Crime And Low Productivity Limiting Jamaica’s Growth Potential – PIOJ

The Planning Institute of Jamaica, PIOJ, says crime, a lack of resilience, low productivity and efficiency are the factors most limiting Jamaica’s growth potential.

PIOJ Director General, Dr. Wayne Henry, presented his findings at Thursday’s meeting of the Parliament’s Economy and Production Committee.

The committee enquired as to what has contributed to Jamaica’s anaemic growth over the years despite improving macro-economic fundamentals.

Chevon Campbell tells us more.

The Director General identified specific problems plaguing certain industries such as agriculture and manufacturing.

However, Dr. Wayne Henry says four key issues remain a thorn across the entire economy.

Chief among them he says is crime and violence.

Dr. Henry also says under-investment in infrastructure continues to limit Jamaica’s potential, particularly in exports.

The Director General says Jamaica must expend approximately eleven billion US dollars more on infrastructure by 2030 to fix the problem.

Dr. Henry also says labour productivity remains a nagging issue.