Minister Henry Meets with Government Officials and Executives in Europe

Minister Hibbert makes maiden presentation in parliament.

During the London leg of his week-long visit to Europe, Minister of Transport and Works Michael Henry met with a number of government officials and executives of European financial and technical institutions. Minister Henry discussed the government’s plans for development as it relates to transportation.

The Minister used the opportunity to speak about plans to revive the railway in Jamaica and, among other things, use it to expand tourism offerings. Minister Henry also spoke about plans for further expansion and development of the aviation and maritime sectors in Jamaica which he said would “capitalise fully on Jamaica's strategic location for robust international trade”. On this point, the UK Minister of Transport with portfolio responsibility for Aviation, Shipping, Road Safety and the Environment MP Jim Fitzpatrick, expressed willingness to provide assistance to Jamaica. This assistance would take the form of technical and other expertise, to facilitate the modernisation of the transport sector; advance training in the maritime field; foster further discussions on the impact of climate change; as well as provide assistance with overall research and development projects for Jamaica.

While in London, Mr. Henry also met with, the Rt. Hon. Richard Caborn MP who is the UK Prime Minister's World Cup Ambassador, and a number of financiers, including the Chairman of Seymour Pierce Investment Bankers, Mr Keith Harris. These discussions, focused on securing financing for the Vernamfield Development Project, as well as the Herb McKenley Stadium to be constructed in May Pen, Clarendon. A visit was also paid to bus and fire engine manufacturers, Alexander-Dennis which is the leading manufacturer of the latest generation double-decker buses in the UK, and the largest suppliers of environmentally-friendly double-decker and standard buses to the City of London.

The Government’s plans for development in the maritime and aviation sectors were further detailed in a presentation made by the Minister on the Germany leg of his trip, where the Maritime Authority of Jamaica (MAJ) opened an office in Bremen, to promote Jamaica’s shipping register. The Minister revealed the fact that, Carnival Cruise Lines is expanding its home porting in Montego Bay, Falmouth is set to be developed as a themed port of call and there are plans for a new cruise terminal at Port Royal. Further down the track are plans for an energy port to handle imports of compressed and liquefied natural gas. These developments are taking place even as the two companies bidding to operate the country’s dry dock are finalising environmental requirements.