jamaica labour party manifesto 2007

A Better Way...for a Better Jamaica.

Jamaica Labour PartyManifesto 2007

Table of Contents

MESSAGE FROM THE LEADER. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

INTRODUCTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

GOVERNANCEA framework for good governance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Improving the effectiveness of the people’s representatives . . . . . . . . . 15Planning for development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT,ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & GROWTHBuilding a platform for strong economic growth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21A sound macro-economic policy framework . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23A pro-active, customized investment strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27A foreign policy to support our national goals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31Better energy security and efficiency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33Launching a new agricultural revolution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35Strengthening the manufacturing sector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39Conquering new frontiers in tourism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41Support for the entertainment industry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45Telecommunications as a driver for economic growth . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47Expansion of the mining sector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49Placing the construction industry on a better footing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

EDUCATION & JOB CREATIONEducation – the key to growth and development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55Creating a productive workforce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

CRIME PREVENTION, SECURITY & JUSTICEReducing crime – A national imperative . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63Healing our ailing justice system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67Transforming our prisons into rehabilitation centres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

PUBLIC UTILITIES & DISASTER PREPAREDNESSOur plans for the transportation sector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75Improving the road network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77Responding to natural disasters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79Water, indeed, is life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

LOCAL GOVERNMENT & ENVIRONMENTLocal government must be local and governmental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85A clean, safe, productive and sustainable environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Table of Contents (cont’d)

HEALTHCARE & HOUSINGUnrestricted, universal access to health care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91A better approach to housing our people . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95Redeeming our inner-cities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

INFORMATION CULTURE & THE ARTSGreater access to information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101Preserving and promoting our rich culture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

CHILD PROTECTION,YOUTH, SPORTS & COMMUNITIESProtecting our children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107Youth.....our responsibility today - our hope for tomorrow . . . . . . . . 109Sports as a development strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111Energizing our communities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113

POVERTY ALLEVIATION, DISABLED & ELDERLYGender mainstreaming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117A modern, streamlined safety net for the poor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119Enabling the disabled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121Security for the elderly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123Securing the best deal for our pensioners. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125

OUR COMMITMENT TO THE PEOPLE OF JAMAICA

As a nation marking its 45th year of independence, our people have a rightto expect to live in a peaceful and just society that offers them the opportu-nity to enjoy a good life. Many countries which were in circumstances simi-lar to ours in 1962 have advanced to First World status.They have moved on.We could have done as well but we haven't.As a nation we have made toomany mistakes and missed too many opportunities.We have much ground tomake up.

We can make up that ground because , as we have demonstrated time andagain, we are a tough, resilient people capable of greatness. But we need tomake a fresh start finding a common purpose, sharing a new vision andgoing forward with new leadership.

The Jamaica Labour Party offers that leadership to energize our people tostrive with a new zeal to make Jamaica a land of JUSTICE, LIBERTY andPROSPERITY. We believe that we are too rich to be so poor, too gifted to beso restricted, too blessed to be so stressed and too anointed to be so disap-pointed.

Yes, we can make it but we must be clear as to what our goals, are and thesteps we must take to achieve them.

Message from the leader

(Cont’d)

This Manifesto sets out our vision, where we want to go and the pathwe will take to get there. It is a roadmap that has at the centre of itsconcerns our people and their advancement. It represents our com-mitment to the Jamaican people and is reinforced by our 100 DayCovenant which sets out the specific initiatives we intend to takewithin the first 100 days to demonstrate the strength of our commit-ment.

I ask for your support and I urge you to vote on election day for theJLP candidate in your constituency. He or she is part of the teamwhose commitment is reflected in the plans we have laid out in thisManifesto. And after the elections, I urge Jamaican's of all politicalpersuasions to work with us for ours will be a government for all thepeople....finding a better way for a better Jamaica.

The challenges we face...

...the ground we must make up Eighteen years of PNP rule have left Jamaicafacing severe economic and social prob-lems. While there has been progress insome areas such as new highways, improvedair and sea ports, construction of newhotels, increased housing benefits and abuild-up in foreign reserves, Jamaica hasstagnated or declined in several criticalareas:

Sluggish economy: Between 1988 and2006, the Jamaican economy grew by only28% or an annual average of 1.4%.This com-pares unfavourably with countries likeTrinidad (153%), Belize (136%), Antigua(92%) and St. Kitts (90%).

Crippling national debt: Massive govern-ment borrowing has increased the nationaldebt from J$31 billion (US$5.7 billion) in1988 to J$947 billion (US$13.8 billion) in2007.

Jamaica now owes more that J$350,000 for

every man, woman and child! It costs thecountry more than J$550 million per day toservice that debt.

Unemployment: Official statistics whichshow unemployment to be less than 10%,really ignores the high level of “disguised”unemployment since persons recorded asemployed include those who hustle to sur-vive and are employed for as little as onehour per week. In addition, over 300,000persons, the equivalent of 25% of the labourforce are not counted among the unem-ployed.Many of these persons,out of frustra-tion, have stopped looking for work.

Weak agricultural sector: The agriculturalsector suffers from lack of technology, lowproductivity and uncompetitiveness. Itaccounts for only 6% of the total output ofthe economy but employs 18% of the labourforce. As a result, the economy of rural com-munities remains severely depressed andthe majority of farmers are condemned tothe lowest living standards.

Introduction

High levels of crime: Jamaica has one ofthe highest crime rates in the world. Since1988 the annual murder rate has climbedfrom just over 400 to more than 1,300; over17,000 murders have been committed andmore than 50% of them remain unsolved.

Poor education: Our education system isfailing our children and blighting our future.Seventy-percent (70%) of students leavinghigh schools have failed to achieve the min-imum internationally- accepted standard of5 passes at CXC level. In the core subjects,only 27% manage to pass English Languageand only 17% Mathematics.

Unskilled labour force: In a world whereemployment opportunities are increasinglyknowledge-based, 72% of the labour forcehave attained no academic qualificationswhatsoever and 76% are without any skilltraining.

Corruption: Corruption is rampant inJamaica and not only siphons off billions ofdollars of taxpayers’ money but underminesthe competitiveness of those who play bythe rules. In 2006, TransparencyInternational gave Jamaica a score of 3.7 outof 10 (10 being the least corrupt).

Inadequate health services: Our publichealth system suffers from lack of equip-ment and supplies; shortage of medical per-sonnel especially nurses; and is unaffordableto many poor persons who are required topay for hospital services.

Poor roads:While much attention has beenpaid to new highways, secondary and terti-ary roads, especially in urban and rural com-munities, have been severely neglected.

Lack of water supplies: Only 45% ofhouseholds throughout Jamaica have pipedwater in their homes.

Abuse of human rights: The abuse by theState of the rights of ordinary citizens is vir-tually a daily occurrence with inadequatemeans of prevention or redress.

Poor justice system: Our justice system iscreaking. The Resident Magistrate Courtswhere the vast majority of Jamaican's comein contact with the justice system, has abacklog of more than 400,000 cases withover 300,000 new cases filed each year.

Crumbling social order: The decline invalues and standards has severely under-mined our sense of community.Indifference, the lack of respect for eachother, indiscipline, disunity and lawlessnessthreaten to overwhelm the traditionalJamaican way of life which, in the past, heldus together as a people and enabled us to tri-umph over adversity.

GOVERNANCE

The Jamaica Labour Party believes that theessential purpose of government in a demo-cratic society is to guarantee the rights of itscitizens and to enable them to achieve pros-perity.

Policies and programmes, no matter howwell formulated, will succeed only if theyare implemented within a framework ofgood governance designed to:

· protect the rights of every citizen

· prevent the concentration and abuse of power

· impose strict accountability on those exercising authority.

· ensure an efficient and easily accessible justice system

· maintain effective law enforce-ment

· provide an efficient bureaucracy impervious to corruption

For too long, the Jamaican people have suf-fered from institutionalized injustice, abuseof power, violation of their rights, rampant

corruption and callous negligence by stateagencies in performing their duty.

The JLP is committed to establishing a newframework for good governance.

Our pledge1.1 Republican status

Take steps to amend the Constitutionto replace the Queen with a JamaicanPresident who symbolizes the unity ofthe nation. Such a President will beappointed by consensus through atwo-thirds majority vote in each Houseof Parliament.

1.2 Fundamental rights

Seek entrenchment in the Constitutionof a new CHARTER OF RIGHTS toguarantee the fundamental rights ofevery citizen.

1.3 Citizens Protection Bureau

Establish a Citizens Protection Bureauheaded by the Public Defender withexpanded powers to defend the rightsof and secure redress for citizens

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GOVERNANCE

A framework for good governance

GOVERNANCE

whose constitutional rights may be vio-lated.

1.4 Challenge to government actions

Establish the right of individuals andorganizations to challenge executiveaction in the public interest for theprotection and enforcement of publicrights.

1.5 Impeachment of public officials

Enact provisions for the impeachmentof public officials for misconduct, cor-ruption, abuse of office or betrayal ofpublic trust.

1.6 Prosecutorial functions

Make provision for judicial review ofthe decisions of the Director of PublicProsecutions.

1.7 Appointment to sensitive posts

Require that appointment to sensitiveposts that are critical to the delivery ofgood governance be approved by atwo-thirds (2/3) majority in eachHouse of Parliament thereby requiringconsensus between the governmentand the opposition.These include:

· Chief Justice

· President of the Court of Appeal

· Director of Public Prosecutions

· Public Defender

· Contractor General

· Judicial Services Commission

· Police Services Commission

· Public Services Commission

· Governor of the Bank of Jamaica

In addition, we will require thatappointments to ambassadorial postsand statutory boards be subject toscrutiny and approval by Parliament.

1.8 Local government

Give constitutional recognition andprotection to the Local Governmentsystem

1.9 Greater representation for civilsociety

Increase the membership of the Senateto include representatives of civil soci-ety chosen by the President.

1.10 Fixed election period

Establish a fixed election period sub-ject to variation only in specified cir-cumstances.

1.11 Term limits

Impose a two-term limit on anyoneholding the office of Prime Minister.

1.12 Special Prosecutor to combat cor-ruption

Establish a Special Prosecutor to inves-tigate and prosecute persons involvedin corruption.

1.13 Enforcing procedures for award-ing government contracts

Impose criminal sanctions for violationof the rules governing the award ofcontracts and make provision that con-tracts issued without the proper proce-dures and authorization are renderednull and void and unenforceable.

1.14 Strengthening corruption preven-tion authorities

Strengthen the Corruption PreventionCommission and the ParliamentaryIntegrity Commission to enable themto more effectively ferret out publicofficials engaged in corrupt activities.

1.15 Whistleblower protection

Introduce whistleblower legislation toprotect persons who provide informa-tion on wrongdoing on the part ofpublic officials.

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1.16 Reform of libel and slander laws

Modernize the laws relating to libeland slander so that those engaged incorruption can be more easily exposedand brought to justice.

1.16 Independent investigation ofabuse by security forces

Establish an independent authority toinvestigate instances of abuse by mem-bers of the security forces.

1.17 Special Coroner

Appoint a Special Coroner to speedilyconduct inquests in instances wherecitizens die in circumstances in whichagents of the State are involved.

1.18 Strengthening the role of Parliament

· A two-thirds majority in eachHouse of Parliament will berequired for approval of certainmeasures (e.g. increase in debt anddeficit ceilings and appointment ofcertain sensitive posts) to increasethe ability of Parliament to act as arestraint on the government in crit-ical areas.

· Provide that all Sessional andSpecial Select Committees ofParliament be chaired by a memberof the Opposition to ensure morediligent oversight of government’sactivities as is the case with thePublic Accounts Committee.

· Strengthen the Standing Orders ofParliament to expand and protectthe rights of Members ofParliament to make statements,secure answers and debate issueson behalf of their constituents.

1.19 Issues of accountability

Make provision that reports from theAuditor General, Contractor General,Public Defender,Political Ombudsman,Corruption Prevention Commissionand Integrity Commission must bedebated within 30 days of submissionto Parliament.

1.20 Parliamentary salaries

Restrict increases in parliamentarysalaries to the weighted average ofincreases granted to the Public Sector.

1.21 Structure of Cabinet

Establish in the Constitution the coreministries of government with a limitas to the number of additional min-istries that can be created.

1.22 Transforming the bureaucracy

Undertake a comprehensive review ofthe existing structure and operation ofgovernment bureaucracy to eliminatewaste and unnecessary red tape andimprove efficiency and accountability.

1.23 Financing of political parties

Enact, in consultation with theElectoral Commission, legislation toregulate the financial operations ofpolitical parties.

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Members of Parliament are the people’s rep-resentatives.

It is they (the people) who elected them;and it is them (the M.Ps) that the peoplehold accountable. Yet, MPs are renderedpowerless and unable to effectively repre-sent their constituents.They table questionsand move resolutions but there is no obliga-tion to provide answers or allow debate.They seek provisions to address the needsof their constituents but it is a Minister whodecides whether those needs should bemet.

We are committed to ensuring that MPs areenabled to represent their people....thatthey have the tools to do their jobs.

2.1 Questions and resolutions must bedealt with

Amend the Standing Orders to pre-scribe a time limit within which ques-tions must be answered and resolu-tions debated.

2.2 Statements by MPs

Every MP will have the right to makestatements to Parliament on behalf ofhis constituents.The duration of state-ments will be limited to five (5) min-utes and no more than six (6) state-ments will be permitted at any one sit-ting. Statements will be allowed in theorder in which notice was served onthe Clerk of Parliament.

2.3 Constituency Development Plan

· Each MP will be required to submitto Parliament within six (6) monthsof being elected a 5 year develop-ment plan outlining the pro-grammes and projects to be under-taken in his or her constituency.

· Constituency Development Planswill be developed with technical support from the relevant govern-ment agencies and will be subjectto approval by Parliament.

· The relevant committee ofParliament will evaluate the

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GOVERNANCE

Improving the effectiveness of the

people’s representatives

implementation of the Plan eachyear and recommend such modifi-cations as may be proposed by theMP for the approval of Parliament.

· A Constituency Development Fundwill be established funded withtwo-and-a-half percent (2 1⁄2%) ofthe annual budget and allocated inequal amounts among all con-stituencies to finance the approvedprojects.

