KINGSTON, Jamaica — Newly minted Member of Parliament (MP) for St Andrew North Central, Delano Seiveright, has welcomed the decision of Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness to appoint him minister of state in the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Investment, which is led by Senator Aubyn Hill.

“This is a new challenge and one that I welcome.  The prime minister has made it clear that with economic stability achieved, the next step is boosting long-term growth and productivity, and this ministry will be a key part of that,” Seiveright told Observer Online.

“All Government ministries, agencies and departments have been charged to push this growth agenda and I will do whatever is needed to support Minister Hill in the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Investment,” added Seiveright, who served as minister of state in the Ministry of Tourism in the last administration.

The then Government senator worked closely with Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett to drive policies and initiatives that delivered record-breaking growth in Jamaica’s tourism sector.

His contributions strengthened the country’s global competitiveness, expanded airlift from key markets, attracted billions of dollars in new investments, improved opportunities for tourism workers, and deepened linkages with the wider economy.

Over time, Seiveright has built a strong influence within Jamaica’s public and private sectors and cultivated connections across international business circles.

The Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce ranks among the Government’s super ministries and is responsible for advancing trade, investment and business facilitation.

With oversight of 22 agencies and departments, the ministry plays a pivotal role in driving economic competitiveness and building cross-sector linkages.

Its portfolio spans agencies including JAMPRO, Jamaica’s trade and investment agency; the National Export-Import Bank (EXIM); Jamaica Special Economic Zone Authority;  the Fair Trading Commission; Anti-Dumping and Subsidies Commission; Cannabis Licensing Authority; Companies Office of Jamaica; Consumer Affairs Commission; and the Bureau of Standards Jamaica.