Above: Industry Minister Anthony Hylton

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Jamaica must address the issue of business ethics, given a “serious problem with corruption,” according to Industry Minister Anthony Hylton.

“The issue of business ethics must be addressed in order to improve the country’s business environment and the attraction of new investments, including foreign direct investments,” said Hylton, who was speaking during a tour of the New Kingston offices of the Companies Office of Jamaica.

The Minister has charged the Companies Office with moving to address the issue as a critical part of its role in promoting corporate governance among registered companies, he said.

The COJ, which is an agency of the Ministry of Industry, asked Hylton to consider granting it “full devolution of authority,” which would give the COJ greater autonomy than it currently possesses.

New Minister of State Sharon Ffolkes Abrahams, who accompanied Hylton on the visit, requested that the COJ consider opening an office in Montego Bay.