· Disbursements from the Fund willbe made through the relevant gov-ernment agencies and subject to allapplicable procurement and dis-bursement procedures.

· All expenses from the Fund will beaudited by the Auditor General andreported to Parliament.

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Proper planning is essential in defining ourgoals and designing the path to ensure theirachievement. It must be built on a sharedvision and it must outline the strategies tobe employed, the outcomes to be achieved,the resources that will be required and themedium-term targets that will measure itsprogress. It will also provide a known, pre-dictable framework for the developmentand implementation of policies in the vari-ous sectors.

Our Pledge 3.1 National Development Plan

Formulate a National DevelopmentPlan on which the PIOJ has alreadycommenced work to guide policydevelopment and programme imple-mentation over the next 20 years.

3.2 Physical Development Plan

Prepare an accompanying PhysicalDevelopment Plan to determine thestrategies for urban and rural develop-ment, land utilization, infrastructure

planning and investment, transporta-tion and civic amenities.

3.3 Public Sector InvestmentProgramme

Develop a comprehensive PublicSector Investment Programme to sup-port these two plans by identifying theinvestments that the government willbe required to make, the sources fromwhich those investments will bederived, and the economic returns thatwill result.

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Planning for development

GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT,ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

& GROWTH

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FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & GROWTH

Jamaica needs strong, sustained levels ofeconomic growth to create jobs, reducepoverty, raise living standards and pay downthe national debt.This will require high lev-els of investment both local and foreign. Inthe post cold-war, globalized world,investors have wide choices as to where togo to invest their money. If we are to attractthe level of investments that our economyrequires, we must create an investment cli-mate that makes us the preferred choice forreal, long term, productive investment activ-ity, the critical elements of which are:

· A sound, predictable macro-eco-nomic policy framework that main-tains low inflation, a stableexchange rate and competitiveinterest rates

· A tax system that is simple andcompetitive

· A modernized labour marketgeared toward high levels of pro-ductivity

· A simplified, business-friendlybureaucracy

· Effective measures to prevent cor-ruption

· Low crime levels

· Supportive infrastructure

Building a platform for strong

economic growth

Over the last 18 years, Jamaica has sufferedfrom erratic financial management involvingreckless swings from loose fiscal and mone-tary policies to painful corrective tighten-ing.

We have paid a high price for these mis-takes:

· Devaluation of the Jamaican dollarfrom $5.50 to $69 per US dollar

· High levels of government borrow-ing that at times commandeered upto 86% of available banking systemcredit

· Persistent fiscal deficits ranging ashigh as 12% of GDP

· Protracted high interest rates thatmade it unprofitable to invest andimpossible to borrow to invest

· Massive increase in public debtfrom J$31 billion to J$947 billion(US$5.7 billion to US$13.8 billion)

· Crippling inflation that in one fiscalyear rose as high as 105%

· Collapse of most major financialinstitutions and the huge cost tothe taxpayers of over J$120 billionto rescue deposits and pensionfunds

· Closure of many businesses and mas-sive job losses

Robust investment, economic growth andjob creation can only occur if the countryenjoys a macro-economic frameworkdesigned to sustain sound fiscal and mone-tary policies, moderate public debt levels,low inflation, competitive interest rates, astable exchange rate and a business-friendlyregulatory framework.

Our Pledge 5.1 Independent Central Bank

Transform the Bank of Jamaica into anindependent central bank insulatedfrom political direction and with soleresponsibility for monetary policy andmandated to maintain domestic pricestability. This will enhance investor

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A sound macro-economic

policy framework


confidence with the assurance that thecentral bank can no longer be used tofacilitate reckless, politically expedientfiscal decisions. The Governor of theBank will be required to appear beforethe appropriate committee ofParliament twice per year to outlineand report on the policies being pur-sued to fulfill its mandate.

5.2 Debt management

· Enact legislation to impose on, aphased basis within five (5) years, aconstitutional limit on the level ofpublic debt of 95% of GrossDomestic Product with provisionfor this level to be exceeded onlyin times of specified emergenciesand only with the approval of atwo-thirds (2/3) majority of bothHouses of Parliament.

· Steadfastly pursue a debt reductionstrategy to contain new borrow-ings within the targets required tomeet the constitutional limit and,through measures to accelerateeconomic growth, we will seekover time to reduce the debt-to-GDP ratio to 60% – well within theconstitutional limit and in line withinternational best practice.

· Establish a firm policy that all theproceeds from the divestment ofgovernment assets must be used toreduce the national debt.

5.3 Fiscal deficit

· Eliminate the fiscal deficit throughprudent fiscal management, elimi-nation of waste and corruption andthrough revenue-generating eco-nomic growth in order to build thesurpluses to reduce the debt andfinance critical expenditures.

· Impose a constitutional limitrequiring that the fiscal deficit must

not exceed 3% of GDP except intimes of specified emergencies, andonly with the approval of a two-thirds (2/3) majority of bothHouses of Parliament.

5.4 Tax Reform

· Embark on a comprehensive taxreform programme designed tosimplify the tax system, make itmore equitable, remove disincen-tives to investment and job cre-ation and ensure greater compli-ance.

· Increase the tax-free threshold toprovide relief to thousands of wageearners who are now required topay income tax on earnings ofmore than $3,720 per week.

· Consolidate the existing wage-relat-ed statutory deductions and contri-butions (NIS, NHT, Education Taxand HEART) into a single socialsecurity payment to simplify collec-tion and remittance. The InlandRevenue Department will then beresponsible for transmitting theappropriate portion to the relevantagencies.

5.5 Modernization of customs

Modernize the customs system toimprove efficiency and transparencyand eliminate corruption which notonly deprives the country of revenuebut subjects legitimate businesses tounfair competition.

5.6 A business-friendly bureaucracy

· Conduct a comprehensive reviewof government ministries and statu-tory agencies and implement meas-ures to improve efficiency andaccountability.

· Establish performance targets foreach department or agency to bemonitored by a special unit with

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in the Ministry of Finance andreported on annually to Parliament.Special staff incentives will beoffered to those agencies thatachieve their prescribed targets.

· Carry out an audit of all regula-tions, reporting requirements,approvals, licences and permits asthey affect business operations andthe conduct of business by theordinary citizen with a view toeliminating or simplifying thosethat pose unnecessary impedi-ments to business or inconven-ience to the public. In this regard,we will incorporate the recommen-dations of the Legislation,Regulations and ProcessImprovement Project (Legs &Regs).

· Establish within the Office of thePrime Minister a special desk toreceive and investigate complaintsof undue delays and inconvenienceencountered in doing businesswith government departments andagencies.

5.7 Social Partnership

Seek to create a Social Partnershipinvolving the Government,Opposition, Private Sector and TradeUnions to establish the parameters fora new, coordinated thrust towardinvestment, economic growth and jobcreation and the binding commitmentson the part of each partner.

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Attracting investment is a market activity.Wemust go to the market, not wait for the mar-ket to find us.

Creating jobs will be the central focus of oureconomic strategies. Creating jobs for ourpeople is the surest way to eliminate pover-ty, reduce crime and raise living standards. Itis also the surest way to earn more revenuein order to pay down the national debt andprovide more resources for critical socialservices and infrastructure development.

Our Pledge 6.1 Mega-agency for investment pro-

motion, financing and marketing

Merge Jamaica Invest (formerly JAM-PRO), the Development Bank ofJamaica (DBJ) and EXIM Bank tobecome one integrated investmentpromotion, financing and marketingpowerhouse, Jamaica Investment andDevelopment Corporation (JIDC), toattract foreign investment and stimu-late local investment.

6.2 Strategic investment promotion

Re-energize our investment promotionstrategy to target investments that willcreate significant new jobs and estab-lish linkages for other investments totake place. Where advantageous, wewill pursue a firm-centric approach toattract “brand name” investors whoseoperations are globally integrated andare pacesetters for other investments.

6.3 Aggressive overseas marketing

Seek to identify overseas markets forlocal producers and service providersin all sectors who may be incapable ofpenetrating these markets on theirown.

6.4 Exploiting “Brand Jamaica”

Vigorously promote Brand Jamaica -one of our most valuable nationalassets which already enjoys interna-tional appeal and has the capacity tobuild lucrative markets for local pro-ducers of goods and services.

A proactive, customised investment strategy


6.5 Better access to Research,Development and Technology

Merge the various existing small, strug-gling government research entities intoa modern, efficient, cutting-edgeNational Research & DevelopmentCentre to be attached to the UWI andUTech in order to achieve desirablesynergies between commercial andacademic research and to developproducts and processes that willattract investments and secure marketshere and overseas.

6.6 Expanding venture capital financ-ing

Provide the appropriate fiscal and reg-ulatory mechanisms to facilitate thegrowth of venture capital financing toencourage new start-ups and enablethe expansion of existing businesseshobbled by lack of capital and the highcost of debt financing.

6.7 Eliminating double taxation ondividends

Eliminate double taxation on dividendsfor non-listed companies to encouragere- investment for expansion.

6.8 Taking advantage of BusinessProcess Outsourcing

Assist local goods and serviceproviders to tap into the large,growingmarket for business process outsourc-ing activities, taking advantage of ourstrategic geographical location and thecurrency of our language.

6.9 Pursuing new opportunities in theservices sector

Encourage the emergence of new busi-nesses in the rapidly growing servicessector to take advantage of the lucra-tive opportunities in information tech-nology, professional services, entertain-ment and culture.

6.10 Enterprise Zones

Establish Enterprise Zones strategicallylocated in major urban centres withappropriate incentives and sharedservices to facilitate new start-ups inthe manufacturing, agricultural andservice sectors.

6.11 Science and technology

Establish a special unit within theOffice of the Prime Minister to pro-mote and monitor the developmentand application of science and technol-ogy within the public and private sec-tor to achieve efficiency and competi-tiveness in all sectors.

6.12 Pay special attention to Small andMedium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs)

· Actively support the continueddevelopment and growth of SMEswhich require modest capital out-lay, offer high job-creating poten-tial, can be established in a relative-ly short period of time and have thesize-flexibility to satisfy niche mar-kets.

· Provide appropriate incentives andaccess to special, concessionaryfinancing for SMEs.

· Provide technical expertise toassist SMEs in areas of productionprocesses and management, qualitycontrol,packaging, marketing, costanalysis and financial management.

6.13 Establishment of a Credit Bureau

Provide the legislative framework forand encourage the establishment of aCredit Bureau to facilitate, especially,small entrepreneurs who may lack col-lateral but whose credit rating will pro-vide access to financing to start orexpand businesses.

6.14 Offshore educational facilities

Actively promote the establishment of

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offshore campuses and other educa-tional facilities to provide jobs for localworkers and demand for local goodsand services while offering their par-ent universities the advantage of lowercosts.

6.15 Offshore financial centre forKingston

Establish Kingston as a choice locationfor offshore financial services toexploit the benefits currently beingenjoyed by countries such as theCayman Islands and Bermuda.This willbe sited in downtown Kingston as afulcrum for the much needed redevel-opment of that part of the city.

6.16 Major investment projects

Seek investors for large-scale projectsdesigned to generate significant num-bers of new jobs and create opportuni-ties for investment linkages.These willinclude:

· Air transshipment hub to be locat-ed at Vernamfield in Clarendon toparallelize the outstanding successachieved in maritime transship-ment by the Port of Kingston

· Large-scale Freeport facility to belocated on the Fort Augusta penin-sula to provide assembling and duty free shopping comparableto that which exists in Panama

· The development of Port Royal andits rich cultural heritage as a majorcruise ship destination to be inter-faced with the Fort AugustaFreeport

· Expansion of the Port of Kingstonon lands on the north side of Marcus Garvey Drive linked by anoverpass to meet the growing needfor more container storage space.

· Development of a new modernport facility at Port Esquivel in St.Catherine to facilitate the rapidgrowth of maritime transship-mentwhich now threatens to exhaustthe available space at the Port ofKingston.

· Modern dry dock facility at SaltRiver in Clarendon to take advan-tage of our strategic location andlower costs to provide mainte-nance services for ships.

· Development of a Nutraceuticaland Biotechnology Industrial Parkto take advantage of Jamaica’sunique position as a major globalsource of natural products (estimat-ed at 15% of global reserves).

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The traditional focus of our foreign policyhas been to maximize aid and developmentassistance and sustain preferential tradingarrangements. The international environ-ment has shifted significantly.Aid and devel-opment assistance is declining and is beingconfined to least developed countries. In thecontext of globalization the priorities in ourforeign policy approach must be to secureexport markets and attract investors intoour economy.This will require a reposition-ing of our foreign policy thrust.

Our Pledge 7.1 Strategic foreign policy to boost

investment and growth

· Support the Regional Negotiating Machinery and the initiatives beingpursued through CARIFORUM toconclude the most favourableagreements with the EuropeanUnion (Economic PartnershipAgreements) and the WTO (Doharound).

· Press for the removal of domestic

support of agricultural products bythe European Union and the UnitedStates as a precondition for furtherliberalization of market access forsuch products.

· Strenuously advocate defermentbeyond January 2008 of reciprocalmarket access in response to theEU’s proposal for the removal of allits remaining tariff and quota limita-tions on imports from ACP coun-tries on a basis that would not sub-ject us to EU’s Generalized Systemof Preferences.

· Identify sensitive goods and servic-es which can still be protectedfrom market access under existingWTO rules.

· Insist on the establishment of adevelopment agenda as the center-piece of the revival of the Doharound which is critical to the inte-gration of developing countries inthe multilateral trading system.

A foreign policy to support our national goals


· Urge CARIFORUM to seek anextension of the waiver granted tothe EU by the WTO in respect ofpreferential arrangements that arein breach of WTO rules in order toallow more time to conclude andimplement EPAs.

· Continue to insist upon special anddifferential treatment for develop-ing countries within the WTOagreement.

· Pursue investment possibilitiesthrough the European InvestmentBank in major areas such astourism, telecommunications andservices.

· Negotiate additional bilateral preferential trading arrangements(especially with regard to energysupplies) that are not inconsistentwith our WTO obligations.

· Restructure our Missions abroad toreflect priority focus on trade andinvestment promotion as well asprovide services to the Jamaicancommunity in Diaspora countries.

· Promote greater involvement of theprivate sector in policy formulationand trade negotiations in recogni-tion of their critical role in an eco-nomics- driven foreign policy.

