ISSN 0799 –2386
Vision 2030 Jamaica Update
Vol. 6 Issue # 3
ISSN 0799 –2386
UPDATE A Quarterly Newsletter of the Planning Institute of Jamaica
JULY 2013 – SEPTEMBER 2013 IN THIS ISSUE APRIL 2013 – JUNE 2013
MTF 2012-2015 Now Ready Cabinet approves medium-term priorities to 2015
T
he 2012-2015 Medium Term Socio-Economic
Policy Framework (MTF) that will accelerate the achievement of the goals and outcomes of Vision 2030 Jamaica – National Development Plan for the next three years, has been completed. The document, which outlines the prioritized strategic framework for the medium term to 2015, and which was approval by Cabinet in April 2013, is now available in electronic format. The second in the series of seven consecutive three-yearly MTFs, MTF 2012-2015 sets out the priority national outcomes, programmes and targets for the three-year period 2012/2013 to 2014/2015. The main themes of the medium term priorities at both national and sectoral levels are: Development and protection of human capital National security and justice Economic stability, competitiveness and employment Environmental resilience and climate change response Formulation of MTF 2012-2015 involved an intensive consultative and inclusive process by key stakeholders, beginning in April 2012 with a two-day Vision 2030 Jamaica Country Assessment and National Prioritization Workshop. This was followed by a series of sectoral prioritization workshops and follow-up .
suggestions/comments on towards its improvement.
the
final
draft,
Stakeholders involved in the process comprised senior technical officers from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs); senior officers from private sector organizations, including the Small Business Association; International Development Partners (IDPs); and civil society groups, including NGOs, Trade Unions, faith-based and community-based organizations; youth group representatives; representatives of the Jamaican Diaspora and Returning Residents’ Foundation; and academia.
New Vision 2030 Jamaica Youth Ambassador Krystal Tomlinson, Miss Jamaica Festival Queen 2013, is the new Vision 2030 Jamaica Youth Ambassador. She accepted the role at a brief presentation meeting at the PIOJ, September 17, 2013. Page 2
The document is accessible from the Vision 2030 Jamaica website: www.vision2030.gov.jm APRIL 2013 – JUNE 2013
Medium-Term Themes under MTF 2012-2015:
Tracking Our Progress Vision 2030 Jamaica Programme Director, Mr. Richard Lumsden (r), updates the media on progress underAPRIL Vision 2030 during 2013Jamaica – JUNE 2013the PIOJ Press Briefing, August 25, 2013. Seated at centre is PIOJ Director General, Mr. Colin Bullock; and at left, Director Economic Policy & Research Division, Mr. James Stewart. Page 5
More…
Bon Voyage…………….……………………...P.3 Thematic Working Groups……………..... P.3 Outreach & Consultations.....…………… P.4 Community Renewal…………………….... P.6 Next Steps/Bite of the Quarter……….... P.7 What’s Happening? ……………………….. P.7 Our Vision for Jamaica……………………. P.8
July 2013 – September 2013
VISION 2030 JAMAICA UPDATE | Volume 6 Issue # 3
NEW VISION 2030 JAMAICA YOUTH AMBASSADOR ON BOARD
K
rystal Tomlinson, Miss Jamaica Festival Queen 2013, is the
new Vision 2030 Jamaica Youth Ambassador. She assumes the role first undertaken by her predecessor, Kemesha Kelly, the outgoing Miss Jamaica Festival Queen 2012. As a bright, articulate and publicly visible youth leader, Krystal is eminently suited to communicate the key elements of Vision 2030 Jamaica to a diverse audience, including the youth, and to enlist their participation in its implementation. In responding to the question (asked as part of her assessment during the Miss Jamaica Festival Queen Competition 2013) “Where do you see yourself in the next five years?”, Krystal reveals that her personal vision and goals are inextricably linked to her country’s long-term goals and vision. As she explained, “Goal 4 of the National Development Plan (Vision 2030) speaks to ensuring that Jamaica has a healthy [natural] environment. Sustainability must form a key part of our development processes to ensure intergenerational equity and maintain the synergy between socio-economic outcomes and resource management. ”By 2018 I expect to be providing technical and capacity building support to Jamaica and the Caribbean region in the field of natural resource management. Having gained specialized skills in waste management, land and water management, training in executing Environmental Impact Assessments and use of Geoinformational Systems for planning and responding to environmental hazards and their impacts, I would have further aided in strengthening the legislative framework within which much of Jamaica’s development activities are grounded,” she explained.
