KINGSTON, Jamaica — Opposition Spokesman on Trade, Industry and Global Logistics, Anthony Hylton, has outlined the Opposition’s strategy for growing the economy with micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) at its core.

Speaking in the Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, Hylton said, “On this side of the House, we believe Jamaica’s next phase of development must focus on practical, achievable initiatives that deliver visible benefits while laying the foundation for long-term transformation.”

He added that “Central to that vision is unlocking the productive power of Jamaica’s MSMEs”.

Hylton argued that MSMEs cannot continue operating at the margins of the economy while carrying so much of the burden for employment and innovation.

“In successful economies, MSME growth is supported by integrated ecosystems in which financing, logistics, digital platforms, technical support, and market access work together cohesively,” he argued.

“That is why we support the creation of a National MSME Growth and Export Programme capable of delivering low-interest production-linked financing, shared manufacturing and agro-processing facilities, and embedded support for packaging, standards certification, digital commerce, and export readiness,” he said.

He stated that beyond that, “we must repurpose national infrastructure to support entrepreneurship and production”. He gave as “one powerful example”, the transformation of the Postal Corporation of Jamaica into a National SME Incubator and E-Commerce Platform.

“Our post offices should no longer exist merely as traditional mail facilities. They can become digital business hubs, export gateways, fulfilment centres, and logistical support systems serving entrepreneurs in every parish across Jamaica,” said Hylton.

He told the Parliament that in partnership with the private sector, this could significantly reduce one of the greatest barriers facing small businesses: the lack of affordable access to logistics, payment systems, technology, and market connectivity.

Hylton said at the same time, the Jamaica Business Development Corporation must evolve beyond administration and become a true market-maker capable of securing international retail partnerships, expanding ‘Things Jamaican’ shelf space globally, and helping local businesses access blended financing opportunities.

“Real prosperity will not come from a handful of large firms alone. It will come from empowering thousands of Jamaicans to produce, innovate, scale, and export,” he insisted.

Hylton also pointed to Jamaica’s geographic advantage, stating that while real, geography alone is not enough.

“We must move decisively to develop logistics parks linked to ports, highways, airports, and industrial zones that can attract manufacturing, assembly, warehousing, and distribution operations. Special Economic Zones must become engines of broad-based growth rather than isolated enclaves disconnected from surrounding communities. Every logistics investment must create opportunities for Jamaican suppliers, truckers, technicians, contractors, and workers,” he said.

He made the case for the modernisation of how logistics governance itself operates, stating that the Port Community System (PCS) established under the Logistics Hub framework must become more than a data sandbox.

“It must function as the coordinating mechanism bringing together customs, shipping lines, freight forwarders, truckers, warehouses, terminal operators, and regulators into a unified and accountable system,” Hylton stressed.

He also cautioned that none of this transformation will succeed without workforce readiness and human capital development. He also said growth must not bypass communities, rather it must uplift them.

“That is why we support a Community Enterprise Link Programme, ensuring that major industrial and logistics developments create opportunities for surrounding communities through local sourcing, supplier development, access to procurement, mentorship, and community investment.

“Growth must not remain concentrated among the few. It must create pathways into ownership, entrepreneurship, and upward mobility for ordinary Jamaicans across every parish of this country,” Hylton said.

— Lynford Simpson