KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA) has hit out against what it describes as government’s use of local funds and scare foreign exchange to support overseas jobs.

In a statement today the manufacturers and exporters said that Government’s insistence on using imported memorabilia to promote brand Jamaica at events is undermining local businesses.

According to the JMEA, the latest example was the use of imported memorabilia at the recent Conference on Jobs and Inclusive Growth, organised by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the Government of Jamaica, the World Bank Group and the Inter-American Development Bank, held in Montego Bay.

The JMEA, which sits on the Tourism Linkages Council and represents several companies that can produce conference memorabilia, said that it is shocking that these companies were not given the opportunity to supply products at the conference.

“Unfortunately, 56 years we have not changed our culture to accommodate national aspirations, and we remain uncommitted to the sustainable development of Jamaica. Again, Government procurement policy and our own public sector workers have failed us by supporting overseas jobs, using vital foreign exchange and contributing to our high trade imbalance,” the JMEA said in its statement.