Ministry of Transportation & Works

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State Minister in the Ministry of Transport and Works, Dr. Fenton Ferguson (left), listens keenly to Luigi Brusa, Representative of the European Union (EU)

The Ministry of Transport and Works has drafted a National Transportation Policy outlining the strategy for the development of the transportation sector over the next 20 years.

The policy, which was presented to stakeholders in the industry and representatives from the European Union at a symposium held recently at the Terra Nova Hotel in Kingston, has as its objective, the creation of a modern, safe and affordable transport system for all Jamaicans.

Some of the goals outlined in the document include the revitalization of the railway system and introducing cable cars, creation of more toll roads, the construction of safer roads and attracting more cruise ships and mega yachts to the island by promoting Jamaica as a world-class shipping destination.

Minister of Transport and Works, Robert Pickersgill in an address read by State Minister, Dr. Fenton Ferguson, said that the Government was committed to the policy, which he said would create the conditions for the safer movement of people and goods, along with providing an environmentally sustainable transportation system.

"It is intended that this policy will be subjected to full consultations with all stakeholders, and indeed, with the public in general. I believe that transportation is critical to promoting and maintaining economic growth and development, a position reflected in the National Industrial Policy that was tabled in Parliament in 1996," the Minister said.

He noted that the Government was the major participant in Jamaica's transport sector and would retain control of vital areas of the sector such as road, railway, air and port facilities but was at the same time encouraging greater private sector investment especially given the global and national economic realities.

"The draft National Transport Policy reflects the Government's invitation to private investment in transport services through concessions for toll roads, seaports, airport operations, public transportation and rail services," he stated.

He pointed out that where the private sector was involved in providing transport services, the Government would set long-term lease agreements, while allowing the private sector sufficient time to recover its investments.

Noting some of these arrangements, he pointed to Highway 2000, which operates under a 35-year lease and the Sangster International Airport, which was leased to private operators in April of this year.

"In both these instances, the properties will be fully returned to the people of Jamaica at the conclusion of the lease period," the Minister stated.

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