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News
'Butch' hails investors for commitment to Jamaica
Thursday, August 12, 2010
HOTEL mogul Gordon 'Butch' Stewart on Tuesday saluted both local and overseas investors in Jamaica, giving them credit for their commitment to the island, and pointed out that were it not for the current level of bureaucracy, investment levels as well as job creation would be higher.
"I take off my hat to a lot of the guys who have been successful, who have been able to manoeuvre through the red tape and the problems and the confusion and the finger-pointing at times and still manage to come out on top," Stewart told business leaders and journalists at a news conference at the Observer's headquarters in Kingston to launch this year's Observer Business Leader Awards.
Stewart, who is chairman of the Observer, framed his comments against the background of what he saw as inadequate government policies over many years that have not helped local businesses to grow and contribute more to the economy by way of taxes, thus limiting the need for the country to borrow money.
He pointed out that if industries, for example manufacturing, agriculture, transport and tourism, did not get what they needed to grow and succeed, Jamaica on a whole cannot be competitive.
He gave as an example the efforts of his Sandals Resorts hotel chain to construct over-water suites in Jamaica, a development that would attract many more visitors to the island as that type of accommodation has been growing in popularity.
However, his efforts were frustrated and he turned to St Lucia where Sandals operates three resorts.
"I wanted Jamaica to be the first country in the Caribbean to have over-water suites. People are going to the Maldives and the Far East in droves to have a little suite over the water," he said.
"I try and try for four years, I get promises every month. But in 90 days' time in the country of St Lucia we start the construction of 30 over-water suites. The publicity that they are going to get as the first country in the Caribbean to get over-water suites is so immense that I can't tell you. The entire island is going to benefit. We tried and we have failed, but we are still trying, maybe Jamaica can be second.
"The point I am making, and it's not a tourism thing; every minister of government, if they do not go out of their way to work with people that have been successful — sector by sector — and develop good policies, we cannot get to the point where we don't need to borrow money to bridge our budget," said Stewart.
The Observer chairman was also adamant that the civil service must be challenged to find a way to smooth the process for investors, thereby resulting in less bureaucracy and a better working relationship.
 
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8/12/2010
Why is it that Jamaica is so dependent on tourism? I think its time that the country find additional means of development other than on tourism. Jamaica is dependent on American tourists the same way America is dependent on foreign oil. So what will be the alternative if and when the US government pull the plug? That is to say the feds simply put travel restrict on Americans who want to go to Jamaica. Think about it folks.
8/12/2010
If bruce golding was any leader, he would read this and immediately pick up the phone and ORDER that this project start tomorrow.
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But bruce golding is more adept at defending criminals quickly.
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It is people like bruce, portia, pj, michael and eddie who hold back Jamaica. They crave leadership but when they get it they don't know what to do with it.
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Until selfish people like these are gone from leadership, Jamaica will never move forward.
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Richie
8/12/2010
Sometimes the "red tape" includes environmental permitting. The jury is still out on over water rooms. This rush to exclude Jamaicans from rightful access to the shoreline continues. from the shore to the high tide water mark is crown land which means free for the citizens of Jamaica to access. After the 15 year tax breaks how much taxes really reaches the govt's coffers? two sides to every story people. Sustainable development mi seh
8/12/2010
I think what's best here is to find a salution to the problems Mr Stewart outlined. The way to start is by putting together a special meeting between Govt Mins and leaders of the business sector (all in the same room), chaired by Mr Stewart.
8/12/2010
Mr. Stewart is correct in stating that this country needs to introduce policies that encourage investments. This, together with controlling criminality are essential for restoring the promise that we had 48 years ago. As is sometimes the case with youngsters, we did lose our way with stupid experimentation in radicalism. Hopefully, there is still time to introduce sensible, growth-oriented policies.
8/12/2010
Digicel, Lime and other business in Jamaica obviously sees lucrative investment in the country. These organizations use forecasting to make many business decisions. We applauded Digicel US$1 Million project to refurbish Coronation market. However; while the privet sector profits greatly, they owe some for of patronage to Jamaica and the Jamaican people. We call on the private sector to pay more attention to the country’s current predicament and help the people hold the government accountable.
8/12/2010
I like the idea. Its true the government only move when they are pushed.
8/12/2010
Over water suites in Jamaica sound like a good thing, as long as the water doesn't attract boats carrying the troublemakers.
8/12/2010
You artists impression of the over-the-water suites looks great. I have visited the Maldives before and loved it. Can't wait to visit yours in St Lucia.
Don't forget the Jamaica Diaspora in the UK, USA, we too have money, time and ideas that can help Jamaica develop into a greater country than it already is. Jamaica don't underrate us, we want to help.
8/12/2010
Is not how to maneuver the red tapes, It's to find the right man if you know what a mean. The public sector need to be more computerized. Any such computer system should be networked, so the right hand can know what the left hand is doing. Good luck. Welcome to Jamarock.
8/12/2010
Our PM is not a financially creative guy ,other countries with less resources than we, have managed to put their countries on the right track. CRIME is a major factor in the underdevelopment of our economy and social well being. Jamaicans abroad are afraid to do business in this country and that should be of concern to him also.
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