HON. DARYL VAZ TO THE 2010/2011 SECTORAL DEBATE

PRESENTATION BY

MINISTER WITH RESPONSIBILITY FOR INFORMATION,

TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SPECIAL PROJECTS,

HON. DARYL VAZ

TO THE 2010/2011 SECTORAL DEBATE,

HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT

TUESDAY, JUNE 27, 2010

Information and Communications Technology (ICT)

Mr. Speaker, it is well known that ICTs are the pivot of productivity and growth in the post-industrial world and it is for this reason that our own growth prospects are inextricably bound up with how we drive this industry. Mr. Speaker, Jamaica has taken great care in not only laying a strong and sound foundation but in adding value to the superstructure.

Mr. Speaker, the world has long known that Jamaica has one of the highest teledensity rates in the world, boasting a rate in excess of 100%, that is, Mr. Speaker, at the end of the second quarter of fiscal year 2009, the total subscriber base of the mobile telecommunications sector was two        million, eight hundred and twenty thousand, four hundred and forty two (2,820,442). Mr. Speaker, some may say that we are a nation of talkers, but we are much more than that - we are on a mission to exploit the opportunities provided by this platform. 

Our banks, Mr. Speaker, are now providing mobile banking services to  their customers on a ‘24/7' basis; the use of social networking sites (which are accessible by cell phone) is transforming the way how businesses market to both local and international audiences while simultaneously increasing consumer participation in the dialogue. Further Mr. Speaker, the use of social networking sites has allowed for unprecedented involvement and interface with the citizenry. 

This Government is committed to making full use of technological innovations to transform all sectors from Agriculture to Water; from Education to the speedy delivery of Justice so that it may not be delayed and therefore denied (I refer of course, Mr. Speaker, to the Government's roll out of its Case Management System).  Also Mr. Speaker, in the area of Planning, ICTs are being utilised to speed up the approval processes relative to land and building applications through the use of the AMANDA System which links all the Agencies involved in the delivery of these services - I mention these briefly at this stage, Mr. Speaker, to make the point that it is not only commercial activities which are being supported by the use of ICTs but also activities of a non commercial and regulatory nature. 

Mr. Speaker, this serves to highlight that Jamaica has moved beyond the issues of teleconnectivity and teledensity towards the more mature issues of providing an adequate framework for the application and integration of ICTs into every aspect of our daily life.

This informs our policy ethos, Mr. Speaker. Our policy vision, broadly, is a knowledge-based and educated society which is globally competitive and productive, positioning Jamaica as the ICT hub in the region. Our mission, to achieve greater social and economic development for the Jamaican people through increased application of information and communications technology in all sectors, facilitated by affordable ICT services. We also seek to advance Jamaica's regional leadership in ICT by enabling connectivity over multiple and diverse platforms. 

The Government's thrust is to utilise ICT to boost national efficiency and productivity, support the development of micro and small businesses and to attract a higher level of investments; both foreign direct as well as local. The Government sees itself as a facilitator in this dynamic sector, and for purposes of creating a truly enabling environment, deliberations relative to the establishment of an appropriate converged ICT Regulator have occupied centre stage over the last few months. Government will be drafting new ICT legislation and establishing cross-agency protocols to minimize fragmentation and jurisdictional overlap.  Our policy document, Mr. Speaker, will provide further details and will be tabled in this Honourable House early in the second quarter of this financial year.

The long-term strategic vision for the ICT sector, as elaborated in our National Development Plan 2030, is built on a number of fundamental elements, including:

• An ICT sector that achieves sustained global competitiveness in industry and market segments where Jamaica has competitive advantage

• A sector that is driven by private sector investment within a policy and regulatory framework that fosters competition and transparency

• A sector that is accessible to all Jamaicans and contributes to greater ICT literacy

• A sector that enhances the productivity and competitiveness of Jamaica's productive sectors

• A sector that is environmentally sustainable with minimal harmful environmental impacts

• A sector that supports improved governance at all levels

• A sector that contributes to the science, research and innovation capabilities of the country

The opportunity is taken Members of this Honourable House to applaud team Xormis from the Northern Caribbean University which has emerged winners of the Microsoft Imagine Cup Competition held in Poland earlier this month. These young scientists competed against three hundred and twenty five thousand (325,000) schools representing one hundred countries Mr. Speaker. The youth, Mr. Speaker, have demonstrated that they have a firm grasp of the tools with which to create innovative solutions to address the challenges of our time.  The future is indeed bright Mr. Speaker. Once again we salute the determination, application and tenacity of these multiple times regional champions. This team has at once secured the reward of international success; inspired an entire generation and brought a heightened sense of pride to our nation.

