WESTERN BUREAU:
THE GOVERNMENT is seeking private sector involvement in its
bid to increase office space in the Montego Bay Free Zone, which is now unable
to accommodate the rapid expansion of the local Information and Communication
Technology (ICT) industry.
"Over the last few months we have seen renewed interest in our ICT industry," said Minister of Industry, Technology, Energy and Commerce, Phillip Paulwell during a recent tour of the Montego Bay Free Zone.
"The 259,000 square feet of office space is full. However, there is more than 200,000 square feet of factory space available for refurbishing."
"I asked the (Montego Bay Free Zone) board to look at how we can innovate and to present to me a plan to see how we can transform that space into office space. It will be looking to partner with private sector to transform the space."
Two companies located in the complex, Vista Print and ACS, informed the minister that they are actively pursuing construction of additional space.
Michelle Healy, general manager in charge of design, sales and service at Vista Print, an on-line printing company, said that her company had grown from 20 employees three years ago to close to 300 at present, and that every opportunity to boost the company's position would be explored.
"We have benefited from quality employees in Jamaica. They have contributed to the rapid expansion of the company."
Minister Paulwell viewed the company's move to create more space as a prudent one, which demonstrates the investors are confident in the destination.
"All the available incentives for the creation of office space is in place and we are encouraging investors to come on board," he said.
