Where art thou Jamaica thread?

[lmcm1990]

congrats on the victory. about the exports thing; great news. may i ask; what's the trade balance???

[dante2308]

For May, the imports totalled US$394,962,000, and exports totalled US$194,536,000. So we definately import more than we export. Its getting better though. It used to be 3:1 as of 2005, now its about 2:1.

[dante2308]

Here is a link to a World Bank report on Jamaica. I can't find a source, but last time I was there, there was a buzz about Jamaica being reclassified as an upper middle-income nation. I can’t confirm it right now, but the report shows that some sectors in Jamaica are over performing currently.

Anyway, here’s the link. http://siteresources.worldbank.org/I...a_16_11_05.pdf

Also, here is new from today about the 2007 ICC World Cup:

House passes ICC World Cup legislation
Observer Reporter
Wednesday, October 25, 2006

THE House of Representatives last night passed the ICC Cricket World Cup (CWC) West Indies 2007 Act (Sunset Legislation), allowing Jamaica to co-host the CWC cricket championships next year.

The bill was amended 20 times, mainly on the intervention of the Leader of the Opposition Bruce Golding, who raised several issues primarily concerning the effect of its provisions on lives of Jamaicans living or doing business within the zoned areas.

The Sunset Legislation is applicable only for the duration of CWC 2007, which starts next March, and was drafted to address illegal promotional activity, the rights of the host country, and travel and customs requirements for visitors moving between host countries.

House Leader Peter Phillips thanked the House for its constructive approach to the provisions of the legislation, as well as the Chief Parliamentary Counsel and the attorney-general's staff for their support.

[dante2308]

Duplicate post

[dante2308]

Sorry about the double post. I seem to be having problems on this site during the evening. Here is an economic report to make up for it...

Economy on Track to Meet Fiscal Target - Davies
KINGSTON, (JIS):
Thursday, October 19, 2006


Minister of Finance and Planning, Dr. Hon. Omar Davies, has said that although there were challenges in meeting the fiscal target, "we are still within the projections for this point of the year".

Dr. Davies, who was addressing a press briefing at his National Heroes Circle offices this morning (Oct. 18) to review the performance of the real economy for the first half of the fiscal year, noted that "the deficit remains our major challenge, both in terms of reducing the debt ratios and also moving us to the point where we will first have a balance budget and then return to the issue of the surplus".

He added that, "we are seeking to keep the expenditure not just in line with the budget, but consistent with the revenue inflows".

According to data issued by the Ministry, the fiscal deficit of $16.9 billion was 25 per cent better than projected, while the primary surplus of $23.7 billion was 32.8 per cent above budget. Meanwhile, expenditure was $6.3 billion, or
6.1 per cent less than budgeted.

Turning to inflation, Dr. Davies cited the decline in the inflation rate as being one of the major achievements for the year, noting that there had been a significant reduction since January, with the rate steadily declining from 13 per cent to 6.5 per cent at the end of September. "Barring any unforeseen circumstances, we will be back to single digit in both the calendar and fiscal years," he noted.

In terms of monetary policy, the Finance Minister said there were several positives in this area, with the removal of the special deposit requirement for commercial and merchant banks, within the context of the relative stability of the foreign exchange market. The Bank of Jamaica (BoJ) removed the special deposit requirement for commercial and merchant banks on May 1, and later reduced interest rates on its open market instruments by between 15 and 20 basis points.

Dr. Davies noted that favourable macroeconomic conditions had positively impacted domestic interest rates, which declined three times during the review period to the lowest level in 20 years.

Turning to investor confidence, the Finance and Planning Minister said that there was a "tightening" of the yields for government of Jamaica (GoJ) external bonds as investor confidence remained positive. For the period, the Minister told journalists, the Net International Reserves (NIR) had been "much more buoyant than we had anticipated", due to strong private capital flows.

