JLP_Manifesto2007

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A Better Way...for a Better Jamaica.

Jamaica Labour PartyManifesto 2007


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Table of Contents

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

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

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

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT,ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & GROWTHBuilding a platform for strong economic growth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

A sound macro-economic policy framework . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23A pro-active, customized investment strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

A 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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

Water, indeed, is life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

LOCAL GOVERNMENT & ENVIRONMENTLocal government must be local and governmental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

A clean, safe, productive and sustainable environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87


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Table of Contents (contd)

HEALTHCARE & HOUSINGUnrestricted, universal access to health care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

A 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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

Youth.....our responsibility today - our hope for tomorrow . . . . . . . . 109Sports as a development strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111Energizing our communities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113

POVERTY ALLEVIATION, DISABLED & ELDERLYGender mainstreaming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117

A 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


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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


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(Contd)

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 take

within 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 the JLP 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.


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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,improved

air 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 survive 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. It

accounts 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


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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 force

have attained no academic qualifications whatsoever 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 piped

water 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 Courts

where 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 in values and standards has severely under-mined our sense of community.Indifference, the lack of respect for eachother, indiscipline, disunity and lawlessnessthreaten to overwhelm the traditional

Jamaican way of life which, in the past, heldus together as a people and enabled us to tri-umph over adversity.


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GOVERNANCE


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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 how

well formulated, will succeed only if theyare implemented within a framework ofgood governance designed to:

protect the rights of every citizen

prevent the concentration andabuse of power

impose strict accountability onthose exercising authority.

ensure an efficient and easilyaccessible justice system

maintain effective law enforce-ment

provide an efficient bureaucracyimpervious 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 pledge

1.1 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


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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 the

protection 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 Public

Prosecutions.

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 subject 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 of

contracts 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 public

officials 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 of

abuse by security forcesEstablish 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 governmentsactivities as is the case with thePublic Accounts Committee.

Strengthen the Standing Orders ofParliament to expand and protectthe rights of Members of

Parliament to make statements,secure answers and debate issueson behalf of their constituents.

1.19 Issues of accountability

Make provision that reports from the Auditor General, Contractor General,Public Defender,Political Ombudsman,Corruption Prevention Commissionand Integrity Commission must be

debated 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 eliminate

waste and unnecessary red tape andimprove efficiency and accountability.

1.23 Financing of political parties

Enact, in consultation with theElectoral Commission, legislation to

regulate the financial operations ofpolitical parties.

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Members of Parliament are the peoples 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 Plans

will be developed with technicalsupport 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

peoples representatives


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

A Constituency Development Fund will be established funded with

two-and-a-half percent (2 12%) 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 be

audited 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 shared

vision 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 policy

development 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 from

which those investments will bederived,and the economic returns that

will result.

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Planning for development

GOVERNANCE


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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 competitive

interest rates A tax system that is simple and

competitive

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


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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 dollar

from $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 that

made 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 lossesRobust investment, economic growth and

job 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 BankTransform 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



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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 emergencies

and 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 relevant

agencies.

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 business

with 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 of

Jamaica (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, we

will 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



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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 & Development

Centre 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 and

service 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 and

Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) Actively support the continued

development and growth of SMEs which 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 and

access 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 a

Credit 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 local

workers 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 projectsSeek 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 assemblingand 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 Kingston

on lands on the north side ofMarcus 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-ment

which 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 Jamaicasunique 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 boostinvestment and growth

Support the Regional Negotiating

Machinery and the initiatives beingpursued through CARIFORUM toconclude the most favourableagreements with the EuropeanUnion (Economic Partnership

Agreements) 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 deferment

beyond January 2008 of reciprocalmarket access in response to theEUs 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 EUs Generalized Systemof Preferences.

Identify sensitive goods and servic-es which can still be protectedfrom market access under existing

WTO 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.

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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 bilateralpreferential trading arrangements(especially with regard to energysupplies) that are not inconsistent

with 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 contextof international politics

Maintain a non-aligned politicalposture in our foreign relations andtake positions consistent with ourobligations under international

conventions 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 of

which 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 and

the CSME to exploit their realpotential, i.e., to combine our ener-gies and resources as individualstates to secure investments,create

jobs, 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 efforts

to 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 interests

of the Jamaican community to thegovernments of the countries inwhich they reside.

Float a special, secure DiasporaBond to provide an attractiveinvestment opportunity for

Jamaican's overseas and raise capi-tal to help finance the EducationTransformation project.

Establish a database of Jamaican'soverseas to strengthen our contact

with the Diaspora and provide aresource base for the recruitmentof special skills.

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Jamaicas 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 to

diminishing 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 East

where the bulk of the worlds oil reserves islocated.

Jamaica needs to move with greater speedand purpose to diversify its energy sourcesif we are to enjoy energy security at prices

that 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 and

wind 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 Jamaicasterritorial waters.

8.3 Expanding available sources ofsupply

Seek to expand existing bilateralarrangements for the supply of oil to

include other oil producing countrieswithin and outside the Latin Americanand Caribbean region.

