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Samuda announces boost to ICT

Published:Thursday | December 23, 2010 | 12:00 AM
Lascelles Chin (left), chairman of the Caribbean Community of Retired Persons (CCRP), listens as CCRP member Erwin Angus makes a point during the organisation's Christmas social at Mona Visitors' Lodge last Thursday. - Ian Allen/Photographer

Christopher Thomas, Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

Industry, Investment and Commerce Minister Karl Samuda has reiterated his commitment to boost the capacity of the information and communications technology (ICT) sector by promising to establish facilities at Naggo Head and Caymanas in St Catherine.

The minister made the assertion during an appreciation function - to award Montego Free Zone client Global Gateway Solutions Limited with the annual Employment Creation of the Year award - last Friday.

"The Government has prepared themselves to construct 100,000-square feet of facilities in the Naggo Head area," said Samuda.

"In addition, we have a park at Caymanas, where we intend to construct another 200,000 square feet to attract investors, not from Montego Bay, but to Kingston, for purposes of satisfying their demand for workers, etc."

Woo investors

He said infrastructural development would significantly boost the ICT industry and woo investors.

"We, as a Government, feel convinced that not only should the existing facilities be made available for the expansion of the ICT sector, but we should also embark on a massive construction programme to build new facilities to be able to attract the level of participants that we expect will want to come and invest in Jamaica.

"That is the most competitive thing that we have to offer right now in the ICT sector," Samuda said.

The investment minister also commended Global Gateway Solutions Ltd for its hard work and commitment to its staff, which contributed to its winning the award.

"As a company, you cannot succeed without your staff. Without the workers, you're going nowhere," Samuda advised.

"So, unless you have good, well-trained workers who understand the need to be responsible and to act in a manner that is in the interest of the company, then your business is not going to run (well). From all indications, you are on the right path."

Global Gateway Solutions Ltd copped the prize for employment growth of 500 per cent over a 10-month period, ending October 31.

The company started with 45 agents, before ballooning to 306. An additional 200 seats will be outsourced to the company's location.

christopher.thomas@gleanerjm.com