To keep pace with this dynamic industry, our legislative framework will have to be reformed. Technical work within the Ministry therefore Mr. Speaker, will focus on harmonisation of existing legislation and the introduction of new legislation which is as enabling, as it is certain and enforceable.

The Government, Mr. Speaker, also recognises that there is need to treat specially with the regulation of content which at this juncture is playing a critical role in the socio-economic development of our country.

CITO

GovNet now in sight

Mr. Speaker, in my speech last year I spoke to the development of GovNet, which I described as a thing of beauty yet to be developed and seen.

I am pleased to announce that the concept of GovNet has been created and the vision of GovNet is here. CITO with its new Board headed by the Hon. Danville Walker, has been mandated to implement the vision and concept of GovNet.

If we are to reduce red tape, we must build an information highway that connects all Government Ministries and their Departments and Agencies together. This highway must be wide enough that all the telephony data traffic can flow over it at high speed and also efficiently. Mr. Speaker, operating in an online, real time environment will be the norm in order to leverage the bank of data and information that resides within Government.

Currently, telephone bills for the Government are approximately two billion dollars per year - 60% of the Government's telephony costs are for calls made to itself; Ministries calling Ministries, Departments, calling Ministries, Public Bodies calling Departments, etc. With the use of GovNet and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology, we will be able to cut that cost to the Government realising savings of hundreds of millions and in turn, using the savings to provide better service to the public.

Transport and Works Minister Honourable Michael Henry, is doing a tremendous job to ensure that we can travel safely and comfortably on our roads. However, travelling from Kingston to Montego Bay for a one hour meeting is not the most efficient use of the Government's time.  GovNet, will allow for increase use of Video Conferencing to maximise resources and reduce the Government's carbon footprint.

The infrastructure must be put in place and it must be efficient and affordable to Government, with a programme that will refresh the technology automatically so that its availability and use will drive the applications and solutions implemented.

GovNet when implemented will be a Game Changer. It will change not only how the entire Government does business but how we envision solutions. All Agencies will be able to see transformational change if an efficient Government ICT Network is established. But think of the benefits to education, national security, health if there is that level of connectivity between all their Headquarters and their outstations, even police cars to police stations. Yes, Mr. Speaker, the development of a National Government IT infrastructure will further facilitate the Ministry of National Security's assault on crime. 

Jamaica has significant resources that will be used to give us a well needed start. GovNet will make use of all these resources to give CCTV access to all the entry and exit routes to all major towns and traffic light intersections. This, when completed, will be a powerful tool to assist the police in our fight to regain order and fight crime.  Wireless and the new developments in technology will enable police cars to be able to access data and video so that even in what are now remote areas, can be brought under tight supervision by the police high command.

GovNet, Mr. Speaker, is one of other strategies which will shred the red tape of bureaucracy and allow this Government to position Jamaica for growth.

This is but a glimpse of what GovNet will do:

• It will be the ICT platform from which many of the Government initiatives will be launched.
• It will be the platform that will facilitate more effectively, an open, transparent and efficient Government.
• The Government will use GovNet to create efficiencies in the way we interact with our citizens and how they access improved social, health and security services for the people of Jamaica.

I also take the opportunity to commend CITO and the Spectrum Management Authority for staging a successful Caribbean ICT Road Show  which began in communities throughout the island and culminates with the main event in Kingston now underway. It has brought together regional and Jamaican leaders in technology, other stakeholders and importantly the citizens.

Deriving Value from GoJ ICT Spend

Mr. Speaker, we are constrained by limited financial resources and therefore it is imperative for us to use our resources wisely. It is with this in mind that in March of this year I requested that a moratorium be placed on the purchase of PBX systems in Government. I have asked CITO to review these purchases to ensure that maximum value is derived from tax payers' money.

We have one public sector and not 215 entities - we will be managing the ICT component of Government through CITO utilising all instruments at our disposal.

The Ministry of Finance and the Public Service is to develop IT procurement rules that will seek to standardise all IT purchases  so that the maximum benefits can be obtained from volume purchases and also efficiencies may be derived from training and maintenance.

The Government of Jamaica is one of the single largest (if not the largest) consumer of telephony and ICT related services in Jamaica. To that end, CITO will derive methods to enable the Government to benefit from economies of scale for the purchase of ICT related items. No longer will the Government be seen as separate Ministries, Departments and entities but as a whole, and as such, garner cost benefits from its substantial purchasing power.

We must have a coordinated approach to guide ICT deployment and acquisition in Government; and CITO is the body that will do this.

Universal Access Fund Company Ltd

Mr. Speaker, the Universal Access Fund is an important implementation tool in support of Government Policy, for which the overarching objective may be cited as being the stimulus for the expansion of ICT access. That is,  Mr. Speaker, the Universal Access Fund is the vehicle through which the Government is facilitating and broadening access to ICT resources and bringing the benefits of ICT to the people irrespective of their location.

