New World Bank Country Director for the Caribbean, Tahseen Sayed says the need for staying the course on reforms is very important for Jamaica to go forward.

She made her first visit to Jamaica, having taken office, last month.

Ms. Sayed says there should be no turning back on the gains already made, despite the challenges.

She was speaking with journalists over brunch in Kingston this morning (Apl 7) during which she shared perspectives on her visit to Jamaica as well as the country’s prospects for growth.

Meantime, Ms. Sayed says she has sensed a message of hope, after consultations with several members of the private sector group, yesterday.

She says the private sector group raised issues of social inclusion, addressing crime, and to empower youths to become productive citizenry.

She adds that the enthusiasm was much different from other groups which she has met around the world.