The Vision 2030 Jamaica Youth Ambassador initiative, now in its second year, is one of several collaborative efforts between the JCDC and the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) Vision 2030 Jamaica Secretariat. The partnership which began in 2011 is aimed at using positive youth role models to promulgate information on Vision 2030 Jamaica, through creative channels to all stakeholders, especially their peers, at home and abroad.
Vision 2030 Jamaica Youth Ambassador 2013 and Miss Jamaica Festival Queen 2013, Ms. Krystal Tomlinson
As formalized at a meeting between the Vision 2030 Jamaica Secretariat and the JCDC on Tuesday, September 17, 2013, Ms. Tomlinson will incorporate Vision 2030 Jamaica themes in her many speaking engagements across the island and through her national Community Project. She will also undertake special presentations to select groups, on demand, during the period of her reign as Miss Jamaica Festival Queen 2013. She will employ various media so that the Plan becomes more relevant and accessible to the society and especially the youth population. Her two main national projects will focus on: 1. Violence prevention and conflict resolution; and 2. Persons/youths with disabilities in schools, particularly relating to access, in all forms, for this target group.
Above and below: Ms. Tomlinson receives the Vision 2030 Jamaica Youth Ambassador pin and a kit with informational material from Vision 2030 Jamaica Programme Director, Mr. Richard Lumsden, at the PIOJ, on Tuesday, September 17, 2013.
Jamaica, the place of choice to live, work, raise families and do business
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VISION 2030 JAMAICA UPDATE | Volume 6 Issue # 3
July 2013 – September 2013
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Bon Voyage Sherica! After six years of solid contribution to the Vision 2030 Jamaica process, Project Assistant, Sherica Hawthorne, has moved on to further studies, in order to realize her fullest potential. Sherica is pursuing a 2-yr Master’s Degree in International Development Studies at the Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, USA, with an emphasis on Development and the Social Sciences. The programme is aimed at producing "development practitioners - catalysts for change in developing contexts".
Above: Sherica talks with a visitor to the Vision 2030 Jamaica booth during an Outreach activity held recently at the Emancipation Park in Kingston.
The Vision 2030 Jamaica Secretariat will certainly miss you Sherica for your strength of character, hard work and contribution, especially to the Outreach Programme… not to mention your frequent outbursts of laughter! We wish you every success in your endeavours Sherica, and remind you that when or if the going gets tough, to borrow from Personal Empowerment Coach, Alvin Day, believe that “If Caterpillars Can Fly…”, so can you!
Thematic Working Group (TWG) Meeting
T
he Population Thematic Working Group met on Thursday, September 12, 2013 in the Board Room at the
PIOJ. Several representatives from various government agencies and the international development community attended. The meeting was chaired by Mr. Easton Williams. The primary objective of the meeting was for members of the working group to provide substantive comments on their section of the National Report on the implementation of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) Programme of Action (POA). The ICPD POA consists of principles that serve to highlight and reinforce the fundamental link between population and development and how to mobilize MDAs, CSOs and NGOs to integrate population issues into all socio-economic planning and policy-making. During the meeting, each chapter of the report was thoroughly reviewed. Several members provided vital information— updates and to fill gaps that existed in the document— and these amendments were made simultaneously. The National Report is scheduled for completion by September 30, 2013. In addition to the Review of the National Report, UNAIDS Country Coordinator, Dr. Pierre Somse and Manager, Population & Health Unit, PIOJ, Mrs. Toni-Shae Freckleton made presentations entitled: MDG 6 and AIDS Response in the Post-2015 Agenda; and Update on ICPD Review Meetings, respectively.
