Offer innovative ideas to aid economic growth – Shaw

MINISTER OF Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries Audley Shaw is calling on more youth in Jamaica to offer innovative ideas and creativity that will aid the nation with economic growth. Speaking at the Optimist Club of Kingston meeting at the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Jamaica in St Andrew, the minister said that youth account for nearly half of the nation’s population, and in keeping with that, they are the ones being looked to for solutions that will provide the country with growth.

“The statistics show that almost 50 per cent, half of the Jamaican population, is below the age of 25 years. It is my belief that our youth will have to look at the kind of innovation and creativity that is needed as the catalyst for the growth and expansion of our economy,” Shaw said.

Shaw noted that one of his most memorable experiences since becoming minister of industry, commerce, agriculture and fisheries was witnessing the participation of talented and innovative young entrepreneurs at this year’s Expo Jamaica in April.

“For example, at the Jamaica Emerging Manufacturers and Services Village, I saw three PhD graduates from the University of the West Indies who decided to put their knowledge to work and develop new and competitive nutraceutical products utilising natural Jamaican materials,” Shaw said.

“We also saw packaging innovations for the coffee industry, which will allow consumers to have a coffee percolator in a bag,” he added.

The minister said he also wants to see young people forgetting the get-rich-quick and scamming mentality and not being motivated by notions of instant gratification.

“We want our young Jamaicans to unleash their entrepreneurial pursuits to create their own wealth. Create your own wealth and wealth for our country by being your best selves,” he emphasised.