Since the inception of the Universal Access Fund in June 2005 to the end of the last fiscal year, levy payments totaling $6.7 billion have been collected. Accounts receivable at the end of the fiscal year end amounted to $410 million - which is nearly $120 million above the projected levels.

During the 2009/2010 fiscal year, the Universal Access Fund Company initiated a number of projects to fulfill this mandate. A concerted effort was made to ensure that ICT facilities were made available to physically challenged members of the society. The Universal Access Fund Company Ltd was also able to complete seventeen community access points island wide at a cost of $30.4 million.

Mr. Speaker, we will continue to prioritise infrastructure for educational institutions, public libraries and post offices. We will pursue even more vigorously, the creation of an information and knowledge-based society, as well as facilitate lifelong learning to boost productivity and innovation. We keep ever before us members of this Honourable House, the imperative of providing island-wide broadband connectivity for all high schools, public libraries and select post offices. We expect to pump some $40 million into infrastructural upgrading of the Postal Corporation of Jamaica by establishing an additional 10 Internet facilities island wide. The National Library, located not too far from us here, Mr. Speaker, has indicated that Internet facilities funded by the Universal Access Fund in 2008, no longer meets the demand.

Awareness, Mr. Speaker, drives exponential increase in demand for connectivity and alternative modes of delivery to communities. Unique needs in remote areas Mr. Speaker have invited consideration in Government for example, of a custom-built state-of-the-art mobile cyber-library for use by the Jamaica Library Service. This will enable the JLS to schedule visits to communities across the island and to provide these communities with library and internet services.

During this year also, Mr. Speaker, the Company will provide further assistance to the Postal Corporation to extend Internet services to an additional 10 post offices island wide. The Universal Access Fund Company Ltd has also been collaborating with agencies such as the Social Development Commission, the National Housing Trust, and the Jamaica Foundation for Lifelong Learning and faith-based institutions. The Company is far advanced in identifying at least 75 additional communities for the establishment of access points during this fiscal year, pumping some $264 million into the project. This is real, substantial empowerment of the people, Mr. Speaker.

The e-Learning Project

The e-Learning project, Mr. Speaker, has tremendous scope, reach, and impact. I am very happy to report, Mr. Speaker, that as of August last year all high schools - 162 of them, and six (6) special schools with students with learning and physical challenges were equipped with computers and local area networks, among other accomplishments.

Through the e-Learning project, students are being exposed to master teachers and have access to the best training resources, irrespective of their geography, learning institutions and socio-economic background. Teachers can also be exposed to the best instructional material and training resources.

Over forty video lectures were produced last year and delivered to schools and broadcast on PBC Jamaica. During the last fiscal year over 10,000 of the targeted 11,000 teachers and lecturers were trained by HEART Trust/NTA of which over 6,000 persons were certified to NCT/VET levels. Additionally, 400 systems administrators were trained in network management as well as approximately 200 teachers received online training in ICT skills. Approximately 2,000 teachers were trained through the Mico University College in the integration of technology in instructional delivery

There are now e-Learning implementation committees established in all schools and colleges, and since November 2005, over $2 billion has been spent under the project. During this fiscal year, Mr. Speaker, the e-Learning Company will develop and implement a focused intervention for 20 low-performing schools using integrated learning software to assist in English, Mathematics and integrated science learning.

Postal Services

The Post and Telecommunications Department, Mr. Speaker, has been working assiduously to improve the quality of the country's postal services. The modernisation of these services has been a major objective of the Department's work.  The modernisation process is ongoing and we are pleased with what has been accomplished so far.

Already,  we have achieved 100% automation of the tracking and tracing system for parcels; 90% automation of the Registered Mail Unit and 97% achievement of all the targets for Express Mail Service which is now ranked twenty-second worldwide, and third in the Caribbean - an achievement about which all of us can be proud, Mr. Speaker.

We have streamlined processing of all incoming mail at the Central Sorting Office and have significantly increased efficiency in the delivery of international mail. In the area of Border Protection and Control, there has been significant improvement with a 90% decrease, Mr. Speaker - 90%-- in narcotic finds in international outbound mail over the last two years.

This is as a result of the implementation of a high-end imaging machine used to detect contraband. This, of course, has resulted in Jamaica's postal services having a more positive image internationally among postal partners. Interestingly too, greater comfort regarding our security on outbound mail, has led to faster processing of our mail by international Customs, especially in the United States.

