Message from the President of the Jamaica Manufacturers’ Association
The Jamaica Manufacturers’ Association (JMA) congratulates all the award winners at the 48th Annual Awards Banquet. Forty eight years of celebrating excellence in manufacturing is no easy feat, but you, our manufacturers, as personified by our awardees, continue to demonstrate admirable creativity and perseverance, proving the relevance of this prestigious event.
This year’s banquet was truly a memorable one, as the JMA once again recognized innovative and revolutionary manufacturers who have the heart and dedication for hard work and integrity. Despite facing momentous challenges such as crime and violence, high energy costs, heavy taxation, and government bureaucracy, our Jamaican manufacturers continue to demonstrate commendable resilience, and many continue to reinvest, innovate, and expand their reach in the local and international marketplace. They continue to lead the way in producing high-quality products, solidifying ‘Jamaica’ as one of the world’s most recognized brands.
The JMA continues to reinvent itself to meet the demands of the ever-changing environment, to effectively serve our growing membership and the manufacturing sector. Now more than ever, manufacturers are essential to the long-term sustainability of growth through their work within business and industry, in public practice, and in service. As the only organization solely dedicated to the industry, the JMA must continue to support the high-quality work by all members, as we have relentlessly done for the past 70 years.
One of the exciting new initiatives that will come to fruition in 2017 is the Jamaica International Exhibition (JIE). The JIE is an inaugural tradeshow that will be held at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in St. James, from June 1-3. A one-of-a-kind event, and first in terms of its size and magnitude, JIE will see approximately 350 buyers and suppliers.
Additionally, the JMA continues to lobby vigorously on issues such as effective tax reform, government procurement and trade facilitation. We will continue to make representation to the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation for consideration to be given to a development type framework for improving the accessibility and infrastructure of available factory space to manufacturers. The JMA also aims to identify and create awareness of and facilitate opportunities for linkages between the manufacturing sector and purchasers in linkage industries.
We are proud to have developed and implemented successful programmes and initiatives that educate our nation and improve awareness of the importance of the sector. Together, with the support of our over four hundred and fifty (450) member manufacturers and partners, we endeavour to ensure that manufacturing is once again the pride of place as an important growth engine for Jamaica.
As the world celebrates International Women’s Day, the JMA salutes women’s astounding achievements throughout history. We acknowledge the phenomenal women who have been breaking the proverbial glass ceiling; particularly those who own, operate or work in the challenging yet fulfilling business of manufacturing.
We express immense gratitude to all our partners for aligning themselves with our vision. We extend heartfelt thanks to the sponsors, in particular Digicel Business, who made the 48th Annual Awards Banquet a resounding success. The JMA appreciates your support and we look forward to continue working with you in building a stronger industry for ourselves, our loved ones and the advancement of our nation.
Mr. Metry Seaga
President of the Jamaica Manufacturers’ Association