MONTEGO BAY, St James — Declaring that the industry has reached a pivotal moment in its development, newly elected president of Global Services Association of Jamaica (GSAJ) Yoni Epstein has issued a strong call for the Government to become an even greater champion of Jamaica’s business process outsourcing (BPO) and global services sector.

His comments came as he addressed the GSAJ’s 13th annual general meeting at Montego Bay Free Zone on Tuesday, where he was elected to lead the association.

While he lauded successive administrations for their long-standing support of the sector — largely because of its tendency to provide jobs, particularly for young Jamaicans — Epstein argued that the changing global landscape now demands an even stronger partnership.

He insisted that the time has come for a more aggressive approach to promoting Jamaica as a premier global services destination.

“Our minister [of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Senator Aubyn Hill] needs to be a champion,” Epstein told the meeting.

“Our industry is at a pivotal point. We need a greater champion. We need that champion who is going to be out there helping us to market and sell this business,” he urged.

Members of the newly elected executive team of the Global Services Association of Jamaica, following elections at their annual general meeting at the Montego Bay Free Zone on Tuesday.

The comments are in line with one of the three areas of focus — marketing of the industry — that he has identified for his time at the helm of the GSAJ. Epstein declared that he strongly believes government ministers should play a more active role in promoting Jamaica internationally, as the country’s greatest strengths remain its people, culture, and geographic proximity to North America.

“Under no circumstance are we an industry that should not be looked upon and should not be on every single agenda of every government minister,” Epstein said.

The other two areas of focus are developing skills and advocating for lower operating costs.

Emphasising the importance of workforce development, he argued that while technical skills can be taught, employers must continue to cultivate reliability, discipline and a willingness to work.

According to Epstein, the GSAJ board will work to keep the industry at the forefront of national development discussions while expanding the organisation’s membership and supporting continued innovation and growth.

“We’re going hard core at it again. Let’s get to work,” he charged.

During the meeting, Epstein again dismissed fears surrounding artificial intelligence (AI), saying the technology would help drive productivity in an economy that is approaching full employment, allowing businesses to expand despite labour constraints.

Outgoing president of Global Services Association of Jamaica Wayne Sinclair and newly elected first vice-president Gloria Henry peruse information during the annual general meeting at the Montego Bay Free Zone on Tuesday.

Turning to the issue of stronger advocacy to reduce the cost of doing business, he pointed to rising inflation and operating expenses as major challenges facing operators.

Citing recent investments by companies in alternative energy solutions, Epstein suggested that renewable energy, particularly solar power, could help improve the industry’s competitiveness.

“Our competitive advantage has to be more than just our people and our proximity,” he said.

Epstein, and other members of the newly elected executive team, will assume office on August 1.

Reflecting on the industry’s evolution since he became the association’s founding president 13 years ago, he pointed to the sector’s remarkable journey from employing about 13,000 people to a peak of roughly 70,000 before settling at approximately 40,000 employees today.

Epstein argued that the industry’s success should no longer be measured solely by employment figures but by its broader contribution to Jamaica’s economy.

“We need to start looking at how this industry grows by increasing the gross domestic product. Let’s talk more financial, not necessarily head count, because we’re pretty close to full employment,” he said, noting that the sector currently generates close to US$900 million in foreign exchange annually, making it the country’s second-largest industry and third-largest foreign exchange earner.