Access to Information

I now turn to the information portfolio, Mr. Speaker. I want to start with access to information. Members of this Honourable House are aware that this is a basic right, Mr. Speaker, not a privilege. It is not a courtesy granted by a Government to the people. Access to information promotes transparency and accountability, two important pillars, Mr. Speaker, of our democratic system.  It was former President of the United States, John F Kennedy who said "A nation that is afraid to let its people judge the truth and falsehood in an open market is afraid of its people"

Mr. Speaker, this Government is not afraid of its people. Mr. Speaker, it is a faithful servant of the people.  As members of this House are aware, a Joint Select Committee has been constituted and a review of the Access to information Act (2002) is underway. The committee has benefitted from submissions by key stakeholders from civil society and the media as well as concerned citizens.

The committee has reviewed the recommendations of all the stakeholders and will conclude its work in the shortest possible time in order to set deadlines for the implementation of changes aimed at strengthening the access to information framework. The indications are Mr. Speaker, that this will include legislative as well as administrative changes.

The State is a servant of the people's interests, not their master. The State exists to facilitate and empower the people, not to obstruct the people's right to know. Mr. Speaker, this Government is sincerely and wholeheartedly committed to openness and transparency. We are proud of our successes and we will continue to strengthen the regime.

To this end, during the year under review, the Access to Information Unit implemented public education programmes targeted at various stakeholder groups and interests, ranging from senior citizens to the youth in various training institutions.

In 2009, the Access to Information Unit sponsored another Access to Information National Essay Competition for high school students, in partnership with civil society stakeholders. The Unit also participated in major exhibitions in the Corporate Area, St. James, Portland and Manchester. The Unit has also engaged in direct face-to-face contact with nearly five thousand (5,000) members of the public.

We continue to use the media to encourage citizens to utilise the legislation to check up on and monitor their Government, and to track our progress in fulfilling commitments made. We believe this is very important in building participatory democracy and in fostering an active and informed citizenry.

Public Broadcasting Corporation of Jamaica (PBC Jamaica)

Closely aligned to this objective, Mr. Speaker is the critical work of the Public Broadcasting Corporation of Jamaica. I don't think there is anyone in this House, Mr. Speaker, on either side, who does not appreciate the work of the PBC Jamaica - if only because   they are responsible for showing the nation what we do here. Now perhaps sometimes when we engage in robust debate and discharge our duties with (some may say unbridled) passion, the public eye reminds us of the focus and the spirit of cooperation with which we must serve.  PBC Jamaica will continue to provide this extremely valuable service.

After all, Mr. Speaker, sound bytes and snippets often do a great injustice to us or at the very least, convey only a partial picture of what takes place in this Honorable House.  Information is very critical to a democracy. It is the oxygen of democracy, Mr. Speaker. 

PBCJ has successfully engaged the Jamaican society on a wide range of issues, having discussion interview programmes, cultural segments, educational programmes and documentaries. We must keep in mind, Mr. Speaker, that the mandate of the PBCJ is not to be confused with that of the Jamaica Information Service. The Jamaica Information Service, about which I will speak shortly, is the information arm of the Government disseminating information on Government programmes and policies. The PBCJ's task is wider, for Government information should not be conflated with public information. It is not one and the same.  Gordon House Inside Out, for example, Mr. Speaker, gives equal time to members from both sides of this House and space for a panel of commentators with contending views.  Importantly, Mr. Speaker, the PBCJ also provides viewers consistent access to educational, cultural and otherwise uplifting and enlightening programming.

PBC Jamaica represents an important space in the media landscape in Jamaica and this Government is totally committed to supporting and strengthening it.

As you know, Mr. Speaker, last year we acquired Kool FM to facilitate the commencement of public radio broadcasting which will be rolled out to complement the news and current affairs offering provided through the public private partnership between the Public Broadcasting Corporation of Jamaica and Nationwide News Network.

Broadcasting Commission

With pride, Mr. Speaker, I speak of the work of the Broadcasting Commission which has had a far-reaching effect on the society and has influenced developments at all levels of the society, particularly at the grassroots. This Agency positively impacts all strata of society and has made tangible and measureable improvements in this society's values and attitudes.

The Commission as you may recall, Mr. Speaker, made certain interventions in February of 2009, Mr. Speaker, which have significantly and palpably changed the face of the broadcasting industry in Jamaica.  Through vigilance, Mr. Speaker, there has been a significant paradigm shift in the name of public morality with broad support from members of the public and to their credit, the music and broadcasting industries.

This is a stellar example of state intervention and initiative for protection of the public good. And it's a work the Broadcasting Commission continues. You would not have missed Mr. Speaker - no one can miss - the frequent ads under the theme "With Choice Comes Responsibility". During this fiscal year the Broadcasting Commission will continue its public education campaign and its critical role as a guardian of public morality and a referee for fairplay in the broadcast media.

