ST JAMES, Jamaica (JIS) — Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Dr Horace Chang, has hailed the Port Authority of Jamaica (PAJ) for its work in facilitating development.

Speaking to business and tourism interests at a public forum at the Falmouth cruise-ship pier in Trelawny on January 19, Chang said the Port Authority has earned the reputation of being the “epitome of dependability”, consistently delivering, on time and within budget, projects aimed at improving the lives of Jamaicans.

“The PAJ is probably, at this point, our leading development agency. It continues to demonstrate the ability to get things done. It is one of the few agencies we can call on and set targets and know that these targets will be met,” he added.

The minister noted that the agency will be spending about $15 billion on projects over the next two years to upgrade and improve the infrastructure in the resort towns, including Kingston, which will create job opportunities.

“We intend to make Falmouth one of the finest destinations in the Caribbean with its own character. Ocho Rios will have its own features and could, in fact, end up with more ships going there because of its location. Our mandate is to upgrade and enhance our port facilities so they can be up to world-class standards,” he pointed out.

He informed that work on the state-of-the-art fishing village in Ocho Rios, as well as the neighbouring Reynolds Pier, is advanced, adding that the PAJ also has plans to venture into Port Antonio.

“What the PAJ does are fundamental things… things that will provide the growth and development in these townships. We see it happening here in Falmouth, having invested in the seaside activities. We think it’s important to look at the shoreside activities also,” he pointed out.

The minister said that people are at the centre of the development process.

“We have taken some guys off the streets and have transformed them into tour guides,” Dr Chang noted.

“I can safely say that they (have been transformed) and are some of the best tour guides you can find. They have bought into what we are doing and are now ambassadors of this country,” he added.