Even the most cynical tribalist should pause to celebrate the findings of the Economic Programme Oversight Committee (EPOC) as Chairman Keith Duncan outlined the country’s economic achievements in the first six months of the current financial year, April to September 2023.

Duncan noted the key highlights:

• “For the second consecutive month, the inflation rate (5.1 per cent for October 2023) has remained within the BOJ’s [Bank of Jamaica] target range but is projected to rise above the target between December 2023 and March 2025.

• For April-September 2023, tax revenues exceeded the second supplementary estimates by $6.9 billion (1.8 per cent), while total expenditure was marginally in line with the budgeted estimates.

• Jamaica records a current account surplus (CAS) of US$241 million, marking the first surplus in over two decades.

• Net international reserves (NIR) stood at US$4.6 billion at end-October 31, 2023 and remain more than adequate

• Real GDP (gross domestic product) was estimated to have grown by 1.9 per cent for the July-September 2023 quarter.”

Duncan noted that tourist arrivals continue to exceed pre-COVID levels: “In the September 2023 quarter Jamaica welcomed 678,057 tourists, a year-over-year increase of 8.8 per cent. Visitor arrivals for the September 2023 quarter showed a 7.7 per cent increase compared to the pre-pandemic period of September 2019.” He said an additional 2,500 hotel rooms will be added next year as well.

International rating agencies have taken note of our progress, with the Moody’s Investor Service adjusting the country’s economic outlook from ‘stable’ to ‘positive’, following positive evaluations by Standard and Poor’s Global Ratings in September 2023 and Fitch Ratings in March 2023.

Project Star widens focus

Of course, the elephant in the room is crime. States of emergency have been declared in five parishes. Acknowledging that we must address the root of this national affliction, there are initiatives to hire more social workers and HEART/NSTA Trust courses are being offered free of charge.

Wearing another hat, Keith Duncan, founder of Project Star, the social and economic development initiative, will be extending the programme to the Salt Spring district in St James. The programme, which is a collaboration between the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica and the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), is focused on unattached youth, linking them to training and employment opportunities as well as involving them in sports activities.

We should acknowledge that the JCF has been the initiator of the largest sports club in Jamaica, which has influenced many young people for good and provides an excellent alliance for the work of Project Star. The project’s activities have been going strong in east downtown Kingston, Savanna-la-Mar, and May Pen.

Big boost for education

Over the past year the Digicel Jamaica Foundation has built out six ‘Smart Rooms’ at Mineral Heights Primary School, Four Paths Primary School, Homestead Primary School, Esher Primary School, Unity Primary School, and Morant Bay Primary School. Each Smart Room is equipped with the latest technology and interactive learning tools, including 12 laptops, 12 tablets, a smart board, and a printer. There are four other such projects in the pipeline.

Meanwhile, it is funding the extensive renovation underway at the Hope Valley Experimental Special Education Centre, described as “a beacon of inclusive education for special needs children”, and the early childhood institution at Bull Bay Primary and Infant School to ensure they are certified.

Charmaine Daniels, CEO of the Digicel Foundation, noted at the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Education, “We believe in the transformative power of education and are honoured to partner with these institutions. We are excited to contribute to the growth and development of these schools, ensuring that they provide the best educational experience for their students.”

Marubeni shares the joy

Marubeni senior executives distributed scores of care packages last Thursday at the Drews Avenue and Mountain View primary schools. Mo Majeed, CEO of Marubeni Caribbean power company; Damian Obiglio, senior vice-president (VP) for Caribbean operations; senior VP Keisuke Harada; and VP Takuya Kokawa assisted in unloading the hefty packages, each containing two weeks of groceries for a family of four.

Parents, teachers, and students at both schools gave a lively welcome to the group and children asked to hear Japanese expressions.

“This marks the second consecutive year that Marubeni has undertaken such a meaningful outreach programme with Food For the Poor,” said Majeed. “Last year we directed our efforts towards supporting the Hart Hill community in Portland, and this year we are extending our reach to touch the lives of students in Kingston… It is a hands-on approach as we are committed to making a difference through personal interaction with the people we serve.”

IGT supports teen moms

Last month, multinational International Gaming Technology company (IGT) upgraded its high-tech After School Advantage Centre at the Mustard Seed residence for teen mothers, Mary’s Child. IGT managers toured the facility recently, providing a memorable Christmas treat, gifting the 13 teenagers and 12 babies at the residence.

“The world has become more technology-centric… There is an unprecedented increase in women pursuing STEM careers, and the call for more women in STEM careers is ongoing,” advised Debbie Green, IGT Jamaica general manager. “This is an opportunity to make your mark.”

Since 2011, long before STEM buzz, IGT has been creating these well-equipped centres throughout the English-speaking Caribbean in charitable residences and community centres. Jamaica has 15 of the 40 now in operation.

CCRP reaches out

CCRP’s diligent Caring Committee members and parish representatives have been distributing packages of groceries and personal care products valued $650,000 to needy elders islandwide.

The willing participants are Caring Committee Chair Verla Seymour; former Chair Irene Walter; western convenor Dr Norma Taylor; north-east convenor Pixley Irons; board director Peter Mais for Portland; Reverend Franklyn Sephestine for St Thomas; Kingston and St Andrew parish representative Ludwig Streete; Rev Recardo Malcolm and Sister Yvonne Stevens of the Salem Circuit of Moravian Churches; Rev Barrington Litchmore; Patricia Christie and Elet DeSouza of Providence Church; central Jamaica Caring Committee members Peggy Russell and Leighton Ritch; Rev Monneica Duncan of St Marks Anglican Church; Rev Eddie Jennings of the Church of the Lord’s Transfiguration; Sonia Hurd and the Hope United Seniors Exercise Group; and Westmoreland parish representative Charmaine Allen.

iCreate Founder Wilson Is Back

If resilience were a person, its name would be Tyrone Wilson. The intrepid founder of iCreate, which has been listed on the Junior Stock Exchange since 2019, is back in the saddle as executive chairman after his resignation in September.

The young visionary had founded iCreate to provide skills training and development of creatives in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean. Thousands of creatives benefited from their courses, including 500 CCRP members to whom they offered free IT introductory courses.

iCreate’s reformulated board comprises Wilson, private equity investor Anthony Dunn, Adrian Smith, Larren Peart, and marketing expert Donovan White. I am acquainted with the latter two and have the highest respect for them.

With Visual Vibe and payment company WiPay as subsidiaries as well as the goodwill of their stakeholders, iCreate is geared for a successful re-embarkation.

Season’s Blessings

As I will be taking a few weeks off from my column, here’s wishing you all a safe and peaceful Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Jean Lowrie-Chin is executive chair and founder of PROComm, PRODEV & CCRP.

lowriechin@aim.com