KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Opposition Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) today announced a four-member Economic Advisory Council (EAC), headed by investment banker Aubyn Hill, to assist the party in devising its knowledge and growth policy.

The other members of the council are: chartered financial analyst, Fayval Williams; investor Patrick Casserly; and researcher and survey specialist Colin Williams.

Leader of the Opposition, Andrew Holness, told a press conference at his West King’s House Road office this afternoon, that in deciding to take on the “knowledge, education and growth portfolio”, he had decided to appoint the team to work closely with him in devising knowledge and growth policies.

He added that the team would also help to develop clear implementation strategies, to help him prepare to “lead the country on a path of new departure to economic growth, development and poverty reduction”.

He said that the council will generally be comprised of a relatively small group of persons, but would recruit technical experts and researchers to assist in carrying out the data collection, data mining and in-depth analyses needed.

He also indicated that the council’s voluntary membership would soon be expanded.

“There are some names we cannot announce today, because of their contractual obligations elsewhere at this time. As soon as these contracts come to an end, we expect them to join the EAC,” the opposition leader said.

Balford Henry