JAMAICA HAD THE SECOND-HIGHEST DOMESTIC CROP PRODUCTION IN 2023
THINK GLOBAL, BUT BE CAREFUL!
HOW TO REDUCE/FIX SUPPLY CHAIN ISSUES
RGD INTRODUCING AI CHATBOT TO ASSIST CUSTOMERS MSMES BEING POSITIONED FOR REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL SUCCESS GET ACTIVE & IMPROVE YOUR MENTAL HEALTH
As we enter May, we are excited to share with you a collection of thought-provoking articles that we believe will inspire and inform you in equal measure.
Firstly, “Think Global, But Be Careful" takes a deep dive into the benefits and challenges of expanding business operations beyond national borders. This article serves as a guide for businesses considering global expansion, offering practical advice and highlighting potential pitfalls to avoid.
Secondly, we highlight the importance of staying active for mental health benefits. In a time when many of us are facing unprecedented stress, our health and wellness section expands on how regular physical activity can significantly improve our mental well-being.
Moreover, we have spotlighted MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) in our business section. We delve into how these enterprises are uniquely positioned for regional and international success, showcasing inspirational success stories and offering tips for those who aspire to follow in their footsteps.
Lastly, our featured article for this month is a must-read for anyone grappling with inventory issues. In "How to Reduce and Fix Supply Chain Issues," we provide actionable strategies to streamline operations, mitigate risks, and ensure a smoother workflow.
As always, we hope our content inspires you and provides the insights you need to navigate the ever-changing digital marketing landscape. Thank you for your continuous support, and happy reading!
Paul Bauer EDITOR, THE MILLENNIAL MARKETER Warm Regards,
It’s no secret that engaging in regular physical activity can have a profound impact on mental health. Exercise triggers the release of endorphins, the neurotransmitters in the brain that act as natural painkillers and mood elevators. Exercise also reduces stress hormones, which, when left unchecked, can contribute to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
”Managing stress through exercise is crucial for maintaining emotional wellbeing,” said Workout Developer Mesha-Gaye Wright.
“Regular exercise has also been shown to improve sleep quality by promoting deeper, more restorative sleep. Better sleep can enhance mood, cognitive function, and resilience to stress, while inadequate sleep is associated with increased risk of mood disorders and impaired mental health.”
She highlighted that exercise also increases blood flow to the brain, delivering oxygen and nutrients that support optimal cognitive function.
“Achieving fitness goals, improving physical performance, and seeing positive changes in body composition can also boost self-esteem and confidence,” Wright said.
“Physical activity provides opportunities for personal growth, mastery, and empowerment, which are essential for psychological well-being.”
She said that while no exercise can guarantee specific mental health outcomes, several particular types of physical activity are associated with improvements in mood, stress reduction, and overall mental well-being.
AEROBIC EXERCISE
Activities such as brisk walking, jogging, cycling, swimming, and dancing can increase heart rate and oxygen intake, releasing endorphins that boost mood and reduce feelings of anxiety and depression.
YOGA
Yoga combines physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation, promoting relaxation, stress relief, and improved mental focus. It can also enhance body awareness and mindfulness, which are beneficial for mental well-being.
Lifting weights or doing bodyweight exercises strengthens muscles, provides a sense of accomplishment, and boosts self-esteem. Regular strength training can also improve sleep quality and energy levels, which are essential for overall mental health.
Pilates focuses on core strength, flexibility, and body awareness through controlled movements and breathing techniques. It can help improve posture, reduce tension, and increase mindfulness, leading to better mental health.
Spending time in nature, whether hiking, gardening or simply walking, has been shown to have numerous mental health benefits. Exposure to natural environments can reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance feelings of wellbeing.
While not a traditional exercise, mindfulness meditation involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment, often through focused breathing or body scan techniques. Regular practice can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, increase resilience to stress, and promote emotional balance.
Participating in group fitness classes, such as aerobics, spinning, or Zumba, provides social support and a sense of community, which can positively affect mental health. The social interaction and accountability of exercising with others can boost motivation and enjoyment.
“Ultimately, the best exercise for improving mental health is one that you enjoy and can incorporate into your routine,” Wright said. “It’s essential to listen to your body, set realistic goals, and prioritize consistency over intensity. If you’re experiencing severe or persistent mental health issues, it’s important to seek professional help from a therapist or medical doctor.”
