Dear Editor,
Jamaica is at a development crossroads. Decades of reliance on traditional markets,and on trade preferences have given way to a new reality, where traditional agriculture plays a much smaller role and competition is fierce.
Notwithstanding these challenges, Jamaica is well positioned with a strategic geographic location at the crossroads of major international shipping lanes. In addition, the country is endowed with strong traditions of political stability, excellent climate and the world's seventh largest natural harbour. The Jamaica Government plans to spearhead efforts to position the country to take advantage of the increased maritime activities anticipated from the expansion of the Panama Canal by 2016, when completed. The hub would become the fourth such facility globally, along with those in Singapore, Dubai, and the Netherlands. The construction of a platform to convert Jamaica into a global logistics hub is a cornerstone of the country's long-term growth strategy. This will require the development of port infrastructure capable of supporting post-Panamax vessels, as well as the creation of enterprise zones and logistics facilities.
Notwithstanding these challenges, Jamaica is well positioned with a strategic geographic location at the crossroads of major international shipping lanes. In addition, the country is endowed with strong traditions of political stability, excellent climate and the world's seventh largest natural harbour. The Jamaica Government plans to spearhead efforts to position the country to take advantage of the increased maritime activities anticipated from the expansion of the Panama Canal by 2016, when completed. The hub would become the fourth such facility globally, along with those in Singapore, Dubai, and the Netherlands. The construction of a platform to convert Jamaica into a global logistics hub is a cornerstone of the country's long-term growth strategy. This will require the development of port infrastructure capable of supporting post-Panamax vessels, as well as the creation of enterprise zones and logistics facilities.
Central to the development of the trans-shipment and global logistics hub is the phased rollout of several components, including the development of the Caymanas Economics Zone, Naggo Head Informatics Park, expansion and privatisation of the Kingston Container Terminal and the Norman Manley International Airport, the dredging of the Kingston Harbour, construction of a dry dock in Jackson Bay Clarendon, bulk shipment port at Cow Bay St Thomas, and the Vernamfield air cargo, air maintenance and aviation training centre. Such a hub will integrate manufacturers and distributors based in Jamaica into the global production and distribution chains. This potentially represents US$ 9 billion of foreign direct investment, with the prospect of creating tens of thousands of jobs in various sectors, including during the construction and operational phases. It is anticipated that a significant economic stimulus will be created from the construction activities related to the logistics hub.
Jamaica is off to a late start, and this initiative is one that requires considerable political will and leadership. It is critical for the success of Jamaica's logistics aspirations. Other countries, including Brazil, the Dominican Republic, The Bahamas and Cuba are moving full speed ahead to implement smaller plans to take advantage of the post-Panamax era. Miami and a number of other ports on the US Eastern seaboard are rapidly expanding to take advantage of the expansion of the canal and the US$40-billion Interoceanic canal proposed by the Chinese in Nicaragua. The opportunity is again set for Jamaica to take advantage of its geo-strategic location between the world's richest market, proximity to the Panama Canal and one of world's busiest shipping routes.
Andrew King
Ja must take advantage of development crossroads
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Jamaica is at a development crossroads. Decades of reliance on traditional markets,and on trade preferences have given way to a new reality, where traditional agriculture plays a much smaller role and competition is fierce.
Notwithstanding these challenges, Jamaica is well positioned with a strategic geographic location at the crossroads of major international shipping lanes. In addition, the country is endowed with strong traditions of political stability, excellent climate and the world's seventh largest natural harbour. The Jamaica Government plans to spearhead efforts to position the country to take advantage of the increased maritime activities anticipated from the expansion of the Panama Canal by 2016, when completed. The hub would become the fourth such facility globally, along with those in Singapore, Dubai, and the Netherlands. The construction of a platform to convert Jamaica into a global logistics hub is a cornerstone of the country's long-term growth strategy. This will require the development of port infrastructure capable of supporting post-Panamax vessels, as well as the creation of enterprise zones and logistics facilities.
Notwithstanding these challenges, Jamaica is well positioned with a strategic geographic location at the crossroads of major international shipping lanes. In addition, the country is endowed with strong traditions of political stability, excellent climate and the world's seventh largest natural harbour. The Jamaica Government plans to spearhead efforts to position the country to take advantage of the increased maritime activities anticipated from the expansion of the Panama Canal by 2016, when completed. The hub would become the fourth such facility globally, along with those in Singapore, Dubai, and the Netherlands. The construction of a platform to convert Jamaica into a global logistics hub is a cornerstone of the country's long-term growth strategy. This will require the development of port infrastructure capable of supporting post-Panamax vessels, as well as the creation of enterprise zones and logistics facilities.
Central to the development of the trans-shipment and global logistics hub is the phased rollout of several components, including the development of the Caymanas Economics Zone, Naggo Head Informatics Park, expansion and privatisation of the Kingston Container Terminal and the Norman Manley International Airport, the dredging of the Kingston Harbour, construction of a dry dock in Jackson Bay Clarendon, bulk shipment port at Cow Bay St Thomas, and the Vernamfield air cargo, air maintenance and aviation training centre. Such a hub will integrate manufacturers and distributors based in Jamaica into the global production and distribution chains. This potentially represents US$ 9 billion of foreign direct investment, with the prospect of creating tens of thousands of jobs in various sectors, including during the construction and operational phases. It is anticipated that a significant economic stimulus will be created from the construction activities related to the logistics hub.
Jamaica is off to a late start, and this initiative is one that requires considerable political will and leadership. It is critical for the success of Jamaica's logistics aspirations. Other countries, including Brazil, the Dominican Republic, The Bahamas and Cuba are moving full speed ahead to implement smaller plans to take advantage of the post-Panamax era. Miami and a number of other ports on the US Eastern seaboard are rapidly expanding to take advantage of the expansion of the canal and the US$40-billion Interoceanic canal proposed by the Chinese in Nicaragua. The opportunity is again set for Jamaica to take advantage of its geo-strategic location between the world's richest market, proximity to the Panama Canal and one of world's busiest shipping routes.
Andrew King
Ja must take advantage of development crossroads
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