Davies: Gov’t facing a critical decision on Goat Islands
NEW YORK, USA — Jamaica’s Transport, Works and Housing Minister Dr Omar Davies has told Jamaicans here that, while the Government is cognisant of its responsibility to protect the environment, it is also quite aware that high unemployment “poses a serious threat to the country’s development and its future”.
Davies was making reference to the controversy which has erupted over proposed development by the Chinese of the protected Goat Islands into a trans-shipment hub.
“[The Administration is] facing a critical decision in striking a balance between protecting the environment and providing employment and economic growth,” he told guests at a Jamaica National Society-sponsored forum on infrastructure and investment opportunities at the New York Hilton Hotel.
He said that the development would involve an investment of over US$1 billion and could provide employment for thousands of Jamaicans.
However, he reiterated that Government is yet to make a firm commitment on the proposed development by the Chinese investors and that a detailed technical, scientific and environmental impact study is to be undertaken.
Other speakers at Tuesday’s forum included Professor Gordon Shirley, president and CEO designate of the Port Authority of Jamaica, and Ivan Anderson, managing director of the National Road Operating and Constructing Company.
