MESSAGES

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MINISTER OF TOURISM HON. EDMUND BARTLETT, CD, MP

The Tourism Linkages Network’s Christmas in July initiative continues to revolutionize the approach to corporate gift shopping by strategically promoting locally made products. In addition to encouraging the purchase of Jamaican-made items as corporate gifts, this innovative venture encourages the support of our small business sector, promotes job creation and boosts income generation.

Participants over the years have been chalking up millions of dollars in sales through contracts negotiated at the event. The 50 highest earners of Christmas in July 2019, made a combined total of $9.2 million by participating in the event.

There was an overwhelming response to the event this year, with one hundred and eighty three (183) manufacturers and artisans, grasping the opportunity to display their locally-made corporate gift items for assessment, in their quest to secure a spot among the exhibitors at the first-ever virtual staging of the Christmas in July Tradeshow. This demonstrates the importance of the event not just to the tourism sector, but on a much larger scale; to the restoration of the national economy at this time.

One key product of this virtual event is this catalogue. This exceptional product index introduces the work of local entrepreneurs to a much wider audience that will now have access to the delightful collection of authentic Jamaican art and craft, spa products, paintings, furniture, footwear, clothing, confectionery, processed foods and wines, just to mention a few.

These unique items will make thoughtful and innovative gifts that I am sure business clients and customers will love. I also encourage everyone to support the businesses that are showcased in this catalogue as you purchase your gifts for the Holiday Season. In doing so, you will be supporting the high quality work of these local producers and their communities as well.

I applaud the collaborative work of the Tourism Linkages Network, the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) and their partners, which has made this excellent Christmas in July catalogue possible.

Enjoy browsing through the catalogue, share it with others and be sure to make your purchase.

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CHAIRMAN OF TOURISM LINKAGES COUNCIL MR. ADAM STEWART, CD

The ‘Christmas in July’ initiative continues to meet its mandate to provide a lucrative conduit aimed at bridging the gap between our local suppliers and their markets. Now more than ever, our local artisans, producers and manufacturers are reliant on opportunities such as these to bring buyers to the table, ultimately allowing local entrepreneurs to remain afloat and keep Jamaica’s economy going.

Undoubtedly a continued success, this year’s virtual event attracted a combined more than 15,000 viewers and saw an increase of near 60 percent new applicants with 140 manufacturers displaying their wares. I am extremely pleased to note not only the growth in interest, but also the resulting contracts between our suppliers and purchasers. The event, supported by the circulation of this carefully curated catalogue, will continue to provide a readily accessible channel through which all interested parties can source authentic and superbly crafted Jamaican-made items.

I want to again acknowledge the efforts of the Minister of Tourism and the dedicated team at the Tourism Linkages Council who continuously hold steadfast to the commitment to create prolific and sustainable linkages for our local manufacturers.

At the heart of the ‘Christmas in July’ initiative is the drive to promote the need to buy local. Buying Jamaican is no longer a mere mantra. It is a way of life and livelihoods during these unprecedented times. Let us continue to support our talented manufacturers and artisans as we all work together to position Jamaica to recover stronger.