POST CABINET REPORT For Wednesday, November 10, 2021
Below are the decisions from Cabinet:
1. Amendment to the First Schedule of the National Solid Waste Management Act
Cabinet gave approval for the amendment to paragraph 5(2) of the First Schedule of the National Solid Waste Management Act, 2001, to provide for the members of the National Solid Waste Management Authority to be eligible for appointment to the Authority for a maximum of nine consecutive years. The Act previously made provisions for an appointed member of the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) to hold office for a period not exceeding three years and, that every appointed member of the Authority shall be eligible for reappointment, but no member should be appointed for more than six consecutive years. In an effort to be consistent with best practices and approaches for the nomination, selection and appointment of Board members espoused by the Government, a maximum of nine consecutive years for members is recommended. Cabinet also gave approval for the issuing of drafting instructions to the Chief Parliamentary Counsel.
2. National Sourcing Policy
Cabinet gave approval for the development of a National Sourcing Policy (NSP) and the establishment of a Policy Steering Committee to drive the Policy’s development. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has played an important role in the economic development of Jamaica, but the impact varies according to the sector, and there is a need to improve the multiplier effect in terms of improved living standards and sustainable development. The National Sourcing Policy (NSP) seeks to address this shortfall in the impact through the development of commercial partnerships and improved linkages between Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs) and companies investing in Jamaica.
The National Sourcing Policy (NSP) would advance the creation of an enabling environment to strengthen and sustain the nation’s economic growth and development through strategic and focused initiatives that encouraged and incentivized the use of local inputs in key domestic industries. The policy seeks to establish a Government of Jamaica policy position that supports the inclusion of sectors that could exponentially contribute to the wider economy.
3. Ratification of Amendments and Additional Provisions to the Sale of Lands at Harbour Head, Kingston Known as Kingston Dry Dock to Jamaica Fruit and Shipping Company Limited and/or its Nominee, German Ship Repair Jamaica Limited
Cabinet ratified the following amendments and additional provisions to the sale of 5.36 acres of land at Harbour Head in Kingston to the existing lessee, the Jamaica Fruit and Shipping Company Limited and/or its nominee, German Ship Repair Jamaica Limited (GSRJ), by the Commissioner of Lands as approved by Decision No. 18/20 dated April 2020:
- a reduction in the area of land sold by the Commissioner of Lands to the German Ship Repair Jamaica Limited (GSRJ) from 5.36 acres to 5.169 acres, given the removal of 0.19 acre (9 metres) of land which was required by the Urban Development Corporation for a boardwalk;
- the reduction in the sale price of one hundred and seventy-one million ($171 million) to one hundred and sixty-six million, six hundred and forty-three thousand, five hundred and forty-eight dollars and forty-nine cents ($166,643,548.49) (“the adjusted sale price”), subject to a final survey;
- the German Ship Repair Jamaica Limited’s (GSRJ) full notice of the existence of a 0.19 acre (9 metres) reservation area intended to be used for recreation as a boardwalk and which did not form part of the lands being sold by the vendor to the German Ship Repair Jamaica Limited (GSRJ);
- a right of first refusal to be provided for the German Ship Repair Jamaica Limited (GSRJ)to acquire the 0.19 acre (9 metres) of land required for the boardwalk area, should the vendor wish to sell, transfer, or otherwise dispose of same;
- the German Ship Repair Jamaica Limited’s (GSRJ) continued access to and from the property from the Sir Florizel Glasspole Boulevard in the customary manner.
Cabinet also gave approval for the Commissioner of Lands paying over $4 million from the sale proceeds to the Development Bank of Jamaica for the engagement of a technical consultant to monitor the development of the phase 1 works (construction of dock, buildings, and pier) by the German Ship Repair Jamaica Limited (GSRJ).
4. World Free Zones Organization Agreement to Host the 8th Annual International Conference and Exhibition, 7-10 June 2022
Cabinet gave approval for the execution of the World Free Zones Organization (WFZO) Agreement between the WFZO and the Jamaica Special Economic Zone Authority (JSEZA) in order for the Jamaica Special Economic Zone Authority (JSEZA) to host the 8th Annual International Conference and Exhibition (AICE) to be held 7 to 10 June 2022 in Montego Bay, Jamaica. The Annual International Conference and Exhibition (AICE) will be a five-day event consisting of a Board of Directors meeting, general assembly, workshops, and training. It is within the mandate of the Jamaica Special Economic Zone Authority (JSEZA) to host the Annual International Conference and Exhibition (AICE), and the expected positive economic effects from the hosting of the event includes increased investment and tourism interest for Jamaica. All the required safety protocols, as outlined by the Ministry of Health and Wellness will be implemented to ensure the safety of all participants.
