Permanent Secretary Dr. Alwin Hales was part of an official delegation which visited China between June 16 and 25 to hold talks concerning various projects being entered into between Jamaica and China.
Critical discussions centred around proposals for additional funds to continue the rehabilitation of the island’s road network; additionally, the Permanent Secretary along with representatives from the National Works Agency (NWA), Mr. Patrick Wong, CEO; Mr. George Knight, Director, Road Implementation & Special Projects and Mr. Roger Smith, Director, Technical Services all attended the China Harbour Engineering Conference. Mr. Smith also inspected Bailey Bridges that were earmarked for shipment to Jamaica.
Also speaking at the Press Conference was Minister Mike Henry who also congratulated the NWA on the observance of their 10th anniversary. He said that the implementation of the JDIP is moving ‘full speed ahead’. He noted that the programme is an all-encompassing one covering roads, bridges, gullies, river training and traffic management.
The PS was part of the contingent led by Finance Minister Audley Shaw and included various meetings with Chinese officials. Some of these included a meeting with the Chinese Ministry of Finance; one with the Ministry of Commerce and one with the China EXIM Bank.
The Permanent Secretary returned to the island on Saturday, June 25.