KINGSTON, Jamaica — Kathryn Silvera has been re-elected as president of the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA), becoming the first woman to serve a second term at the organisation.

Speaking at the JMEA’s Annual General Meeting at Summit Kingston on Wednesday, Silvera said her second term will focus on deepening industry data and intelligence, export diversification, skills development, labour policy reform and strengthening partnerships across the public and private sectors.

“Resilience. Progress. Opportunity. These three words define the year we have experienced together and the future we are building together,” Silvera told members, while outlining a five-point agenda aimed at strengthening the manufacturing and export sectors.

Reflecting on her first year as president, Silvera said the manufacturing sector had demonstrated resilience in the face of significant challenges, including the impact of Hurricane Melissa, rising costs, labour shortages and changing regulatory requirements.

She noted that the hurricane disrupted operations, damaged facilities and interrupted supply chains across several parishes, but said manufacturers responded quickly, reopening businesses, restoring production and supporting recovery efforts in affected communities.

The JMEA established a $10 million relief fund for members affected by the storm and, alongside the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) and the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC), helped mobilise more than $35 million in support of businesses and communities.

“The hurricane reminded us of an important lesson: resilience is no longer optional. It must be built into how we design our businesses, manage our operations, and plan for the future,” Silvera said.

Looking ahead, Silvera identified data collection and industry intelligence as a major priority, arguing that stronger evidence is critical to effective advocacy on issues affecting manufacturers and exporters.

“When the JMEA sends a survey, when we ask for your data, that is not bureaucracy — it is ammunition,” she said. “It is how we walk into a room with the Ministry of Finance or the MIIC (Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce) and make an argument they cannot dismiss.”

The association also plans to encourage greater export diversification, with a focus on value-added products derived from Jamaica’s agricultural sector and expanding access to international markets for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises.

Silvera said stronger linkages between manufacturing, agriculture and tourism remain central to the organisation’s strategy. Through initiatives such as Speed Networking, Christmas in July and Road to Retail, local producers have been connected directly with buyers, distributors and tourism-sector stakeholders.

Energy costs also remain a key concern for manufacturers, she said, noting that the JMEA’s Energy Committee has developed a six-point advocacy platform aimed at reducing electricity costs, expanding access to renewable energy and improving competitiveness.

“If you ask any manufacturer in this room what keeps them up at night, electricity costs will come up in the first sentence,” Silvera remarked.

The association is also increasing its focus on workforce development. During her address, Silvera announced the launch of a $300,000 JMEA Manufacturing Scholarship for a second-, third- or fourth-year student pursuing manufacturing-related studies at the University of Technology, Jamaica.

“This scholarship is not just a financial award. It is a statement of intent that this association is investing in the next generation of skilled professionals who will carry this sector forward,” she said.

Silvera also reaffirmed the association’s commitment to advocating for labour policy reforms, reducing the cost of doing business and strengthening partnerships with government, academia, development agencies and private sector organisations.

“The future of Jamaican manufacturing and exporting will not be determined by circumstances alone. It will be determined by our willingness to innovate, collaborate, invest, and lead,” she said.

Also elected to serve alongside Silvera were Deputy President Cecil Foster, managing director of FosRich Group of Companies, and Treasurer Damion Dodd, chief financial controller and corporate secretary at Seprod Limited.