Manchester could be the leader, says Stern
MANDEVILLE, Manchester – Minister of State in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce Michael Stern believes that Manchester has the potential to “lead the way” in the development of Jamaica’s economy.
The junior minister said the southern parish’s relatively crime-free environment, abundant land to facilitate farming, and tourism potential were among the reasons for his optimism.
Stern identified “a strong and vibrant private sector, a facilitatory and business-friendly environment and a trained productive labour force” as essential ingredients in the new Jamaica labour Party (JLP) government’s mission to lift Jamaica’s economy and society to developed country status over the the next 30 years.
“Manchester has the potential to lead the way for this mission because it has many platforms on which good business may be done, for example eco-tourism which is perfect for this nice tranquil environment,” Stern said.
His was speaking during a recent address to the Manchester Chamber of Commerce where he pointed to an urgent need to reclaim bauxite-mined land, a policy which he says was not fully implemented by the former government.
“Reclaiming mined lands in the bauxite industry can provide opportunities for greenhouse farming and also provide you the opportunity for meat rearing whether it be goats, pigs, beef or even dairy,” he said. “We are sitting on a lot of gold mines here in Manchester we just need to seize these opportunities.”
Stern also spoke of the ongoing water supply problems in Manchester, and explained that government was serious about taking the steps needed to provide water to the greater Mandeville area.
He also announced that government has abandoned plans to sell a wind farm in Wigton, South Manchester.
“A more renewable source of energy is going to be needed in Manchester so we have abandoned the sale of the wind farm,” he said. “The persons who were purchasing had problems financing the deal. we believe that the wind farm should provide the electricity needed for essential services in the greater Mandeville area like the hospital and university.”