ST JAMES, Jamaica — Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness says Jamaica must reposition itself from being an exporter of talent to becoming a destination that attracts and retains skilled workers if the country is to achieve sustained economic growth.

Addressing the 25th anniversary gala of Riu Hotels & Resorts in Montego Bay on Thursday night, Holness argued that the global competition for talent has become one of the defining challenges of the modern era, surpassing even the race for investment and natural resources.

“Countries are competing for visitors…Countries are competing for investments. They are competing for businesses. But you know what else they are competing for? They are competing for talent. That, in fact, is the biggest competition,” Holness told guests.