7.2 Our foreign policy in the context of international politics

· Maintain a non-aligned politicalposture in our foreign relations andtake positions consistent with ourobligations under internationalconventions that are in the bestinterests of Jamaica and the interna-tional community.

· Support the work of the UN,Commonwealth, OAS and otherregional and international bodies ofwhich we are a member.

7.3 Our relations with CARICOM

· We pledge our support for CARI-COM and the concept of regionalintegration.

· We will use our membership andinfluence within CARICOM andthe CSME to exploit their realpotential, i.e., to combine our ener-gies and resources as individualstates to secure investments, createjobs, increase exports to thirdcountries and improve living stan-dards within the region.

7.4 Integrating the Diaspora

· Continue our support for theDiaspora Foundation and its effortsto network all Jamaican organiza-tions overseas.

· Strengthen the Jamaican's OverseasDepartment to improve the proce-dures with which returning resi-dents have to contend as well aspromote and protect the interestsof Jamaican's overseas.

· Use diplomatic channels to moreproactively represent the interestsof the Jamaican community to thegovernments of the countries inwhich they reside.

· Float a special, secure DiasporaBond to provide an attractiveinvestment opportunity forJamaican's overseas and raise capi-tal to help finance the EducationTransformation project.

· Establish a database of Jamaican'soverseas to strengthen our contactwith the Diaspora and provide aresource base for the recruitmentof special skills.

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Jamaica’s almost total dependence onimported oil as its source of energy threat-ens our prospects for economic growth anddevelopment. Our energy costs are higherthan that of most of our trading partners.

Oil prices are likely to remain high due todiminishing global oil reserves, worldwideshortage of refining capacity, rapidly increas-ing demand arising from the spectaculargrowth in economic activity in China, Indiaand other Asian and Pacific countries andthe continuing turmoil in the Middle Eastwhere the bulk of the world’s oil reserves islocated.

Jamaica needs to move with greater speedand purpose to diversify its energy sourcesif we are to enjoy energy security at pricesthat will allow us to achieve competitive-ness and sustained growth.

Our Pledge 8.1 Energy diversification

Pursue all available options to establish

the most appropriate energy mixbased on cheaper sources includingcoal, natural gas, ethanol and other bio-fuels, hydro- electric and solar andwind power.We will provide the neces-sary incentives and regulatory frame-work to encourage this diversification.

8.2 Oil and gas exploration

Support and continue exploration todetermine whether commercial quan-tities of oil or gas exist within Jamaica’sterritorial waters.

8.3 Expanding available sources of supply

Seek to expand existing bilateralarrangements for the supply of oil toinclude other oil producing countrieswithin and outside the Latin Americanand Caribbean region.

33

Better energy security and efficiency


34

8.4 Electricity generation

Ensure proper development and timelyapproval of Least Cost Expansion Plansso that local power providers will beobliged to replace, on a phased basis,inefficient plant and replace it withmore efficient units. We will alsoensure that the savings are reflected inthe rates charged to consumers.

8.5 Modernizing electricity legislation

Replace the age-old statutes underwhich electricity is produced and sup-plied and replace them with modernlegislation reflecting current best prac-tices in the regulation of electricityproviders.

8.6 Enforcing required standard

Rigorously enforce the required stan-dards regarding the transmission anddistribution of electricity which con-tinue to be the source of substantiallosses that have to be borne by con-sumers.

8.7 Ensuring accurate meters andbillings

Institute measures to ensure the accu-racy of electricity meters and billingsystems with user-friendly systems forinvestigation and verification ininstances where disputes arise.

8.8 A more proactive OUR

The OUR will be required to be morevigilant in ensuring transparency andfairness in the conduct of licensedelectricity suppliers.

8.9 Local refinery operations

Continue the programme to modern-ize and increase the capacity of ourlocal refinery.

8.10 Rural electricity expansion

Intensify the Rural ElectrificationProgramme to extend electricity tothose communities that are still with-out the service.

8.11 Illegal electricity consumptionInstitute a new programme to regular-ize electricity supply in areas whereelectricity is being accessed illegally inorder to bring these residents into theformal consumer base.

8.12 Introducing new petroleum refer-ence price mechanism

Abandon the Gulf reference standardcurrently being used to determinepetroleum prices and replace it withan import parity price mechanismbased on market realities within theregion.

8.13 Diversifying motor vehicle fuels

Use fiscal measures to encourage theuse of flexi and hybrid motor vehiclesand those designed for diesel, bio-fuelsand other more efficient and environ-ment- friendly fuels.

Agriculture, once the backbone of theJamaican economy,has declined to the pointwhere, today, it accounts for less than 6% ofthe economy.Yet, it employs 18% of the totallabour force and is the sole means of liveli-hood for thousands of families in rural com-munities.As a result, incomes and living stan-dards in rural areas are the lowest inJamaica.

In the past, the agricultural sector enjoyedthe benefit of preferential arrangements forits traditional export crops (sugar andbananas) and a protected domestic marketfor almost everything else. Our preferentialarrangements are rapidly coming to an endand trade liberalization has opened up ourdomestic market to foreign imports.

The average farmer today, more than everbefore, is struggling to survive. The risingcost of inputs, low productivity anddepressed markets due to fierce competi-tion spell disaster for the future of agricul-ture unless there are radical changes in ourapproach to the sector.

The most compelling challenges to agricul-ture are to raise the level of productivitythrough the use of technology andimproved farming practices; and to providebetter access to markets.

Our Pledge 9.1 Widescale application of technolo-

gy to dramatically increase pro-ductivity

· Aggressively promote the use ofproven technology (e.g. greenhouse, hydroponics, tissue cultureetc.) to increase yield, improvequality and rationalize the use ofscarce water.

· Provide training and technical sup-port to ensure that farmers masterthe application of new technolo-gies.

· Promote greater use of bio-technol-ogy through the National Researchand Development Centre toimprove the quality and marketabil-ity of farm produce.

35

Launching a new agricultural revolution


36

9.2 Restoration of extension services

Restore and expand agricultural exten-sion services which have been severe-ly depleted to ensure the effectivetransfer of technology and applicationof modern practices.

9.3 Improved pest and disease control

Improve the capabilities for pest anddisease control by stricter quarantineprocedures and speedier detection andcorrective practices.

9.4 Promotion of organic farming

Provide technical and financial sup-port for organic farming to exploit thegrowing international market fororganically produced foods.

9.5 Promotion of exotic crops

Promote the cultivation and exportmarketing of exotic crops includingfruits, herbs and spice in a strategicprogramme integrated with the BrandJamaica campaign.

9.6 Provision of refrigeration facilities

Establish strategically located refrigera-tion facilities to extend the shelf life offarmers’ produce and improve market-ing possibilities.

9.7 Improved market intelligence

Improve the gathering and timely dis-semination of marketing informationto provide farmers with the bestoptions for marketing their produce

9.8 Improved selection, grading andpackaging practices

Provide training to farmers in properselection, grading and packaging prac-tices to more effectively synchronizefarm production with market require-ments.

9.9 Support for brokers

Recognize the importance of brokerswho serve as intermediaries between

the farmer and otherwise inaccessiblemarkets.We will provide incentives forbrokers to extend market reach andincrease the demand for farmers’ pro-duce.

9.10 Incentives for agro-processors

Provide incentives for agro-processorsto extend the market for agriculturalproduce and provide greater pre-dictability and price stability for farm-ers.

9.11 Affordable loans for farmers

Increase the availability of low-interestloans to farmers through the PC Banksespecially to ensure that they are ableto meet the required capital invest-ment to adopt new technologies.

9.12 Land titling process

· Amend the Registration of Titles Actto simplify the registration of unti-tled land where the claimant hasbeen in possession for a specifiedminimum period of time, owner-ship is not in dispute and can beconfirmed by evidence.

· Establish Community LandTribunals to consider applicationsfor registration and, after adequatepublic notification, conduct hear-ings and, if satisfied that the right ofownership has been established,issue a Certificate of Ownership.

· Certificate of Ownership togetherwith a surveyor’s report and dia-gram would be sufficient to effectregistration of title.

9.13 Irrigation expansion

Improve existing and establish newirrigation schemes to increase theacreage of land available for high-pro-ductivity farming.

37

9.14 Protection and strengthening ofthe livestock sector

· Institute measures to protect andexpand the livestock sector andimprove productivity with a viewto capturing a greater share of thedomestic market.

· Provide the necessary protectionto milk producers to mitigate theeffects of subsidized imported milksolids.

9.15 Expansion of aquaculture

Expand the aquaculture industry, espe-cially for the export market, and pro-mote the production of new species toreplicate the success achieved withthe tilapia.

9.16 Improved management of marinefishing

Establish a comprehensive programmeto improve the management of themarine fishing industry including:

· More vigilant efforts to stem illegalfishing in Jamaican waters.

· Careful monitoring of our fish pop-ulation and stricter control meas-ures to prevent over-fishing and thedepletion of fish stock by regulat-ing the size and weight of fish thatcan be harvested.

· Implementation of an environmen-tal programme to stop the pollu-tion of our sea water and the use ofdynamite and chemicals to reapfish and reverse the damage beingdone to our fish nurseries and coralreefs.

· Provision of loans and training forfishers to equip them to operatebeyond our coastal waters whichare severely over-fished.

· Provision of safety gear, trainingand public education to ensure bet-ter standards of safety at sea.

· Improved refrigeration facilities atour major fishing beaches to pre-serve the catch to meet marketingcycles.

· Introduction of new, scientificmethods for growing lobsters,shrimp, oysters, squid and otherhigh-demand species under con-trolled conditions.

· Implementation of a programme toclean up and upgrade fishing beaches islandwide.

9.17 Repositioning the sugar industry

· Pursue, in the face of the drasticcuts in sugar prices being offeredthrough our arrangements with theEuropean Union, the divestment ofgovernment-owned sugar estatesand factories with a view to ensur-ing the required capital investmentand management to achieve worldmarket competitiveness and/or theproduction of value-added canederivatives such as ethanol andnutraceuticals.

· Utilize our allocation under thecompensation fund being providedby the EU to enable cane farmersand sugar workers in those areasthat may be dislocated by thedivestment to enter alternative,high-productivity farming activi-ties.

9.18 Intensifying efforts to combatpraedial larceny

Reorganize, retrain,equip and redeployDistrict Constables to be a more effec-tive force in combating praedial larce-ny.

The manufacturing sector faces consider-able difficulties: high interest rates, highenergy costs, high security costs, high trans-action costs and intense competition fromcheap imports, especially from China.

In 1988 the manufacturing sector employed136,000 persons and accounted for 21.4% ofGDP.Today, it employs less than 75,000 andaccounts for only 12.7% of GDP. The chal-lenge for the manufacturing sector is toidentify those areas of production in whichit can achieve international competitivenessor for which it can secure niche markets.

We must enable the manufacturing sector toovercome these challenges.

Our Pledge 10.1 Industrial Plant Modernization

Fund

Establish through the JamaicaInvestment & DevelopmentCorporation an Industrial PlantModernization Fund to assist manufac-turers to install modern equipment

and apply cutting-edge technology toimprove productivity and competitive-ness.

10.2 Improving labour productivity

Provide grants through the HEARTTrust to finance institutional and on-the-job training to improve the skillslevel and productivity of employees.

10.3 Improving energy efficiency

Provide tax incentives for manufactur-ers to achieve energy efficiency

10.4 Penetrating new export markets

The Jamaica Investment &Development Corporation (JIDC) willprovide strong support to local manu-facturers to identify and penetrate newexport markets under the BrandJamaica campaign.

10.5 Provision of factory space

Make available to manufacturers onspecial terms factory space currentlybeing used for the warehousing ofimported goods.

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Strengthening the manufacturing sector


10.6 Improving packaging design anddevelopment

Provide special incentives for compa-nies engaged in packaging design anddevelopment to improve the mar-ketability of locally manufacturedgoods.

10.7 Special relief for specified capitalexpenditure

Allow capital expenditure in specifiedareas that enhance competitiveness orthe development of new value-addedproducts to be fully expensed in lieu ofannual depreciation.

10.8 Tax credit for overseas marketing

Provide tax credits for expensesincurred in marketing locally manufac-tured products overseas.

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The tourism industry has been one of themain planks that have sustained the econo-my over many years. While recognizing thevalue of its contribution and the growth thathas occurred, we believe that there is vastpotential for expansion and diversificationthat needs to be exploited.

While Jamaica’s tourism has been dominantin the mass and mid-price segments of theleisure market, the focus of our strategy forthe future will be to develop new,high-valueoptions while enhancing the attractivenessof the existing offerings.

Our Pledge 11.1 Measuring tourism’s contribution

to the economy

Disaggregate our National Accountsand identify tourism as an accountingsector in order to measure its directcontribution to the GDP.

11.2 Giving export status to hotel oper-ators

Recognizing that tourism is an invisibleexport, we will accord hotel operatorsthe benefits and concessions enjoyedby export manufacturers.

11.3 Diversifying the tourism industry

· Promote the development of morehigh-value luxury accommodationincluding condominiums.

· Promote the development of well-ness facilities to take advantage ofour natural spas as well as facilitiesgeared toward long-stay convales-cents.

· Attract healthcare entrepreneurs toestablish medical facilities offeringclinical and surgical procedures toforeign patients.

· Provide renewed support for thedevelopment of South Coast adven-ture and eco-tourism.

· Promote heritage tourism consis-tent with our policy on the devel-opment of our heritage sites and

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Conquering new frontiers in tourism


42

the marketing of our rich culturaltraditions.

11.4 Tourism development for easternJamaica

Formulate a strategic plan for thedevelopment of Portland and St.Thomas as a unique tourist resort areato take advantage of their uniqueattributes as well as provide a new eco-nomic catalyst to mitigate the declinein sugar and bananas.

11.5 Development of attractions

Encourage the development of newstate-of-the-art attractions especially fornight time entertainment and offerincentives similar to those provided fornew hotel construction.

11.6 Preservation and appropriate uti-lization of the Cockpit Country

Declare the Cockpit Country a no-min-ing zone and encourage the develop-ment of environment-friendly attrac-tions.

11.7 Transformation of Fern Gully

Reroute traffic currently traversingFern Gully and develop it into a botan-ical attraction with boutique restau-rants and craft shops.