"This is in the context of the Ministry of Finance still holding over $100 million from the 30-year bond, which will be utilized for the repayment of external debt," the Minister expounded. The NIR now stands at approximately US$2.3 billion, exceeding the programme target by US$264.2 million.

On the matter of remittances Dr. Davies said, "we are ahead of the pace for 2005", adding that, "it is within the context of no new taxes, that we have boosted revenue flows".

He said that collections had been enhanced by the introduction of a number of initiatives including the Property Tax Arrears Project; the implementation of 'easy payment' facilities, including an 'electronic drop box' for cheque payments and returns filing; and an outbound call centre to assist with the management of tax arrears.

[dante2308]

PM breaks ground for 1,600-room hotel in Hanover
HORACE HINES Observer staff reporter
Monday, November 13, 2006



Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller (right foreground) and Don Abel Matutes, chairman of the Fiesta Hotel Group, armed with shovels, prepare to break ground for the development of the 1,600-room hotel development in Point, Hanover. (Photo: Horace Hines)


POINT, Hanover- Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller and Don Abel Matutes, chairman of Spain's Fiesta Hotel Group, on Saturday broke ground for the construction of a new 1,600-room hotel in this north-western town that will be constructed in two phases.

According to Matutes, the groundbreaking was the fulfilment of a commitment he had made to late reggae superstar Bob Marley in the early 1970s.
Matutes, a former Spanish foreign affairs minister, said he was first influenced to extend the hotel chain to Jamaica by Marley, who was staying at one of Fiesta's hotel chains.
Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller (right foreground) and Don Abel Matutes, chairman of the Fiesta Hotel Group, armed with shovels, prepare to break ground for the development of the 1,600-room hotel development in Point, Hanover. (Photo: Horace Hines)

"I remembered my commitment with Bob Marley, and here we are," said Matutes. "With 41 hotels established worldwide, the Palladium Hotels and Resort's top brand of Fiesta hotel rooms comes to Jamaica with the promise of the proud tradition of excellence which it has endured for over 40 years."

The project represents the first development by the Fiesta Group in the English-speaking Caribbean.
Prime Minister Simpson Miller expressed her pleasure at the hotel group's decision to develop the 77-hectare property along the Hanover coastline.

"We are very pleased to be the first English-speaking Caribbean country to have attracted an investment from the Fiesta Group, which has investments in home country Spain, as well as in Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Italy," said Simpson Miller.

She expressed confidence that Jamaica would reap enormous rewards from the project, "not only from the foreign exchange invested and eventually earned, but by way of direct and indirect employment, improvement to community life, purchases from local suppliers and international marketing of brand Jamaica".

The Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton Resort and Spa and the Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort and Spa will provide permanent employment to 2,000 persons and 1,000 during construction.
The first phase of the development, which comprises 1,000 rooms, is expected to be completed in time for the 2007 winter tourist season.

The second phase of the project is expected to get underway in another two years.
Upon completion, the hotel is expected to offer guests seven first-class restaurants, an entertainment centre, convention centre, commercial gallery and a fitness centre.

According to the prime minister, recent tourism-related investment by Spanish investors, including the Fiesta project, now total more than US$800 million.
Ed Bartlett, the Opposition spokesman on tourism, welcomed the Spanish hotel chain to Jamaica.

[dante2308]

Things looking up for Jamaica
published: Monday | November 13, 2006

Neil Armstrongn, Gleaner Writer

"Jamaica is getting out of the doldrums somewhat," says Cabinet Secretary Dr. Carlton Davis, "and overall the general economy is showing positive signs."

He was addressing a forum organised by Jamaica National Building Society and The Gleaner Company in Toronto, Canada on Thursday, entitled "Outlook for the Future: Doing Business in Jamaica," The forum gave Jamaicans in Canada an update of the social and economic situation in Jamaica.

Acknowledging that the Governor of the Bank of Jamaica had indicated that the third-quarter growth in the country is greater than the first quarter, Dr. Davis said Jamaica has Net International Reserves of $2.34 billion. He said the unemployment rate is at 10.7 per cent.