Chairman of the Population Thematic Working Group (TWG), and Director, Social Policy Planning and Research Division (SPPRD), PIOJ, Mr. Easton Williams (2nd right), speaking at the TWG meeting on Thursday, September 12, 2013 at the PIOJ. Others from left are: National Programme Officer, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Mr. Glen Smith; Internal Auditor, Registrar General’s Dept., Mr. Gregory Gordon; and Manager, Population & Health Unit, PIOJ, Mrs. Toni-Shae Freckleton.
DID YOU KNOW? THEMATIC WORKING GROUPS (TWGS) have been set up as an important part of the Vision 2030 Jamaica monitoring and evaluation system. TWG members are senior technical representatives from Government, civil society, private sector and the international development community.
Dr. Somse noted that reversing the global HIV epidemic is a key indicator of and instrumental to progress in development. He emphasized the call for member states to invest in health as this offered an entry point for Each group is chaired by a Permanent broader human rights issues. He also asked them to utilize their political powers to reach the most marginalized Secretary or Senior Government and address social determinants of health. Mrs. Freckleton provided an update on the ICPD Review Meetings official. which took place in Guyana and Montevideo July 8-11, 2013 & August 10-12, 2013, respectively. She informed the group of the decisions and recommendations emanating from the meetings which are expected to inform the global review process scheduled to culminate at the UN General Assembly in 2014. (Contributed by the Population & Health Unit, PIOJ.) Jamaica, the place of choice to live, work, raise families and do business
VISION 2030 JAMAICA UPDATE | Volume 6 Issue # 3
SDC TWENTY20 COMMUNITY CRICKET
July 2013 – September 2013
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Community Stakeholders Consultation Forum Vision 2030 Jamaica Programme Director Mr. Richard Lumsden (c) has the attention of, from left, Programme Director, Community Renewal Programme, PIOJ, Mr. Charles Clayton, and Executive Director, Social Development Commission (SDC), Dr. Dwayne Vernon, at the Community Stakeholder Forum, Jamaica Conference Centre, Kingston, on Wednesday, August 14, 2013.
Our Children … Our Future Vision 2030 Jamaica Programme Director, Mr. Richard Lumsden, greets a child during the Finals of the National Twenty20 Community Cricket match at the Alpart Sports Complex, St. Elizabeth on Sunday, August 25, 2013. Theme of the competition: “Protect Our Children”.
Outreach & Consultations Formatting Tips
Vision 2030 Jamaica team always ready with a smile to provide materials and information, awaits participants during the Community Stakeholder Forum at the Jamaica Conference Centre.
by [Article Author]
Empowering through information! PIOJ Director General, Mr. Colin Bullock (r) presents two young cricketers at the National Twenty20 Community Cricket Finals in St. Elizabeth with copies of the Vision 2030 Jamaica Popular Version.
Japan/Jamaica Summer School Initiative National Vision 2030 Jamaica Youth Ambassador 2012/Miss Jamaica Festival Queen 2012, Kemesha Kelly, (front row 3rd from right), poses with students who participated in the Jamaica/Japan Summer Programme for children aged 7 – 13, following a presentation on Vision 2030 Jamaica at the Mona High School, Kingston on Tuesday, July 9, 2013. The children were drawn from several Kiwanis Builders Clubs in selected Primary Schools in Kingston & St. Andrew.
Not just about the game… Team members: Omar Rainford (above); Dale Broomfield (above right); and Samantha Wilmot (r) ensure that spectators are armed with knowledge about the key aspects of the Plan, regardless of age and gender, during the Semi-Finals of the National Twenty20 Community Cricket match at the Ultimate Cricket Grounds, St. Ann on Sunday, August 11, 2013.
Jamaica, the place of choice to live, work, raise families and do business
July 2013 – September 2013
VISION 2030 JAMAICA UPDATE | Volume 6 Issue # 3
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Tracking Our Progress … (As presented at the PIOJ Quarterly Press Briefing, August 27, 2013)
This quarter, we report on two main areas—Labour Force Quality and Security Status— which both show continued progress. With this report, we also mark three years since the introduction of the National Dashboard of Indicators in August 2010.
