As it draws nearer to the General Election, the Jamaica Labour Party – JLP says it is focused on building back and recovering stronger. It now intends to create a rural development department in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation focusing on what the JLP describes as “real rural development”.
“So formalization of informal settlements, improved road, water, internet infrastructure and of course, investment opportunities because it is when the commercial activity has ground to grown in communities beyond Kingston, beyond Montego Bay that more opportunities will be created across the length and breadth of Jamaica.”
There are a number of rural communities with a strong focus on agriculture. Johnson Smith, however, notes that further development can be created in these areas especially for the youth who are drawn to other skill areas.
“This is a part of our vision pulling together not creating something new, not creating an entirely new ministry that is gonna cost everybody more but streamlining a department to focus policy development and policy drive,” said Johnson Smith. “So, all the agents that already exist can be made to work more efficiently with a view to real rural development.”
Creating the rural development department falls under number 2 of the JLP’s 10 point plan: in its manifesto: improving the business climate and diversifying the economy to drive growth. It is appealing to electorates on the basis of achievements made in the area hoping to be re-elected for another term.