Tourism sector

Regarding the tourism sector, the country is hosting more than its population in terms of stopovers and cruise passengers. Describing the Ritz Carlton as the first foreign investment in the hotel sector in Jamaica, Dr. Davis said since then there has been a phenomenal growth of investments in the sector. He said almost 400 years after the British conquered the Spanish in 1655, there is "a Spanish re-invasion which we welcome" in terms of the hotels that are being developed along the north coast of the island. Dr. Davis said it will soon be important for Jamaicans to learn Spanish as a second language to tap into the South American market.

With regard to infrastructure, he said the highway from Negril to Montego Bay has been completed, the one from Montego Bay to Ocho Rios is near completion, and from Ocho Rios to Port Antonio is under construction. Highway 2000, from Kingston to Sandy Bay, is completed.

There are also renovations taking place at the two international airports. Security controls, a public address system and phases of development have been completed or will be introduced at the Sangster International Airport.

Upgrading airport

Construction is under way at the Norman Manley International Airport. The departure and check-in areas at the airports are being upgraded in time for the Cricket World Cup 2007.

In terms of governance, he said the country has undertaken quite a comprehensive electoral reform and will be introducing a Proceeds of Crime Act and political campaign finance reform.

Dr. Davis said remittance is the single largest source of investment funds in Jamaica. He said in 2005, more than half of the population received remittances, and plans will have to be put in place to strengthen the consulates-general which play a major role in the diaspora.

Also making presentations were Dr. Patricia Holness, CEO of the Registrar General's Department; Elizabeth Stair, CEO of National Land Agency; Hugh Thomas, director, passport operations, Passport and Immigration Office; and Melvin Smith, regional manager, JAMPRO New York Office. Dr. Holness said the RGD was the first in the world to provide vital statistics for 2005. She said the aim of the department is to become one of the most efficient agencies in the country. As of 2007, every child born in Jamaica will be given their first birth certificate free of cost.

The forum was chaired by Earl Jarrett, general manager, Jamaica National Building Society.

[dante2308]

JTB Reports Record Tourism Earnings
NEW YORK (JIS)
Friday, November 10, 2006


The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) is reporting that earnings from visitor arrivals and visitor spending have surpassed projections for the first three quarters of the year.

Preliminary estimates from the agency have revealed that gross foreign exchange earnings have reached US$1.4 billion for the period January to September 2006. According to the agency, this is a difference of 24.6 per cent above the total for the corresponding period in 2005, reflecting record growth in visitor arrivals and visitor spending.

For the first nine months of 2006, stopover arrivals grew by 17.2 per cent to reach 1.3 million, exceeding targeted expectations by 6.4 per cent.

The cruise passenger market segment continues to show robust growth as well, reflecting a 15 per cent increase during January to September 2006, with a total of 950,329 cruise passenger arrivals.

Jamaica continues to experience strong visitor arrivals with most months showing double digit increases, when compared to the same period in 2005. For July 2006 in particular, there were more than 180,000 stop over arrivals, the highest volume ever in any single month.

Interim Director of Tourism, Donald Dawson, attributed these impressive figures to, "factors such as new room inventory, increased air lift, the hard work of our partners in the marketplace and aggressive promotional initiatives including sales blitzes and heightened public relations activities implemented by the JTB".

According to Mr. Dawson, "we are looking to continue this growth as we support our sales efforts with an informative and educational campaign encouraging all Americans to apply for their passports in compliance with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative."

As part of the campaign, visitors, who travel to Jamaica after January 8, 2007 and have Jamaica stamped as the first port of entry in their new passport, will receive special credits during their stay. These credits include hotel services such as spa treatments, golf green fees, attraction tour fees, room upgrades, extra nights, gift shop and photo shop purchases.

