Minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation Daryl Vaz (left), in discussion with MoneyMasters Limited President Claudette Crooks during the entity’s ‘Conversation with the Analysts’ breakfast forum, held at Eden Gardens Wellness and Spa Resort in St Andrew, yesterday. (Photo: JIS)

MINISTER without portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation Daryl Vaz says several additional State assets have been identified and shortlisted for privatisation by the Government.

These include Wigton Wind Farm in Manchester, which he said will be listed via an initial public offering (IPO) on the Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE); and Government-owned lands at Silver Sands Estate in Trelawny.

The minister was speaking at MoneyMasters Limited’s ‘Conversation with the Analysts’ breakfast forum, held at Eden Gardens Wellness Resort and Spa in St Andrew yesterday, under the theme ‘Opportunities for Local Financing of Jamaica’s Infrastructure Development’.

Another shortlisted asset, Vaz noted, is the former Coffee Industry Board, adding that the Government will shortly be publicly launching the requests for proposal.

The minister advised that these are expected to be finalised by the end of the current fiscal year, in March 2019.

Meanwhile, Vaz said the Government is still “actively assessing” the feasibility and “appropriate methodology” for incorporating private sector investment to improve operations at the Bath Fountain Hotel and Spa in St Thomas and Milk River Hotel and Spa in Clarendon.

State assets successfully privatised thus far include Caymanas Track Limited, Petcom, Mavis Bank Coffee Factory, and Government’s shares in Jamaica Pegasus hotel.

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/state-assets-shortlisted-for-privatisation_148392