KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Senator Pearnel Charles Jr yesterday praised Jamaica’s robust construction sector for its impact on national development.

“Our construction industry is among one of the most robust in the Caribbean and that presents a plethora of opportunities,” Senator Charles told youths attending the Incorporated MasterBuilders Association of Jamaica’s (IMAJ) Seminar 2019  at the Jamaica Conference Centre. 

He said that they included opportunities to utilise effective green technologies and building techniques that preserve the environment for the benefit of the children, as well as opportunities to build sustainable infrastructure capable of defying the demands of time.

“There is a wave moving across Jamaica. A wave I am sure many of you in this room today have felt over the last three years. It is a wave of change, a wave of development and this sector is at the epicenter of that wave,” he said.

He noted that the sector draws on a wide range of inputs, including building materials and supplies, labour and professional services, energy, transport and a myriad of other inputs.

“This has made the sector an indispensable component to our growth and development,” he added.

Senator Charles, who has responsibility for water, infrastructure, and housing within the ministry, was giving the opening address at the seminar which focused on construction contracts, conditions and communication, and which is aimed at developing awareness among practitioners in the building and construction industry.