The Commission has advanced work which will inform recommendations relative to the development of an electronic media policy. Turning to other elements in the landscape and opportunities of the forthcoming period, it will be necessary for the Commission to be enabled to operate with the additional regulatory amendments that have been placed on the table following wide consultations which began in 2008. These include new regulations to combat payola, strengthen the protection of children and victims of trauma, increase the time allowed for advertising during special periods, regulation of Independent Programme Providers, establishment of a fund to support the production of local content, and introduction of financial sanctions.

As Members of this Honourable House are aware Mr. Speaker, the Broadcasting Commission is the oldest content regulator in the English-speaking Caribbean and one that enjoys the respect of the public, the industry and regional and international partners. The Commission was therefore well positioned to host earlier this month a regional conference on broadcasting regulation and policy. It was a success and allowed for the sharing of important perspectives, including a range of media policy issues that are under consideration. These media policy issues encompass examination of traditional broadcast media, non broadcast media including satellite radio and television, and new media platforms such as IP TV and Mobile TV.  The consumption of media content and its effects was and continues to be the subject of focus, as also, changing business models and media structure. 

Importantly, examination of matters relative to the Digital switch-over, were also examined and the opportunity is taken to advise the Honorable House that the projection is that in 2010,  the global standard and even the timeframe within which Jamaica's analogue systems are to be switched to digital will be finalised and efforts in this regard advanced.

Creative Production and Training Centre

Another important public sector player in the media landscape, Mr. Speaker, is the Creative Production and Training Centre (CPTC). The CPTC celebrates its twenty-fifth anniversary- twenty-five years of contribution to cultural information and media training and enhancement. Mr. Speaker, the CPTC's emphasis on culture which is really our greatest strength and our area of greatest competitive advantage-- is critical.

Our rich, textured and enviable cultural history and robust cultural status demands care in documenting and showcasing these works. The CPTC has faithfully discharged both its production and training mandates over the last twenty-five (25) years and I ask members to join with me in saluting this service.

The CPTC is embarking on a number of new projects and initiatives for the current fiscal year, which will be supported by a subvention from Government and revenues earned by the Agency.

Government Communication

Mr. Speaker, I take this opportunity to speak to a matter which has been prominent in the news, I refer to concerns regarding the use of the time reserved for Government broadcasts in the private media. There has been a great deal of misunderstanding and miscommunication on this issue and I want to set the record straight and put the whole issue in context.

As I said earlier, information is the very lifeblood, the oxygen of our democracy. Without an informed, educated and engaged populace your democracy is incomplete. An ignorant or under-informed and apathetic people cannot fully exercise their democratic rights. That for communication to be effective it must adapt to the needs of the target audience, is beyond debate.  We have run out of Mr. Speaker, superlatives to describe the speed with which people access and use information. One thing is clear in this age of information overload; people digest information one sound byte at a time. This is as true for commercial communicators as well as for Government communicators. In fact, there is an even greater imperative for Government communicators to be snappy and concise because usually the information being given is not naturally seductive enough to maintain interest when juxtaposed with what commercial communicators and advertisers are offering at the same table.

So it is Mr. Speaker, that the burden of creativity rests more strenuously on the shoulders of the Government communicators. The menu Mr. Speaker, had to be aligned to the taste of our radio and television audiences, that is, there had to be a calibration with the changes which had already taken place and had become standardized in media. There was a trend toward punchier features in commercial media, and we thought that if people were accustomed to receiving their information in a particular way, then we should not perpetuate our anachronism by bucking the trend.

We decided to go with the flow and to cater to market needs. So in February - indeed, from as early as February 3-- we started negotiations with media managers. The CEO of the Jamaica Information Service and her team went in and spoke to the media mangers of the various media entities to discuss with them our desire to be more cutting-edge and to break up our half-an-hour format which we have been using for more than fifty years, more than fifty years, Mr. Speaker.

Let members of this Honourable House and the people of Jamaica be assured that the burden of our efforts is to keep the nation informed - to ensure the citizenry has access to credible official information and in a time already provided for in broadcast licences.  We aim very simply, Mr. Speaker, to break up the time allotted into five and three-minute segments to make the information more accessible, listener-friendly and more suited to people's viewing and listening patterns. Mr. Speaker, a sample list of some of the programmes produced by the JIS in this new paradigm should illustrate the expanse of useful information which may be covered utilizing this approach:

• EU funds "We Want Justice" project
• Help for the Small Business owner
• The roles and functions of the office of the Children's Registry
• Becoming an Entrepreneur
• The human and financial cost of road accidents
• Initiatives to increase access to housing solutions
• How to apply to the PATH programme
• Gastroenteritis-reminders of the dangers of the illness
• Agricultural Insurance
• Applying for Electrical Connection

And I could go on and on, Mr. Speaker, but I believe the evidence is clear. I ask that we be less emotive, caustic and mistrustful of each other's motives. We have to give each other the benefit of the doubt and this is why track record is important. This is why it is important to look at the actual data of what these JIS programmes are about.

