Jamaica is one of the most heavily indebted countries in the world, and the government has struggled to stimulate economic growth in order to break out of a pattern of stagnation, which has underpinned persistent poverty, high unemployment rates, high crime rates and large income inequalities.
Jamaica’s tourism industry has been the most successful in the competition for international markets. However, tourists are demanding cleaner and healthier environments, and enhanced efficiency. In addition, high expenditures on petroleum supplies from the international market are crippling local production, transportation, and consumption. The recovery of bauxite/alumina production has been stalled partly because of the insistence of the industry on cheaper energy supplies, which is pressuring the government to concede permission for coal-fired plants. Energy and security costs for manufacturing are excessive, and compounded by low labour productivity. High energy costs limit the competitiveness of the tourism and agricultural sectors as well. Consumers complain daily on the radio talk shows about the high electricity bills that they have to pay.
Consequently, Jamaica is striving to transition into a more efficient, socially inclusive and green economy through initiatives like Jamaica Vision 2030 and through the Caribbean Green Economy Project, “Advancing Caribbean States’ Sustainable Development through Green Economy (ACSSD-GE)”. With the support of UNEP, Jamaica has identified the following focus sectors for green transition: agriculture, fishing, forestry, construction, energy, tourism, water and sewerage.
