Ministry of Industry Investment and Commerce

6 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN VOLUME 10, ISSUE 2 JAMA I CAN MINI STRY OF INDUSTRY INVESTMENT & COMMERCE (MI I C) “We are working with HEART/NSTA Trust to train 300,000-400,000 young people in labor- centric apprenticeships and certification. Many of them are young men because 70% of our graduating class from university are women. MIIC is making sure these men aren’t on the streets- they’re earning themselves an income and filling labor positions for those businesses fuelling our economy,” Minister Hill continues. MIIC holds sustainability as a key priority, using its relationships with other Ministries to ensure proper regulations, innovations, and developments are implemented in the interest of environmental health. Minister Hill says, “Another of our collaborative partners is Minister Matthew Samunda, who is in charge of climate change within the portfolio area of MEGJC. A current project in that space is building legislation and regulations that will move us away from single-use plastics. It’s important to note that a lot of work is being done to ensure government agencies align with climate arrangements, that our government is treaty too, and that members of staff are trained in that aspect.” Local authorities and industry bodies are an important piece of the sustainability puzzle in which Jamaica’s government operates. “When we look at other major contributors to our economy, such as tourism, we have to consider how sustainability affects them,” he shares. “Jamaica is a beautiful place that attracts many eco-conscious visitors, and they want to know that their hotel, their charter, and their marketplace is following green policies and best practices. Our local governments and sector leaders need to stay trained and informed so that they may ensure their members are compliant. Otherwise, among other obvious consequences, tourists will not want to visit Jamaica.” Minister Hill has taken great advantage of modern technologies in marketing, media,