October 16, 2024

The Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) will be launching an eight-part interview series “Let’s Talk Goals” which will unfold for viewers the many actions, considerations and adjustments that Jamaica is making to keep the momentum of Jamaica moving to an improved quality of life for all Jamaicans.

Director General of the PIOJ, Dr Wayne Henry, said that the series which will air on PBCJ will provide up-to-date explanations of how policy coherence and integrated planning are being used to advance Jamaica’s development.

He said, “The SDG secretariat undertook a national survey which revealed the significant gaps between the work that is being done to achieve the SDGs and the awareness of the public about it. Our challenge is that this is not a quick-pick subject area, but one that needs immersion in the subject area and discussion and contemplation in order to develop a well informed outlook. This video series aims to narrow the knowledge gap and encourage greater participation from interested members of the public. We hope that this will come up in your friend groups, board rooms, zoom rooms, classrooms and community centres in the public and the private sectors.”

The eight-part series will run twice weekly on Flow 105/113 or DigiPlay 13 on Thursdays and Saturdays starting on Thursday October 31 at 8PM and on Saturdays at 6:30PM.

Dr Henry will start the series followed by various speakers from government and development partners. Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith will provide an update on the partnerships that Jamaica has developed in the international community. Minister of Education, Mrs Fayval Williams will speak on the strategic activities aimed at improving educational outcomes. Jamaica’s climate adaptation and mitigation strategies will be discussed by PIOJ Deputy Director General, Sustainable Development and Social Planning, Ms Claire Bernard.

The delicate balance that must be met to have economic diversification will be addressed by Senior Director, Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Mrs Monique Gibbs-Saunders and Chief Technical, Director Ministry of Tourism, Mr David Wayne Dobson.
The role of the private enterprise is critical in this area and Technical Specialist Socioeconomic Development, PIOJ Ms Charmaine Brimm and Vice President of the Private Sector of Jamaica, Dr Parris Lyew-Ayee, speak on this area.

The actions that are being taken by the Ministry of National Security to have a secure environment will be discussed by Director, Strategic Planning and Performance Management, Mr Andre Cowan.

Wrapping up the series is the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Jamaica, Mr Dennis Zulu, who will bring an international perspective to the performance of Jamaica and the ongoing support of the UN.

The videos will also be available for playback on the Planning Institute of Jamaica YouTube

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