Associated Press - Thursday April 4, 2002
David Paulin, Associated Press Writer

Governor General Sir Howard Cooke, who is considered head of state as Queen Elizabeth's representative to the former British colony, said the Jamaican government would "accelerate" last year's modest growth by continuing "strong support for agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, and the services sector."

Jamaica's economy grew 2 percent last year, despite a decline in tourism following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the United States.

The government also planned to construct new schools, improve public transportation and boost "access to quality health care," Cooke said.

Lawmakers applauded when Cooke announced that construction on Highway 2000 would start next week and spur commercial development along the route.

When finished, the highway will connect the capital, Kingston, with rural areas in central Jamaica.

Cooke cited this year's police recruitment drive as one anti-crime measure underway to reduce "unacceptably high levels of crime and violence," which he called one of Jamaica's "most serious challenges."

Jamaica's homicide rate is one of the highest in the Caribbean at 40 murders per 100,000 people. The country is considered a major drug transshipment point, and well-armed gangs control some inner city neighborhoods in Kingston.

Cooke noted a new wiretapping law passed earlier this year also had strengthened the crime fight.

Regarding the island's HIV/AIDS epidemic, Cooke said the government would undertake "a strong multifaceted approach" to fight the disease, which he said could "create permanent damage to the entire society" if not brought under control.

Cooke's speech focused primarily on goals, but mentioned few details for the 2002-2003 legislative agenda.

Next week, Minister of Finance Planning Omar Davies is expected to present Parliament with a budget for the coming year, which will see new parliamentary elections.

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