July 7, 2016

 Kingston, Jamaica:

As the four year mark signalling the contractual end to the most recent IMF agreement approaches, it is important for the business community and the general public to explore the long-term development of Jamaica after the IMF, and the policies and best practices that need to be implemented or concretized to ensure Jamaica’s sustainable growth. Competing views exist as some have said a new agreement should be signed, while others have focused on the macroeconomic environment and the framework needed to ensure that the country continues on a positive path.

In response, the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) and partner, the JMMB Group, will explore the topic, “Developing Beyond the IMF” at the upcoming PSOJ/JMMB Annual Economic Forum, scheduled for Tuesday, July 12 at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, beginning at 8 a.m.

“A number of our members have been asking about what is going to happen after the IMF agreement ends and within the PSOJ leadership we have also been having those discussions,” says PSOJ President William Mahfood. “We felt it was necessary to get the dialogue going on this in the public sphere, with input from the relevant experts, in order to get a better idea on how to advise our members,” he added.

German Galvan, Associate Principal at popular global consulting firm, McKinsey & Company will be the guest speaker on the occasion and will lend fresh insight and an objective perspective to the discussion. McKinsey is known for its consulting work with a number of governments worldwide and Galvan, who has deep and relevant experience in economic development and infrastructure, will be able to share with the audience the experiences of similar countries and how they were able to surpass the numerable challenges. In particular, Galvan will explore the Singapore experience with development, and draw parallels with our own small island state.

Other speakers will include Hon. Audley Shaw, Minister of Finance and Public Service, and Professor Densil Williams, Executive Director of the Mona School of Business and Management. There will also be a panel discussion with Dennis Chung, PSOJ CEO, Lorna Green, President of the Women Business Owners of Jamaica, and Jermaine Burrell, Group Research Manager at JMMB.

Kerry-Ann Stimpson, Group Marketing Manager at JMMB notes, “We continue to support this economic forum as it is an important avenue via which key stakeholders can be engaged in solution-oriented discussions that are pertinent to Jamaica’s development and economic growth.” Adding, “As a company committed to nation building and as a major stakeholder in the business sector, JMMB believes it has a role to play in driving initiatives like these that provoke thought and action by industry leaders.”

The PSOJ/ JMMB Annual Economic Forum continues to provide a vehicle through which key decision-makers and stakeholders, can analyze and discuss the Jamaican economy, its impact on business operations in Jamaica and the wider global marketplace, as well as the way forward for growth.

The forum brings together the private sector, opinion leaders, academics, policy makers and other members of the business community to engage in high-level discussions on critical issues, in a bid to formulate strategic plans and practical solutions that will enhance the business community.

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Contact:         Ms. Kareen Cox, Marketing & Public Relations Manager          

Email:             kareenc@psoj.org                

Tel:                 927-6238 (Ext. 2052); Fax 978-2709