Christmas is a special time of great joy and sharing. What better way to do so than take pride in brand Jamaica and support locally manufactured products. As the festive season is fast approaching, the Jamaica Manufacturers’ Association (JMA) urges you to buy innovative, quality, competitively priced Jamaican-made products when shopping this holiday season.

The reasoning behind this is logical. When we make the conscious decision to purchase locally produced goods, we all benefit. Every dollar spent on Jamaican products this Christmas, will attribute to economic growth or national development. It means greater employment opportunities, export and GDP expansion, and the reduction of our trade deficit. The JMA asks that you choose Jamaican brands because by doing so, you are choosing a brighter future for yourselves and your loved ones.

The true spirit of Christmas is in giving. Therefore, as we come together this holiday season with families and friends, we should ensure that we exchange gifts that are labelled ‘Made in Jamaica.’ Take the time, read your labels and you will find that products that are made in Jamaica by Jamaicans are priced for all economic groups, regardless of what you earn.

The possibilities of Jamaican-made products are almost limitless. From processed foods such as baked products, spices, alcoholic beverages, meats, juices and food supplements, to items such as paints, tiles, furniture, window and doors can be used for Christmas purposes. We have our own cosmetics brands, clothing lines, jewellery and other accessories for all your needs. Go ahead, exercise your purchasing power and buy Jamaican.

The benefits of buying Jamaican products this Christmas run deeper than merely putting money back into our economy. If each of us spends $5000 Jamaican dollars this holiday season on locally made goods, you are giving the best gift of all to 6500 Jamaicans. That is…a job.

The power to transform and sustain Jamaica’s economic development is in our hands, so this holiday season let us “Buy Jamaican” and “Build Jamaica”. Have yourself a very Jamaican Christmas.

Mrs. Imega Breese McNab

Executive Director

Jamaica Manufacturers’ Association