Floyd Green, minister without portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister, has declared that the new partnership agreement for the National Partnership Council (NPC) is a step forward in strengthening the council and building consensus around critical areas that affect Jamaica.

Green was speaking at the signing ceremony for the National Partnership Agreement, held recently at King’s House among the Government, Opposition, private sector, trade union and civil society groups, under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Andrew Holness.

Green, who has been assigned by the prime minister to oversee the National Partnership, said: “The Government, through the Social Partnership Agreement 2022-2026 – ‘Partnership for Jamaica’s Strong and Sustainable Recovery’, will herald in a new era with the five strategic pillars of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030 that reflects our own Vision 2030 Jamaica – namely: Prosperity, Peace, People, Planet and Partnerships.”

The Agreement’s major priority areas include adherence to the just rule of law; respect for human rights and civil liberties of all Jamaicans; accountable, informed leadership demonstrating unimpeachable integrity; protection of the natural environment; and improvement of public health; and quality education as a foundation for nation building.

“As we assessed the strengths and weaknesses of our social partnership, a clear path to reformation was paved. This of course includes a standard communication framework that is to be put in place to inform the general public and stakeholders of the work of the partnership. This is essential to ensuring that we rebuild a high level of public confidence in the work being done by the partnership,” Green stated.

The Agreement states that, in carrying out its role, the National Partnership Council will seek consensus on the prioritisation of Jamaica’s major challenges and identification of critical development opportunities.

“The fact is that, as we continue our journey to become a better Jamaica, we are acutely aware that we will be unable to achieve our goals without Partnership,” Green continued.

The Agreement was signed by Andrew Holness, prime minister and chairman of the council; Opposition Leader Mark Golding; Keith Duncan on behalf of the private sector; Most Reverend Kenneth Richards on behalf of civil society and Helene Davis-Whyte on behalf of the trade unions.

Among those attending the event were Governor General Sir Patrick Allen and Lady Allen, members of the Cabinet; members of private sector organisations, unions and civil society groups.