11.8 Upgrading and marketing of smallhotels and villas

Provide grants and concessionaryloans for the upgrading of small hotelsand villas and assist them in develop-ing a special programme for advertis-ing and marketing.

11.9 Expansion of Ocho Rios CruiseShip Pier

Relocate the shipping operations forbauxite, sugar and aggregates from theReynolds Pier in Ocho Rios to facilitateits redevelopment and expansion as amodern cruise ship port.

11.10 New cruise ship port at Falmouth

Support the development of a majorcruise ship port and ancillary facilitiesin Falmouth.

11.11 Development of marinas

Promote the expansion of marinas inOcho Rios and Montego Bay which,together with the Port Antonio marina,will be aggressively marketed to attractmega-yacht visitors and sport fishingactivities.

11.12 Modern airport facilities forPort Antonio

Redevelop the Ken Jones aerodrome toaccommodate private and mid-sizecommercial aircraft as an importantelement in the revitalization of PortAntonio as a high-end resort area aswell as facilitating tourism develop-ment in St.Thomas

11.13 Enhancing Jamaica’s duty-freeshopping appeal

Establish a new regime for in-bondmerchants to enhance Jamaica’s appealas a duty-free shopping destination.

11.14 New impetus for craft produc-tion and marketing

· Establish a sophisticated craft train-ing centre on the north coast toenable our craftsmen to producehigh quality craft items and ensurethat our craft vendors can offerfirst-rate indigenous craft items.

· Upgrade and improve the manage-ment of existing craft markets andwe institute a programme to pro-mote them especially among cruiseship passengers.

11.15 Major Convention Centre for Montego Bay

Support the construction of a majorstand-alone Convention Centre inMontego Bay to attract more conven-tion visitors.

11.16 Establishment of Hospitality

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College

Pursue the development of aHospitality College either as an inde-pendent entity or as a college of one ofour existing universities to train per-sons for middle and senior level posi-tions in the tourism sector.

11.17 Teaching the value of tourismin schools

Develop a tourism-related course to betaught in schools and to be an accred-ited curriculum subject to increaseawareness and appreciation of thevalue of tourism to the nation.

11.18 Pension scheme for tourismsector workers

Institute in collaboration with employ-ers and workers in the tourism sector apension scheme for workers whoseNIS pension entitlement is lowbecause it is calculated on basic wagesand does not include non-taxable gra-tuities which make up a substantialportion of their earnings.

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The entertainment sector is emerging as asignificant area of economic activity provid-ing jobs and foreign exchange earnings andwhile it generates significant earnings glob-ally, only a small fraction inures to Jamaica’sbenefit. It has great potential for creatingwealth in areas such as music, dance, the-atre, film and video productions,writing andpublishing, fashion,craft, and local cuisine. Itoffers a valuable tool for internationalizingthe Brand Jamaica campaign.

Our Pledge 12.1 Entertainment venues

Provide incentives for the establish-ment of large and medium-size enter-tainment venues.

12.2 International music festivals

Support the staging and promotion ofnew and existing music festivals with aview to making Jamaica one of theworld’s premier music festival destina-tions.

12.3 Incentives for the entertainmentindustry

Enact an Entertainment IndustryEncouragement Act to provide incen-tives for the promotion and commer-cial development of Jamaican music,art, dance, drama, writing and publish-ing, fashion, craft and local cuisine.

12.4 Sector coordination

Establish a single agency to coordinatedevelopments in the entertainmentsector.

Support for the entertainment industry


47

Telecommunications has been the world’sfastest growing area of economic activity inthe last decade. It offers tremendous oppor-tunities for new investments, growth andjob creation especially with the growingtrend in developed countries toward out-sourcing. However, the playing field is high-ly competitive and the appropriate policymeasures must be instituted to positionJamaica to take advantage of these opportu-nities.

Telecommunications also offers a means ofrevolutionizing the education process andimproving the quality of lesson delivery.

Our Pledge 13.1 New regulatory framework

· Revise the Telecommunications Actto take account of new develop-ments in technology and marketdynamics.

· Establish a single regulatory author-ity to undertake the regulatoryfunctions currently scatteredamong the OUR, the Broadcasting

Commission and the SpectrumManagement Authority.

13.2 Judicious spectrum management

Ensure the careful allocation of spec-trum frequencies to encourage compe-tition and new investments and to pre-serve flexibility to facilitate the futuregrowth of the telecommunications sec-tor.

13.3 Expanding the telecommunica-tions infrastructure

· Promote the development of anislandwide backbone networkcapable of transmitting existingand emerging media such as ADSL,broadband, PSTN and wireless net-works.

· Ensure cheaper bandwidth costs tomake access more affordable

· Require the building of new high-speed loop facilities

· Institute regulations to require the

Telecommunications as a driver for

economic growth


unbundling of local loop facilitiesto provide wider access to cableprogrammes landing in Jamaica forlicensed operators.

13.4 Enforcing commitment toincrease number of fixed lines

Contrary to the commitment made in2002 to provide 200,000 additionalfixed lines, the number of such lineshas, in fact, decreased from 434,772 to342,500.We will ensure that this com-mitment is fulfilled.

13.5 Universal service and greateraccess

Ensure the provision of universal serv-ice through the islandwide backbonenetwork in order to significantlyincrease internet penetration from40% (currently) to 75% within 5 years.

13.6 Universal Access Fund

Ensure strict management andaccountability of the Universal AccessFund which will be used to finance thecrucial e-learning component of theEducation Transformation Programme.

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The mining sector remains critical to eco-nomic growth, employment and foreignexchange earnings.

Our Pledge 14.1 Expansion of Jamalco

Seek to re-energize the stalled plans forthe expansion of the Jamalco aluminaplant at Halse Hall.

14.2 Strategic partnership withTrinidad for producing aluminum

Seek to establish a strategic partner-ship with Trinidad to process aluminainto aluminum at the smelter which itproposes to build in joint venture withSural of Venezuela. Trinidad hasexpressed a willingness to offer theJamaican government a part of its 60%shareholding in the venture.

14.3 New investment in non-bauxiteminerals

Seek to attract new investment in theextraction and processing of non-baux-ite minerals such as gypsum, limestoneaggregates and their derivatives.

14.4 Environmental management ofmining and processing operations

Establish and vigorously enforce newregulations for the control of chemicaland dust emissions from mining andprocessing operations and ensure ade-quate protection and compensationfor persons who may be adverselyaffected.

14.5 Better treatment for mined-outlands

· Apply stricter measures to ensurethat mined-out lands are optimallyrestored.

· The Capital Development Fundwill be dedicated to the redevelop-ment of those communities thathave been dislocated and disfig-ured by mining activities.

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Expansion of the mining sector


51

We recognize the critical importance of theconstruction industry as a major source ofemployment (110,000 in 2006) and a signif-icant contributor to the economy (10.1% ofGDP in 2006).

The construction industry will also play acrucial role in the investment and job-cre-ation drive that we have identified as themajor focus of our plans to accelerate eco-nomic growth since new investments invari-able require industrial, commercial and resi-dential space.

Our Pledge 15.1 Equal opportunity for local con-

tractors and construction profes-sionals in the award of contracts

· Ensure that local contractors anconstruction professionals aregiven the same opportunities asforeign companies in considerationfor the award of public sector con-tracts.

· Vigorously enforce the provisions

of the Architects Registration Actand Professional EngineersRegistration Act which stipulate theconditions under which foreignprofessionals are permitted to beengaged in local projects in orderto protect the integrity of the localprofessions and ensure that theyare held responsible for the qualityof the work they perform.

15.2 One-stop shop for planning and building plans

· Promulgate a National BuildingCode and the appropriateDevelopment Orders to regulateland use and development, plan-ning and building activitiesthroughout the island.

· Establish one single authority withrepresentatives of all relevant agen-cies including local governmentauthorities to be responsible forevaluating planning and buildingplans.

Placing the construction industry on

a better footing


· Shift the burden of responsibilityfrom the developer seekingapproval to the authority register-ing objections. Any developeragainst whose plan the authorityhas not registered an objectionwithin 90 days will be entitled toproceed with the development.

· Provide an adequate cadre of build-ing inspectors to ensure timelyinspection and the required certifi-cation of development stages.

· Impose severe sanctions againstthose who undertake projectswithout reference to the authority,against the objection of the author-ity, in violation of the Building Codeor any Development Order or con-trary to the design and technicalspecifications that were presentedand against which no objectionwas registered.

· Make provision that individualbuildings below a specified sizemay be constructed without refer-ence to the regulatory authorityprovided the technical specifica-tions and construction are certifiedby a registered architect who shallbe responsible for ensuring theircompliance with the Building Codeand any applicable DevelopmentOrder.

15.3 Ensuring greater integrity in theawarding of government contracts

Amend the Contractor General’s Actto:

· give legal force to the contractaward procedures by includingthem as a schedule to the Act;

· provide criminal penalties forbreaches of the contract award pro-cedures;

· render null and void and unen-forceable contracts that have notbeen certified as compliant withthe contract award procedures;

· disqualify from future considera-tion for the award of contracts,those contractors who secure con-tracts by corrupt means;

· require that variations and escala-tions beyond a specified limit mustbe approved by the same authoritywhich approved the original con-tract.

15.4 Periodic review of the NationalRegister of Contractors

The National Contracts Commissionwill be required to undertake a period-ic review of the register of contractorsbased on current capability and pastperformance.

15.5 Penalties and incentives for con-tract performance

Strictly enforce the penalties providedfor delays in the completion of con-tracts. We will also provide incentivesfor early satisfactory completion.

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EDUCATION & JOB CREATION

Education is the single most important fac-tor in building a platform for economicdevelopment and social stability. It deter-mines the quality of our human capital, ourlevel of productivity and competitiveness,and our ability to attract the investments weneed to transform our economy, reducepoverty and build prosperity.

We regard education as a fundamentalhuman right. It must therefore be universal-ly available and everyone must have equalaccess. It is the inescapable duty of the gov-ernment to provide the policy frameworkand facilities to achieve this.

Our Pledge 16.1 Improved parenting culture

· Promote, through the health andchildren’s services and in collabora-tion with community organiza-tions, better parenting techniques,greater awareness of the potentialof the child and its nutritional andemotional needs and better prepa-ration of its capabilities for the for-mal learning process.

· Promote the establishment of day-care centres independently operat-ed, and at the workplace to ensureproper care of children of workingparents.

16.2 Emphasis on early childhood edu-cation

· Commence primary school enroll-ment at age 5 instead of 6 years.

· Establish stand-alone infant schoolsand infant departments at selectedprimary schools to increase theavailability of basic school places.

· Provide grants to private basicschools to enable them to meet theminimum standards prescribed bythe Early Childhood Act.

· Enforce maximum class size of 20for all basic schools.

· Ensure at least one trained teacherin each basic school and Level 2certification for other early child-hood practitioners.

55


Education – the key to growth

and development

· Extend school feeding programmeto all basic schools.

· Develop standardized early child-hood curriculum.

16.3 Improved school management

· Establish performance standardsand targets for schools to includestudent performance as well as theoperation and maintenance ofschool facilities.

· Provide training in managementpractices for school board mem-bers, principals and bursars andhold them accountable for the per-formance of schools.

· Eliminate the shift systems in allschools.

· Establish a system of zoning todetermine the GSAT placement ofstudents from primary to second-ary schools.

· Regional education authorities willbe required to monitor perform-ance of each school and providetechnical support including theprovision of specialist teachers.

· Establish a National SchoolsSecurity Policy to be adopted andimplemented by all schools toensure the safety of students andstaff and the protection of schoolproperty.

· Establish standardized electronicaccounting and reporting systemfor all schools.

· Institute management informationsystem to record, collate and ana-lyze data on student performance.

· Performance of each studentshould be ranked against class,regional and national averages andshould be reported annually to par-ents.

· Strengthen the support systemavailable to each school throughthe increased involvement of PTAs,alumni,citizens association, studentcouncils, etc.

· Encourage churches,NGOs and pri-vate sector entities to assumegreater responsibility for the man-agement of individual schools.

16.4 Teacher performance

· Accelerate programme of upgrad-ing of teacher skills to Bachelor ofEducation level.

· Significantly increase specialisttraining and the provision ofMaster Teachers in Mathematicsand English.

· Institute a performance-basedremuneration component forteachers determined on the basisof improvement in student per-formance.

· Establish a system of licensing andcertification of teachers to berenewed every 5 years.

· Employ retired teachers of excel-lence on contract.

16.5 Student performance

· Establish compulsory school atten-dance for all children between theages of 3 and 18.

· Abolish tuition fees at government-operated secondary schools.

· Strengthen the student assessmentprocess supported by remedial pro-grammes to ensure that studentsattain minimum proficiency stan-dards before advancing to highergrades.

56

57

· Employ trained remediation spe-cialists for remedial programmes.

· Identify children with specialneeds and provide required sup-port.

· Introduce character educationcourses commencing at Grade 4and culminating in certification atCXC level to instill values and atti-tudes appropriate to national devel-opment.

16.6 Improved lesson delivery

· Review and update curriculum atall grade levels and constantly eval-uate its impact on student perform-ance.

· Expand internet access to primaryand secondary schools as a criticallearning tool.

· Focus e-learning project on provid-ing standardized distance lessons incritical subjects to support class-room lesson delivery.

· Institute homework programme inafter-school hours supervised byteachers (with special remunera-tion) and NYS workers.

16.7 Health and nutritional support

· Conduct health screening at entrypoint for basic, primary and sec-ondary schools to identify any fac-tor that might impair learning abili-ty.

· Collaborate with health services toprovide periodic dental,optical andhearing examinations and treat-ment.

· Identify children in need of specialnutritional support and provideappropriate response, e.g. breakfastprogrammes.

16.8 Extend school-leaving age

Extend the school-leaving age from 16to 18 by: increasing the number of

schools in strategic locations offeringGrades 12 and 13 (6th Form) integrat-ing Grade 11 school-leavers into othereducation and training opportunities(tertiary, HEART, vocational andapprenticeship programmes, etc.)

16.9 Expanding school capacity

· Upgrade and expand existingschools to standards required forthe Education TransformationProgramme.

· Develop a 5-year capital expendi-ture programme to construct newprimary and secondary schools tomeet current and anticipateddemand and to achieve the desiredclass sizes.