The Jamaica Intellectual Property Office (JIPO) continues to foster public education and safeguard intellectual property (IP) rights across Jamaica.
In a recent interview with JIS News, Shantal English, the Agency’s Deputy Director and Legal Counsel, cited the abundant presence of intellectual property in everyday life, ranging from innovative creations to artistic endeavors.
“Intellectual property is everywhere. It speaks about the creations of the mind, so whatsoever the mind can conceptualize, there is some element of IP related to it,” she noted.
She shared an example of this: “If you want to start your business and you decide to create a nice logo, that logo is your brand. It represents whatever goods and services you’ll be producing, so that would be considered your IP.”
Having recognized the diverse Intellectual Property landscape, the Deputy Director informed that the Agency also offers comprehensive guidance and assistance to individuals and businesses seeking to register their creations as part of its public education efforts.
“Because IP is everywhere, whether it’s trademarks, copyrights, designs or patents, we are encouraging every person to register their intellectual property because, when registered, it provides that evidence of ownership,” she told JIS News.
Persons interested in registering their IP may do so by utilizing the services offered by the Agency, whose Representatives can guide each person through the different applications and through what it is that they need to do to ensure that their works are protected and that they have the necessary evidence if there’s an infringement. She acknowledged that while JIPO does not deal directly with matters of infringement, the Agency collaborates with law-enforcement entities, such as the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Counter Terrorism and Organised Crime Investigation Branch (CTOC), to address such issues.
“While we do not deal with enforcement, we continue to educate the public, and we tell them what not to do, what is within their remit to do, and informing the public to seek permission before using the works of any person to ensure that there is no lawsuit for infringement of intellectual property,” Ms. English said.
Furthermore, JIPO aligns with international standards and continuously updates its laws and regulations to adapt to changes in the IP landscape. As a member of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), it remains committed to upholding global best practices in IP governance.
“As it relates to laws, we have a myriad of legislation, and being a part of WIPO, we always try to ensure that we conform to international standards. We’re happy to say that most, if not all, our laws are in conformance with international standards,” Ms. English said. For more information about JIPO’s services and resources, individuals and businesses are encouraged to visit the JIPO office at 18 Trafalgar Road in New Kingston or call 876-946-9216.
The Registrar General’s Department (RGD) is introducing an intelligent chatbot to improve customer interaction and ease of business.
The move is part of the Agency’s “digitally bold” transformation initiative, introduced in 2020. The initiative involves bringing more of the Agency's products and services online to increase efficiency and reduce transaction costs. These include applications for birth, death, and marriage certificates.
Director of Records and Management Andrew Adman told JIS News that the chatbot, named Kayla, will use artificial intelligence (AI) to assist customers.
“Our AI chatbot is not ordinary. This AI chatbot will offer personalized solutions for customers who visit our website with questions about their birth records. It will be able to facilitate frequently asked questions. This is now more streamlined in most of our communication. Our new chatbot, Kayla, will assist with how we communicate on various platforms,” he said.
He added that Kayla would also work alongside the department’s social media platforms, namely X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp, which customers heavily use.
Mr. Adman noted that the chatbot will also assist customers with record searches on the RGD’s website and get direct access to other products and services.
“If persons have a particular query or want to track the status of their application, Kayla will be the go-to touchpoint they can use. So, we continue to find innovative ways to create efficiency in government business. At the RGD, we continue to see these benefits and offer them to our customers,” Mr. Adman said.
Minister without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister with Responsibility for Skills and Digital Transformation, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, says the Government is committed to executing digital transformation the “RITE” way. RITE is an acronym for Respect, Inclusion, Trust, and Efficiency.
Addressing the Microsoft Black Partner Growth Initiative (BPGI) Innovation Round-Table Forum at Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) Head Office in Kingston on Thursday, April 18, Senator Morris Dixon underscored that the country’s digital transformation journey is grounded in respect.
“If we respect people, we don’t have them standing in long lines. If we respect people, we don’t have inefficient processes. If we respect people, we don’t ask them for the same information repeatedly,” she shared.
Senator Morris Dixon said inclusion is a critical component of digital transformation, pointing out that systems must be developed with the view that not all citizens have the same level of digital literacy.
