Jamaica has launched into an unprecendented paradigm of opportunity, according to president of the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC) Lloyd Distant Jr .

Distant, who was re-elected as the president yesterday at JCC’s annual general meeting held at The Knutsford Court Hotel, expressed his gratitude at the opportunity to continue with programmes that were developed in the course of the past year.

“Last year I spoke about Jamaica being at a good junction with unprecedented investments, outstanding stock market and business and consumer confidence at its highest ever.

In addition to those things we identified last year, we now have low inflation, low unemployment and low interest rates — what was a point of unique convergence for businesses in Jamaica has now launched into what I called an unprecedented paradigm of opportunity,” Distant stated.

He said that under his continued leadership, the organisation’s mandate will remain unchanged.

“In 2020, our programme will not change significantly, as we continue to focus on many of those things that have become synonymous to JCC. Our members should look forward to new products from the Jamaica Conference Board, innovative approaches to membership engagement and their chamber being at forefront of trade facilitation,” he stated.

“Members will see increased collaborations with the aforementioned organisation, Network of Caribbean Chambers and the All-Island Chambers of Commerce and further initiatives from promoting women in business and embracing young entrepreneurs,” he continued.

In noting that the organisation will remain steadfast in issues relating to corruption and crime, the president indicated that JCC in unison with other organisations will continue to seek increased investment in education and skills training to build the human capital of the country.

According to him, areas for attention in coming year will look at export-led growth, enabling our small and medium- sized enterprises, import substitutions, as well as driving further legislative reforms.

Distant also commended the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica’s access to finance facilitation committee, which is focused on enabling lower cost and easier access to credit for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Other executive board members that were re-elected for their current positions include Michael McMorris — first vice-president, Ian Neita — second vice-president, Keith Collister — third vice-president and Melanie Subratie — fourth vice president. Wilbert Spence was also re-elected as honourable treasurer of the organization.