’s

Registry was merged with the Child Development Agency to form the Child

Unit called ‘Smile Mobile’ was presented to the Child Development Agency (CDA) by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

Youth Development

• 79 young people were

presented with the Prime Minister’s Youth Award for Excellence for outstanding achievement in various areas.

• More than 700 secondary

school student councillors were trained in youth leadership.

• Approximately 8,000

youth accessed academic and administrative support services through the Youth Information Centres.

• More than 1,000 young

persons were engaged as laboratory technicians, safety and security support officers, clerical officers and environmental wardens to be placed in select schools under the Learn, Earn, Give, and Save programme (LEGS).

• The Government allocated

$300 million to help financially challenged Jamaican students at the University of the West Indies, University of Technology (UTech) and the Caribbean Maritime University (CMU).

ACHIEVEMENTS 2017 – STRONG PERFORMANCE – Building prosperity through partnership

Major Investment Boosts Local Government Services

ajor investments were made to improve the country’s capabilities to respond to disasters, upgrade the physical infrastructure of infirmaries, refurbish fire stations and boost garbage collection.

• US$1.3 million contract

was signed for the acquisition of two new fireboats for the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB).

• Jamaica’s communication

• An Emergency Medical

capability before, during and after disasters was boosted through a $1.6 billion grant from the Government of Japan. The provision, to be disbursed over four years, will be used to procure equipment.

Service (EMS) has been set up at the Portmore Fire Station in St. Catherine. The EMS has the use of two ambulances that were acquired at a cost of $17.2 million through funding from the NHF and the CHASE Fund.

• 300 health workers

• Community volunteers

received training in the areas of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), first aid, search and rescue as well as shelter management.

NSWMA

• The NSWMA fleet of vehi-

cles was boosted with the addition of 28 garbage compactors valued at more than $560 million. The new compactor trucks were assigned to each of the four regional entities of the NSWMA.

• A contract was signed for a Local Government and Community Development Minister (right), Hon. Desmond McKenzie, in the driver’s seat of one of the six new garbage trucks acquired for three of the National Solid Waste Management Authority’s (NSWMA) regional ofﬁces. Looking on are Managing Director of the Jamaica Social Investment Fund, Omar Sweeney (left); and NSWMA Executive Director Audley Gordon.

through collaboration with the St. James Municipal Corporation.

SDC

• Asset mapping of all 79

communities in Clarendon was completed in order to identify the resources of the parish.

• Twelve Community Development Committees

(CDCs) were established and reactivated in Kingston and St. Andrew.

• SDC staged its inaugural

Downtown Home and Furnishing Fair to showcase furniture makers and artisans from the downtown Kingston area.

• 263 teams from communities across the island

Agency Network (SCAN) donated a portable suction machine to the Spanish Town Hospital.

Road Repairs/Drain Cleaning

• $20 million was provided

to rehabilitate the road leading to the birthplace of National Hero, the Right Excellent Sir Alexander Bustamante in Blenheim, Hanover.

• More than $250 million

was allocated for the purchase of 17 additional trucks, to be procured by the end of the 2017/18 financial year.

•

• The SDC’s St. Catherine

in Clarendon was repaired at a cost of $13 million.

tipper trucks valued at $21 million from the Government of Japan to improve garbage collection in the Kingston Metropolitan Area (KMA).

outfitted with professional uniforms through a $20 million allocation from the Government. A garbage disposal site was opened in Norwood

competed for $6 million in cash and prizes in the 11th staging of the SDC’s National 20/20 Community Cricket Competition.

• The Pennants back road

• NSWA received two new

• Sanitation workers were

been worst affected by weather conditions.

JFB

ODPEM

received Disaster Risk Management (DRM) and Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) training.

• Approximately $40 million

Local Government and Community Development Minister, Hon. Desmond McKenzie (centre); and former Ambassador of Japan to Jamaica, His Excellency Masanori Nakano (left), listen to Acting Commissioner of the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB), Raymond Spencer, at the handover of two command vehicles and a Hiace panel van to the JFB at the York Park Fire Station on Orange Street in Kingston.

was set aside to carry out major drain cleaning across Kingston and St. Andrew.

• More than $175 million in

emergency funding was approved to address critical infrastructural repairs in six parishes that have

new fire station in Montego Bay, St. James, through support from the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF) and the World Bank.

• $58 million was allocated

for repairs to fire stations.

