15 / 56
13
Installation of solar panels and solar water heaters on homes,
hotels and businesses can create another 5,000 jobs.
These installations typically drive other small improvements, e.g.
new wiring or replacing old wiring, which in turn drive jobs for local
electricians and business for suppliers.
Within 1 to 3 years, the businesses with alternative energy sources
will see their electricity bills reduced and will be less vulnerable to
power outages.
In the public sector, an additional 1,500 jobs would also be created
in training and installing alternative energy sources for services
like water pumping, lighting of public buildings etc.
Alternative Energy Sources
Similarly, the installation of photovoltaic (solar) panels will require
training and employment of up to 2,500 persons. To produce more
bagasse for alternative energy production, the growing of more
sugarcane will result in more income for farmers and up to 4,000
more seasonal jobs in agriculture. Technicians to manage new
activities for the conversion of waste to energy will create up to
500 more jobs for workers.
Construction
As has been demonstrated all over the world, construction is one
of the fastest routes to stimulating the economy. We will increase
construction as a result of lower stamp duty and transfer tax as
well as housing market reform. This will generate thousands more
jobs.
The rebuilding and urban renewal of Kingston could generate
5,000 to 7,000 jobs in the construction phase and up to 10,000
permanent jobs when the International Financial Center is up and
running.
Business Process Outsourcing
The expansion of BPOs at different levels of the value chain, can
itself generate 30-40,000 jobs over the next 5 -7 years.
Transport
The integrated multi-modal transport system, rail, sea, land and air
will generate 15,000 to 25,000 jobs in construction, maintenance,
repair and operations, customer service and spinoff services from
the first to fifth year of implementation.
An improved transport network means improved access for
cargo and easier passenger movement around the country.
This is expected to spur growth in the logistics, tourism, and
distribution sectors, leading to an equal number of jobs created
after completion (15,000 to 25,000).
Manufacturing & Agri-Business
We anticipate the creation of up to 20,000 jobs in manufacturing
and agri-business including value-added processed foods,
furniture production, and as we develop a more competitive
economy, revived apparel and electronics sectors.
For example, renewed focus on agribusiness in St. Elizabeth
with irrigation and processing plants in Black River, Flaggaman,
Meyersville, New Forrest and the expansion of the Bull Savannah
Plant together with the dual use of the almost dormant Port Kaiser
for Agricultural exports will create up to 3,000 new jobs.
Hotels & Tourism
Expansion of the hotel industry and initiatives promoted in the
tourism section of this document should generate up to 30,000
jobs.
Small Business Expansion & Miscellaneous
Services
Clearing blockers and empowering small business through
intervention by the new Ministry of Economic Growth & Job
Creation, will stimulate small business expansion. The PAYE
tax break and increase in minimum wage will also allow for more
spending which will be its own stimulant. We anticipate creation of
up to 20,000 jobs.