You know another thing you would find very interesting, Mr. Speaker - JIS recently commissioned a public perception survey by the leading media pollster in Jamaica, the authoritative Don Anderson.

I make reference to this informative survey because the impression has been given that the JIS has no credibility among the Jamaican listening and viewing public and, therefore, commercial media entities which carry JIS programmes in prime time could somehow be impairing their own credibility and confusing their audience with propaganda versus facts.

According to this recently conducted Don Anderson perception poll, as much as 90% of respondents polled, said that JIS was a good source of information. Over 55% expressed the view that the JIS is doing a very good job and another 29% felt JIS was doing an 'okay' job.

Some of the respondents said, "If I miss items of interest on the news, I can get it from JIS' and "the information is reliable". I quote from Don Anderson himself who commented:

"The results were actually quite positive, because over 66% felt it was important to have ongoing information about Government programmes, policies and institutions. In general, people have a pretty good opinion of the JIS and again it is because they believe the JIS produces programmes, provides information and reports of the things that are happening".

Now if this is what radio and television audiences are saying; if this is what the empirical data is showing, not hearsay or guesswork; if this is the hard evidence (and media should be evidence-driven) then you can't discount what the people are saying.

I again quote from Don Anderson: "We asked people to say what they thought was the positive things that they associated with the JIS and the largest one was that the JIS provides information that is current and useful". Of note is the fact that some 76% of those polled did not identify any negative associations with JIS.

Now this should be particularly important and instructive to those media owners who are worried that carrying JIS programmes in prime-time and more than once a day will impair their credibility and possibly lead to a fall-off in viewership and listenership. I know media managers are rational, and evidence-based in reasoning and therefore I have no doubt that they will be informed by the results of this recent Don Anderson poll as we jointly pursue    service to our country.

Mr. Speaker... My motivation is derived by the encouragement expressed by the JIS management and staff.  As far back as February this year, I received a letter from the CEO of the JIS, Mrs. Donna-Marie Rowe, which said in part, Congratulations Minister...."the leadership and production teams of the Agency welcome this new approach.  For years, we lobbied for better times on television in particular.  It is felt that this bold move that you have initiated, the reach of government information will be wider.  In our productions, we will aim for mass acceptance even as we make slight adjustments to branding".

Mr. Speaker, JIS is making constructive and purposeful change that's long overdue. Let me take this opportunity to encourage all stakeholders which include the members of this Honorable House, the MAJ, the PAJ and Civil Society...to give these hard working, creative and professional JIS workers our wholehearted and undivided support.

Development Approvals Process and NEPA

Mr. Speaker, I want to turn to an issue which is very dear to my heart and which my staff will tell you is the area about which I get most worked up. If there is one impact I want to make on Government before I make my exit from this job, it is to leave it more efficient, more functional and more customer-oriented. I am firmly committed to that, Mr. Speaker.

We have to make interacting with Government less of a hassle and less bureaucratic, while tending to the necessary precaution and guidelines to protect integrity and accountability. The whole area of development approvals is one which this Administration has been looking at very seriously. In August last year the Office of the Prime Minister commenced implementation of the pilot Development Assistance Centre which is located within the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA).

The Development Assistance Centre (DAC) was born out of the need to establish a one-stop shop for processing development applications. The proposal was presented to the Government in December 2008, by the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce and what has been called the ‘Legs and Regs' (for legislation and regulation) project team, a private-public sector partnership.

Anybody who has had to seek development approval would know of the many agencies through which one has to be routed to get a decision. It has been a tedious and costly exercise. It has been reported that applications for matters such as subdivisions can take up to eighteen months. Our pilot development assistance project will identify the main issues constraining the efficient operation of the project applications process and make the relevant recommendations to the CEO of NEPA who will then report to the Office of the Prime Minister.

Of course, there is a programme through which members of the public can track development applications online, the application management information system called AMANDA to which I referred earlier Mr. Speaker, and this has been operational since July 2008. It has been showing commendable results. AMANDA has been rolled out in four local planning authorities: The KSAC, the St. James Parish Council, the Manchester Parish Council and the St Catherine Parish Council.

I am pleased to report, Mr. Speaker, that for the period April 2009 to March 31 this year, a total of two thousand and eighty one (2,081) applications were received. Of these applications, one thousand five hundred and ninety two (1,592) have been processed. Of those processed, 82% were assessed within the 90-day processing time.

