KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) – Cabinet has approved several multimillion-dollar contracts for expansion of the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector, and for infrastructural work across the island.

They include a US$5-million contract to China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), for foundation works for some 63,000 square feet of BPO space in the Montego Bay Free Zone, St James.

Minister of Education, Youth and Information, Senator Ruel Reid provided details of the contracts at today’s post-Cabinet press briefing at the Office of the Prime Minister.

Senator Reid pointed out that upgrading work will be done to Building 1 of the Montego Bay Cruise Ship Terminal at a cost of $72 million and will include the supply and installation of an air-conditioning system. Award of the contract was made to Geddes Refrigeration Limited.

The minister said that the Agualta Vale to Broadgate Road in St Mary will be rehabilitated at a cost of $597 million and that the contract has been awarded to Surrey Paving Limited.

He also announced that Cabinet has approved the adoption of a Road Map and Action Plan for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) transformation of the Government.

The plan includes vision of ICT governance, operational structure and framework, ICT implementation and transformation, and definition, as well as oversight of ICT and staffing.

The minister explained that this transformation will ensure Jamaica’s prime positioning for transition to a digital society.

“Key initial activities will be focused on improving service delivery by the establishment of portals and also digitising of documents,” he added.