Economic Development Portmore

The Story of LED in Portmore 

Portmore embarked on its Local Economic Development journey with its pilot project being the Portmore Self-help Disabilities Organisation (PSDO) Resource Mobility Centre in 2013. This centre is located in Watson Grove, Gregory Park and is operated by members of the disabled community offering the service of repairing mobility aids such as wheel chairs, canes, crutches, walkers and other mobility aids. The concept of Local Economic Development was further enhanced with the creation of the Local Economic Development Strategy in 2015. This strategy has led to a continuous action plan which has seen the implementation of the Local Economic Development Municipal Advisory Committee, the completion of a Local Area Economic Profile (2017), the construction of Ackee Village (2017), hosting of Economic development workshops , fairs, Ease of Doing Business (EODB) seminars and currently with focus on the promotion of Portmore as a community tourism destination.
 
Local Economic Development – The Context

• Local Authorities responsible for sustainable development in their respective jurisdictions
• Local Economic Development is a strategic and critical component of  Local Sustainable Development Planning
• Plans, strategies and actions/interventions, initiated or pursued at the local or community levels, to achieve economic growth/development, for the well-being of the citizens

Benefits of Local Economic Development

• Balanced and Sustainable Development
• Identifying and accessing local economic opportunities and resources
• Retaining local resources for local development
• Mobilising support for national development through alignment with national development objectives

Role of Portmore Municipality

• Planning and Visioning for Local Economic Development
• Creating the environment for economic development and business enterprise
• Facilitating Community Safety & Security
• Trained and skilled personnel to support Local Economic Development
• Promotion of the jurisdiction
• Identification of factors which inhibit economic growth and development
• Identification of Local Economic Development Plan with the National Plan

Strategic Alignment

• Vision 2030 Jamaica NG#3: Jamaica's economy is prosperous
• MLGCD  MP#9: Community development and empowerment / Local Economic Development Initiatives
• PMC Strategic Goal 2:  Facilitating higher and shared economic growth and development
• The Portmore Local Sustainable Development Plan (LSDP)> Economic Development  > Portmore LED Strategy

Local Economic Development Strategy- Focus Areas

• MICRO, SMALL  & MEDIUM (BUSINESS) ENTERPRISES  SECTOR
• TOURISM
• ENTERTAINMENT
• UNEMPLOYMENT
• AGRICULTURE

  Local Economic Development Municipal Advisory Committee

Local Economic Development Services  

  Ackee Village

Building Social & Economic Resiliency
Portmore has long been known for the Ackee Walk because of this area’s ability to virtually provide
the seasonal Ackee fruit practically all year round. Ackee Walk is located close to the intersection of
Mandela Highway and the Dyke Road (road leading to Portmore). This area is along the northern
boundary line of the Portmore Municipality. This area has become a popular stop for motorist
seeking Ackee, roasted breadfruit, other seasonal fruits and ground provisions.
Some vendors have been vending at Ackee Walk for over 20 years. There are also second generation
vendors now at Ackee Walk who are in there early 20’s.
Read more…. 

Current Initiatives

• Entertainment zones/areas for Portmore
• Tourism & Entertainment Strategy & Logo
• Promotion of Ackee Village
• Preliminary steps to create a Portmore Business registry

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Links

• Brochure
• Ackee Village Directions
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