· Establish on a regional basisschools with special emphasis onArts and Sciences for children withexceptional talent or proficiency inthese disciplines.

· Establish strategically locatedschools at primary and secondarylevels for highly gifted children andprovide boarding facilities or grantsfor those who live beyond com-mutable distances.

16.10 Financing the Education Transformation Programme

· Increase the budgetary allocationto education by 1% per annum to alevel of 15%.

· Reallocate budgetary resources toincrease the expenditure per stu-dent at basic, primary and second-ary levels.

· Issue government-guaranteedEducation Bonds to significantlyincrease the loan amounts availableto tertiary students through theStudent Loan Bureau at reducedinterest rates subsidized by annualbudgetary provisions.

· Dedicate proceeds of DiasporaBond floated among the JamaicanDiaspora.

· Negotiate long-term concessionaryloans from multilateral agencies(World Bank, IDB, CDB andEuropean Union)

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Our most important factor of production isour human capital.....our people.They con-tribute significantly to the productiveprocess and are direct beneficiaries of thatprocess.

A trained and motivated workforce is anessential component of our strategy forinvestment, growth and job creation. It runsa crucial leg in the relay to achieve theworld-class competitiveness on which ourfuture rests.

Our Pledge 17.1 Education and training

Implement policies as outlined inSection 16 to ensure a well-educatedand skilled workforce.

17.2 Labour market reform

· Vigorously uphold the right ofworkers to representation and col-lective bargaining.

· Conclude, in collaboration withemployers and workers organiza-tions, the deliberations on labour

market reform to ensure that ourworkforce and labour market prac-tices are able to meet the chal-lenges of new, technology-driveninvestments.

· Provide through the HEART Trustgrants to facilitate institutional andon- the-job training of workers toupgrade their skills and improveproductivity levels.

17.3 Improved conciliation machinery

· Promote in strategic sectors agree-ments similar to the MOU withinthe bauxite sector to establish com-petitiveness-enhancing measuresand ensure that workers share inthe gains from improved productiv-ity and efficiency.

· Increase the number of trainedconciliation officers to enablespeedier intervention in industrialdisputes.

· Improve the facilities at theIndustrial Disputes Tribunal.

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Creating a productive workforce


· Strengthen the facilities for protect-ing the rights of non-unionizedworkers.

17.4 Improved labour market infor-mation

· Improve the Labour MarketInformation System to providemore information on the character-istics of and developments withinthe labour market and encouragegreater use as a Labour Exchange.

· Institute an annual survey to meas-ure and report on labour productiv-ity.

17.5 Modernize regulatory mechanisms

Review and modernize regulatorymechanism dealing with the work-place environment such as occupation-al safety, health and factories regula-tions.

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CRIME PREVENTION,SECURITY & JUSTICE

Making the nation safe and secure is ourmost urgent priority.Too much of our ener-gy is being devoured by the ever-presentfear for our own safety.The goals we outlinein this Manifesto for economic growth andjob creation can only be achieved if there isa drastic reduction in crime and a return toa peaceful, orderly society.

Our Pledge 18.1 Strengthening the capability of the

Police Force

· Increase the strength of the PoliceForce to 12,000

· Launch an intensive recruitmentdrive especially among CXC gradu-ates to bring complement to fullestablishment.

· Expand the Mobile Reserve andhave contingents based at strategiclocations across the island to moreeffectively respond to outbreaks ofcrime and violence.

· Provide special training in civilian

law enforcement for members ofthe Jamaica Defence Force to bet-ter equip them to assist the Policewhen called upon and to be able todo so with full regard for the rightsof citizens.

· Establish a cadre of PoliceAuxiliaries to undertake clerical,administrative and light-securityduties at police stations to enablepolice personnel to concentrate onlaw enforcement

· Establish a Traffic Corps made up ofcivilians to relieve the Police of traf-fic duties and enable them to focuson law enforcement.

· Establish a Police Reserve similar tothe JDF Reserve drawn from civil-ians whose character and suitabili-ty have been verified to assist thePolice especially at the communitylevel.

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CRIME PREVENTION, SECURITY & JUSTICE

Reducing crime – A national imperative

· Intensify the graduate entry andaccelerated promotion pro-grammes to improve the quality ofmanagement of the Force.

· Improve training in investigationtechniques and crime scene man-agement.

· Improve forensic capability by pro-viding appropriate technology andtraining and recruiting the neces-sary expertise.

· Establish a National IntelligenceAgency with appropriate technolo-gy and expertise to collate, analyzeand disseminate intelligence data asa critical tool in the prevention anddetection of crime and apprehen-sion of criminals.Appropriate levelsof intelligence information must beaccessible online or by radio ortelephone contact to police sta-tions and mobile police.

· Establish a National IdentificationSystem to improve police surveil-lance and detection capabilitiesand protect law-abiding citizens.

· Design a 5-year programme for therehabilitation of police stationsislandwide.

· Make annual budgetary provisionsfor the timely replacement ofpolice vehicles and equipment.

· Construct residential complexes atstrategic locations for police per-sonnel to ensure that they are with-in commutable distance of theirstation assignment.

18.2 Improved management andaccountability

· Strengthen the powers of theCommissioner of Police to disci-pline (including dismiss) membersof the Force to enable him or her toweed out corrupt and non-per-

forming members and then holdhim/her responsible for their con-duct and performance. Provisionwill be made for appeals to thePolice Service Commission againstthe decisions of the Commissionerof Police.

· Restructure the Police PublicComplaints Authority into an inde-pendent investigative authority toinvestigate all cases of police abuseor excess.The PPCA will refer mat-ters as it deems fit to the Directorof Public Prosecutions or theCommissioner of Police for appro-priate action and will be requiredto report annually to Parliament.

· The Commissioner of Police andthe Chairman of the Police ServiceCommission will be required toreport twice per year to Parliamenton the management and operationsof the Police Force.

· Strengthen the human rights com-ponent of the curriculum of thePolice Academy to ensure thatpolice graduates are sensitized totheir duty to respect the rights ofcitizens and are fully aware thatthey will be held responsible fortheir actions.

· Provide more intensive on-dutysupervision of new recruits toensure that their conduct conformsto the training received.

18.3 Transforming political garrisons

· Enact into law the relevant provi-sions of the Code of PoliticalConduct with appropriate criminalpenalties.

· Amend Section 40(2)(g) of theConstitution to include provisionthat any person convicted underthe above enactment will be auto-

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65

matically disqualified for such time,as determined by the Court, fromcontesting any election or continu-ing to hold any elected office.

· The Political Ombudsman will berequired to monitor the conductand activities of political represen-tatives especially in garrison con-stituencies and report toParliament. He will also be entitledto refer any matter to the Directorof Public Prosecutions.

· Any report made to Parliament bythe Political Ombudsman whichreflects negatively on the conductof any elected official may consti-tute grounds for impeachment andremoval from office.

· Contractors to be registered withthe National Contracts Commissionwill be required to produce satis-factory criminal records.Contractors who engage subcon-tractors with criminal recordsinvolving conviction for gun- relat-ed or violent crime will beremoved from the register of con-tractors.

18.4 Detection of illegal guns

Increase surveillance at our ports ofentry and along our coastline to detectand stop the inflow of illegal guns.Research being undertaken in theUnited Kingdom is well-advanced indeveloping a portable device capableof detecting concealed weapons. Theresearch project is expected to becompleted by December 2008. If itproves successful, we will employ thistechnology on a large scale to enablethe Police to more effectively recoverillegal guns.

18.5 Building community support forlaw enforcement

· Intensify programme of communitypolicing to build strategic partner-ships between communities andthe Police in ridding the communi-ties of crime.

· Prioritize crime-affected communi-ties for targeted inner-city renewalprojects as a critical support meas-ure to reduce crime and enhancelaw enforcement measures.

· Establish a Police Cadet Corps toenlist young potential communityleaders to strengthen the alliancebetween the Police and the com-munities.

· Strengthen the current initiatives topromote conflict resolution by theprovision of increased training andopportunities.

· Re-energize the NeighbourhoodWatch and Police Youth Club pro-grammes to mobilize communitiesagainst criminal activity.

The justice system is indispensable to a freeand democratic society. It is the ultimatesource of protection of the rights of the cit-izen, holding the scales between one citizenand another and between the citizen andthe State. How efficiently and fairly it func-tions defines the quality of our democracyand, indeed, the quality of our lives.

Our justice system is creaking from years ofneglect resulting in a pile-up of more than400,000 cases. Poor physical facilities, short-age of personnel and archaic judicial andadministrative procedures have renderedour justice system an obstacle – not a facili-tator – to our development.We are commit-ted to changing that.

Our Pledge 19.1 Commitment to Justice Reform

Programme

We are committed to a 10 year JusticeReform Programme supported by thenecessary policy decisions and alloca-tion of resources as recommended bythe Jamaica Justice System Reform Task

Force.

19.2 Use of technology for speedier dis-posal of cases

· Provide computer-based audio andtext recording in the Appeal Court,Supreme Court and all ResidentMagistrates Court to facilitate real-time production of testimonies andsubmissions.

· Provide for computerization of andonline access to transcripts, notesof evidence and judgements.

· Expand the Justice TrainingInstitute to train existing Courtstaff and as well as those requiredto operate new procedures.

19.3 Rehabilitation and modernizationof Court Houses

Establish a 5-year programme for therehabilitation and modernization of allCourt Houses to better accommodatethe case load and the introduction ofthe appropriate technology.

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Healing our ailing justice system


68

19.4 Better utilization of Court facilitiesand elimination of case backlog

· Improve the utilization of courtfacilities by having Courts operatetwo shifts where necessary and sitfor more days where possible andnecessary.

· Increase the number of FamilyCourts to facilitate greater accessand allow for sittings to be held atlocations which do not carry a“court house” atmosphere.

· Establish special Courts to dealwith cases involving domestic vio-lence.

· Increase the number of ResidentMagistrates, prosecutors and Courtstaff

· Recruit on a temporary basis fromamong retired judges and the pri-vate Bar persons to serve asResident Magistrates and prosecu-tors to assist in disposal of the hugebacklog of cases in the RM Courts.

19.5 Better management of cases

· Introduce an efficient case manage-ment system in RM Courts to trackand expedite the trial of cases or,where possible, refer for mediation.

· Require that objective timelines beset for the various stages and even-tual disposal of each case with theultimate aim being to have casesdisposed of within 6 months.

19.6 Better provision for witnesses

· Provide better facilities for witness-es to attend Court

· Expand the Witness ProtectionProgramme

· Increase the number of shelters forvictims of domestic violence espe-cially women and children.

19.7 Improved jury selection

· Improve the jury selection processby providing better facilities andremuneration.

· Launch a public education pro-gramme to sensitize the public asto the critical importance of juryservice to the justice system.

19.8 Law Reform

· Establish a Permanent Law ReformCommission to conduct a reviewexisting statutes and make recom-mendations for changes.

· Repeal offences that are no longernecessary or appropriate.

· Enact the necessary amendment tomake certain minor crimes ticket-ing offences.

19.9 Review of Court jurisdictions

Review and restructure the existingjurisdiction of the Lay Magistrate’sCourt, the RM Court and the SupremeCourt to achieve optimal allocation ofresponsibilities consistent with therequired level of jurisprudence.

19.10 Appointment of Judges

· Increase the number of Judges ofthe Appeal Court from 7 to 11 andappoint additional Judges of theSupreme Court

· Provide a more transparent processfor the appointment of Judges

19.11 Constitutional protection andsecurity of tenure for ResidentMagistrates

Amend the Constitution to recognizeResident Magistrates as part of the judi-ciary and provide them security oftenure in furtherance of the principleof the independence of the judiciary.

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19.12 Restorative Justice

Enact the necessary legislation toenable Courts to order convicted per-sons to compensate victims who havesuffered personal loss or damage as aresult of the offence.

19.13 Community Justice Tribunals

Establish Community Justice Tribunalsto be conducted by Justices of thePeace to resolve disputes between citi-zens that do not involve criminal

offences, and which are heard with theconsent of the disputing parties.Settlements agreed on would beenforceable by the Courts.

19.14 Judgement debts owed by thegovernment

Enact provisions to make it a statutoryrequirement similar to provisions forpayment of public debt, for the govern-ment to pay to a citizen such amountsas have been ordered by the Courts.

Prisons ought to be more than places ofpunishment.They must serve to rehabilitateoffenders who will someday return to socie-ty to live among us.The reform of our prisonsystem is critical in establishing a safe andpeaceful society.

20.1 Increase prison capacity

Construct a new modern prison facili-ty to ease the severe overcrowdingexisting at the Tower Street and St.Catherine Adult Correction Centreswhich currently house 75% more pris-oners than they were designed toaccommodate.

20.2 Comprehensive programme ofrehabilitation

· Establish a full-time multi-gradeschool at Tower Street and St.Catherine Adult Correction Centresto upgrade the academic skills of allinmates who have not achievedGrade 9 certification.

· Assess the skills possessed byinmates and devise work pro-

grammes to utilize these skills witha stipend being paid to purchaseapproved personal items and accu-mulate savings to be paid over attime of release.

· Unskilled, low-risk inmates will bedeployed on public works projects,e.g. drain cleaning, under supervi-sion of the JDF.

20.3 Increased use of non-custodial sen-tences

Courts will be urged to increase theuse of non-custodial sentences for con-victed persons who have no record ofviolent crime or behaviour. Sentencesshould include engagement on publicworks projects.

20.4 Enforcement of discipline

Stricter measures will be enforced toprevent indiscipline and the abuse ofinmates.

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Transforming our prisons into

rehabilitation centres


20.5 Adequate counseling for inmates

· Provision will be made in collabora-tion with Churches and NGOs foradequate counseling services toassist inmates to prepare them-selves to return to society asreformed, productive citizens.

· Non-denominational Church serv-ices will be encouraged as a meansof assisting in the rehabilitationprocess.

20.6 Parole and furlough decisions tobe informed by assessment ofprogress toward rehabilitation

Care will be taken to ensure thatparole and furlough decisions arebased on an objective assessment ofthe inmate’s progress toward rehabili-tation

20.7 Mentally-ill inmates

Special facilities to be provided at theBellevue Hospital for mentally-illinmates.