Infirmaries

• More than $185 million

was allocated to upgrade infirmaries in Manchester, St. James, St. Elizabeth and Portland. Of the sum, $55 million was provided to build a new ward to house the 43 female residents at the Manchester Golden Age Home.

• $25 million is being spent for a new administrative building and a new infirmary in St. James.

Improved Access to Water

• The community of Pen-

nants in Clarendon received its first water shop, which was built at a cost of $8 million.

• A sum of $40 million was

made available to provide potable water for residents of communities severely affected by drought conditions in Manchester, St. Elizabeth, Westmoreland and Hanover. Cont’d on page 28

28 ACHIEVEMENTS 2017 – STRONG PERFORMANCE – Building prosperity through partnership

Major Investment Boosts… cont’d from page 27 Infrastructure Development

• A $190 million contract

was signed for construction of a new administrative building to house the Portmore Municipal Corporation.

• The $15 million Ackee Vil-

lage vending park located along the Dyke Road in Portmore, St. Catherine, was officially opened.

Capacity Building

• Councillors and Poor

Relief Officers attached to the Westmoreland, St. Mary and Clarendon Municipal Corporations were provided with stateof-the-art tablet and desktop computers and printers to enhance service delivery.

• Several regional sensiti-

sation sessions for elected local government officials were held.

Training/Employment

• 2,500 young people were employed over a sevenweek period to collect

data on street lights and identify vulnerable persons within communities who may require assistance during periods of natural disasters and other forms of emergency.

• More than 60 persons from

communities in and around Peckham, Clarendon, were trained and certified in the production of bamboo by-products, including the infusion of bamboo in light-emitting diode (LED) technology.

Legislation

• The House of Represen-

tatives passed the Building Bill, which seeks to establish a modern legislative framework to reduce the vulnerability of Jamaica’s built environment and ensure public safety.

• Regulations accompany-

ing the Disaster Risk Management Act were reviewed to strengthen the provisions and make the legislation more effective.

From left: Local Government and Community Development Minister, Hon. Desmond McKenzie; Mayor of Portmore, Leon Thomas; Chief Executive Ofﬁcer, Portmore Municipal Corporation, Kerry Chambers; and Member of Parliament for South East St. Catherine, Colin Fagan, break ground for the construction of the Portmore Municipal Corporation administrative building in May.

Local Government and Community Development Minister, Hon. Desmond McKenzie (right), looks at the sign for Ackee Village in Portmore, St. Catherine, which was ofﬁcially launched in July. Others (from left) are Councillor for the Gregory Park Division, Joy Brown; Member of Parliament for East Central St. Catherine, Alando Terrelonge; and Mayor of Portmore, Leon Thomas.

Prime Minister the Most. Hon. Andrew Holness inspects the ﬁrst batch of graduates of the Jamaica National Service Corps.

ACHIEVEMENTS 2017 – STRONG PERFORMANCE – Building prosperity through partnership

Jamaica Celebrates 55

amaicans celebrated the country’s 55th anniversary of Independence through a series of activities dubbed Jamaica 55, under the theme ‘Celebrating Jamaicans at Home and Abroad’. On August 6, more than 30,000 Jamaicans attended the traditional ‘Grand Gala’ at the National Stadium.

Legacy Projects

• Strategic partnerships

were developed with the private and public sectors to support Jamaica 55 initiatives, including several Legacy Projects.

Sports

• Ground broken for the

construction of the Stafanie Taylor Oval at the Eltham High School in St. Catherine, one of the Jamaica 55 Legacy Projects. To date, the volley ball court has been completed. The oval is being constructed by the Sports Development Foundation, in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport. It will be the first time that a cricket ground in Jamaica is named in honour of a sports woman.

• Legendary track-and-field superstar, Usain Bolt, retired.

• The statue of Usain Bolt

was unveiled at the National Stadium by Prime Minister the Most. Hon. Andrew Holness on December 3.

• A three-year Letter of

Exchange for a Technical Cooperation Project on Sport Coaching was signed between the Governments of Jamaica and the People’s Republic of China.

• A Sustainability Plan for

the Athletes Insurance Scheme was completed and is under review by the Ministry.

Jamaica marked 55 years of Independence in 2017.

• The Ministry hosted the

‘Intellectual Property Rights and the Strategic Use in the Sport Industry’ international conference, in collaboration with the World Intellectual Property Organization and the Jamaica Intellectual Property Office.