“We have to look at what technology they use. They use WhatsApp a lot. Are we doing enough in government to deliver services through WhatsApp?” she asked.
The Minister further shared that Jamaica has a low-trust environment in many respects, and systems must be created with this component embedded in them.
“It is important that people feel that these systems are secure. Efficiency is critical, especially in the government and private sectors. We must improve, in terms of our efficiency,” Senator Morris Dixon said.
She added that the government is committed to creating an environment where businesses can prosper, and digital technologies can be leveraged for social and economic benefit. The forum is a product of the September 2023 Export and Investment Business Ministerial Mission in New York, led by Senator Hon. Aubyn Hill, Minister of Industry, Investment, and Commerce.
For her part, JAMPRO President Shullette Cox said the forum is just the beginning of the collaboration involving the Government, Microsoft, and private-sector entities.
Microsoft presented Project Blue Mountain, a strategic initiative aimed at accelerating Jamaica’s digital transformation and making it the premier hub for talent development in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) in the Caribbean. She encouraged participants to explore the tools, products, and solutions that can enable them to increase their sales pipeline locally and overseas.
“Grab on to the insights you will get in navigating Microsoft as a sales organization and connect with the Microsoft executives. I hope our Jamaican companies will be engaged to leave the forum to come up with new ways to innovate and forge strategic connections not just to grow your respective businesses but to make your contribution to the overall growth of our country,” Ms. Cox stated.
Having a global mindset is crucial for Jamaican businesses to grow and achieve success, but any decision to expand internationally must be weighed carefully. That was the advice given to young entrepreneurs at the Ernst & Young (EY) Caribbean Strategic Growth Forum by Murad Al-Katib, President and Chief Executive Officer of Global AgriBusiness AGT Food and Ingredients.
Al-Katib made the point on Thursday while discussing his entrepreneurial journey, which has seen Canada-based AGT Food and Ingredients grow to more than CAD$2 billion in revenue with operations across five continents in less than two decades.
Founded on the principle: ‘From Producer to the World,’ AGT Foods is a global leader in the value-added processing of pulses and staple foods and a leading supplier of ingredients derived from pulses to premium food markets and food companies around the globe, according to the company’s website.
“I will say to all the entrepreneurs here: ‘The world is open to you, and I want you to be thinking. You’re sitting here in Jamaica or elsewhere in the Caribbean; you must think about regional markets. Think about where you are, and try to expand,’ ” Al-Katib said at the recently held four-day forum at Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall, culminating with the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Jamaica Awards Gala, starting May 1.
At the same time, Al-Katib, EY World Entrepreneur of the Year 2017, urged local entrepreneurs to “be careful” when expanding globally, stressing that businesses must be vigilant when choosing international partners.
“It’s a digital world today, but it’s not okay just to be sitting in your office with a WhatsApp and a Teams meeting and think you can trust somebody sitting halfway around the world, or even four countries away from you,” Al-Katib said.
“There is no replacement for face-to-face; get to know who you are dealing with,” he continued. “I want you to be careful because I have seen entrepreneurs looking for expansion, and they go too fast and get burned hugely.”
He reflected on AGT Foods' journey and said that risk management was the foundation of the company’s operations.
“We always controlled the bill of lading, which is ultimately the title to the goods in that container… Until we were paid, we would not give it up; we would control it from our bank to their bank — and that was how we could do that,” Al-Katib said.
In the meantime, Byron Dixon, CEO and Founder of UK-based antibacterial technology company Micro-Fresh and one of the judges of the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Jamaica Awards said he was pleased about the international aspirations of the local nominees.
“What surprised me is the amount of businesses that wanted to be international and that are international. When I talk about international businesses from Jamaica, I don’t just mean the Caribbean. Some businesses spoke openly about the US, Europe, and Asia, which surprised me. I was proud that these businesses want to take Jamaican products and services across the world,” Dixon, who is of Jamaican parentage and is the UK’s EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2020, said during a panel discussion.
The EY Entrepreneur of the Year Jamaica awards recognize entrepreneurs who have demonstrated excellence in innovation, financial performance, and personal commitment to their businesses and communities.
Eleven (11) businesses were nominated for the awards in three categories: start-ups, emerging businesses, and family businesses.
The companies represented were Trade Winds Citrus, Lillan Limited, Scotch Boyz Jamaica, Bluedot, Esirom, The Infiniti Partnership, Star Apple AI, Tropicks 365, Profit Jumpstarter, Mosa Estate, and Honey Bun Limited.