DID YOU KNOW…? The National Dashboard of Indicators of National Well-Being is closely aligned with the National Goals, and their corresponding Outcomes, of Vision 2030 Jamaica – National Development Plan. The Dashboard lists the metrics (see table National Dashboard of Indicators) that have been designed to track progress under the Plan and reports on their past, current and targeted future values. These metrics reflect concurrence with the increasing global recognition of the limits of GDP as an indicator of economic performance, national development and social progress.
Vision 2030 Jamaica Programme Director, Mr. Richard Lumsden presents the National Dashboard of Indicators which provides an update on the progress of implementation of Vision 2030 Jamaica, at the PIOJ’s Quarterly Press Briefing on August 27, 2013 at the PIOJ.
Security Status
Labour Force Quality Labour Force Quality improved, with an average of 24.2 per cent of the total labour force having vocational or professional certification based on the quarterly labour force survey for April 2013. This reflects an increase of 1.6 percentage points from 22.6 per cent in the April 2012 survey.
In reporting on Security Status, we remind readers that since January 2013, the indicator formerly classified as Major Crimes is now classified as Serious and Violent Crimes (murder, shooting, rape, aggravated assault, robbery, break-ins and larceny). Over the period January to June 2013, 172 Serious and Violent Crimes per 100,000 population were committed— a decline of 10.6 per cent from 192 per 100,000 population relative to the similar period in 2012. The murder rate for January to June 2013 was 19.9 per 100,000 population, down 3.4 per cent from 20.6 per 100,000 population over the similar period in 2012.
Jamaica, the place of choice to live, work, raise families and do business
July 2013 – September 2013
VISION 2030 JAMAICA UPDATE | Volume 6 Issue # 3
CRP NEWS - Community Renewal Programme (CRP) Holds Community Stakeholder Consultation Forum
CRP Technical Specialist, Ms. Sherrian Gray speaking during the Opening Ceremony of the CRP Community Stakeholder Forum rd at the Jamaica Conference Centre, Kingston, on August 14, 2013. Seated at the head table 3 from left is Minster of Local Government and Community Development, The Hon. Noel Arscott MP. Others from L to R, are: Executive Director of the SDC, Dr. Dwayne Vernon; Deputy Director General of the PIOJ, Ms. Barbara Scott; Member of Parliament for West Kingston, the Hon. Desmond McKenzie; and Her Worship, The Mayor, Angela Brown-Burke, Mayor of Kingston and St. Andrew.
Prime Minster, The Most Hon. Portia
1.
Simpson Miller has declared that “community renewal is critical for the nation’s success”, and has linked the success of the Community Renewal Programme (CRP) to economic growth and prosperity and even greater community development. This was revealed in the Prime Minister’s Address, presented by the Minister of Local Government and Community Development, the Hon. Noel Arscott, on Wednesday, August 14, 2013, at the Community Stakeholder Consultation Forum held at the Jamaica Conference Centre, downtown Kingston. The forum which was hosted by the Community Renewal Programme (CRP) in collaboration with the Social Development Commission (SDC) was the culmination of a series of consultations and sensitization meetings with various stakeholders of the communities being targeted in Phase 1 of the CRP’s implementation. Stakeholders include: representatives of state ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs); international development partners; and the political directorate, inclusive of the various councilors and the Members of Parliament for the target communities. These communities include: Central Downtown, Delacree Park, Denham Town, Fletchers Land, Franklin Town, Allman Town, Greenwich Town, Hannah Town, Jones Town, Majesty Gardens, Parade Gardens, Rae Town, Rose Gardens, Seaview Gardens, Springfield Gardens, Tivoli Gardens, and Trench Town.
2.
3.
articulate the roles, responsibilities and processes of the CRP in the development and renewal of Jamaica’s 100 most vulnerable and volatile communities; arrive at a consensus on the main developmental challenges to be addressed in each community being targeted for Phase 1 of the CRP’s implementation; and facilitate a direct interface between community representatives/ beneficiaries and donors/ implementing agencies/ political directorate.
