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Growth & Jobs | DBJ enhancing support to 12 key economic and social sectors

Published:Tuesday | September 24, 2024 | 12:07 AM
General Manager in the Strategic Services Division at Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ), Deborah Newland (second left), introduces General Manager for Trade & Commercial Lending at EXIM Bank, Winston Lawson (second right), to founder and artistic director
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General Manager in the Strategic Services Division at Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ), Deborah Newland (second left), introduces General Manager for Trade & Commercial Lending at EXIM Bank, Winston Lawson (second right), to founder and artistic director of Ntukuma, The Storytelling Foundation of Jamaica, Amina Blackwood Meeks (left). The occasion was a National Consultation and Validation Workshop organised by the DBJ on September 17 at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston. Looking on is Assistant General Manager of Lasco Microfinance Limited, Ricardo Thomas.

THE DEVELOPMENT Bank of Jamaica (DBJ) is conducting a comprehensive assessment aimed at enhancing support to 12 key economic and social sectors in Jamaica.

Being undertaken through collaboration with consultancy firm Leve Global, the assessment aims to better grasp the needs and opportunities within these crucial areas with a view to delivering tailored solutions to propel them forward.

The specific sectors being targeted are agriculture, manufacturing and agro-processing, mining and quarrying, health, housing, construction, entertainment and sports, logistics, transportation, storage and communications, education and training, energy, electricity and water, and tourism.

A National Consultation and Validation Workshop was convened on September 17 at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel, involving more than 80 stakeholders from the public and private sectors.

This multisector workshop underscores the commitment of DBJ and its partners to fostering growth, innovation and sustainability across various key sectors in Jamaica.

Speaking at the event, General Manager of the Strategic Services Division at the DBJ, Deborah Newland, said the outcomes of this study “will not only help us identify gaps, but also work towards mitigating them”.

She noted that the assessment will go a far way in enhancing the country’s sustainable development.

“If we are to become a developed country, we must ensure that the most marginalised individuals are supported and empowered to achieve dignity through their own endeavours,” she said.

In the meantime, senior analyst at Leve Global, Kevon Wilson, emphasised the collaborative approach taken in gathering data and insights.

He informed that information has been collected from stakeholders to understand critical issues and opportunities, and “we will look to today’s discussions to find specific solutions”.