MSMEs feel excluded

Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) are concerned that they are being left out of talks to forge a social contract between government and various sectors of the society.



Last month it was disclosed that Prime Minister Bruce Golding had instructed minister without portfolio in the finance and public service ministry, Dwight Nelson, to meet with various sector leaders to devise a national strategy.



The meeting is scheduled for today.



The MSME Alliance says it is very disappointed about the current approach to the private sector representation in these talks.



President of the MSME Alliance, Dr Rosalea Hamilton says only three private sector organizations are involved.



Dr Hamilton says the current global economic crisis provides a good reason to forge a meaningful consensus around the allocation of scarce resources and the necessary sacrifices required to minimize its negative effects on Jamaica.



She says for the social contract to be meaningful, there must be consensus by a wide cross-section of stakeholders representing the diverse interests in society.



Dr Hamilton says she is awaiting a response to a letter to Senator Nelson requesting a meeting on the matter.