Kathryn Silvera this week made history to become the first woman president of the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA), and has indicated that she will be using this opportunity to push for greater inclusion of women in Jamaica’s productive sectors.

Speaking to the Jamaica Observer following her appointment at an annual general meeting held by the JMEA at The Summit in Kingston, Silvera said she is committed to increasing the representation of women in manufacturing and export — two areas in which she believes female participation remains limited.

“I absolutely recognise the power of representation, and I intend to use this platform to champion greater inclusion across the industry,” Silvera told the BusinessWeek.

Building on the work and legacy of the women who previously led the Jamaica Manufacturers’ Association (JMA) and Jamaica Exporters’Association’s (JEA) Silvera said she plans to support initiatives that empower women-owned businesses, promote leadership diversity, and encourage mentorship for women entering the sector.

In addition to promoting gender inclusion, the new president further outlined a bold agenda centred around data-driven advocacy and stronger public-private collaboration. In keeping with this, her first order of business, she revealed, will be to implement an Industry Intelligence Platform which is to serves as a centralised system designed to collect and analyse performance data from JMEA members.

“Reliable industry data is fundamental to effective advocacy. Without it, we are limited in our ability to push for favourable trade agreements, investment incentives, or impactful public policy. We cannot continue to operate in the dark. Data is not a threat to competitiveness — it is the foundation of it. It is how we will attract capital, negotiate trade deals, shape policy, and prove our sector’s capacity and potential,” she stated while noting that the platform will also aim to support evidence-based decision-making and to foster deeper alignment between the private sector and government.

Tied to the aforementioned efforts, she said, are additional plans to intensify advocacy in key areas spanning human capital and skills development, energy and security cost reform, stronger linkages between tourism, agriculture and manufacturing as well as a revitalised ‘Buy Jamaican, Build Jamaican’ movement.

“I want every Jamaican to see this not as a slogan, but as a personal commitment to nation- building — supporting Jamaican industries, creating Jamaican jobs and generating Jamaican wealth,” she noted.

Silvera’s appointment comes at a time when the local productive sector continues to grapple with ongoing global geopolitical challenges and supply chain disruptions. Despite these headwinds, the newly installed JMEA head said she remains optimistic about Jamaica’s manufacturing and export potential.

“Realising this potential will require stronger, faster collaboration between the public and private sectors. Government has already signalled its intent through ongoing work in crime reduction, energy reform, regulatory streamlining and plans to legislate for deeper integration of Jamaican goods in the tourism supply chain. But this must move with greater urgency,” she further stated while underscoring the importance of investing in human capital to prepare the workforce for an increasingly technical and digital economy.

“Skills development, innovation, and workforce readiness must be core to our growth strategy. I believe strongly that leadership must start with example and as a result, Government — as the country’s largest purchaser — must lead by embedding Buy Jamaican principles in procurement, public investment and trade promotion,” she added.

Silvera, in her new role, succeeds outgoing President Sydney Thwaites, who led the association 2023-2025. Her ascension to the helm of the powerful lobby body follows previous stints as vice-president and deputy president.

Touted as a respected figure in the manufacturing and distribution sectors, Silvera brings extensive experience from her current roles as director of Caribbean Foods Limited, producer of Foska Oats, and director of sales and marketing at Chas E Ramson Limited, where she leads brand strategy, advertising and the management of over 40 distributed brands across the local market.

She is joined on the JMEA executive team by Deputy President Cecil Foster of FosRich Group of Companies and returning treasurer Damion Dodd of Seprod Limited.

“This presidency is not about me…It is about us — the producers, exporters, and innovators who believe in Jamaica’s potential. Let’s not just export products, but export excellence,” Silvera further affirmed during her inaugural address on Wednesday.

Incoming JMEA President Kathryn Silvera sharing her vision and commitment to advancing the interests of the manufacturing and export sectors during the AGM held on Wednesday last at the Summit in Kingston.

Outgoing President Sydney Thwaites, led the association 2023-2025.