Jamaica produced approximately 779,254 tonnes of domestic crops in 2023, the country’s second-highest recorded production figure.
The Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Hon. Franklin Witter, made the disclosure and said that the achievement was achieved despite unfavourable weather conditions.
“Jamaica, like the rest of the world, experienced one of the hottest years ever, recorded last year. Consequently, the drought and the short period of intense rainfall that we experienced did have some impact on our productivity here in Jamaica,” he said.
“I must say that this speaks to the love that God has for this island of Jamaica. With all those challenges and difficulties, we achieved that, so we thank Him for his mercies and blessings,” he underscored.
Mr. Witter addressed the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS) 41st Annual National Farmers’ Month Church Service at the Kettering Baptist church in Duncans, Trelawny, on Sunday, April 7.
The Agriculture State Minister noted that celebrating Farmers Month provides an opportunity to increase support “to all the various departments and all the various agricultural sectors.”
“Our strategic vision is embedded in our New FACE of Food strategy, and this is an acronym for a strategic layout of Food security, Agro-Business Development, Climate Change Technologies, and Export Expansion,” he noted.
For his part, the President of the JAS, Lenworth Fulton, whose remarks were delivered by 2nd Vice President Owen Dobson, congratulated farmers and other stakeholders for their contribution and faith in the JAS and, by extension, the agricultural sector.
In his remarks, the mayor of Falmouth, Councillor Collen Gager, underscored the importance of farmers in ensuring food security and pledged the municipal corporation’s continued support for the agricultural sector in the parish. The Farmer’s Month Church service was themed ‘Grow what we eat… Eat what we grow.’
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With Jamaica on track to attract 5 million visitors by 2025, the Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, is urging local manufacturers to position themselves to meet the sector’s increasing needs for products and services.
The call has been made even as industry players, such as Small and medium Tourism Enterprises (SMTEs), have grossed more than $1 billion since the Tourism Linkages Network, a division of the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), implemented its annual Speed Networking initiative. The TEF is a public body of the Ministry of Tourism.
In a recent address at the 9th staging of the Speed Networking Event, delivered on his behalf by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Ms. Jennifer Griffith, Minister Bartlett expressed that the event was being hosted “at a time when Jamaica is experiencing its best tourism performance (in terms of arrivals), inclusive of cruise passengers, stopovers and US dollar earnings.”
He noted that Speed Networking had become one of the most anticipated calendar events created by the Tourism Linkages Network “in a continued bid to strengthen linkages and increase business between the tourism industry and local suppliers of goods and services from other sectors.”
This objective is being achieved through collaboration with the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA), and other partner entities, including the Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO), Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA), and the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC).
Participation has been consistent. Over 150 participants representing tourism entities, suppliers, and HR Managers registered for this year’s event, which was recently staged at the Montego Bay Convention Centre.
He cited that last year, “94% of hotels surveyed as tourism buyers said they were satisfied with the products presented to them.” In comparison, “80% of tourism suppliers reported receiving business leads from their participation in the Speed Networking Event.”
Also pointing to “a significant increase in business” for the sector, Executive Director of the JHTA, Mrs Camille Needham, recalled that: “When we started Speed Networking, we knew we were onto something because it was, from the outset, established to bring the tourist industry together with the suppliers of goods, services and products.” She also shared that “over the years, the success of this event, and the reports we have received from those who have participated have really been heart-warming.”
In a testimonial, the Chief Executive Officer of HoneyVera, Ms Christal-Ann Thompson, said her participation in the Speed Networking Event over the years has helped to boost her business. She outlined that from just two products, when the company started in 2013, it now manufactures over 50 products also marketed internationally.
Buyers ranged from small hotels to large international chains, mostly repeat participants. The Purchasing Manager at Deja Resort, Samuel Bowen, said the hotel has been participating since its inception and has reaped many benefits. “We were able to make some very good connections in suppliers, and currently, we have one supplier who has been with us from the very beginning, and it has benefitted us greatly,” he acknowledged.
Meanwhile, Damion Stewart, Retail Manager for Secrets and Breathless Resorts, who has been attending the event for the last three years, described the benefits as “amazing,” adding that “this is one of the main ways that we use to meet local suppliers that are aspiring to be part of the gift shop and the hotels’ operations, so this is very important for us.”