Participating hotels will offer the various incentives through to December 2007. The services and amenities provided will equal the U.S. dollar amount spent on each new passport, which is, US$97 per adult and US$82 per child. Details on participating hotels and passport information are available @ www.visitjamaica.com/rewards.

For questions regarding the new U.S. passport requirements for travel to the Caribbean, please go to www.travel.state.gov.

[Pecao]

Originally Posted by dante2308

A map for reference

I see some spanish words on the map like Ocho Rios (Eight Rivers), Savanna-la-Mar(la mar means "the sea") and Rio Grande (Big River).

[dante2308]

Jamaica was originally a Spanish colony. During the Spanish rule, the capital was Spanish Town, which, till this day, has a very Spanish historic city centre.

[dante2308]

This is the Kingston Metropolitan Area from space. Note that there are three distinct areas. The one on the left is Spanish Town. The one in the center to the south is the bedroom community of Portmore. The one to the right is Kingston/St. Andrew



This is the University of the West Indies Mona campus. The lake to the left is the Mona Reservoir.




Here is the city of Kingston/St. Andrew. The city itself is very dense despite the abundance of empty land on the island as urban growth limits are imposed on the city. Most new residential development is in the northern portions of the city in the mountains. The view from there is quite spectacular. Note the highrises in the view from the spa.




Here are two of the heavy plants in Kingston as well as one of the several aluminum plants in Middlesex . The red color is the soil. Baxuite makes the soil red and can be refined into Alumina and Aluminium.






And here are the two international airports. Both are undergoing expansions.





Here is a closeup of the Port of Kingston




Here is the new causeway U/C in one half of the image. I think it shows how the new big civil engineering projects are changing the landscape. Many of the large projects are built on what was once water.




Just thought I'd show a little why we are more than just a tourist destination. Note that Jamaica looks much nicer. Compare the aerial of the port to the space shot. The tree coverage is much more than represented for instance.

[dante2308]

One last note is the scale of the Kingston picture. It may not be easy to see but it represents a resonably large area.

[dante2308]

Cement crisis pushes back Transport Centre completion
published: Wednesday | November 15, 2006

The Government's US$71 million (J$4.6 billion) Transport Centre, currently under construction in Half-Way Tree, St. Andrew, has had its completion date pushed back from September 2007 to October 2007.

This is due to the setback the development experienced when the cement crisis hit the construction industry earlier this year.

According to Stefaan Van De Kelder, director of Transurb Jamaica Limited, developers of the Transport Centre, construction has been set back by 20 days.

"The roof will be ready by April and the rest by October next year," Mr. Van De Kelder said.

Ground was broken for the construction of the state-of-the-art centre by former Prime Minister P.J. Patterson on March 30 last year.

640 buses per hour

Speaking with journalists after a tour of the centre by Robert Pickersgill, Minister of Housing, Water, Transport and Works, Mr. Van De Kelder said that, upon completion, a total of 640 buses per hour can be received in the centre, providing none stay more than three minutes each.

The lower level of the transport centre will be for buses travelling along Eastwood Park Road, which will go north and north west, and the upper bus deck is for buses going to the south and south east.

[dante2308]

Jamaica wins Best of Caribbean Award
published: Monday | November 20, 2006



One of Jamaica's many pristine beaches, favoured by visitors from all over the world.

Jamaica has emerged winner in the Caribbean Travel & Life's annual Best of the Caribbean survey, by topping three of the major categories - 'Best All-Around Destination', 'Friendliest People,' and 'Best Local Food'.

The special survey was conducted online and attracted just under 10,000 readers of the magazine, who voted their top picks for the 'Best of the Caribbean' awards.

Of the 33 categories that were highlighted, Jamaica or a Jamaican product either won or was runner-up in 18. The categories included best destination, beach, spa, beer, bar and shopping.

Jamaica's beer, Red Stripe, was voted 'Best Caribbean Beer', while Half Moon and Caves were awarded 'Best Golf Resort' and 'Best Boutique Hotel', respectively.