Entertainment

• Fort Rocky in Port Royal

was declared Jamaica’s first Entertainment Zone.

• Work began to establish

an Entertainment Insurance Plan to assist musicians and artistes. The plan will be supported from the sales of the ‘Jamaica 55’ commemorative album.

Bureau of Gender Affairs

• The Woman Incorporated

Crisis Shelter in Kingston, was refurbished, retrofitted and reopened.

• A new miniseries, titled

‘Amazing Dads’, which aims to promote positive stories about fathers in Cont’d on page 30

Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Minister, Hon. Olivia Grange (right), cuts the ribbon to ofﬁcially reopen the Woman Inc. Crisis Centre in Kingston. Assisting her (from left) are: Founder and Chair of Woman Inc., Angela Stewart; and Chargé d’Affaires at the United States Embassy in Jamaica, Eric Khant.

30 ACHIEVEMENTS 2017 – STRONG PERFORMANCE – Building prosperity through partnership

Jamaica Celebrates… cont’d from page 29

Jamaica and mobilise men to be productive members of society, was launched on October 20.

• A Gender Mainstreaming

Manual was developed, which will serve as a quick guide to support the implementation of various policies and programmes to promote gender equality.

• A National Strategic Action Plan to Eliminate GenderBased Violence was implemented.

• Review of the Sexual Prime Minister the Most Hon. Andrew Holness (centre) and Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Minister, Hon. Olivia Grange (2nd left), do the trademark ‘To the World,’ pose of retired track star, Usain Bolt (2nd right), at the unveiling of the eight-foot statue of Mr. Bolt at the National Stadium in St. Andrew in December. At left is Mr. Bolt’s long-time coach and mentor, Glen Mills, and at right is sculptor, Basil Watson.

Harassment Bill began for finalisation and resubmission to the Legislative Committee. Once approved, it will be returned to Parliament.

• Twenty-seven Government

Ministries, Departments and Agencies received the Gender Equality Certification and Seal, having achieved specific standards in promoting gender equality in the workplace.

• A MOU was signed to

develop strategies and collaborative programmes to promote and encourage the involvement of women in entrepreneurship.

Culture

• Efforts were made to protect the Blue and John Crow Mountains World Heritage Site, including the erection of another sign in Port Morant, St. Thomas.

• A Regional Conference

on World Heritage and Climate Change was held in May.

Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Minister, Hon. Olivia Grange (4th left); West Indies and Jamaican woman cricketer, Stafanie Taylor (4th right); and President of the Jamaica Cricket Association, William ‘Billy’ Heaven (3rd left), break ground for the Stafanie Taylor Oval at Eltham High School in St. Catherine.

• Jamaica won a place on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and

Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Executive Board for 2017-2021.

• Work began on Labour

Day to restore the Ward Theatre in downtown Kingston. The Ministry is collaborating with the Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation to restore the facility.

• The Culture Passport Programme was expanded to include communitybased organisations, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and other interest groups.

• Nomination dossier for

inscription of the Reggae Music of Jamaica on the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage for Humanity was submitted in March. UNESCO advised that nomination will be considered in 2018.

• Work commenced to

secure Port Royal’s inclusion on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites.

• The rebranded ‘National

Policy on Culture and Creative Economy: Towards the Enhancement and Promotion of Brand Jamaica’ was drafted.

• The National Library of

Jamaica digitised 573 paper-based items and 3,498 film, video, audio and microfilm contents.

• The Creative Production

and Training Centre (CPTC) enrolled 153 students in the various programmes of the Media Technology Institute (MTI). About 18 students also graduated from the Institute with diplomas and associate degrees.

ACHIEVEMENTS 2017 – STRONG PERFORMANCE – Building prosperity through partnership

Widening Access to Justice

he Ministry of Justice continued to implement measures to broaden access to justice through training to boost the capacity of key personnel, equipping courts with relevant technology, and putting systems in place to speed up trials and reduce backlog.

Force Trafficking in Persons Unit.

• Cabinet approved Jam-

• Case management statistical system implemented in parish courts to enhance the capacity of the justice system to manage backlogs.

• Criminal Bench Book

launched to better aid trial judges in directing juries in criminal cases.

• Legislative Production

Management System and Legislative Drafting Manual launched, to make the legislative drafting process more efficient and facilitate speedy amendments to Bills.

New Justices of the Peace for St. Catherine take the Oath at a commissioning ceremony at the Portmore Seventh-day Adventist Church in St. Catherine in November.