He said the property was very big on sustainability, and local suppliers were a big part of that. “Every year, we try to increase our local suppliers’ presence by at least 10%.”
ffix/reduce ix/reduce IN THE WAKE OF THE GLOBAL PANDEMIC, BUSINESSES WORLDWIDE ARE ENCOUNTERING UNPRECEDENTED CHALLENGES. SUPPLY CHAIN ISSUES HAVE EMERGED AS A PROMINENT CONCERN. HOWEVER, SOME STRATEGIES CAN HELP MITIGATE THESE CHALLENGES EVEN IN UNCERTAIN TIMES. THIS ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS FIVE KEY WAYS TO REDUCE AND RESOLVE SUPPLY CHAIN ISSUES IN YOUR BUSINESS.
Diversify Your Supplier Base: One common mistake businesses make is overreliance on a single supplier. This approach leaves the business vulnerable to disruptions affecting that particular supplier. Therefore, it is crucial to diversify your supplier base. You can significantly reduce the risk of supply chain disruptions by sourcing from various suppliers. This strategy also offers the added benefit of giving your business access to a broader range of products and prices.
Invest in Technology: Today's technology offers many tools to help businesses optimize their supply chains. Inventory management systems, for instance, can provide real-time updates on stock levels, allowing businesses to manage their inventory more effectively and avoid being out of products or having an overstock. On the other hand, predictive analytics tools can analyze historical data to forecast future demand, enabling businesses to plan their production and distribution schedules better. 2.
Build Strong Relationships with Suppliers: The importance of good relationships with suppliers cannot be overstated. Strong relationships can foster better communication, collaboration, and problem-solving. Moreover, suppliers with a good relationship with a business are often more willing to go the extra mile to ensure that the business's needs are met. Therefore, investing in building and maintaining solid relationships with your suppliers is essential.
Prioritize Transparency: Transparency is critical to identifying and addressing supply chain issues. By clearly understanding every step in your supply chain, you can spot potential issues before they escalate into major problems. This can involve everything from tracking the movement of goods from supplier to consumer to maintaining open lines of communication with all parties involved in the supply chain.
Develop a Contingency Plan: Despite your best efforts, it is impossible to eliminate the risk of supply chain disruptions completely. Therefore, it is essential to have a contingency plan in place. This plan should include alternative suppliers, alternative transportation methods, and a clear strategy for dealing with potential disruptions, such as a temporary halt in production.
By implementing these strategies, businesses can better navigate the complexities of the global supply chain. This will help mitigate current challenges and ensure that their operations remain resilient in the face of future ones.
Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce Senator the Hon. Aubyn Hill is encouraging micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises to prepare as the Government positions the sector to be competitive globally.
The push aligns with Jamaica’s broader economic agenda, prioritizing diversification, export promotion, and inclusive growth.
“Jamaica’s MSMEs must become known regionally and internationally as more efficient manufacturers of goods and ever-improving crafters of ingenious services that people will buy,” Minister Hill said.
“Jamaica is changing for the better, and the business environment is changing rapidly. We are firmly on a path to international recognition as outstanding economic managers to add to the excellence we have achieved and are recognized worldwide, so we must keep our minds focused,” Senator Hill added.
He was contributing to the discussion at the Jamaica Business Development Corporation’s (JBDC) annual ‘Breakfast with the CEO’ event held recently at the AC Marriott Hotel in New Kingston.
Senator Hill said the MSMEs are key drivers of economic growth and noted the Government’s commitment to enhancing the sector’s contribution to gross domestic Product (GDP) and sustainable development for the benefit of all citizens.
Speaking on the event's theme, ‘Strategic Partnerships: Facilitating Business Success,’ he noted the importance of collaboration in creating the enabling environment for businesses to grow and succeed.
“Collaboration is what we have to do… to ensure that we get small businesses to a place where they can manage,” he said, commending the JBDC team for working with MSME operators to get them to a “manageable stage.”
MSMEs constitute a cornerstone of Jamaica’s economic landscape, fostering entrepreneurship, generating employment opportunities, and contributing to socioeconomic development.
The Government’s Records and Information Management (RIM) Programme will enhance business by ensuring efficient service delivery by public-sector entities to citizens.
