Strong support from Government

THE GOVERNMENT of Jamaica says it is determined to maximise the potential of the local business process outsourcing (BPO) sector to grow the economy and the Government’s support was evident at the recently held Outsource2Jamaica Symposium and Expo at the Montego Bay Convention Centre with a number of key members of the Andrew Holness-led administration in attendance.

The outsourcing sector currently has a 26,000-strong labour pool in approximately 50 BPO firms.

Speaking on day one of the inaugural event, Marlene Malahoo Forte, who represents St James West Central and is the country’s attorney general, argued that outside of tourism, BPO is the fastest-growing sector in the west and it is attracting some of the top professionals in the country. She rubbished the perception that the sector only attracts low-skilled workers.

“There is also the perception that these workers are paid poorly, which also couldn’t be further from the truth. The reality is that the BPO sector has real opportunities for professionals, in particular for lawyers, accountants, engineers, project managers and information technology professionals,” the attorney general said.

Dr Andrew Wheatley, minister of energy, science and technology, was impressive in his presentation on ‘Promoting Inclusive Growth in the Digital Economy – Tapping Into Higher-Value Opportunities’ on day two,

which also saw Fayval Williams, minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Finance and Public Services, participating.

Karl Samuda, minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, represented the prime minister, while Dr Horace Chang, who, up until his recent appointment to the security ministry portfolio, was the government’s point man on pushing the growth of BPO, also came to give his support.

The show of support is complemented by the Factories Corporation of Jamaica coming on board as a major sponsor of the event which will be staged in Kingston next year, and the continued construction of office space in Montego Bay and Portmore, St Catherine, by the Port Authority of Jamaica.

The Development Bank of Jamaica has also committed US$73 million for loans to finance 15 BPO-related projects islandwide.

From left: Andrew Fazio of C & W Business; Gloria Henry; Marlene Malahoo Forte, attorney general; Karl Samuda, minister without portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister; Kimberly Stiff, assistant VP, Marketing Solutions; Maxine Burton; and...

Dr Horace Chang, minister of national security, and his daughter, Melissa (left), peruse a copy of the O2J magazine with BPIAJ head Gloria Henry.

Dr Andrew Wheatley, minister of science, energy and technology.

Former government minister Phillip Paulwell accepts the citation in his honour from manager, strategic initiatives, Sutherland Global Services, and BPIAJ board member Olivia Leigh Campbell. Paulwell was recognised for his outstanding work in the...

Minister Fayval Williams, minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Finance and Planning, presents the posthumous pioneer award in private sector development to the late Gordon Marzouca. Businessman Ian Dear collects on behalf of the family.

Fayval Williams, state minister in the Ministry of Finance and Planning, shares lens time with Gloria Henry, president of the BPIAJ, at the Outsource2Jamaica Symposium and Expo.