5. Sale of Land Located in Barham Estate and Friendship Estate, Westmoreland by Sugar Company of Jamaica Holdings Limited (SCJH)
Cabinet gave approval for the sale of 350 acres of land, part of Barham Estate (Volume 994 Folio 436) and Friendship Estate (Volume 1270 Folio 409) in the parish of Westmoreland to Bamboo Bioproducts Limited for the construction of a bamboo pulp mill at a sale price of one hundred and thirty million dollars ($130 million).
6. Amendments to the Special Economic Zones Act to Comply with Jamaica’s International Obligations to Implement Action 5 of the BEPS Minimum Standards and Other Matters
Cabinet gave approval for amendments to the Special Economic Zones Act and Regulations to explicitly insert the general substance requirements with respect to core income generating activities for geographically mobile activities, that operate or may operate in a special economic zone, in order to comply with international minimum standards for countering harmful tax practices, as espoused by the Forum on Harmful Tax Practices of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.
Cabinet also gave approval for amendments to the First Schedule of the Special Economic Zones Act and the Income Tax Act to correct errors which would clarify the operation of the tax incentives in the special economic zone regime and their application to developers and occupants under the Special Economic Zones Act, as well as approval for the issuance of drafting instructions to the Chief Parliamentary Counsel.
7. Proposed Establishment of a National Child Online Protection Committee and National Child Online Protection Strategy
Cabinet gave approval for the establishment of a National Child Online Protection Committee as per the proposed Terms of Reference. The COVID-19 pandemic has served to underscore the importance of online learning as a key component of the delivery of educational services in Jamaica. Notwithstanding the tremendous benefits of technology and the use of ICT, online platforms present significant challenges to the safety of children in the virtual environment, given the vicissitudes and hazards of the virtual space. Therefore, it has become critical for children to access the tools, which would guarantee their safety as they thrive in this digital age. Cabinet also gave approval for the Minister of Education, Youth and Information to name a chair for the National Child Online Protection Committee and for the Committee’s mandate in relation to the development of a National Child Online Protection Strategy.
8. Reports
Cabinet received and approved the following annual reports and/or financial statements to be tabled in Parliament:
- Annual Report for the Hazardous Substances Regulatory Authority 2018/2019 Financial Year
- Annual Report and Audited Financial Statements of the Independence Park Limited (IPL) for the financial year 2018/2019
- Annual Report of the Early Childhood Commission (ECC) for the financial year 2019/2020
- Annual Report and Audited Financial Statements of the Ocho Rios Commercial Centre Limited (ORCC) for the 2015/2016 financial year
- Annual Report and Audited Financial Statements of the Sugar Company of Jamaica Holdings Limited (SCJH) for the year ending 31 March 2013
- Annual Report and Audited Financial Statements of the Sugar Company of Jamaica Holdings Limited (SCJH) for the year ending 31 March 2014
- Annual Reports of the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN) for the years ending 31 March 2015 and 31 March 2016
- Annual Reports of the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN) for the financial years ending 31 March 2017, 31 March 2018, and 31 March 2019
- Annual Report of the Financial Sector Adjustment Company Limited (FINSAC) for the financial year ending 31 March 2020
- Annual Report and Audited Financial Statements of the Banana Board for the year ended 31 December 2019
- Annual Report and Audited Financial Statements of the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) for the Year Ended 31 March 2019
- 2017/2018 Annual Report of the National Council on Education (NCE)
- 2020/2021 Annual Report of the Broadcasting Commission (BCJ)
- Annual Report of the Students’ Loan Bureau (SLB) for the year ended 31 March 2018
9. Contracts
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- Cabinet gave approval for the award of a contract for the procurement of three Pallet X-Ray Screening Systems for the Kingston Logistics Centre, Seaboard, and Port Handlers Warehourses, in the amount of US one million, five hundred and ninety-nine thousand, five hundred dollars (US$1,599,500.00), including GCT, to Sectus Technologies Incorporated.