Chairman for the event, Dr. Dwayne Vernon, Executive Director of the SDC, brought the Welcome and Opening Remarks, followed by Deputy Director General of the PIOJ, Ms. Barbara Scott, who brought remarks on behalf of the Director General of the PIOJ. Her Worship, The Mayor, Angela Brown-Burke, Mayor of Kingston and St. Andrew; Member of Parliament for West Kingston, the Hon. Desmond McKenzie; Member of Parliament and Minster of Local Government and Community Development, the Hon. Noel Arscott, all brought remarks in their respective capacities. Each underscored the importance of coordination and cooperation among the various actors engaged in social intervention, and the importance of the CRP in the process. CRP Technical Specialist with responsibility for Youth Development and Social Transformation, Ms. Sherrian Gray, presented on the CRP’s ongoing pilot programme in Majesty
The main objectives of the Forum were to: Jamaica, the place of choice to live, work, raise families and do business
Gardens. She highlighted the experiences and successes of the CRP in the community following the programme’s introduction in May 2012. Some of the key successes highlighted were: reduction in turf and gang violence; registration of the Community Development Committee (CDC) as a Benevolent Society; and ongoing literacy and numeracy classes through the Jamaica Foundation for Lifelong Learning (JFLL). Highlight of the Majesty Gardens presentation was the testimony of Mr. Wayne Bernard, President of the CDC, who expressed his appreciation for the progress made by his community and his community’s commitment to the process going forward. Programme Director for the CRP Mr. Charles Clayton, and Programme Director for the Plan Development Unit/ Vision 2030 Jamaica Secretariat, Mr. Richard Lumsden, set the context for the Forum within the CRP and the Vision 2030 Jamaica framework, respectively. Following the opening session, participants from each of the 16 communities in attendance worked in groups during a breakout session to review, validate and add to the main development challenges/issues previously identified in each community that are to be addressed by the CRP. Each group then presented their outcomes during the plenary session which followed. (Contributed by the CRP Secretariat, PIOJ.)
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VISION 2030 JAMAICA UPDATE | Volume 6 Issue # 3
July 2013 – September 2013
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CRP NEWS (cont’d) - Majesty Gardens Pilot Project update The Majesty Gardens renewal process continues under the coordinating framework of the Community Renewal Programme (CRP). For the reporting period we focus on the three main areas: I. II. III.
(NEPA), and First Heritage Cooperative Credit Union.
Governance Youth Development Socio-economic Development
Governance I.
II.
III.
IV.
Capacity building of the Majesty Gardens CDC Benevolent Society continued with training under the Citizen Security and Justice Programme (CSJP), in financial management and work plan development. The CSJP also provided the group with JMD50 000 for administrative expenses. Community sporting events dubbed “Ballaz Fridayz”- a concept developed by the Majesty Gardens Side B Basketball team to promote inclusiveness and celebration of their community- were held during the month of August. The events were supported by the Hunts Bay Police and the community’s political representative Councillor Karl Blake. The St. Patrick’s Rangers (Environmental Wardens) was invited by the Social Development Commission (SDC) to establish the environment club for the community. The Rangers will re-start the defunct environmental wardens’ programme as well as tackle some environmental challenges identified by the Majesty Gardens CDC. Mr. Wayne Bernard, President of the Majesty Gardens CDC Benevolent society, spoke at the CRP community forum held on August 14, 2013 at the Jamaica Conference Center. Mr. Bernard spoke about the impact of the CRP on his community and the changes that the community is anticipating.
Trainers and trainees pose, following governance training for executive members of the Majesty Gardens’ CDC Benevolent Society, conducted by CSJP & CRP, July 2013.
Youth Development I.
The CRP sponsored approximately 10 at-risk children from Majesty Gardens to the St. Andrew South Police Division annual summer camp; children from neighbouring community Seaview Gardens were also sponsored to the event. The children were taken to camps in St. Catherine where they were exposed to conflict resolution, problem solving and life skills techniques. The Majesty Gardens Police Youth Club members also participated.
II. Approximately 120 children and youth from the communities of Majesty Gardens and Seaview Gardens benefited from the back to school assistance from the CRP. A total of J$420 000 in book vouchers were provided to students from the communities. Each voucher was worth J$3 500 and given through the distribution scheme at the Kingston Bookshop.
