WESTERN BUREAU – The three-day summit between Government and private sector leaders ends in Montego Bay today with both groups expressing confidence that consensus will be reached on ways to create jobs and stimulate growth in the economy. This follows the holding yesterday of specific workshop sessions centring on various areas of the national economy.

Finance Minister, Dr Omar Davies had positive views on the two days of discussions thus far.

“The interaction has been very positive. There has been a free flow of exchanges on both sides and we think that it is something that needs to be done on a regular basis,” Davies said in a comment to the Observer last night.

Merchant banker, Richard Byles also underscored the optimism of the finance minister. Byles said that arising out of the discussions, both parties are much closer to building bridges of confidence and understanding.

“I am confident that something good will come out of the discussions and am very optimistic that the follow-up talks will bear fruits,” Byles said.

The summit was called by Prime Minister PJ Patterson ahead of the 2003/2004 budget which is to be presented by the finance minister next month.

“We are confident that out of these talks, we will come up with plans as to how we can get the economy moving; the provision of jobs and generally speaking economic activity,” Agriculture Minister Roger Clarke said.

Wykeham McNeill, the junior minister of industry and tourism who was a participant at the workshop on tourism, said he was encouraged with the discussions.

“During the meetings we looked at a number of issues and I think that there has been a greater understanding among the parties. Today we will put together the “action plan” for the way forward,” McNeil said.

McNeill’s workshop included hotelier Gordon “Butch” Stewart, businessman Chris Blackwell, and executive chairman of the Port Authority of Jamaica, Noel Hylton.

Phillip Paulwell, the minister of commerce, science and technology commented at the end of his session that decisions will be taken today on specific ways to move the economy forward.

He added that he was impressed with the level of commitment that has been shown over the last two days of talks.

The talks end with closing remarks from Patterson and Beverley Lopez, president of the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica.