SPEAKING NOTES
FOR
PRIME MINISTER
RT. HON. P.J. PATTERSON, P.C. Q.C.
Salutations
LIVE AND DIRECT
NEW YORK
Delighted to have opportunity to up-date on Jamaica.
Here to celebrate 35th Anniversary.
• Fresh from re-enactment of observance of
Emancipation Day.
• A great re-awakening of our consciousness of
• Opportunities for younger generation to know who
we are and from where we came.
• Pride in ancestry -our rich cultural hertiage
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Jamaican economy has ended its period of turbulence
Country has come out of its difficulties as a result
of deliberate government policies and
programmes specifically geared to the
Achievement of economic stability
Have been experiencing some financial problems
-not unlike the U.S. - collapse of S& L costing
Federal government billions of dollars
Have taken swift action to protect depositors.
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New legislation to avoid repetition.
We have weathered the storm and the period of
turbulence is behind us
What is the evidence ?
End of IMF borrowings
Record high Net International Reserves
Stable, re-valued currency
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9 percent annual inflation - from 38% one year ago
best in several years
tourist industry is holding its own
- poised for further immediate expansion
Growth in agricultural sector
International banking sector bullish about Jamaica
-Euro-bond issue massively over-subscribed
two months ago
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A National Industrial Policy which will chart course
for growth
OUR AIM
to double per capita income by 2010
Development to maximum1human
resources for creation of productive
workforce
Most important tool for achieving levels of
growth is development of human resources
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Confidence in the future
The education thrust
Major portion of National Budget
-'ichnology- based, with computers in our
schools.
-New teaching methods.
-Standardised secondary curriculum.
-Improved pay and more training
opportunities for our teachers
Need to adjust to new techniques and technology
of world of today and tomorrow.
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Concerted approach to human resources
development to produce the skills required to
under-pin National Industrial Policy
-Youth empowerment through training
-Restoration of NYS
Together they provide basis for the forward
movement being experienced in Jamaica.
Science and technology programmes
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The social agenda
Un-precedented levels of housing construction
Land distribution - Operation PRIDE
-Lots reserved for returning residents in selected
projects
Emancipation land distribution project
Social Investment Fund
-To build and restore community
infrastructure and improve rural life.
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Infrastructural development
telecommunications
-system as modem as first
world
-growth rate impressive
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-300,000 new lines in 6
years with emphasis on
rural towns and villages
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SPORTS
Government providing millions for funding of
national sports development through the foregoing
of taxes from national lottery and devoting
these funds for island-wide development of
sporting facilities and training.
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INTERNATIONAL ARENA
-The fight against drugs
-A Maritime Agreement which respects our
sovereignty and Constitution
CARICOM
The admission of Haiti
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THE OVERSEAS COMMUNITY
-Making a positive impact
-Your voice being heard
The Returning Residents Programme
Special Government Department to facilitate reentry
and settling process
-Capital
-Investment opportunities, alone
or in joint venture
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Skills
GONCLUSION
Contributing to the programme of local
development
Country has needs for special
skills which you have acquired 9'
You may bring these home to
contribute to our knowledge base
and impart to those who never had
your opportunities ~
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Overa my a m1n1stration has remained focused on the
primary task of building Jamaica and keeping the country
moving forward.
Much has been accomplished.
But much more remains to be done and we dare not rest on
our laurels.
The people of the country are developing an understanding
of the challenges which face all small developing countries
in the new globalised economy, in which we are obliged to
operate.
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By March 1998, will be going to the people to seek
another mandate.
We will be doing so
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confident in the knowledge that based
on our stewardship, we will be afforded the opportunity to
continue to steer the ship of state.
We seek to continue our mission of moving Jamaica into
the 21st century, capable of meeting its many challenges
and making the best use of global opportunities in a
competitive world.
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Even from your distance, you can play a role because I
know that no matter where you reside you can still
contribute to building that rock we call Jamaica.
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