The logistics hub - file photo
A study on the employment opportunities that can be provided through the logistics hub development has determined that if more public education is not given to citizens by the Government and citizens, the country will not benefit.
The study conducted by the Planning, Research and Monitoring Unit of the Ministry of Labour was tabled in the House of Representatives this week.
The logistics hub will, among other things, facilitate international and local trade as well as the movement of goods and services.
With the opening of the expanded Panama Canal on Sunday, Transport Minister Mike Henry expressed confidence that the country will benefit.
However, the Labour Ministry researchers have pointed out that while some work has started to educate the public about the employment opportunities, more needs to be done.
Some of the job openings will be for electricians, maritime lawyers and freight forwarders.
The researchers have recommended that because the logistics hub is primarily geared towards employing skilled persons, a greater level of public awareness is needed. They say education and training institutions should incorporate foreign languages as part of their logistics hub preparations to reduce the possibility of recruiting skills from overseas.
The recommendation has also been made to increase the level of knowledge and education about logistics from the primary level.
The study found that anticipated increased use of energy will result in higher foreign exchange costs for importation of oil. As a result, the researchers have recommended that the Government increase investment in alternative energy sources to supplement the anticipated demand.
The researchers say high energy costs were seen as a major problem for participants in the study. They said it could prove to be a challenge or a deterrent for investors to Jamaica.
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