Socio-Economic Development I.
The Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) continues the training of persons in business development and entrepreneurship in the community. The business mapping exercise will begin in the community in late September 2013 to identify the location of all businesses and their realignment with the overall community development. II. The CSJP selected five persons from the Majesty Gardens community to participate in the Employment Internship Programme (EIP). All persons selected are now gainfully employed in several organizations, including the National Environment & Planning Agency
Jamaica, the place of choice to live, work, raise families and do business
III. Approximately 30 persons from Majesty Gardens graduated from the Poverty Reduction Programme (PRP) III EU-sponsored training in cottage industry skills through the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF). They acquired skills in areas such as welding, dressmaking, embroidery and carpentry. The training took place at the Settlements’ Woodwork Shop in the community. IV. Discussions have begun on the creation of an urban farm center in Delacree Park, as a hub for primary agricultural activities being done in the communities of Majesty Gardens, Delacree Park and Union Gardens. Mr. Phillip Chung of the Rural Agricultural Development Agency (RADA) will collaborate with the CRP to develop and implement the concept. The literacy and numeracy intervention also continued with approximately 50 persons being assessed for admission into the programme. The CRP Secretariat also continued to forge partnerships and has begun discussions with several entities to develop joint programmes of work in relation to Majesty Gardens and the remaining 99 project communities. These include:
Office of Social Entrepreneurship, University of the West Indies Agency for Inner-city Renewal (AIR) Diaspora Youth Connect, University of the West Indies Manifesto Jamaica Ministry of Health, Health Promotion and Environmental Health Kingston and St. Andrew Health Department
(Contributed by the CRP Secretariat, PIOJ.)
July 2013 – September 2013
VISION 2030 JAMAICA UPDATE | Volume 6 Issue # 3
NEXT STEPS
Bite of the Quarter
Dissemination of information on MTF 2012 - 2015
Ongoing presentations to key stakeholders on Vision 2030 Jamaica and MTF 2012-2015
Notwithstanding the challenges of the debt, IMF Agreement …, I feel very, very positive about our beloved country Jamaica, and the future of Jamaica, and I truly believe that the vision that we’ve all stated can be realized.
Ongoing monitoring of implementation of Vision 2030 Jamaica by Thematic Working Groups
Excerpt from speech delivered by CEO, Grace Kennedy, and Chairman, Private Sector Economic Policy Committee, Mr. Don Wehby, at the PSOJ Annual Economic Forum, Thursday, September 19, 2013, which underscored Mr. Wehby ‘s belief that Jamaica can realize its vision of becoming”…the place of choice to live, work, raise families and do business”, as posited by Vision 2030 Jamaica - National Development Plan. Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXlPNNcCP3U&list=UUKKLtHejpnK45xi6s-8qmJg&index=1
What’s Happening October - December 2013 EVENT Sensitization of MDAs to MTF 2012–2015 Thematic Working Group Meetings
DATE & VENUE Dates and Venues TBA Wednesday, October 9, 2013 Environment & Planning Thursday, October 10, 2013 Hazard Risk Reduction & Adaptation to Climate Change October, Date TBA Health October, Date TBA Education & Training October, Date TBA Social Protection October, Date TBA National Security & Justice October, Date TBA Governance October, Date TBA Infrastructure & Construction
Civil Service Association Week of Activities - November 17 - 22 Theme: "Transformation and Renewal for a Better Tomorrow"
Tuesday, November, 19, 2013
Exhibition - Emancipation Park
Jamaica, the place of choice to live, work, raise families and do business
Vision 2030 Jamaica Update Is produced by: The Plan Development Unit Planning Institute of Jamaica Design & Layout: Carmen V. Miller
For more information Contact us at: Planning Institute of Jamaica 16 Oxford Road, Kingston 5 Tel: 935-5150; 960-9339; 906-4471/2 Email: ndp@pioj.gov.jm Website: www.vision2030.gov.jm Facebook.com/vision2030.ja
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VISION 2030 JAMAICA UPDATE | Volume 6 Issue # 3
Jamaica, the place of choice to live, work, raise families and do business
July 2013 – September 2013
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