Jamaica possesses the necessary ingredients to emerge as a nearshore manufacturing powerhouse, with its Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Regime playing a pivotal role in the process. SEZs are designated geographic areas designed to attract local and foreign investments, offering unique fiscal incentives distinct from the rest of the country. In an interview with JIS News, Chief Executive Officer (Interim) at...

Local investors and manufacturers, particularly those in agro-processing, are being encouraged to capitalise on the benefits to be derived from the recently launched hot pepper value chain project. The initiative, titled ‘Improving Phytosanitary, Food Safety and Market Access Opportunities along the Hot Pepper Value Chain in Jamaica’, evolved from a strategic collaboration with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization...

The Jamaica Special Economic Zone Authority (JSEZA) kicked off phase two of its customer engagement programme with a sensitisation session, titled ‘In the Zone’, on Friday, March 10. The programme will feature several interactive educational sessions aimed at improving stakeholder engagement and heightening awareness about the efficient operation of special economic zones (SEZs) in Jamaica. Friday’s virtual session focused on...

The management of HMH Farms in Bushy Park, St. Catherine, is looking to capitalise on the domestic demand for goat meat and quality animal stock. Managing Director of the farm, which specialises in livestock, genetic goat meat, and tabletop eggs, Hjort Henry, is cognisant of Jamaica’s importation pattern and, as such, is intent on repositioning his operations as the solution...

As many Jamaicans skip the traditional brick-and-mortar stores and conduct shopping and other business online, particularly during the holiday season, the Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC) is providing tips and advice to help persons operate safely in cyberspace. Speaking with JIS News, Information Technology Manager at the CAC, Christopher Martin, says persons should ensure that the device that they are using...

The COVID-19 pandemic, which has had a negative impact on many businesses, has, in several instances, spurred entrepreneurs to act quickly and decisively in order to keep their operations up and running. One such, is owner of Neasha’s Island Vibz, Reneisha Wilson, who manufactures fruit flavoured pepper sauces, non-preservative fruit wines, and a personal care product line. Ms. Wilson embarked...

Thirty-five children benefited from a two-week Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF)-sponsored literacy and numeracy summer camp, held in Rosemount Gardens, Montego Bay, St. James. The camp, which culminated on Friday (August 5), was designed to improve the youngsters’ conflict resolution skills, while impacting their education and personal development. Children from six to 17 years of age were targeted and engaged in...

The National Business Portal (NBP) has made doing business in Jamaica much easier by allowing businesses and individuals to go online and follow, in a simplified way, the steps involved in conducting business in Jamaica. In an interview with JIS News, Manager for Policy and Business Advocacy at Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO), Kelli-Dawn Hamilton, said the idea of a business...