KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) — Prime Minister Andrew Holness says the Government plans to establish a Jamaica House Fellowship, which will encourage the country’s young talent to join the public sector.

Holness made the disclosure as he addressed the launch of Expo Jamaica 2016 at the National Indoor Sport Centre in Kingston on April 14.

“We will be engaging more of our bright, entrepreneurial and competitive talent and encourage them to consider public service as a first career choice,” he said.

“We want to bring them into the public service from an early age and at an early stage to use them to drive a more efficient government,” he added.

The prime minister said the intention is for the public sector to function “as if it is in the private sector, operating at the speed of thought, and implementing as quickly as possible”.

He said the public service will then become the “reservoir of managerial talent” that will assist in driving economic growth and job creation in the island.

Expo Jamaica is being held at the National Arena and the National Indoor Sports Centre.

It is showcasing Jamaican products and services in art and craft, beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), business, chemicals, construction, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, food and  agro/fresh produce/processed foods, furniture and bedding, information and communications technology (ICT), minerals and metals, printing, packaging and labelling, textile and apparel, among other areas.

The first two days are geared at buyers. The event will be open to the public on April 16 and April 17 from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 pm.

Expo Jamaica is being staged by the JEA and the JMA in partnership with Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO).