KINGSTON, Jamaica – Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller says “people power” – a partnership between people and the Government – will be what drives genuine and sustainable economic and social development for Jamaica.

Making the main address this afternoon at the 74th annual conference of the People’s National Party at the National Arena, Simpson Miller said government is committed to these partnerships.

“During the first nine months in office we have been meeting with several organisations and civil society groups. We remain committed to working with you all as partners in the development of our people and the building of our country,” she said.

She said in that regard, Government has continued to maintain an open door policy with the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica, the Jamaica Manufacturers’ Association, the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce, the Small Business Association of Jamaica, and the small business sector.

“We believe that their innovation and enterprise are critical to achieving growth and economic development,” she explained.

She said there are a number of business opportunities that are available in the country, and urged local investors to continue to take advantage of them in the same way that overseas investors are seeking to do.

“Partnership pulls in both directions. The onus is on all of us to make our best effort if everyone is to benefit,” she said.

She said in the last nine months Government has been working on the “intangibles which are essential to achieving our growth and development targets”.

“We have had to rebuild the foundations of trust and respect that have been destroyed. We have had to mend fences. We have had to restore relationships locally and overseas. We are restoring Jamaica’s credibility abroad. We have replaced the previous take-it or-leave-it attitude with dialogue and cooperation,” she said.

“We are restoring respect and dignity to the offices of Government. We are restoring confidence in Jamaica.”

She said these goals, once achieved, “will make the rest of the journey to a productive and prosperous Jamaica much easier.”