“This is [by]facilitating seamless data exchange among government entities and, of course, our business partners as they require information from our institutions,” said Acting Principal Director in the Information Division in the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), Sophia Wellington.
She was addressing the recent RIM Month launch at the Courtyard by Marriott in Kingston. The RIM programme, spearheaded by the Jamaica Archives and Records Department (JARD), aims to create an integrated, standardized, and secure public-sector RIM system.
The objective is to facilitate access to government information and archival material, preserve and leverage Jamaica’s historical heritage and information and cultural assets, enable efficient service delivery, enhance decision-making, and achieve the overall national development goals.
The five key results areas are to revamp the legislative and regulatory framework, improve the organizational structures within ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) about records and information management, with an emphasis on human resource records and information capacity, reform the JARD, implement a standardized RIM system, and build the capacity of key stakeholders.
Ms. Wellington said the programme will facilitate improved transparency and accountability in information management.
“The benefits of the RIM programme also extend to integrating communication. The assimilation of technology in terms of how we assist persons in digitally accessing our services will, of course, lead to the enhancement of our digital society,” she noted.
“RIM facilitates access to information by leveraging our data assets and ensuring the preservation of our national culture, as well as fosters transparency and accountability in service to the Jamaican public,” she added.
The RIM programme is being implemented on a phased basis across MDAs.
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The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Mining has earmarked $90 million to support the nation’s farmers who are being impacted by the current drought conditions. The money will be used to truck water, provide drip irrigation and other assistance for crop and livestock farmers as part of the Ministry’s drought mitigation programme.
Portfolio Minister, Hon. Floyd Green, provided an update during the $106million contract signing ceremony for the Agro-Investment Corporation Irrigation Transmission Force Main and Equipping Project at Ebony Park, Clarendon, at the Ministry’s Hope Gardens offices in St. Andrew, on April 11.
He said the $90 million incorporates the $60 million support announced by Prime Minister the Most Hon. Andrew Holness recently in the House of Representatives. Minister Green said $24 million will be used to truck water to crop and livestock farmers in several parishes.
“We are also expanding the parishes of focus so that we would have started with Clarendon, St. Elizabeth, Manchester and Trelawny. Based on all our information, we are now incorporating Westmoreland, Portland, and St. Ann into our Drought Mitigation Programme,” he said.
Additionally, he indicated that $58 million will be used to boost farmers' resiliency by providing irrigation kits, storage tanks, and drip hoses.
“So ultimately, when rain does come, when water does come, our farmers will be able to harvest and to use more efficiently in periods of drought,” he said.
Furthermore, he stated that $8 million will go towards establishing catchment areas for farmers. He added that the Ministry would assist farmers in establishing catchment areas once they identified the space.
“We will provide you the pond liner free of cost, and also equipment support to prepare the area for the pond liner because what we want is that when the rain does come, we do not allow it to go to waste, and we are harvesting it to use to drive our production,” he said.
The Minister urged farmers to seek assistance from their RADA offices and the National Irrigation Commission (NIC).
“The parishes across our RADA network and also NIC should already have some allocations, and we will be doing more in the coming days. We will stand with you during these times!” he said.
He commended the nation’s farmers for their strength and resilience despite the dry conditions they experienced last year and are currently experiencing.
“Our farmers are truly passionate about agriculture, and that’s why, as a Ministry, we have to do all we can to provide the farmers with the infrastructure that they need to do what they love,” the Minister said.
Meanwhile, he lauded the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF) and the Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI) II program for installing 1.8 kilometers of force transmission main and pump switch gear and rehabilitating the pump at the Ebony Park Agro Park. “I think we must continue to work together, expand our irrigation, innovate, collaborate, and, ultimately, lead growth,” the minister said.
Other speakers at the ceremony included Omar Sweeney, Managing Director of JSIF; Lillian Smith, Director of Finance and Corporate Planning at the National Irrigation Commission; Vivion Scully, Chief Executive Officer of Agro-Investment Corporation; and Emre Ozaltin, Programme Lead at The World Bank Group.
The project aims to bring 93 acres of fertile farmland within the Ebony Park Agro Park into total production.
Additionally, it will benefit investors operating on approximately 950 acres at the Spring Plain and Mango Agro Parks.
