Jamaican Transport, Works and Housing Minister, Dr. the Hon. Omar Davies, will headline the tenth Outlook for the Future forums, to be held in New York, in the United States of America, on September 3; and, in Toronto, Canada on September 4.
Dr. Davies, the Minister charged with the responsibility for major infrastructure projects and the island’s transportation logistics, including air and sea ports is a former Finance Minister, will be the guest speaker at both forums.
The Outlook for the Future forums, which address key issues affecting Jamaica, its economy and society, is organised by the Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS) and the JNBS Foundation.
This year’s Outlook forums in New York and Toronto will address economic issues related to major Government projects under the theme “Major Infrastructure Projects: implications for Jamaica and investment opportunities for investors and Jamaicans in the Diaspora.” The meeting comes against the background of the significant investment that Jamaica is currently making in infrastructure, to prepare the country to realise economic opportunities arising from major global developments, including the opportunities for trade and logistics services arising from the expansion of the Panama Canal.
“The USA and Canada meetings come at a time when Jamaica needs to address the problem of the long term persistent low rates of economic growth and the critical need to identify growth opportunities to offset the possible contraction of the economy, which will be caused by the aggressive fiscal programmes being implemented as a part of the IMF agreement,” Earl Jarrett, General Manager of Jamaica National, stated. “The forums therefore provide a context in which Jamaicans and Friends of Jamaica can participate in the dialogue on the economic future of the island.”
The forums will also include presentations from Mr. Ivan Anderson, Managing Director of the National Road Operating and Construction Company; and, Professor Gordon Shirley, the President and CEO Designate of the Port Authority of Jamaica.
Outlook for the Future was launched in 2003; and, has been successful in bringing together representatives of successive administrations and key leaders in Diaspora communities to engage in frank, open discussions about national issues affecting Jamaica; as well as, the local concerns of Jamaicans and Caribbean peoples in the Diaspora.
Over the years, Outlook speakers have included former Prime Minister, the Hon. Bruce Golding; former National Security Minister and current Finance Minister, Dr. Peter Phillips; and former Finance Minister, Audley Shaw. In addition, the forum establishes an environment for investors to network and explore possible opportunities for investment in Jamaica.
Jamaica National, which marked its 139th anniversary in August, is the largest building society in the English-speaking Caribbean; and, has a network of representative offices in the USA, Canada and the United Kingdom. The Society also has a broader and deeper global reach through its JN Money Transfer remittance brand, which is marketed by its subsidiary company, JN Money Services Limited.