With regard to spatial planning the Government has received a technical assistance grant of six hundred and eighty thousand United States dollars (US$687,000) from the Caribbean Development Bank to assist in the development of a National Spatial Plan. The National Spatial Plan will provide the basis for the optimal use of the nation's land resources and outline the framework for their effective use and management. The project is being implemented by the Office of the Prime Minister with technical support from NEPA.

During the last fiscal year a draft development order for St James was completed. Draft development orders for Manchester, Kingston and St Andrew, and Negril/Green Island, are now being reviewed by the Forward Planning Committee of the Town and Country Planning Authority. Development orders for Trelawny and Portland have been forwarded to the Chief Parliamentary Counsel.

The transformation continues Mr. Speaker, last week, the Cabinet approved the Development Applications Approvals Process "Flow Charts and the Procedures Manual for all profile of applications in the Business Process" aimed at ensuring a 90-day response time for all applications. This initiative fulfils a specific requirement of the "Simplification of the Business Process", under Condition 7 of the 2008 Government of Jamaica/European Union (GOJ-EU) Cooperation Agreement.

The application profiles and flow charts contained in the Procedures Manual provides for:

• Sub-division applications of 9 lots and under, or, 5 hectares and under to meet an approval timeline of 70 days;
• Sub-division of 10 lots and over to meet a timeline of 90 days;
• Processing building applications of 300 square meters or less in a timeline of 35 days; and
• a pre-consultation process for the Development Assistance Centre to guide potential investors and developers to ensure applications are complete at the time of submission.

With regard to environmental management, Mr. Speaker, the Natural Resources Conservation Authority Wastewater and Sludge Regulations, are expected to be gazetted shortly. These regulations were prepared after a comprehensive consultative process and will provide the framework for the construction, modification and operation of wastewater treatment facilities. Licensees, when the legislation is passed, will begin to operate under the polluter pays principle.

Kingston Harbour

In terms of other aspects of NEPA's work, Mr. Speaker, I want to mention the Kingston Harbour Environmental Management programme. As you know, for a number of years, environmentalists and concerned citizens have agonsied over the pollution in the Kingston Harbour.  Study after study has been done but we still have not solved the problem. Well, the Government   has zeroed in on forty-three entities identified as potential polluters along the rim of the Kingston Harbour.  Thirteen warning notices have so far been issued as well as three enforcement notices as a result of the assessment done. Thirty two entities are required to apply for environmental permits/licences and twenty are required to upgrade or install secondary containment for hazardous material stored in tanks. In the next phase of the programme, entities in St Catherine will be assessed for their impact on the Harbour.

Black River Early Warning and Response Programme

An early warning and response programme to effectively monitor and manage natural resources within the Black River basin has been established. The public education and       awareness programme has targeted ten communities with a view to fostering environmental stewardship among residents. The aim is to help to ensure sustainable use of the natural resources, and build and strengthen water quality monitoring as well as build an emergency and response network. We are developing, Mr. Speaker, a cadre of individuals designated as "first responders" or "river guardians" who can collect water samples when incidents of pollution occur.  This would be done even prior to the arrival of officials from NEPA or other agencies.

In terms of general enforcement, Mr. Speaker, NEPA has increased its enforcement capability. A total of two hundred and fifty two (252) enforcement actions were recorded for the year under review.

Town and Country Planning Bill

One of the pieces of legislation which is now in the drafting stage is the new Town and Country Planning Bill, designed to make local planning authorities fully responsible for development control and enforcement.

This Bill allows for the creation of an appropriate legal and institutional framework to enable Government to formulate avant-garde policies and plans regarding land use, physical planning and development control, as well as to ensure that they are standardized throughout the country.

The Bill also seeks to eliminate overlaps and unnecessary procedures by creating streamlined processes for administering planning and regulatory functions. The Bill, in short will accomplish the following:

• Make the Minister accountable for guiding the planning process

• Make the local planning authorities wholly responsible for the enforcement and development control in their respective parishes

• Mandate public involvement and input at all levels of the planning process-that is, forward planning, development control and enforcement

• And, establish a more flexible type of forward planning rather than the prescriptive one which presently obtains in development orders.

In terms of where we are with this Bill, Mr. Speaker, a stakeholder committee has reviewed the comments of the Attorney General and we will now be reviewing other pieces of legislation to assess their impact on the proposed Bill as well as research new provisions and features in other planning jurisdictions. It is our intention to pass this Bill during this fiscal year.

National Land Agency

Mr. Speaker, I move on to the National Land Agency, one of our premier public sector institutions for customer service and efficiency and the 2009 recipient of the Prime Minister's Trophy for Best Consumer Service. At the end of the 2009/2010 fiscal year, the National Land Agency's performance was an astounding 98% based on the weighted average of all key performance indicators. This actual achievement was recorded against a projected 80% target. This is another agency of which we can all be proud, Mr. Speaker.