Registrar General’s Department, National Land Agency, and Rent Board, among others.

Legal Aid Council

• Legal Aid Council com-

• Judicial Education

Institute of Jamaica launched to facilitate training of members of the judiciary.

• Supreme Court hosted

three Sentence Reduction Days, which allowed accused persons to enter a plea of guilty and benefit from a reduction of up to 50 per cent in their sentence. Eighty individuals in the Kingston, St. Catherine and Trelawny parish and gun courts benefited from the initiative.

•

JPs Trained

• 7,584 Justices of the

Peace (JPs) appointed.

• 432 JPs trained through

the Justice Training Institute.

• 752 JPs were sensitised

through the Criminal and Civil Justice Administration Unit (CCJ) on civil matters relating to the AdministratorGeneral’s Department,

pleted 1,182 matters in parish courts islandwide Mobile Justice Unit was commissioned into operation. By the end of the year, approximately 1,284 clients were served.

Plea Bargaining

• Plea Negotiations and

• National Task Force

Against Trafficking in Persons (NATFATIP) conducted seven major anti-TIP operations and rescued six victims of human trafficking; and assisted in the rescue and care of four victims from Trinidad and Tobago, The Bahamas and Antigua.

• The Task Force partnered with the Ministry of Education to train and sensitise 1,000 school

resource officers in tandem with the Safe Schools Unit. Training took place in Mandeville, Kingston and St. James.

• A TIP rescue team was

established and Operation Uplift was launched, which displaced three prostitution rings and arrested significant players in the human trafficking trade.

• NATFATIP procured a

motor vehicle for the Jamaica Constabulary

aica’s adoption of the international Blue Heart Campaign against human trafficking, which will involve the use of local campaign materials, the Blue Heart logo, fact sheets and brochures. The campaign is an initiative by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to mobilise governments, civil society organisations, media and the private sector to expose and combat this serious crime.

• Work commenced on the

crafting of an AntiTrafficking in Persons Policy through funding from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Administrator-General’s Department

• The Administrator-General’s Department (AGD) closed 598 files and issued 240 instruments of administration.

Cont’d on page 32

Agreements Act (2017) passed by Parliament.

Restorative Justice

• Two new Restorative

• Digital audio-recording

and video-link equipment handed over to the Supreme Court to be installed in 71 courtrooms.

•

Justice (RJ) Centres opened in Kingston in Denham Town and Tivoli Gardens. One Justice Parish Centre opened in St. Ann, offering RJ and child diversion services, and legal aid. 312 sensitisation sessions held on RJ processes, benefiting 11,906 persons islandwide.

Strengthened Response to Trafficking in Persons

• Cabinet approved amend-

ment to the Trafficking in Persons (Prevention, Suppression and Punishment) Act, for trial by judge alone. Drafting instructions submitted to the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel.

Justice Minister, Hon. Delroy Chuck (2nd right), and National Security Minister, Hon. Robert Montague (2nd left), unveil the Trafficking in Persons (TIP) lapel used to create awareness in the fight against human trafficking. Assisting them (from left) are: Manager for the TIP Secretariat, Keshia West and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Justice, Carol Palmer.

32 ACHIEVEMENTS 2017 – STRONG PERFORMANCE – Building prosperity through partnership

Widening Access… cont’d from page 31 • The Department was

involved in several public education activities, including more than 50 public education sessions and the Ministry of Justice training seminars for JPs.

• 66 students, including 57 minor beneficiaries were provided with back-toschool items.

Attorney General’s Chambers

• Cabinet approved implementation plan for the centralisation of legal services. Approval was given by the Ministry of

Finance and the Public Service for new and upgraded positions for the chambers to strengthen the capacity of the litigation division, as well as to prepare for implementation of the legal services centralisation plan.

• A Transition Advisory

Committee was established to support the centralisation plan.

• Approximately 20 admin-

istrative staff members were trained in the management of records.

Email: jis@jis.gov.jm ● Website: www.jis.gov.jm

Attorney General, Hon. Marlene Malahoo Forte (2nd left), greets Senior Puisne Judge (retired), Hon. Justice Gloria Smith (2nd right), at the launch of the Jamaica Association of Women Judges at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel. Chief Justice, Hon. Mrs. Justice Zaila McCalla (left) and Judge of the Court of Appeal, Justice Hilary Phillips, share the moment.

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