- Cabinet gave approval for the award of a contract for the provision of security services at the May Pen Hospital and May Pen Health Centre for a period of three years in the amount of one hundred and forty-eight million, twenty-eight thousand, one hundred and sixty-seven dollars and forty-four cents ($148,028,167.44), inclusive of GCT of 15%, to Shalk Electronic Security Limited.
- Cabinet gave approval for the award of a contract for the procurement of reagents and consumables with the provision of three immunology analysers for three years at the National Public Health Laboratory in the amount of US one million four thousand, two hundred and ninety-six dollars and thirty-eight cents (US$1,004,296.38), inclusive of GCT, to Facey Commodity Limited.
- Cabinet gave approval for the award of a contract for works to install pipelines and the rehabilitation of roadway and drainage in the Essex Valley Project area in the amount of US eleven million, nine hundred and sixty-five thousand, eight hundred and fifty-nine dollars and fifty-nine cents (US$11,965,859.59), exclusive of GCT or any other related taxes, to M&M Jamaica Limited, subject to the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries undertaking consultations with the respective Municipal Corporations in relation to the subject works in the Essex Valley Project area.
- Cabinet gave approval for the award of a contract for the supply of pipes, fittings, and appurtenances for the Essex Valley Project Area in the amount of US three million, one hundred and fifty-nine thousand, three hundred and forty-one dollars and fifty cents (US3,159,341.50), exclusive GCT or any other related taxes, to Industrial and Technical Supplies Limited.
- Cabinet gave approval for the award of a contract for the modification of spaces at the Constant Spring, Mona, Liguanea and Half-Way Tree Post Offices in the amount of ninety-nine million, two hundred and seventy-six thousand, four hundred and fifty-eight dollars and ninety-one cents ($99,276,458.91) to Nubian-1 Construction Limited.
- Cabinet gave approval for the award of a second variation to a contract awarded by the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF) to undertake rehabilitative works under the Canaan Heights Integrated Infrastructure Project in Clarendon in the amount of ten million, eight hundred and twelve thousand, four hundred and thirty-three dollars and twenty-two cents ($10,812,433.22) to Alcar Construction Limited.
- Cabinet gave approval for the award of contracts by the National Water Commission for the provision of security services at the offices and facilities of the Commission for a period of three years, as follows:
- Vanguard Security Limited in the amount of two hundred and fifty-five million, seven hundred and thirteen thousand, eight hundred and ninety-eight dollars and twelve cents ($255,713,898.12), plus GCT, for Lot No. 1 – Kingston and St. Andrew;
- Guardsman Limited in the amount of six hundred and seventeen million, seven hundred and eighty-three thousand, three hundred and forty dollars ($617,783,340.00), plus GCT, broken down as follows:
- Lot No. 2 – St. Mary, Portland, St. Thomas and parts of Kingston and St. Andrew in the amount of one hundred and ninety-five million, eight hundred and seventy-four thousand, five hundred dollars ($195,874,500.00), plus GCT;
- Lot No. 3 – Clarendon, St. Ann, and St. Catherine in the amount of two hundred and thirty-one million, four hundred and eighty-six thousand dollars ($231,486,000.00), plus GCT; and
- Lot No. 4 – St. James, Trelawny, Hanover, Westmoreland, St. Elizabeth, and Manchester in the amount of one hundred and ninety million, four hundred and twenty-two thousand, eight hundred and forty dollars ($190,422,840.00), plus GCT.
- Cabinet gave approval for a cumulative variation to an existing contract between the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service and King Alarm Services Limited for the provision of security guard services at the Heroes Circle and Shalimar Avenue Complexes in the amount of forty-two million, eight hundred and sixteen thousand, eighty-seven dollars ($42,816,087.00).
- Cabinet gave approval for the award of a contract for the provision of security guard services for the Jamaica Customs Agency at the Norman Manley International Airport for a period of three years in the amount of sixty-seven million, two hundred and ninety-eight thousand, six hundred and eleven dollars and eighty cents ($67,298,611.80), including GCT to Guardsman Limited.
- Cabinet gave approval for the award of a contract for the provision of plant maintenance services for a period of one year in the amount of seventy-two million, three hundred and forty-three thousand, two hundred and thirty-four dollars and thirty-three cents ($72,343,234.33) by Petrojam Limited to Quality Plus Contracting Company Limited.
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Contact:
The Honourable Fayval Williams
Minister of Education, Youth and Information