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PUBLIC UTILITIES & DISASTERPREPAREDNESS

75

PUBLIC UTILITIES & DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

The transportation system is an integral partof any strategy for economic growth toensure efficient movement of people andcargo over land, air and sea.

Our Pledge 21.1 Rationalizing the public trans-

portation system

· Review the financial and opera-tional performance of the JUTCand restructure the company tooperate efficiently with a cappedsubsidy based on an assessment ofits relationship with other forms ofurban transportation.

· Establish a proper organizationstructure for the operation of routetaxis by:

- declaring an amnesty period for all unlicensed taxi operators to apply for registration;

- implementing a system of colourcoding of taxis based on assigned routes;

- simplifying the procedures for

renewal of licences;

- monitoring the operation of taxisto ensure compliance.

21.2 Rural and long-distance trans-portation

Rationalize the licensing of buses,mini-buses and taxis for rural and long- dis-tance routes to ensure the appropriatemix of vehicle types and sizes.

21.3 New transportation centres

Establish properly regulated transportcentres in all major towns

21.4 Restore the railway service

· Pursue negotiations with potentialinvestors to establish a modern railservice on the existing rail networkfor passengers and freight.

· Railway stations to be developed ascommercial centres as part of therevenue stream to lower passengerfares.

· Renegotiate the terms of the con-tract with the operators ofHighway 2000 to allow an exten-

Our plans for the transportation sector

sion of rail service into Portmore.

21.5 Rationalization of freight haulage

Use tariff measures and appropriateincentives to encourage investors toestablish major warehouse and redistri-bution centres at strategic locations tofacilitate the haulage of goods to thesecentres by rail and sea in order torelieve congestion on major thorough-fares.

21.6 Airport development

· Pursue negotiations with privateinvestors to establish a new airportat Vernamfield as an air transship-ment hub as well as a third interna-tional airport to serve the mid-island with a link to the new railservice.

· Establish a new domestic aero-drome at Caymanas in close prox-imity to the Portmore toll road toreplace Tinson Pen.

· Develop the Ken Jones aerodromeas an international airport toaccommodate private and mid-size

commercial jets.

· Upgrade the Boscobel and Negrilaerodromes for domestic flights.

21.7 Making Air Jamaica viable

· Pursue negotiations for an equitypartnership with a suitable interna-tional airline to revitalize AirJamaica and to integrate it within awider network of destinations andconnections.

· The government would retain partownership of Air Jamaica whichwould retain its name and itsunique Jamaican characteristicsand would continue to serve theroutes that are significant to localtravelers, tourism and the JamaicanDiaspora.

21.8 Development of our sea ports

Support the proposed establishmentby private investors of a new majorport and commercial and industrialcomplex at Port Esquivel.

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Jamaica has one of the highest road densi-ties in the world with over 4 km per squaremile.Two-thirds of these are parochial roadsserving deep rural communities. We neednew highways to facilitate current trafficrealities and stimulate new investment anddevelopment. However, a long-term pro-gramme to ensure proper maintenance andupgrading of the existing network must alsobe given priority.

22.1 Single Road Authority

· Restructure the National WorksAgency as a service provider withtechnical responsibility for allroads.

· Local Government Authorities willretain jurisdiction for parochial andurban roads and will authorizeworks to be carried out under thesupervision of the NWA.

22.2 National Road Improvement andMaintenance Programme (RIMP)

· Establish a National RoadImprovement and Maintenance

Programme to provide three levelsof treatment for the road network:

- Routine maintenance: Cleaning of drains and patching of surfaces

- Periodic maintenance:Resurfacing and construction of drains

- Major Improvement:Reconstruction and widening

· Reintroduce the “lengthman” pro-gramme under which local citizensare trained and engaged to carryout routine maintenance onassigned sections of road.

· Establish a timeline for periodicmaintenance of each road based ontechnical assessment.

· Identify roads for major improve-ment based on technical assess-ment, traffic volume and economicbenefits.

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Improving the road network


22.3 Expanded highway network

· Construct new highway fromClarendon Park to Trinity to con-nect with the Melrose By-Pass.

· Construct new by-pass roads forMontego Bay and Santa Cruz.

· Upgrade and widen the followingroads:

- Stony Hill to Agualta Vale

- Harbour View to Hector’s River

- Port Antonio to Hector’s River

- Middle Quarters through Newmarket and Montpelier to Montego Bay

- Ferris through Ramble to Montpelier

22.4 Major expressway for theCorporate Area

Update engineering studies of the roadnetwork and traffic flow to determinethe most feasible way to provide anexpressway to relieve traffic conges-tion in the Corporate Area. Currentoptions are:

(a) strategic flyovers at congested intersections

(b) a beltway around the city

(c) a suspended road along the Sandy Gully channel

22.5 Axle-load control

· Rigidly enforce axle-load control toprevent the overloading of trucksand trailers which do significantdamage to road surfaces.

· Operationalize existing and installnew weigh stations at strategiclocations to be manned by theTraffic Corps to support the axleload control programme.

22.6 National drainage system

· Commission a detailed islandwidestudy of our drains and waterwayswith a view to establishing anational grid for the proper dispos-al of surface and flood waters.

· Develop a 10 year programmeinvolving new construction andupgrading of existing drains to beintegrated into the national grid.

· Developers will be required tomake adequate provisions for thedisposal of surface water into thenational grid.

· Special engineering solutions willbe designed to mitigate flooding inknown, flood prone areas.

22.7 Improved facilities for pedestrians

Develop a 10 year programme to con-struct and repair sidewalks on heavilytrafficked roads in our cities andtowns.

22.8 Coordination of road-related

activities with utility companies

· Ensure long-term planning and reg-ular consultation between theNWA and utility companies to syn-chronize where possible develop-ment works and ensure that newlyconstructed or repaired road sur-faces are not disturbed by utilityworks.

· Require utility companies todeposit with the NWA funds for therestoration of road surfaces dis-turbed by utility works.

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Jamaica is vulnerable to natural disasters andappropriate systems must be maintained toenable us to mitigate the effects of these dis-asters when they occur and provide theappropriate response in terms of relief andrestoration.

Our Pledge 23.1 Caribbean Catastrophe Risk

Insurance

We support and will maintain coverageunder the new Caribbean Catastrophe

Risk Insurance Facility to provideimmediate compensation based on thecategory of a disaster event withoutrequiring detailed assessment of lossessustained.

23.2 Annual assessment and mitigationfor flood prone areas

Assessment will be conducted in thefirst quarter of each year of the vulner-ability of known flood-prone areas todetermine what precautionary meas-ures are required. The relevant works

will be carried out as a priority in thesecond quarter.

23.3 Budgetary contingency for disas-ters

Provide a contingency in the Budgetspecifically for use in the event of a dis-aster.

23.4 Availability of relief supplies

· Establish warehouses at JDF estab-lishments in Montego Bay,Mandeville, Moneague and PortMaria to store relief supplies forrapid distribution when disasterstrikes.

· Liaise with local suppliers toensure adequate stocks of reliefsupplies during the hurricane sea-son.

· Identify and establish standbyarrangements with nearby overseassuppliers to source additional sup-plies as may be required.

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Responding to natural disasters


23.5 Overseas assistance

· Establish long-term arrangementswith donor countries includingdirect contact with the relevantagencies to expeditiously accessassistance after a disaster strikes.

· Put in place a structured arrange-ment through our missions over-seas to coordinate donations madeby Jamaican's in the Diaspora.

23.6 Availability of equipment andmanpower

Maintain a register of contractors andequipment that will be available torespond to disasters.

Maintain an adequate supply of Baileybridges for temporary replacement ofbridges that may be destroyed in a dis-aster.

23.7 Mobilization of the citizenry

· Mobilize uniformed groups such asthe Cadet Corps, Boys Scouts, GirlsGuides, etc. to play a critical role indisaster response.

· Recruit disaster response liaisons atthe community level to assist ininformation flow and the mobiliz-ing of the community in times ofdisaster.

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81

Jamaica, although named for its wood andwater, faces significant shortage in the deliv-ery of water.Approximately 60% of the ruralpopulation do not have access to pipedwater in their homes.Twenty-three percent(23%) of these depend on rainwater collect-ed from the roofs of their houses and are leftto suffer in times of drought.

The current unsatisfied demand for domes-tic water is approximately 32 million gallonsper day and it is estimated that by 2015 anadditional 103 million gallons per day willbe required.The agriculture sector currentlyneeds an additional 44 million gallons perday with an additional 370 million gallonsper day anticipated by 2015.

Most alarming is the fact that approximately50% of the domestic water currently beingharnessed is lost to leakage.This means thatcustomers are paying twice as much as theyshould for the water they consume.

A concerted effort to improve the manage-ment and increase the supply and distribu-tion of water is required to facilitate devel-opment and improve living standards.

Our Pledge 24.1 Assessment of available water

resources

· Assess the available waterresources in our hydrologicalbasins to identify future water proj-ects to meet current and anticipat-ed water needs.

· Identify small water sources inrural areas that can sustain local-ized water harvesting and distribu-tion.

24.2 New water supply projects

· Implement new water supply proj-ects prioritized on the basis ofareas of greatest need.

· Increase storage capacity in majorurban centres to sustain suppliesduring periods of low inflow.

· Develop special Rural Water SupplyProgramme to harness smallstreams, rivers and springs to sup-ply isolated communities.

Water, indeed, is life


· Establish desalination plants incoastal areas from which communi-ties without alternative sources canbe served.

24.3 Water conservation and manage-ment

· Carry out an intensive and on-goingprogramme of leak detection andrepair to reduce pipeline losses.

· Remove duties on water-savingdevices to encourage more effi-cient use of water.

· Include in National Building Coderequirements that will result inmore efficient use of water.

· Ensure careful management ofwater resources to reduce pollu-tion and protect aquifer levels.

24.4 Irrigation

· Encourage more efficient use ofirrigation water through the appli-cation of appropriate technology.

· Augment irrigation water sourceswith high-level treated effluentfrom the Soapberry treatment facil-ity.

24.5 Sewerage collection

Extend central sewerage collectionand treatment services in major urbancentres with high population densitiesin order to protect water sources andcoastal waters.

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LOCAL GOVERNMENT & THE ENVIRONMENT

85


We are committed to the Local Governmentsystem. Local government plays an impor-tant role in giving the people more interac-tion with their elected representatives andgreater involvement in the process of gov-ernment. It allows more focused manage-ment of the delivery of critical servicesthereby leaving central government to con-centrate on national development andenables local decision-making to determineand apply appropriate weight to local prior-ities.Additionally, it facilitates the decentral-ization of government functions and author-ity and ensures that this devolution is to ademocratically elected body directlyanswerable to the people. The JLP strategyfor local government will be based on fourprinciples:

· Effecting a clear separation of func-tions between central and localgovernments and according tolocal government full financial andjurisdictional autonomy in recogni-tion of the fact that it is directlyelected by the people and directly

accountable to them.

· Institutional capacity strengtheningto ensure effective managementand accountability in the deliveryof services.

Our Pledge 25.1 Local Government Reform

· Give constitutional status to theLocal Government system.

· Clearly define the functions ofLocal Government and separatethem from control or interferenceby Central Government.

· Provide a statutory guarantee forfunding of Local Governmentauthorities which must be remitteddirectly to them on the basis ofmonthly warrants.

· Consolidate as far as possible thevarious statutes in which LocalGovernment powers reside into asingle Act.

· Provide a fixed term of 3 years

Local government must be local

and governmental

which cannot be manipulated byCentral Government.

· Amend the Counties and ParishesAct to separate Portmore from St.Catherine and make it the 15thparish.

· Abolish the power of LocalGovernment authorities to expel amember and replace it with thepower to suspend for a maximumprescribed period.

25.2 Institutional capacity

· Amalgamate the Municipal andParish Council ServicesCommissions.

· Upgrade staff levels in the LocalGovernment authorities to improvecapabilities in GeneralManagement, Technical Services,Financial Administration, Audit andCommunity Relations.

· Each Council to have StandingCommittees dealing with relevantsubject areas.

25.3 Accountability

· Procurement of goods & serviceswill be subject to the regulationsand oversight of the NationalContracts Commission

· Provide for mandatory preparation,presentation and approval of budg-ets

· Enforce strict procedures for thecertification and authorization ofexpenditure

· Require monthly presentation andexamination of statements ofexpenditure.

· Require monthly presentation ofcontracts awarded

· External audit functions will beretained by Auditor-General

· PAC-type audit committee will con-duct review of expenditure

· Decisions of Councils will be sub-ject to judicial review

· Permanent Salaries Review Boardwill be established to determinesalaries and allowances ofCouncillors

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Our environment impacts on our quality oflife and the sustainability of our naturalresources. How we manage that environ-ment determines our prospects for sustain-able development and long-term prosperity.

Our Pledge 26.1 National Environmental Authority

· Establish a stand-alone NationalEnvironmental Authority with statu-tory powers to protect the environ-ment and regulate activities thatimpact thereon.

· Review, update and consolidateexisting statutes relating to the reg-ulation of the environment.

26.2 Sustainable development

· Set and enforce standards govern-ing land use, water quality and theutilization of water, air quality, emis-sions, sanitation and solid wastemanagement and the protection ofmarine and coastal resources.

· Promote environmental protection

policies including the NationalBiodiversity Strategy and ActionPlan.

· Conduct environmental audits.

· Protect Jamaica’s wildlife especiallyits endemic species and develop arecovery plan for endangeredspecies.

· Ensure compliance with our obliga-tions under the UN Convention onClimate Change.

26.3 Public awareness

Introduce environmental studies intothe high school curriculum. Maintainpublic education programmes toencourage environmentally-friendlypractices in everyday living.

26.4 Solid waste management

· Relocate the Riverton Landfill toeliminate the pollution of nearbyresidential communities.

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A clean, safe, productive and

sustainable environment


· Improve the volume of garbage col-lected (currently estimated at 70%)as well as the frequency of collec-tion.

· Use tariff measures to encouragethe use of degradable material inpackaging.

· Provide incentives for householdsand industrial and commercialenterprises to sort garbage beforecollection.

· Strictly enforce laws and regula-tions relating to illegal dumpingand littering.

· Establish through private sectorinvestment one or more sorting,recycling and biomass gasificationplants to extract recyclable materi-al and convert the residue into elec-tricity.