Other winners included Magen's Bay in St. Thomas, which won 'Best Beach'; Royal Caribbean, which was awarded 'Best Cruise Line;' and, Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort, which got the nod for 'Best All-Inclusive Resort'.

Publisher of the Caribbean Travel and Life magazine, Susan Gilman, while making the presentation of the award at the Jamaica Tourist Board on November 14, noted that the magazine readers were "dedicated Caribbean visitors", who visit the region "once every 10 months on average."

She added that the survey indicated that 24 per cent of the readers visited Jamaica in the past two years and another 24 per cent intend to visit Jamaica in the next 12 months.

Presentation

The Heritage Salute, a special presentation of the Jamaican Consulate and the Jamaica Information Service (JIS), featured a display of 'Things Jamaican', a life painting of Miss Lou by artist, Kippax Williams, a cultural pot pourri and performances in song, dance and spoken word from the Caribbean Cultural Theatre, Brooklyn.

Commenting on Jamaica's performance in the survey, Minister of Tourism, Entertainment and Culture, Aloun Assamba, said that Jamaica's blend of natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, vibrant and creative people, food and drink have all contributed to the country being chosen as one of the 'Caribbean's Best'.

Headquartered in Florida, Caribbean Travel and Life has a readership of close to 400,000 persons, and is the only travel magazine to focus solely on the Caribbean.

[dante2308]

Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) shares vision - Golding to champion NHT, constitutional reform
published: Monday | November 20, 2006

Edmond Campbell and Dionne Rose, Gleaner Writers


Caught up in the euphoria on the conference floor are from left: Desmond McKenzie, Mayor of Kingston; Mrs. Lorna Golding with husband Opposition Leader Bruce Golding; Joyce Young, candidate for St. Andrew Western and Ruddy Spencer, candidate for Clarendon South East. The JLP's 63rd Annual Conference was held at the National Arena, yesterday. - Photos by Rudolph Brown/Chief Photographer

Opposition Leader Bruce Golding, unveiling what he termed "his vision for the country," yesterday gave a commitment to constitutional change if the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) forms the next Government. He pledged to revamp the National Housing Trust (NHT), to provide benefits to all contributors and consolidate payroll deductions into a single social security scheme.

Mr. Golding, who for some time has trumpeted constitutional reform, said that his administration would create a framework in which Parliament is clearly defined and Government is held accountable.

Speaking at the JLP's 63rd Annual Conference at the National Arena in Kingston, the Opposition Leader said that to ensure stability in the political process, he would establish a fixed election date and impose term limits on the Office of the Prime Minister.

Step aside

"If the Prime Minister cannot do his (or her) job in two terms, then he (or she) must step aside and let somebody else step in," he said to loud cheers from the crowd.

The new constitutional framework would also include separation of powers between the Government and the Parliament by strengthening the role of the Opposition. "So that in certain critical areas, Government cannot act unilaterally but can only do so with the agreement of the Opposition," said Mr. Golding.

He said with this in place, the Government, which usually has the majority would no longer just rubber -stamp decisions made by Cabinet.

"If we are to effectively hold the Government accountable within the Westminster framework, it will have to be re-engineered," he stressed.

Amendment to standing orders

Mr. Golding also proposed an amendment to Parliament's Standing Orders to allow Opposition Members to chair select Committees.

"We propose that all Sessional Select Committees be chaired by an Opposition Member so that the same diligence and level of scrutiny that appears in the Public Accounts Committee, will be applied to all Standing Sessional Committees of Parliament," he said.

Reorganise NHT

Elaborating on plans to reorganise the NHT, Mr. Golding said that too many people contributed to the Trust and have not received a benefit. He likened the NHT as a "partner", noting that even though monies have been deducted from workers' pay for years, many are yet to get a draw.

