Speaking at an official tour of Phase One of the refurbishing programme at the Park last month, Minister of Industry, Commerce and Technology, Phillip Paulwell noted that as an English speaking country, Jamaica's proximity to the US, a mere 1 1/2 hours from the US mainland, makes the island an ideal IT centre for Indian corporations.

Also touring the complex, now 95 per cent complete, were the Indian High Commissioner to Jamaica, His Excellency, I.V. Chopra; Factories Corporation of Jamaica (FCJ) directors and Minister of Mining and Energy, Anthony Hylton, Member of Parliament for West St. Thomas.

In extending his invitation to IT companies in India to operate out of Jamaica, Minister Paulwell indicated that both the United States and Jamaica recognise the expertise of the Indians. He pointed out that these entrepreneurs can benefit from cost savings in telecommunications services and management time, should they chose to expand IT operations in Jamaica.

Of the Springfield Technology Park, Minister Paulwell proudly asserted, "It is the model and mother of all IT parks.

" He credited Minister Anthony Hylton for forging links with India, in his earlier capacity as Foreign Affairs Minister. This led to Minister's trip to India last year to attract investors in the Information Technology sector to Jamaica and the Springfield facility was the main selling point during that trip.

High Commissioner Chopra encouraged and praised the efforts of the Factories Corporation and the Government in creating an impressive complex. In extending his wishes for success, Mr. Chopra said, "India is not just an ancient land of snake charmers and beggars. India takes prides in the success of its IT industry, which emerged out of the country's scientific and industrial revolution."

The High Commissioner reported that India's total IT exports currently earns US$5 billion, and added that India expects that figure to rise to US$50 billion by 2008, as the country is enjoying growth in earnings in the sector of 50 per cent per annum.

The 96,000 sq. ft Goodyear factory was acquired by the Jamaican Government 3 years ago, and is undergoing a phased refurbishing programme. Now, Springfield IT Park, it is being developed for state-of-the-art IT infrastructure with full social and recreational amenities for workers in the park.

Minister Paulwell stressed that the IT sector is characterised by strenuous mental application, so employees must enjoy a good working environment for sustainable human resource performance and development. He envisaged "a great park", noting that the Springfield development will boast its new bus depot, canteen, playing field and other facilities, in addition to the park with water fountain and considerable green space.

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