Three-Day Elevate Procurement Conference Set for April

The inaugural staging of the ELEVATE Procurement Conference is slated for April 23 to 25 at the Montego Bay Convention Centre, in St. James.

An initiative of the Office of Public Procurement Policy in the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service, ELEVATE aims to create and advance a new procurement paradigm that responds to client needs and global changes.

Addressing Thursday’s (February 15) media launch, held at the AC Hotel by Marriott, in New Kingston, Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Senator the Hon. Aubyn Hill, underscored that procurement is vital to Jamaica and the process will need continuous improvement as circumstances change.

He noted that the Infrastructure Committee of Cabinet approves government contracts valued at $60 million and more and the total amount recommended to the Committee for its approval was US$134.4 billion last year.

Senator Hill argued that for Jamaica to achieve a fair, efficient, equitable and transparent procurement process, it must be founded on the tenets of peace, productivity and prosperity.

“Public procurement, when conducted transparently and with integrity, creates an environment of peace and stability within our society. Effective public procurement practices are instrumental in driving productivity across all sectors of our society. By leveraging economies of scale and encouraging innovation among suppliers, we can deliver goods and services more efficiently and cost-effectively,” Senator Hill said.

He added that by investing in infrastructure projects and other strategic initiatives, the Government is creating conditions necessary for sustained productivity growth that will raise living standards and improve the quality of life of Jamaicans.

“Public procurement has the power to unlock new opportunities for economic prosperity and national development. When we prioritise investment in key sectors such as healthcare, education and infrastructure, we can lay the groundwork for long-term prosperity and inclusive growth,” Senator Hill said.

Meanwhile, Chief Procurement Policy Officer in the Ministry, Andrei Bennett, said there is an exciting line-up of speakers, panels and fireside chats for the three-day conference, which will be held under the theme ‘Elevate: Innovate, Create’.

“We’ll delve into topics ranging from digital transformation to risk management, to cross-border procurement through regional trade agreements and others. Our aim is to equip each participant with the knowledge, tools and insights needed to navigate the complexities of modern procurement, whether you’re a supplier or you’re a procurement practitioner,” he noted.

Chief Procurement Policy Officer in the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service, Andrei Bennett, addresses Thursday’s (February 15) ELEVATE Procurement Conference media launch, held at the AC Hotel by Marriott in New Kingston.

Mr. Bennett reasoned that ELEVATE will connect people, change the narrative, generate ideas and solve problems.

“ELEVATE Procurement Conference is going to make sure that the interactions we have with public procurement are positive ones, not only about allegations of corruption or malfeasance but positive experiences, because the procurement system is working and it’s working well,” he said.

For his part, President of the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ), Metry Seaga, said the conference underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving a procurement system that aligns with best practices and propels Jamaica towards economic efficiency and transparency.

“An efficient procurement system is the backbone of a vibrant economy. It ensures that the public and private sector investments are made wisely with a focus on quality, value and sustainability,” he emphasised.

Admission for the conference is US$50 per day or US$135 for three days.

Persons can visit https://www.mof.gov.jm/elevate-procurement-conference/ to register.

Source:JIS