Daraine Luton, Staff Reporter

MINISTER WITHOUT portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister, James Robertson, is batting for more public/private sector partnerships (PPP) which, he said, is a key element in infrastructure development.

Robertson, in his contribution to the 2008-2009 Sectoral Debates in Parliament, said the Government could not fund development in the country alone, hence the need to partner with the private sector.

"The basic concept of a public/private partnership is a contractual arrangement between public and private sector parties for the delivery of infrastructural or basic services," Robertson said.

Concept not new

The West St Thomas member of Parliament admitted that the concept was not new, and pointed to the Highway 2000 toll road as an example of public and private sector partnership.

"... I wish to propose that as a country we should place greater emphasis on the use of the PPPs," Robertson said.

The minister added that there should be a PPP implementation unit in the Office of the Prime Minister. The role of this unit, he said, would be the development and design of infrastructure policies, establishing procurement procedures and setting and enforcing the rules of engagement for development projects.

daraine.luton@gleanerjm.com