Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation of Jamaica

The Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation (MEGJC) was created in March 2016, with the change of the political administration. The Ministry is charged with drafting the blueprint to drive economic growth and sustainable development in Jamaica. The Ministry has responsibility for seven (7) critical portfolio areas. They are:

Land
Environment
Climate Change
Investment
Water and Wastewater
Housing and Works

Under its portfolio areas, the Ministry has oversight for some 48 Agencies, Departments and Divisions, which are responsible for approximately 68 subject areas. Included in the Ministry’s functions are the formulation and implementation of policy relating to these subject areas. It plays a monitoring role to ensure adherence to the policies, and that the operations of these entities are in accordance with the Government of Jamaica’s guidelines and regulations. The Political Directorate of the Ministry is headed by the Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, O.N., M.P. He is supported by two Ministers Without Portfolio:

Senator the Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr.– Water, Housing and Infrastructure
Hon. Daryl Vaz M.P. – Land, The Environment, Climate Change and Investment
Hon. C. Everald Warmington has been appointed Minister of State in the Works portfolio

The Executive Management team at the Ministry is headed by Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Audrey Sewell J.P. The team also comprises the Director-General, Dr. Sharon Crooks who is assigned to the Land, Environment, Climate Change and Investment portfolios. There are also two Chief Technical Directors:-

Miss Gillian Guthrie, Chief Technical Director (acting) , who provides support to the Director-General in regard to the Land, Environment and Climate Change portfolios
Mrs. Doreen Prendergast, who provides direct support to the Permanent Secretary, in regard to the Water, Housing and Works portfolios

Support in the Investment portfolio is provided to the Director General by Mr. Omar Chedda, who is the Director of Investment. The Ministry operates from two primary locations:-

The Towers, 25 Dominica Drive, Kingston 5 and
16a Half Way Tree Road, Kingston 5

However, it has divisional branches and agencies throughout the Corporate Area, and islandwide.