During the year under review, a total of eight thousand, seven hundred and eighty eight (8,788) new certificates of title were issued, with a 99% endorsement put on existing titles within seven days. The agency has also been operating an Express Desk, Mr. Speaker, where single transfers and single mortgages are completed within forty-eight hours at no extra cost to the customer. In the Surveys and Mapping Division, a total of fifteen thousand five hundred and forty four (15,544) plans were checked for Commissioned Land Surveyors with a turnaround time of nearly 90% on all plans checked within a thirty-five day period.

The Land Titles Division of the agency installed a new feature in September last year whereby customers could collect their documents at their own convenience   during working hours, without joining a line. During the third quarter of the last fiscal year, the agency introduced a pilot Expedition Transaction to facilitate the completion of certain land titling transactions within twenty-four hours. During the current fiscal year, the National Land Agency will complete the construction of additional facilities at its Western Regional Office to create a one-stop-shop where all the core divisions of the agency will be represented.

The Land Administration and Management Programme (LAMP)

Another far-reaching programme, Mr. Speaker, is the Land Administration and Management Programme (LAMP). It is estimated that approximately 40% of the land parcels in Jamaica are not represented by registered titles. In fact, Mr. Speaker, this has been a major problem in developing countries. The well-known Peruvian Economist Hernando De Soto has done significant research work to establish that if countries could just secure proper land titling for the poor, that this would prove transformative in tackling poverty particularly rural poverty in developing countries.

Well, Mr. Speaker, Jamaica has been making progress in this area. Last year, LAMP secured its highest number of parcels registered yet in any one year - nine hundred and twenty five (925)--  amounting to 54% of total first registration titles issued to date (nine hundred and twenty five (925) of one thousand seven hundred and ninety nine (1799).As of the end of the last  financial year, the total number of files opened since the inception of LAMP was nine thousand, four hundred and ninety one (9,491).These files represent both new  applications made to bring them under the Registration of Titles Act as well as  updating of existing Certificates of Titles to accurately reflect existing legal rights to the parcel of land.

From the start of registration activities to the end of the last fiscal year, two thousand, six hundred and fifty two (2,652) applications for title have been lodged and one thousand, seven hundred and ninety nine (1,799) first registration titles have been issued. Three hundred and fifty new titles from other types of applications have been issued and one thousand four hundred and forty two (1,442) existing titles updated. LAMP's ongoing programme of registering people's survey diagrams for their parcels of land has been going very well with over four thousand (4,000) such diagrams, being submitted up to the end of the financial year.

LAMP has strengthened its relationship with the National Housing Trust, establishing LAMP desks at NHT offices in St Elizabeth and Clarendon. Similar desks are to be established in other parishes. LAMP is engaging in a wide range of activities to make the Jamaican people aware of their services and indeed of their ability to empower those who need their help. A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed by the Government to pursue the LAMP 2 project which was launched on the first of July in St. Elizabeth. LAMP 2 will not only engage in land tenure issues of registering land and updating existing titles but will also engage in data conversion of the records at the National Land Agency required to build the digital coastal map.

For the current year, some 10,000 new files for registrations are expected to be opened and some 9,000 parcels of land under the Registration of Titles Act will come on stream.

Conclusion

Mr. Speaker, the portfolio subjects for which I have given account span a wide area. But there is symmetry through it all.

Whether you are talking about Information and Telecommunications portfolio areas, covering among others, Access to Information, the Cinematograph Authority, Spectrum Management Authority, the Broadcasting Commission,  PBCJ, Postal services or the planning and development areas such as LAMP, the National Land Agency, NEPA, Town and Country Planning or any Special Project, in my mind, it's one mission, that is  building a superstructure for socio-        economic growth; facilitating national development and providing a platform for this nation to maximise its potential.

Mr. Speaker, there have been many missed opportunities in our nearly half a century of existence as a nation. But that is a relatively short time in the life of a nation.  My sole resolve is to ensure that I leave the foundation for public service on higher ground than I found it and to play my part in providing a suitable environment for the people of Jamaica to live in and flourish.

If then, Mr. Speaker, I can contribute to a more investment and development-friendly environment; if I can build a durable superstructure on the strong foundation we already have built in ICTs; if I can help to expand the Jamaican people's access to information from various sources; if I can go further and ensure that that information and the broadcast media are used to empower people and to strengthen their moral foundations, I would have made a modest but sound contribution.

It's not an easy road I know. But with God on my side and by my side, I will finish the course. Mr. Speaker, I thank you.