Government officials, industry stakeholders, beauty entrepreneurs and influencers gathered, on April 30, at the Jamaica Promotion Corporation (Jampro) head office in Kingston for the official launch of the seventh staging of the Jamaica International Beauty Expo (JIBE), being staged this year under the theme ‘Beauty Beyond Jamaica’s Borders’.

Keynote speaker Dr Onika Campbell-Rowe — Ambassador-at-large for the Western Hemisphere, United Nations Special Envoy, and global human rights specialist — used her address to speak on the impact of Caribbean culture as inspiration for global trends while noting that the region continues to struggle with building the infrastructure and implementing the systems needed to truly capitalise on its influence.

She challenged the audience to confront an uncomfortable truth: While Caribbean aesthetics are often replicated and monetised on international stages, the systems required to sustain and scale local industries — investment pipelines, manufacturing capabilities, export strategies — remain underdeveloped. It was not a critique delivered in pessimism, but rather a call to action, urging stakeholders to move from inspiration to implementation.

Slated for Friday, June 26 to Sunday, June 28, JIBE, a three-day event, is billed as the Caribbean’s premier trade show for beauty and wellness. Organisers promise an immersive experience, featuring leading industry voices, dynamic panel discussions, and an expansive exhibition floor showcasing top-tier local and international manufacturers and distributors. The expo aims to create tangible opportunities for networking, knowledge-sharing, and business development — tools essential for transforming Caribbean creativity into sustainable economic power.

Saturday Social brings highlights.

Spotted at the launch were Sagicor Bank Assistant Manager, Credit Risk Candice Heaven and her husband Scotiabank Private Banking and Wealth Management Centre Director Oral Heaven. Aceion Cunningham

Keisha Pinto (left), JIBE ambassador-Canada, snapped an ussie with Solvex Global CEO Luz Tejada-Edwards.Aceion Cunningham

Ready to share their expertise were the Fontana Pharmacy team of Beauty Manager Daina De Gale (left) and Marketing Manager Stephanie Smith.Aceion Cunningham

Catching up at the launch were Affinity Social Hub CEO Cary-Ann Burke (left) and Red Stripe Spirits Trade Marketing Executive Chantalle Bryan.Aceion Cunningham

Pausing for a quick photo was Shieka Walsh, communications and marketing manager, Vocational Training Development Institute (VTDI).Aceion Cunningham

Realtor and Global Jamaica Diaspora Council member Lisa Rutty was among the guests at the launch.Aceion Cunningham

Facing the lens was event and protocol specialist Onome Sido. Aceion Cunningham