Jamaica Agent Services (JAS) was officially opened yesterday as a subsidiary of the United States-based West Corporation, a company which grossed US$820 million in 2002.

The National Investment Bank of Jamaica (NIBJ) has made no official announcement, but The Gleaner reported in October that West Corp. had acquired the former Teleservices operations which NIBJ had placed in receivership. West Corp. was Tele-services' biggest client.

"I think when a company of this stature decides to make an investment in Jamaica, it sends a signal not just locally but globally to all players in the industry that Jamaica has the capabilities, the people, and the infrastructure to compete and to attract companies of this nature," said Julian Robinson, the manager of Investment and Promotions at Jamaica Promotions (JAMPRO), speaking at the opening.

JAS handles outbound and inbound calls offering customer service care on behalf of top American companies, including AT&T and Target stores.

This is the latest addition to the Free Zone, following the opening of Vista Print and National Asset Recovery Services (NARS) in the past two months.

The Montego Bay Free Zone has seen an increase in business over the past few months, with companies like E-Services Group, Media Track, Standard Data Limited, Olympic Sports, and OMI Alliance One, significantly expanding their operations, leasing new space and hiring new employees.

Another company, First American Corporation, is expected to join the Free Zone in January.

Chairman of the Free Zone, Senator Noel Sloley welcomed West Corp, and stressed the government's commitment to the IT sector.

"It is another tribute to the outstanding quality of the Jamaican workforce and the ability of our fellow Jamaicans to set good examples of dedication and professionalism that have paved the way for West Corporation. We applaud all of these companies for their display of confidence in Jamaica," said Senator Sloley.

He also announced that arrangements were being finalised for the construction of an additional 80,000 square feet of space within the Montego Bay Free Zone, as all the existing space has been filled.

JAS began operating in Montego Bay in October and also has another a call centre in Portmore, St. Catherine.

Executive Vice President Michael Mazour said the company hopes to employ between 600 and 800 employees by the end of 2004. West Corporation is headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska with operations elsewhere in North America, Europe and Asia, employing approximately 24,000 persons.

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