MONTEGO BAY, St James - More than 600,000 square feet of new office space will be provided over the next five years as the Government moves to provide facility for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) services.
"This is the movement that we are heading towards for the future,"
said Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce Karl Samuda.
Samuda was addressing the official opening of the American-owned
Salary.com Jamaica Limited last Thursday at the Montego Bay Free Zone.
He said he was happy to observe that 95 per cent of space in the free zone was dedicated to the ICT industry.
Accordng to the technology minister, the Government is placing
increased focus on ICT as part of the development effort, including
providing computer training for students as early as the basic school
level.
Observing that some 95 per cent of the Canadian population is computer
literate, the minister said, "until we get there, whatever is being
attempted will be frustrated".
"That is why the Government is placing so much emphasis on getting it
started at the basic school level so that by the time a child reaches
the high school stage, they would have all the knowledge and skills to
create programmes of their own and make the kind of contribution to
companies within the ICT sector, that will move the economy forward,"
he added.
Meantime, the minister commended Salary.com, noting that the company is
strategically placed to assist the small business sector to enhance
their operations at affordable costs.
"The opening of this facility is a true expression of confidence in the
future of our country and I officially welcome you to our shores. We
support you and assure you that the Government of Jamaica is in your
corner and we look forward to a long and productive relationship,"
Minister Samuda stated.
Salary.com Jamaica Limited is a leading provider of on-demand
compensation, payroll and talent management solutions, which is aimed
at helping businesses and individuals manage pay and performance.
The company was opened in the Montego Bay Free Zone in November 2008 and employs an all-Jamaican staff of 40.
Source: Jamaicaobserver.com