· Develop and promote community-based solid waste management sys-tems for rural areas.

· Establish port facilities for the dis-posal of ship-generated waste as isrequired by the InternationalConvention on the Prevention ofPollution from Ships.

· Establish special facilities for thedisposal of medical and hazardouswaste as well as tyres and batteries.

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HEALTHCARE & HOUSING

We are irrevocably committed to the viewthat it is the duty of the government to pro-vide unrestricted access to basic health serv-ices including primary health care, emer-gency services, out-patient treatment, diag-nostic procedures, surgical operations, hos-pitalization, dialysis, radiological servicesand in-patient medication and supplies. Itwill be made one of the highest priorities ofour government.

At the same time, we must strive tomodernize our healthcare infrastructure,recognizing that proper medical facilities,technology and research can contributeimmensely to keeping our populationhealthy and productive.

Our Pledge 27.1 More intensive public health man-

agement

· Improve sanitation, waste manage-ment and public health practices tominimize the risk of outbreak ofcommunicable diseases such asmalaria, tuberculosis, leptospirosis,etc.

· Intensify public education pro-grammes to reduce the incidenceof lifestyle-related illnesses such ascardiovascular diseases, lung can-cer, diabetes, hypertension, hepati-tis and HIV/AIDS and encourageearly detection and treatment.

· Strengthen the surveillance andresponse capability of publichealth agencies.

· Intensify immunization pro-grammes to achieve a minimum of95% coverage within 5 years.

· Re-energize the Family PlanningProgramme to encourage responsi-ble parenthood and vigorously pro-mote birth control options.

27.2 HIV/AIDS prevention and treat-ment

Intensify the multi-sectoral response tothe HIV/AIDS pandemic to encouragepreventive measures, reduce thespread of the disease and offer appro-priate treatment for infected persons.

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Unrestricted, universal access to healthcare

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Expand public education and sensitiza-tion programmes to encourage respon-sible sexual behaviour and regular test-ing as well as changing public attitudesand eliminating the stigma and dis-crimination associated with personswith HIV/AIDS.

Pursue initiatives to ensure moreaffordable access to essential medica-tion.

Collaborate with NGOs to expand thefacilities for residential care ofHIV/AIDS patients.

27.3 Improved primary health caredelivery

· Re-establish mobile clinics for pre-ventive screening and basic treat-ment of chronic illnesses in ruralareas.

· Upgrade strategically locatedhealth centres to improve primaryhealth care delivery includingassessment and initial treatment ofchronic illnesses thereby reducingthe case load of hospitals.

· Improve system of referrals torationalize the utilization of pri-mary vs secondary health facilities.

· Increase the cadre of communityhealth aides to expand primaryhealth coverage.

27.4 Expand the Emergency MedicalServices

Strengthen the Emergency MedicalServices and provide specially trainedmedical technicians to handle traumacases and critical illnesses with real-time communication with emergencycentres.

27.5 Free public hospital care

Abolish user charges at all publichealth facilities including public hospi-tals.

27.6 Financing the public health system

· Preserve normal budgetary provi-sions for the health sector and grad-ually increase the percentage allo-cation as fiscal circumstances per-mit.

· Increase significantly the inflowsinto the National Health Fund(NHF) by allocating to it a portionof the aggregate wage-related statu-tory deductions as well as sur-charge revenues from medicaltourism facilities (explained fur-ther) to assist in defraying the costof hospital services delivery.

· NHF will make monthly paymentsto each public hospital calculatedon the basis of the number ofpatients and type of service deliv-ered.

· NHF will continue to provide exist-ing individual and institutional ben-efits from its traditional sources offunding.

27.7 Improved health facilities

· Upgrade the Spanish Town,Mandeville and St.Ann’s Bay hospi-tals to Type A level providing spe-cialist services similar to thoseoffered at University Hospital of theWest Indies, Kingston PublicHospital and Cornwall RegionalHospital.

· Upgrade parish hospitals to Type Blevel offering the four basic special-ties: Surgery, Obstetrics &Gynecology, Medicine andPaediatrics.

· Expand the range of specialist servic-es for children at the BustamanteChildren’s Hospital including dialy-sis.

· Upgrade Bellevue to a neuro-psy-chiatric institution with speciallydesigned wards for secondary men-

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tal care networked with an island-wide community mental healthprogramme.

· Establish well-equipped diagnosticand treatment centres at UHWI,KPH, CRH, Spanish Town,Mandeville and St. Ann’s BayHospitals to provide laboratory,radiology, ultrasound, radiotherapyand dialysis services.

27.8 Pursue exciting opportunities in health tourism

· Provide appropriate incentives andregulatory and legal framework toattract health care entrepreneurs toinvest in the establishment of state-of-the-art medical facilities inJamaica for clinical and surgicaltreatment of foreign patients, tak-ing advantage of: the rapidly grow-ing global market (estimated atUS$40 billion) for outsourcingmedical treatment in view of thehigh cost and long delays at NorthAmerican institutions; Jamaica’ssuitability given our proximity tothe United States, language compat-ibility and tropical climate.Jamaica’s well-established brandname as an internationally- pre-ferred destination.

· Apply a surcharge on treatmentcosts to be paid into the NHF tohelp finance and expand publichospital services.

27.9 Telemedicine technologies

Establish an information technologyplatform to support telemedicine tech-nologies for long-distance, real-timeconsultation between our major med-ical centres and rural hospitals andfacilities in order to extend expertiseand specialist services.

27.10 Centres of Excellence

· Develop private/public sector part-nerships to establish Centres ofExcellence,each dedicated to a par-ticular specialty of medicine tobecome world-class treatment cen-tres attracting patients from over-seas.

· Establish negotiated group rates forthe referral of patients from publichospitals.

27.11 Availability of medical person-nel

· Expand the training of medical per-sonnel in short supply, especiallynurses, specialist nurses, radiogra-phers and medical technologists,and offer improved remunerationand conditions of service to ensureadequate retention to meetrequired staff levels.

· Intensify the recruitment of per-sonnel from overseas as required tomet staff shortages.

27.12 Fiscal measures

· Remove all import duties on theimportation of medical equipmentand technologies.

· Provide tax credits for health insur-ance premiums paid by employeesand employers.

27.13 Management structure of

public health facilities

· Review the existing structure ofregional health authorities torestore decentralized executivemanagement of hospitals and insti-tute a tripartite structure (CEO,SMO and Matron) for the day-to-dayadministration of hospital facilities.

· Institute systems for monitoring

and auditing policy implementa-tion, professional management,financial administration and servicequality delivery.

Despite the efforts over many years, Jamaicacontinues to experience a severe shortageof housing.The building of new houses hasnot been able to keep pace with thedemand and the need for replacement ofobsolete stock. To compound the problem,there is a mismatch between the cost ofnew housing and the affordability of thosein greatest need.

We need to take a new approach that tailorsour shelter solutions to the needs andaffordability of the different target markets.Included in this new approach must be anacceptance of the reality that for many ofour people housing themselves is a process,not a deed.

Our Pledge 28.1 More structured options to meet

diverse needs

Provide different types of housing solu-tions to meet the varying needs andcircumstances of the population:

· Serviced lots for persons to erect

their own houses at a pace theycan afford

· Build-on-Own-Land solutions toassist persons to build on landsthey already own

· Housing schemes targeted at differ-ent levels of affordability

· Open-market purchases

· Upgrading and security of tenurefor selected informal settlements

· Orderly relocation of informal set-tlers to new sites where permanentsettlement is not feasible

· Improvement and expansion ofexisting dwellings

· Houses for indigents

28.2 Land for housing development

· Strictly enforce laws to prevent theemergence of new informal settle-ments.

· Re-establish a SettlementUpgrading Programme to provide

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A better approach to housing our people


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basic infrastructure (roads, waterand sanitation) and secure tenurewhere settlements can be regular-ized based on planning and envi-ronmental considerations.

· Provide alternative sites with basicinfrastructure for the relocation ofinformal settlers where regularisa-tion is not feasible and for would-be squatters to erect their houseson a secure-tenure basis.

28.3 Financing solutions

· Develop the secondary mortgagemarket to enable government mort-gage holders such as the NationalHousing Trust, Jamaica MortgageBank, National HousingDevelopment Corporation and theMinistry of Housing to sell mort-gages to raise funds to finance newhousing solutions.

· Leverage funds from private sectormortgage companies such as build-ing societies to expand the pool offunds available to finance newhousing solutions.

· Introduce shared equity mortgagesto meet the affordability needs ofthe target population with thelender retaining up to 40% equityto be liquidated in not more than10 years.

28.4 Protecting the rights of NHT con-tributors

· Amend the National Housing TrustAct to provide that NHT funds canbe used only for the provision ofmortgage benefits to their contrib-utors, portfolio investments andoperating expenses and eliminatethe practice of government com-mandeering the funds for otherpurposes.

· Funds made available by the NHTfor other purposes including inner-

city housing for non-contributorsmust be made through intermedi-aries with the appropriate securityor guarantee and must form part ofits portfolio of investments.

· Establish a Guaranteed MortgageEntitlement System under whichevery contributor, after a qualifyingperiod, will be entitled to a mort-gage benefit calculated on a formu-la determined by actuarial assess-ment to end the frustration of con-tributors who make mandatorycontributions but are unable tosecure a benefit. Contributionswould be refundable after a speci-fied period if the guaranteed mort-gage entitlement is not accessed.

28.5 Incentives for private sector hous-ing development

Provide incentives for private develop-ers and mortgage companies to pro-vide housing solutions for low-incomefamilies and in depressed communi-ties.

28.6 More affordable constructionmaterials and methods

Conduct research to develop and pro-mote the use of cheaper building mate-rials and methods.

28.7 Rental housing

Review the Rent Restriction Act andmake appropriate amendments toencourage the provision of houses forrent.

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The problem of poor housing conditions,overcrowding and rundown or undevel-oped infrastructure is most acute in inner-city communities which display the mostglaring manifestations of urban blight.

Poverty, lack of employment opportunities,unstable families, high fertility rates, illegalor insecure tenure, weak delivery of publicservices and high crime rates help to com-plete the circle of misery.

A structured, targeted programme isrequired to arrest the decay and transformthese communities into centres of life andhope.

Our Pledge 29.1 Provision of new housing

Expand the Inner-City Housing Project(ICHP) in targeted communities

29.2 Upgrading of infrastructure

Establish a multi-agency programme toupgrade the rundown infrastructure inthe inner-cities with special emphasis

on roads, water supply, sanitation, elec-tricity and neighbourhood sportingfacilities.

29.3 Capacity building

· Institute programmes for leader-ship training, mediation, parentingskills, drug abuse prevention andcommunity action for communitybuilding.

· Synchronize government-led initia-tives with the work of NGOs andcommunity-based organizations tomaximize available resources andeffective transformation.

29.4 Creating new opportunities

· Develop an accelerated pro-gramme of training in marketableskills through existing institutionssuch as HEART for inner-city youth.

· Expand training programmes toinclude training in entrepreneur-ship, music and entertainment,events management and hospitality.

Redeeming our inner-cities


· Provide access to credit and techni-cal assistance for micro-enterpriseprojects.

· Offer tax incentives for propertytransactions and job-creatinginvestments in designated commu-nities.

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INFORMATION, CULTURE & THE ARTS

Transparency and access to information areindispensable features of a functioningdemocracy and good governance.

Our Pledge 30.1 Strengthening access to infor-

mation

· Complete the review of theFreedom of Information Act andenact such amendments as arerequired to ensure that the publichas easy access to official docu-ments.

· Modernize the facilities for the stor-age and retrieval of information ingovernment departments and agen-cies to allow for speedy access.

30.2 Development of PublicBroadcasting Service

· Develop the Public BroadcastingService as an independent agencywith a mandate to provide the pub-lic with information on currentaffairs and public issues to assistthe public in being more informed.

· The PBS will, among other things,carry live broadcasts of parliamen-tary proceedings so that the publiccan observe the deliberations ofParliament. It will also broadcastcivic and community events in thepublic interest.

· The PBS will be financed from thefees paid by broadcastinglicencees.

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INFORMATION, CULTURE & ARTS

Greater access to information

Jamaica’s unique culture constitutes one ofour most valuable assets which traces ourpast, defines us as a people and influencesour future. It can be a powerful unifyingforce instilling in us national pride and asense of purpose as we confront the chal-lenges of the future.

Our Pledge 31.1 Restoration of the Jamaica

Festival

· Restore the Jamaica Festival to itsformer glory so that it can onceagain serve as a vehicle forunearthing, developing and show-casing the abundant talent and richcultural forms that exist at the com-munity level.

· Establish community cultural pro-grammes as a resource base for theJamaica Festival and as a buildingblock for community development.

31.2 Expanding cultural programmesin schools

Expand programmes for the perform-ing and visual arts in schools and pro-vide scholarships for the exceptionallytalented to receive higher training andpursue careers in their chosen artforms.

31.3 Community cultural programmes

Establish community cultural pro-grammes as an incubator for undiscov-ered talent.

31.4 HEART Academy for visual andperforming arts

Establish a specialized HEARTAcademy to provide intermediate train-ing in the visual and performing artsand technical training in studio engi-neering, entertainment marketing, tal-ent management and events produc-tion..

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Preserving and promoting our rich culture

INFORMATION, CULTURE & ARTS

31.4 Expanding programmes at EdnaManley College

· Develop the Edna Manley Collegeof the Visual and Performing Arts touniversity accreditation.

· Increase the training opportunitiesby expanding the range of courseoffering to include art forms notcurrently provided for.

31.5 Support for performing groups

Provide incentives for performinggroups to stage productions locally andoverseas.

31.6 Promoting our culture within thetourism industry

Provide incentives to encouragegreater use of our cultural performersand marketing of artistic productswithin the tourism sector.

31.7 Performing arts venues

· Construct a state-of-the-art concerthall for the performing arts.

· Establish smaller performing artscentres strategically located acrossthe island to facilitate stage produc-tions.

31.8 Increased production and trans-mission of local programming

· Improve the capacity of theCreative Production and TrainingCentre to provide training in allareas of the media arts.

· Facilitate the production of localprogramme material for radio andtelevision and will provide subsi-dies for production that promotesJamaican culture.

· Increase the local programme con-tent that broadcasting licenceeswill be required to transmit as acondition of their licences.

