Hill urges Jamaicans to take lead and invest in country

Minister of Investment, Industry and Commerce, Senator Aubyn Hill, has declared that while investments from abroad are welcome, Jamaicans should take the lead in investing in their own country.

Hill is also calling on the island's private sector to strengthen its collaboration with the Government in shaping policies that drive economic growth and national development.

Speaking at the post-Cabinet press briefing on Wednesday, Hill stressed the crucial role of public-private partnerships in addressing challenges and seizing emerging opportunities for Jamaicans.

He said sustainable growth can only be achieved by ensuring that the voices of private sector stakeholders are at the forefront of the policy-making process.

"I want the private sector in Jamaica to realise there are tremendous opportunities; (Jamaica is) not the same country it was 10 years ago," Hill indicated.

"Lots of people are making money the right way. We want more and more Jamaicans to invest," he added.

The minister highlighted the resources that are available to support private sector investment, citing 20 agencies within the ministry that are dedicated to working with the private sector.

He also encouraged Jamaicans to invest in the stock market, noting that foreign investors, such as those from Trinidad and Tobago, are already taking advantage of opportunities in Jamaica.

"We want Jamaican people with capital in the stock market. People in Trinidad with capital come bring in a lot of money in here. We need to follow them," Hill asserted.

"We want investments coming from everywhere, but Jamaicans must lead, because mi nuh want to hear down the road that, 'How Fayval (Williams, Minister of Finance and the Public Service) and Nigel (Clarke, former Minister of Finance), and Aubyn and (Prime Minister) Andrew Holness give weh di country,' when we beg all of you to come in here and invest, and invest, and invest. It's for Jamaica first," Hill stated.

The Government, led by Prime Minister Andrew Holness, has been focusing on efforts to increase economic growth and investment in the country.

Holness previously indicated that boosting productivity is a top priority for the Government this year as a pathway to achieve sustainable growth and prosperity for all citizens.

In November of last year, Holness also outlined a comprehensive strategy aimed at transitioning Jamaica towards robust and inclusive economic growth, which he dubbed 'The Next Chapter: Pivot to Inclusive Growth'.