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“EXCELLENCE THROUGH KNOWLEDGE” P A G E 92 Education, Economic Growth and Economic Development in Post-Independence Jamaica The relationship between education and economic development is believed to be significant and positive. This suggests that one potent strategy for economic development is to pursue educational development. In the case of Jamaica, annually, a relatively sizable proportion of gross domestic product is reinvested in educational development but the returns in output growth remain, as measured by GDP growth, is modest. In this study the relationship between education, economic growth and economic development in Jamaica is explored since Independence in 1962. A mixed method was used in the study. Qualitative data on education sector plans, programmes, policies and reports were reviewed in conjunction with economic development plans. In addition to this, quantitative data on select indicators of education and economic growth were used. The findings suggest that whereas economic growth has produced developments in education, educational development has not resulted in sustained economic growth which is essential for economic development. The data was presented using graphs and tables to allow the researcher to identify trends and patterns in the variables employed in the study. Also, a timeline of educational development was traced and considered against the background of output and productivity growths over the decades. These findings prompt to further questions on the quality and type of developments that have taken place in the education system and the level of complementarity between the economic and social development goals in post-independence Jamaica. Access to education is generally considered to be critical indicator of economic development (Todaro & Smith 2009). As such, one can deduce that policies that promote educational development invariably promote economic growth and economic development. Todaro & Smith (2009) presents various perspectives on economic development. However, for the purpose of this study development refers to stable economic growth resulting in improved living standards which includes higher incomes and access to social services such as better education. With regards toeducational development it involves thedevelopment of a system, whereby the talents and skills of the individuals within Anetheo Jackson Faculty of the Built Environment Anetheo Jackson