· The Public Broadcasting Service tobe mandated to include locally-

produced, culturally-oriented pro-grammes in its broadcast fare.

31.9 Intellectual Property Rights

· Amend existing copyright legisla-tion to provide greater protectionand compliance.

· Require broadcast licencees to becopyright compliant as a conditionof their licences.

· Provide support for intellectualproperty rights organizations toensure appropriate reward for theirintellectual products.

31.10 Development of heritage sites

· Accelerate the development ofSpanish Town, Falmouth, Port Royaland Seville as World Heritage sites.

· Identify and secure other sites thathave significant heritage value.

· Acquire and restore the birthplacein St.Ann’s Bay of national hero, theRight Excellent Marcus MosiahGarvey.

31.11 Upgrading of museums

Upgrade existing museums and moreaggressively promote them as attrac-tions especially to tourist visitors.

31.12 Preservation of historical andcultural material

Provide additional resources toimprove the capacity of the NationalLibrary and the Institute of Jamaica tosecure and preserve documentation,artifacts and audio and visual materialsof special historical, cultural and her-itage value.

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CHILD PROTECTION,YOUTH,SPORTS & COMMUNITIES

We have a duty to protect our children,ensure that their basic needs are met andenable them to achieve their full potential.

Our Pledge 32.1 Safeguarding children’s rights

· Uphold and enforce all conven-tions and laws relating to the rightsof the child.

· Strengthen the Office of theChildren’s Advocate and promul-gate the necessary regulations toensure full protection of the rightsof children as provided by law.

· Make special provision for theintervention of the Children’sAdvocate to protect the rights ofchildren in civil, criminal, property,estate or divorce proceedings.

· Amend the Offences against thePerson Act to provide severe penal-ties for carnal abuse of girlsbetween the ages of 12 and 16which now constitutes a mere mis-demeanour.

· Provide stiffer penalties for theoffence of incest.

· Ensure that no child is held in lock-ups and that special facilities areprovided by juvenile detainees.

32.2 Children’s Homes

· Upgrade and expand Children’sHomes to ensure a proper environ-ment for abandoned children andthose assigned by the Courts toprotective care.

· Provide increased support toChurches and private organisationsfor the operation of privateChildren’s Homes.

32.3 Surveillance of children’s develop-ment

· Issue and maintain a Child Healthand Development Passport for eachchild from birth.

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CHILD PROTECTION, YOUTH, SPORTS & COMMUNITIES

Protecting our children

· Provide specially trained child devel-opment therapists through theEarly Childhood Commission forassignment to schools and to workin communities to monitor childdevelopment and identify childrenwith emotional or other abnormali-ties.

32.4 Workplace day care centres

Provide tax incentives for businessesthat provide day care facilities foremployees’ children.

32.5 Street children

Launch a programme to rehabilitatestreet children to enable their return totheir family or placement in an appro-priate institution.

32.6 Adoption and Foster Parents

· Review the Adoption Act to simpli-fy procedures for the legal adop-tion of children while ensuringtheir safety and well-being.

· Expand and promote the FosterParents programme.

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More than 50% of our population is under25 years. A half million of those fall in thevulnerable 15-24 age group.The strength ofa nation can be measured by the hope thatit offers to its young people. It is their ener-gy that will drive the nation. It is their hopesand aspirations that must define our goal asa people.Our youth must therefore be at thecentre of our development strategy.

Our Pledge 33.1 Educating our young people

Ensure that every child is afforded theopportunity of a proper education andtraining in income earning skills as out-lined in our policy on education.

33.2 Socializing our young people

· Revitalize the National Youth Clubprogramme with a view to havingat least one youth club in everycommunity to encourage positivesocialization of our young people.Youth Clubs will emphasize disci-pline and social responsibility andwill support a wide range of activi-

ties involving community projects,sports, culture, personal develop-ment,drug awareness and responsi-ble sexual behaviour.

· Promote a national competition forthe most innovative and impactingcommunity project.

· Establish an active network ofyouth leaders across the island tobuild a powerful movement forpositive change.

· Launch character training pro-grammes through youth clubs andother youth organizations to instillself worth.

· Conduct training programmes incivil rights and civic responsibility.

33.3 Strengthen the National YouthService

Strengthen the National Youth Serviceto provide training and work experi-ence to more young people in commu-nity development activities.

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Youth...

our responsibility today and our hope for

tomorrow


33.4 Economic empowerment of ouryoung people

Provide a special loan fund throughMIDA for financing business venturesfor young people below 30 years.

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Sports provide a powerful means of social-ization and social development. It createsvast opportunities for individual achieve-ment and unites communities around theefforts and successes of their sportsmen andsportswomen. At the international level ithas been a source of national pride.

Our Pledge 34.1 Expand sports infrastructure

· Develop a 5 year programme forthe construction of mini-stadiumsin urban centres where such facili-ties do not now exist.

· Acquire land and develop playfieldsfor schools which do not currentlyhave such facilities.

· Upgrade community playfieldswhere necessary

· Expand programme for the erec-tion of small courts for games suchas basketball and netball in towns,villages and inner-city communities.

· New housing developments abovea certain size will be required to

include the development of play-fields to prescribed specifications.

34.2 Training

· Upgrade facilities at the GC FosterCollege to provide training forcoaches and provide incentives forthem to work in rural areas andinner-city communities.

· Every school will be required tohave at least one teacher with train-ing in physical education.

· Provide coaches in the majorsports working at the parish levelto identify and develop talent at theschool and community level.

· Provide scholarships to local insti-tutions for promising sports per-formers who satisfy entry require-ments.

· Provide financial assistance asneeded to overseas scholarshiprecipients.

Sports as a development strategy


34.3 Private sector support for sports

Provide greater incentives for privatesector entities which contribute toapproved sporting activities.

34.4 Fund for retired sports personali-ties

Establish a special fund to assist retiredsports personalities who may be inneed.

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Our communities provide much of thesocial framework within which behaviouralpatterns are formed and the socializationprocess occurs. The community itself is apowerful tool for mobilizing individualstoward common goals and resolving manyof the social problems plaguing our society.

Our Pledge 35.1 Building social capital

· Establish a National Council ofCommunity Organizations to regis-ter and liaise with all community-based organizations.

· Promote programmes for leader-ship training in communitiesthroughout the island.

35.2 Community projects

· Identify in consultation with com-munity-based organizations priori-ties within the community for gov-ernment action.

· Establish a register for voluntaryprojects in each community eachyear and provide incentives fortheir implementation.

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Energizing our communities


POVERTY ALLEVIATION,DISABLED & ELDERLY

We are committed to the principle of genderequality. Implicit in that commitment is theneed to redress the negative imbalances thatour women have suffered. While legislationhas addressed some of these concerns, therestill remain cultural and societal biasesagainst women which we must proactivelystrive to eliminate.

Our Pledge 36.1 Gender balance

· Ensure that policy formulation andimplementation are gender-sensi-tive.

· Keep under constant review legis-lation and policy initiativesdesigned to eliminate all forms ofgender discrimination and takeaction where necessary.

· Prioritize the employment ofwomen in our investment and job-creation drive to redress the imbal-ance reflected in the fact that theunemployment rate among

women is twice that of men.

36.2 Protection from violence

· Enforce strict measures to elimi-nate domestic violence, especiallyagainst women, and provide ade-quate support facilities for victims.

· Enact legislation to provide protec-tion against sexual harassment.

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POVERTY ALLEVIATION, DISABLED & ELDERLY

Gender mainstreaming

As a society, we cannot ignore the basicneeds of those who live in the bowels ofpoverty.

Our approach will be two-fold: to provideopportunities for those, especially children,who can be lifted out of poverty througheducation and training and to provide reli-able assistance to those whose capacity forproductive activity is diminished.

Our Pledge 37.1 Review public assistance pro-

grammes

Undertake a comprehensive review ofall public assistance programmes to:

· evaluate their impact on povertyalleviation

· ensure that those who can begraduated out of poverty are beingoptimally assisted in doing so

· ensure that programmed assis-tance is being delivered to thedefined target group.

37.2 Opportunity programmes foradult beneficiaries

Establish programmes for trainingadult beneficiaries for income earningactivity.

37.3 Establish National Assistance Act

Enact a National Assistance Act to gov-ern the administration of public assis-tance programmes, define the cate-gories of beneficiaries, assign responsi-bilities for the delivery of benefits andprovide systems of accountability.

37.4 Care and shelter for the homeless

· Establish in conjunction withchurches and charitable and civicorganizations shelters in majortowns for homeless persons.

· Include these shelters in the rou-tine programme of public healthdelivery to ensure proper medicaland psychiatric evaluation andtreatment.

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A modern, streamlined safety net for the poor


· Assign social workers to assistthose who can be reintegratedwith their families or restored to alife of dignity.

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It is estimated that there are approxi-

mately 165,000 persons in Jamaicawith disabilities.

Almost 50% of them experience func-tional limitations.

The disabled community has demon-strated a strength of will and determi-nation that are an inspiration to allJamaica.They deserve our support.

Our Pledge 38.1 Removal of impediments

· Enact the National Disability Actand review all other relevantstatutes and policy initiatives toremove provisions that discrimi-nate against disabled persons.

· Require all new buildings and facil-ities accessible to the public to dis-abled-friendly.

· Require operators of public pas-senger vehicles, as a condition oftheir licence, to provide facilities

or offer special assistance to dis-abled persons.

38.2 Special facilities for the disabled

· Establish a Rehabilitation Centrefor disabled persons at theCornwall Regional Hospital.

· Collaborate with non-governmen-tal organizations to provide addi-tional facilities for the care, treat-ment and rehabilitation of severelydisabled persons.

· Reserve 5% of places in all publiceducational institutions, jobs with-in the public sector and publicsector housing solutions for dis-abled persons who satisfy the nor-mal requirements.

38.3 Empowering the disabled

Strengthen existing programmes suchas vocational training and early stimula-tion for persons with disabilities andsupport the efforts of the JamaicaCouncil for Persons with Disabilities

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Enabling the disabled


and the Abilities Foundation.

38.3 Early detection of disability

Conduct early detection programmesthrough schools, health services, chil-dren’s services, poor relief depart-ments and non-governmental organiza-tions to identify children with disabili-ties in order to provide treatment andspecial assistance.

38.4 Protection from violence

Enact legislation to impose specialpenalties for violence against disabledpersons.

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People worldwide are living longer becauseof improved access to health care and moreeffective medication. But, unable to work orfind work and without family members whoare able to support them, many find them-selves in the evening of their days in thedarkest of despair.

The care we provide to our elderly is a meas-ure of the moral conscience of our nation.

We recognize this as a crucial policy respon-sibility.

Our Pledge 39.1 Register of dependent elderly

· Establish a register of dependentelderly with an assessment of theirbasic needs and what assistance, ifany, they are already receivingfrom any source.

· Expand the PATH programme toinclude those in need who are notalready registered.

· Primary health care programmeswill place special emphasis onhome visits by community healthaides.

39.2 Homes for the Aged

· Refurbish and maintain adequatestandards of nutrition and medicalcare at all public infirmaries andGolden Age Homes.

· Train staff to provide counselingand group therapy and organizeproductive activity programmes.

· Provide subventions to individualsand community organizations thatoffer shelter and care for depend-ent elderly.

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Security for the elderly


Retired workers who have to rely on theirpensions to survive often find that the pen-sion payments are incapable of meetingeven their modest living expenses let alonecope with the additional cost of health carethey are likely to need and the ravages ofinflation. We owe it to them to ensure thatthey get the best deal at the time when theyneed it most.

Our Pledge 40.1 Review National Insurance Scheme

to provide greater protection andbenefits

· Institute new, secure administra-tive procedures for the recordingof contributions to ensure thatthey are properly credited to theaccounts of the individual contrib-utors.

· Provide annual statements to eachcontributor indicating the numberand value of contributions for thatyear and to date.

· Increase the prescribed limit ofone year within which applica-tions for retirement benefits mustbe submitted.

· Amend the existing legislation torequire that the National InsuranceFund be invested in the best inter-est of the Fund and not be avail-able for use by the government asit sees fit.

· Require that an actuarial valuationbe conducted every two years todetermine increases in benefitsthat can be paid without impairingthe integrity of the Fund.

40.2 Funded contributory pensionsscheme for the public sector

· Establish a contributory pensionscheme for the public sector toreplace on a phased basis theexisting pension arrangements inwhich public sector workers are“granted” pensions but have nolegal, enforceable entitlement to a

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Securing the best deal for our pensioners


pension and in which increases inpension benefits remain at thebenevolence of the government.

· Provide the option for currentemployees of the public sector toenter the new funded scheme orremain with the existing arrange-ments.

40.3 Regulation of pension schemes

· Establish a Pensions Commissionas an independent regulatory bodyto oversee the administration of allpension schemes (public and pri-vate).

· Make provision for portability topreserve the pension rights ofmembers of any pension schemeand allow for the transfer of theserights when workers change jobs.

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The Jamaica Labour Party is ready to govern our country and is qualified to provide a moreresponsible and experienced leadership; a kinder brand of leadership; a leadership that isconfident responsive and accessible; a leadership that can share your dreams and feel your pain.

Much painstaking work has gone into formulating this plan and we have benefited greatly fromour ongoing consultations with a wide cross section of Jamaican people. This consultativeapproach will be the hallmark of our government.

We pledge:· To bring social, cultural and economic development to benefit all Jamaicans.

· To foster the principles of true democracy.

· To provide equal opportunities for all the people of Jamaica.

· To develop the economic resources of Jamaica.

· To encourage Individual ownership and initiative, subject to Government regulation, where Necessary, for the common good.

· To promote and protect the economic and social well-being of all Jamaicans.

· To foster cooperation among the people regardless of colour, race or creed.

· To instill in the hearts of the people reverence for God, and respect for lawful constituted authority.

· To ensure and protect the constitutional fundamental human rights of each individual.

We ask for your support and your vote, but more than anything else, we ask for your prayers aswe prepare to serve you as the next Government of Jamaica.

May God Bless and guide you all.

Our commitment tothe people of Jamaica

jamaica labour party manifesto 2007

Documents

better jamaica

new leadership

new zeal

better way

better approach

development strategy

people of jamaicaas

people tostrive