Business
Jamaica becomes regional hub for relief operations – as the country works towards becoming global logistics hub
Kingston Harbor, Jamaica. PHOTO/File
As Jamaica readies to position itself as the fourth node in the global logistics chain, the island-nation has been designated the sub-regional hub for relief operations in the event of disasters.
According to the country’s Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Anthony Hylton, the designation will allow for greater efficiency and management of regional and international humanitarian supplies and for fast and effective delivery of assistance in disaster situations.
“This designation will mean a strengthening of the logistics link between Jamaica and Panama, which has been designated the Regional Logistics Center for Humanitarian Assistance for the Americas in the provision of post disaster humanitarian relief,” he said.
The designation of Jamaica as the sub-regional relief operations hub, was made by head of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Baroness Amos, and is in keeping with efforts to enhance regional co-operation in disaster preparedness and humanitarian response.
Minister Hylton contended that in the future, it is likely that Jamaica’s global logistics hub operation will be seen “as a sort of magnet for multinational corporations whose products and services are directly or indirectly involved in the logistics associated with disaster management and disaster relief”.
This designation will work favorably for Jamaica – and will provide an added incentive to expedite the establishment of the island-nation as a major global logistics hub, in addition to sending a clear signal that the global community understands the geo-strategic importance of Jamaica to global logistics.
Jamaica’s logistics hub initiative aims to take advantage of the anticipated increase in maritime activities from the expansion of the Panama Canal, scheduled for completion by 2016. The country is deemed ideally positioned for this undertaking, based on the country’s location, midway between North and South America, and in close proximity to the canal.