"We are going to establish a guaranteed mortgage entitlement where every contributor once you have satisfied a minimum qualifying period will be entitled to a specified mortgage amount which will grow each year as you make more contributions."

The Opposition Leader is also proposing the consolidation of payroll contributions into a single social security deduction, to be divided equally between the National Insurance Scheme, the National Housing Trust and a new National Health Insurance Scheme.

Describing the party's manifesto as a blueprint for a new Jamaica, Mr. Golding said the document would soon be released.

Answered critics

He also answered his critics who said he lacked charisma stating: "I am what I am. I am no messiah, I can work no miracle, I can only offer my leadership".

A Gleaner-commissioned Bill Johnson poll conducted in late October showed that 25 per cent of the electorate fell in the category of the uncommitted. It was this group to which Golding made an impassioned plea during his presentation. "Never give up on Jamaica you can't afford to give up ... those who say there is no purpose in voting, think again."

* Other recommendations that a Labour party Government would introduce include: - Appointment of a special prosecutor to address corruption in government
* - Five-year development plan for Members of Parliament
* - Fast track process of local government reform and entrench it in the Constitution
* - Transform the education system to produce more literate students
* - Comprehensive programme for rural development
* - Improve the capability of the police force through better training and increased technology and more resources to fight crime
* - Social intervention in inner city communities
* - Pursue an aggressive programme to attract foreign investment

[dante2308]

326 schools rehabilitated under transformation project
published: Monday | November 20, 2006

Petrina Francis, Staff Reporter


Senator Noel Monteith, State Minister for Education and Youth. - Norman Grindley/Deputy Chief Photographer

A total of 326 public schools, from a list of 445, have been rehabilitated and upgraded under the Ministry of Education and Youth's Transformation project.

This represents upwards of a 73 per cent completion rate under the initiative, said State Minister for Education, Senator Noel Monteith.

The State Minister, who was contributing to the State of the Nation Debate in the Senate last week, noted that a total of 1,900 classroom spaces have been provided to date, with a projection of 3,235 by the first quarter of 2007.

Expenditure to date

"The expenditure to date is $798 million and another 300 schools have been identified (for construction) for the 2006-2007 academic year," he informed.

Senator Monteith noted further that "in an effort to address some of the urgent needs that some institutions might have, the Education Ministry has been using prototype buildings that can be put up quickly, which will add some 685 spaces costing $1.6 billion. The plans for these schools are at pre-contract phase with design in progress."

[dante2308]

Jamaican Economy Showing Positive Signs - Cabinet Secretary
TORONTO (JIS)
Monday, November 20, 2006


Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Carlton Davis, has said that the Jamaican economy was showing very positive signs.
"Jamaica is getting out of the doldrums and overall the economy is showing very positive signs. We're beginning to tame the devil of inflation, which at 6.5 per cent is the lowest rate since March 2003. The Net International Reserves are $2.3 billion, which is a $200 million improvement over the June figure," he said.

Dr. Davis was addressing patrons attending a forum organized by the Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS) and the Gleaner Company entitled, 'Outlook for the Future: Doing Business in Jamaica', held recently at the King Edward Hotel in Toronto, Canada.

Presentations were also made by representatives of the Registrar General's Department (RGD), National Land Agency, Passport and Immigration Department and Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO).

The Cabinet Secretary gave updates on a wide range of topics, including tourism, road and airport improvements, electoral reform and crime.

In the area of tourism, he said that Jamaica has registered a 17 per cent growth from January to September of this year over the similar period last year. "Jamaica is hosting more than its population in stop-over and cruise ship passengers," noted the Cabinet Secretary.

Turning to infrastructure, Dr. Davis said the Negril to Montego Bay section of the North Coast Highway was completed, while the Montego Bay to Ocho Rios section was nearing completion. The Kingston to Sandy Bay section of Highway 2000 was also finished, he added.

He pointed out that significant improvement had taken place at the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, and major improvements were underway at Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston, to be completed in time for Cricket World Cup 2007.

