This is a joint press release from the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation and the Incorporated Masterbuilders Association of Jamaica

The Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Hon. Robert Nesta Morgan, and members of the Incorporated Masterbuilders Association of Jamaica (IMAJ) convened an inaugural meeting yesterday (June 4, 2024) to discuss the Shared Prosperity Through Accelerated Improvement (SPARK) Programme.

Minister Morgan assured the IMAJ that “the Government has no intention of excluding local contractors from the SPARK or any other programmes. The Government rather looks forward to the inclusion of local contractors through active collaboration.”

During the meeting, members of the IMAJ outlined their proposals and concerns on how to improve the programme and increase local participation.

Mr. Richard Mullings, President of the IMAJ, expressed his appreciation for the meeting and stated, “We are pleased with the Government’s commitment to inclusivity. This dialogue is a significant step towards ensuring that local contractors play a vital role in the SPARK Programme. We look forward to working collaboratively to achieve our shared goals.”

The Government and the IMAJ agreed to engage in consultations on the SPARK Programme going forward, and the IMAJ pledged to formally share their recommendations on various processes, including implementation.

In concluding the meeting, there was a commitment to open dialogue. Minister Morgan noted that this was the first of many meetings and emphasized his commitment to engaging the works sector in more consultations to address emerging and longstanding issues. The IMAJ expressed its optimism that such consultations would provide clarification to its membership on how to better access project opportunities and improve collaboration with the public sector; all with the intention of raising the level of service provided to the Jamaican public.

The SPARK Programme seeks to rehabilitate hundreds of the island’s roadways over two years and will be administered by the Ministry of Economic Growth & Job Creation (MEGJC), Ministry of Finance and the Public Service (MOFPS), Ministry of Local Government and Community Development (MLGCD), and the National Works Agency (NWA).

Participating in the meeting were Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Arlene Williams; Mr. E.G. Hunter, Chief Executive Officer of the National Works Agency; Mr. Varden Downer, Senior Director of Project Implementation at the National Works Agency; Mr. Richard Mullings, President of IMAJ; Mr. Paul Williams, 2nd Vice President of IMAJ; and representatives of YP Seaton & Associates Company Limited, Alcar Construction & Haulage Company Limited, Build-Rite Construction Company Limited, Smiths Asphalt & Aggregate Limited, S&G Road Surfacing Materials Limited, Construction Solutions Limited and Asphaltic Concrete Enterprise Limited.

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