Holness tells Montego Bay gala Jamaica must become a destination for skilled workers, not just export them

ST JAMES, Jamaica — Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness has argued that Jamaica cannot secure long-term economic expansion unless it stops functioning chiefly as a supplier of skilled labour abroad and instead becomes a country that draws and holds talent at home.

Speaking at the 25th anniversary gala of Riu Hotels & Resorts in Montego Bay on Thursday night, Holness said the worldwide scramble for human capital has emerged as one of the central tests of the present age, eclipsing even the push for capital inflows and control of natural assets.

"Countries are competing for visitors…Countries are competing for investments. They are competing for businesses. But you know what else they are competing for? They are competing for talent. That, in fact, is the biggest competition," Holness told guests.

The prime minister observed that although Jamaica has long sent trained workers to foreign labour markets, the island now needs policies and conditions that welcome expertise from overseas while giving Jamaicans strong reasons to build careers locally.

"Jamaica must position itself, not only as a net exporter of talent, which we have been for almost 200 years, but we need to now position ourselves to be receivers of talent into our economy, if our economy is to grow and expand," he said.

Holness maintained that migration, tourism and foreign direct investment are often treated as separate policy areas, yet all three respond to the same signals that shape where individuals, firms and families decide to put down roots.

"A tourist chooses where to spend a vacation. An investor chooses where to place capital. A business chooses where to establish operations. A skilled worker chooses where to build a career. A family chooses where to build a future," he said, noting that choices about residence, employment and investment are increasingly driven by concerns over safety, governance, efficiency, connectivity and economic prospects.

"The countries that succeed are those countries that become a destination of choice," the prime minister said, citing Singapore, Dubai and Switzerland as nations that have built settings appealing to investors, professionals and sustained commercial activity.

Holness contended that Jamaica's tourism sector can advance that wider goal by acting as the first doorway through which outsiders encounter the country.

"Tourism is not simply an industry. It is oftentimes the first introduction to a country. It shapes perceptions. It builds confidence. It showcases a nation's potential. Tourism is the gateway to investment-led development," he said.

He explained that well-placed tourism projects can set off a pattern in which visitors gain familiarity with Jamaica, trust increases, capital follows and fresh openings arise that keep local workers on the island while pulling in talent from other countries.

"Opportunity retains and attracts talent," Holness said. "So instead of our Jamaicans leaving to go elsewhere to work, they stay here and contribute to our economy. But they also attract people to come in and work. It creates diversity. It helps to improve our own talent, expand our services."

The prime minister said state spending on infrastructure, public safety, housing, public services and human capital is intended to sharpen Jamaica's standing as a location where people wish to live and earn a living.

"They are all part of a single national mission to make Jamaica a place of choice, a place where people want to visit, a place where businesses want to invest, a place where talented people want to work, a place where families want to live, a place where future generations can thrive," he said.

Holness delivered the address while praising Riu Hotels & Resorts for a quarter-century of partnership with Jamaica, describing the Spanish chain's ongoing commitment to the island as proof of confidence in the country's direction.

"In many respects, Riu's 25 years in Jamaica demonstrates that we are on that path. The confidence that Riu showed in Jamaica 25 years ago has been rewarded. And the confidence that Jamaica has placed in Riu has also been rewarded," the prime minister said.

"To the Riu family and the entire Riu team, thank you for your partnership, for your investment and your belief in Jamaica. Congratulations on 25 years of outstanding contribution to the Jamaican tourism products," he added.

Holness joined Riu staff at the hotel's anniversary gala in Montego Bay on Thursday night.