On the issue of crime, Dr. Davis admitted that it remained a challenge. Although major crimes had decreased, there have been "ups and downs, but the trend line is moving in the right direction", he said.

The Cabinet Secretary said there was a correlation between persons being deported and the rise in criminal activities, adding that between 1995 and 2005, more than 33,000 persons were deported from the United States, United Kingdom and Canada.

"Seventy-two per cent of those deported were crime-related. We have to work out some rules with the countries which deport these people," he emphasized.
Jamaica's Consul General to Toronto, Anne-Marie Bonner brought greetings, and Earl Jarrett, General Manager of JNBS, chaired the event.

[Pecao]

I know that Jamaica was originally a spanish colony, but I didn't know you kept some spanish names, which I think is cool.

I want to congratulate Jamaica for winning all those awards as best Caribbean destination and for having the best beer, but I'm dominican, it kind of hurts you know.

[dante2308]

Partnership with Microsoft will Foster Higher Productivity - Spencer
KINGSTON (JIS)
Monday, November 20, 2006


Senator Kern Spencer (right), State Minister for Industry, Technology, Energy and Commerce, having a light discussion with Microsoft Country Manager, Joseph McKinson (left), at the triple product launch, at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel. Looking on is Joan Robb, Director of Client Services at Dunlop Corbin Communications Limited.

State Minister in the Ministry of Industry, Technology, Energy and Commerce, Senator Kern Spencer, said on (November 17), that Microsoft's latest partnership with Jamaica would foster higher productivity levels in the country's various sectors.

He added that this initiative also reflected the goal of the Ministry, "to always be at the cutting edge of Technology and Information and Communication Technology activities in the region".

Senator Spencer was addressing 150 business and technology partners at the announcement of Microsoft Jamaica's new business productivity platform and the introduction of three flagship products, at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, some 30 days ahead of other countries worldwide.

The products include Windows Vista operating system, Microsoft Office 2007 and Exchange Server email and collaboration centre. These updated versions of Microsoft packages feature, among other things, redesigned user interfaces with new dimensions, such as real-time corporate data sharing fronts, easy-to-use additions for security and application access, and data encryption.

"As we continue our drive towards greater growth and productivity, I am very excited about the capabilities and opportunities that Windows Vista will present for all our industries. As a government, we believe that the introduction of new and updated technologies increase both physical and economic productivity, [as] computer technologies impact on all aspects of our lives and are critical to the process of development and efficiency in all productive industries and other sectors of the society," the State Minister said.

Senator Spencer said it was interesting to note that Jamaica is ranked 54th in terms of network readiness in the World Economic Forum's Global Information Technology Report that covered some 115 economies. "In fact, in that regard, we are number one within the Caribbean Region," he pointed out.

He said Jamaica's leading position in the use of integrated and people-centric communication technologies was the result of conscious and sustained efforts of the government, together with the implementation of a modern telecommunications infrastructure and the telecommunications liberalisation process.

The State Minister said today's launch was possible because Government has been facilitative of a policy framework that anticipated investment and technological growth.

"This is perhaps our biggest launch in Microsoft over the last decade. When you look deeper into Vista, Exchange and Office 2007, you will see that these are our most innovative changes that we bring to the market," said Joseph McKinson, Microsoft's Country Manager in Jamaica.

He added that this launch indicated that Jamaica was technologically apace with the developed world.

"In days gone by, launches would have taken place in Europe or the USA and then several months later it would happen in Jamaica. But launches are taking place simultaneously right across the world. In fact, Jamaica is way ahead in many nations, including the US, so we are extremely proud to know that we are launching here before several other countries," Mr. McKinson said.

The Country Manager said the technology would change lives in keeping with world standards and the new world of work.

Meanwhile, Senator Spencer informed that the Government's continued commitment to information technologies would be reflected in the National Information and Communication Strategy to be released at the end of this month.

[wiki]

wich beer is it, pecao?