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With Jamaica on track to attract 5 million visitors by 2025, the Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, urges local manufacturers to position themselves to meet the sector’s increasing needs for products and services.
The call has been made even as industry players, such as Small and medium Tourism Enterprises (SMTEs), have grossed more than $1 billion since the Tourism Linkages Network, a division of the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), implemented its annual Speed Networking initiative. The TEF is a public body of the Ministry of Tourism.
In a recent address at the 9th staging of the Speed Networking Event, delivered on his behalf by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Ms. Jennifer Griffith, Minister Bartlett expressed that the event was being hosted “at a time when Jamaica is experiencing its best tourism performance (in terms of arrivals), inclusive of cruise passengers, stopovers and US dollar earnings.”
He noted that Speed Networking had become one of the most anticipated calendar events created by the Tourism Linkages Network “in a continued bid to strengthen linkages and increase business between the tourism industry and local suppliers of goods and services from other sectors.”
This objective is being achieved through collaboration with the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA), and other partner entities, including the Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO), Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA), and the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC).
Participation has been consistent. Over 150 participants representing tourism entities, suppliers, and HR Managers registered for this year’s event, which was recently staged at the Montego Bay Convention Centre.
He cited that last year, “94% of hotels surveyed as tourism buyers said they were satisfied with the products presented to them.” In comparison, “80% of tourism suppliers reported receiving business leads from their participation in the Speed Networking Event.”
Also pointing to “a significant increase in business” for the sector, Executive Director of the JHTA, Mrs Camille Needham, recalled that: “When we started Speed Networking, we knew we were onto something because it was, from the outset, established to bring the tourist industry together with the suppliers of goods, services and products.” She also shared that “over the years, the success of this event, and the reports we have received from those who have participated have been heart-warming.”
In a testimonial, the Chief Executive Officer of HoneyVera, Ms Christal-Ann Thompson, said her participation in the Speed Networking Event over the years has helped to boost her business. She outlined that from just two products, when the company started in 2013, it now manufactures over 50 products also marketed internationally.
Buyers ranged from small hotels to large international chains, mostly repeat participants. The Purchasing Manager at Deja Resort, Samuel Bowen, said the hotel has been participating since its inception and has reaped many benefits. “We were able to make some excellent connections in suppliers, and currently, we have one supplier who has been with us from the very beginning, and it has benefitted us greatly,” he acknowledged.
Meanwhile, Damion Stewart, Retail Manager for Secrets and Breathless Resorts, who has been attending the event for the last three years, described the benefits as “amazing,” adding that “this is one of the main ways that we use to meet local suppliers that are aspiring to be part of the gift shop and the hotels’ operations, so this is very important for us.”
He said the property was huge in terms of sustainability, and local suppliers were a big part of that. “Every year, we try to increase our local suppliers’ presence by at least 10%.”
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PROGRESSIVE FOODS: FAIRVIEW, WHITTER VILLAGE, OCHO RIOS & SOVEREIGN VILLAGE
THE BUTCHER BLOCK GOURMET STORE: UPPER MANOR PARK PLAZA
SHOPPERS FAIR: SUPER SHOPPERS FAIR - BOULEVARD, WESTGATE
FONTANA PHARMACY: BARBICAN SQUARE, WATERLOO SQUARE
S FOODS JAMAICA SUPERMARKET: WORTHINGTON AVE., KINGSTON
GENERAL FOODS: OCHO RIOS, LIGUANEA PLAZA
LFA COUNTRY STORE SUPERMARKET: RICHMOND, ST. ANN
MANOR PARK PHARMACY: CONSTANT SPRING RD., KINGSTON
BOOT GAS STATION: BOOT GREENWICH PARK, DRAX HALL
SOVEREIGN SUPERMARKET: HOPE ROAD, KINGSTON
BROOKLYN SUPERMARKET: HALFWAY TREE, KINGSTON
SUPER VALU FRESH FOODS: CONSTANT SPRING RD., KINGSTON
LOSHUSAN SUPERMARKET, KINGS HOUSE RD, KINGSTON
JOHN R. WONG: TOBAGO AVE, NEW KINGSTON
LEE’S FOOD FAIR: RED HILLS RD., KINGSTON
HI-LO FOOD STORES, BARBICAN RD.
FAMILY PRIDE: HAVENDALE
THE COLLECTIVE 876: MAIN STREET, ROSE HALL