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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 with

more 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 standardRigorously 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 more vigilant 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 the

use of flexi and hybrid motor vehiclesand those designed for diesel, bio-fuelsand other more efficient and environ-ment- friendly fuels.


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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 in

Jamaica.

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.

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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 controlImprove 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 Brand

Jamaica 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 proper

selection, 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 Land

Tribunals 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 together with a surveyors report and dia-gram would be sufficient to effectregistration of title.

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


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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 the

domestic market. Provide the necessary protection

to 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 with

the tilapia.9.16 Improved management of marine

fishing

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 coral

reefs. Provision of loans and training for

fishers 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 fishingbeaches islandwide.

9.17 Repositioning the sugar industry

Pursue, in the face of the drasticcuts in sugar prices being offeredthrough our arrangements with the

European 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.


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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 employed

136,000 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 ModernizationFund

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 new

export 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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10.6 Improving packaging design anddevelopment

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

goods.10.7 Special relief for specified capital

expenditure

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 expenses

incurred 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 the

value of its contribution and the growth thathas occurred, we believe that there is vastpotential for expansion and diversificationthat needs to be exploited.

While Jamaicas 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 tourisms contributionto 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 more

high-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 to

foreign patients. Provide renewed support for the

development 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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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 for

new 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 Cruise

Ship 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 Port

Antonio as a high-end resort area as well as facilitating tourism develop-ment in St.Thomas

11.13 Enhancing Jamaicas duty-freeshopping appeal

Establish a new regime for in-bondmerchants to enhance Jamaicas 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 and

we institute a programme to pro-mote them especially among cruise

ship 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 tourism

in schools

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

value 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 low

because 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 and

while it generates significant earnings glob-ally, only a small fraction inures to Jamaicasbenefit. It has great potential for creating

wealth 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 festivalsSupport the staging and promotion ofnew and existing music festivals with a

view to making Jamaica one of theworlds 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.

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Telecommunications has been the worldsfastest growing area of economic activity inthe last decade. It offers tremendous oppor-tunities for new investments, growth and

job 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 position

Jamaica 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 to

make access more affordable

Require the building of new high-speed loop facilities

Institute regulations to require the

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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 for

the 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 the

Jamaican 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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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 a

crucial 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 andbuilding plans

Promulgate a National BuildingCode and the appropriateDevelopment Orders to regulateland use and development, plan-ning and building activities

throughout the island.

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

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Shift the burden of responsibilityfrom the developer seekingapproval to the authority register-ing objections. Any developeragainst whose plan the authorityhas not registered an objection

within 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 projects

without reference to the authority,against the objection of the author-ity,in violation of the Building Code

or any Development Order or con-trary to the design and technicalspecifications that were presentedand against which no objection

was 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 Generals Actto:

give legal force to the contractaward procedures by including

them as a schedule to the Act; provide criminal penalties for

breaches 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 authority

which approved the original con-tract.

15.4 Periodic review of the NationalRegister of Contractors

The National Contracts Commission

will 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 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 andchildrens 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 by

the Early Childhood Act. Enforce maximum class size of 20

for all basic schools.

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

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Extend school feeding programmeto all basic schools.

Develop standardized early child-hood curriculum.

16.3 Improved school management

Establish performance standards

and 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 all

schools. Establish a system of zoning to

determine 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 information

system 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 Mathematics

and English. Institute a performance-based

remuneration 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 students

attain minimum proficiency stan-dards before advancing to highergrades.

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Employ trained remediation spe-cialists for remedial programmes.

Identify children with specialneeds and provide required sup-port.

Introduce character education

courses 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 special

nutritional 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 existing

schools 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 on

Arts 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 EducationTransformation 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.


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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 an

essential component of our strategy forinvestment, growth and job creation. It runsa crucial leg in the relay to achieve the

world-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 Trust

grants 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 in

the 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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Strengthen the facilities for protect-ing the rights of non-unionized

workers.

17.4 Improved labour market infor-mation

Improve the Labour Market

Information 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


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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 and

job 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 thePolice Force

Increase the strength of the PoliceForce to 12,000

Launch an intensive recruitmentdrive especially among CXC gradu-ates to bring complement to full

establishment. Expand the Mobile Reserve and

have 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 Police

when called upon and to be able todo so with full regard for the rightsof citizens.

Establish a cadre of Police Auxiliaries 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


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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 to

weed out corrupt and non-per-

forming members and then holdhim/her responsible for their con-duct and performance. Provision

will 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 to

their 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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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 conduct

and 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 and

removal from office.

Contractors to be registered withthe National Contracts Commission

will 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 be

completed 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.


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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 ReformProgramme

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 Resident

Magistrates 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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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 and

necessary. Increase the number of Family

Courts to facilitate greater accessand allow for sittings to be held atlocations which do not carry acourt houseatmosphere.

Establish special Courts to deal with cases involving domestic vio-lence.

Increase the number of Resident

Magistrates, 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 Protection

Programme

Increase the

Documents

JLP_Manifesto2007