JAMAICA is positioning itself as one of the Caribbean’s most compelling destinations for long-term investment, with a combination of economic stability, institutional resilience, and an ambitious reconstruction programme creating new opportunities across multiple sectors.

That was the message delivered by minister of state in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Delano Seiveright as he addressed a crowded ballroom at the Marriott International Luncheon, during the 30th Annual International African American Hotel Ownership and Investment Summit and Trade Show at the Hyatt Regency Miami last Friday.

Seiveright argued that Jamaica has moved beyond being viewed solely as a tourism destination and is increasingly being recognised as a location investors can deploy long-term capital with confidence.

“Investors are looking for stability, predictability and partnership,” he said. “Those are exactly the fundamentals Jamaica has spent the past decade strengthening.”

He pointed to the country’s sustained macroeconomic transformation, including public debt falling from around 140 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) at its peak to roughly two-thirds at present, net international reserves of more than US$6 billion, historically low unemployment, and continued fiscal discipline as evidence that the country’s economic foundations have fundamentally changed.

According to Seiveright, those reforms have also enabled Jamaica to respond from a position of strength following Hurricane Melissa, which resulted in an estimated US$12 billion in damage, losses and additional costs.

Rather than slowing development, he said, the disaster has accelerated investment in resilient infrastructure after Jamaica secured approximately US$6.7 billion in financing and support from major multilateral partners for recovery and long-term reconstruction.

Delano Seiveright (centre) minister of state in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce with industry leaders — (from left) Matt Lawrence, director of strategy and development, DSH Hotel Advisors; Guillermo Ortega, investment associate, DSH Hotel Advisors; Richard Millard, former chairman and CEO of Trust Hospitality; and Florida businessman Frank Merchie — following his address at the 30th Annual International African American Hotel Ownership and Investment Summit and Trade Show in downtown Miami, Florida, last Friday.

“This is about building a stronger Jamaica, not simply rebuilding the old one,” he said.

The state minister also highlighted ongoing investments in highways, airports, logistics infrastructure and digital transformation, together with the establishment of the National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority (NaRRA) to coordinate major rebuilding projects and strengthen the country’s resilience to future shocks.

He said Jamaica’s improving public safety, including sustained reductions in major crimes and the United States’ decision to upgrade Jamaica’s travel advisory, has further strengthened international investor confidence.

Seiveright also cited the continued growth of Jamaican corporate leaders including Sandals Resorts International, GraceKennedy, Musson Jamaica, and Seprod, alongside continued investments by international brands such as Amrize, Excelerate, Pinnacle, Marriott, Hyatt, Princess Hotels & Resorts, Palladium Hotel Group, Catalonia Hotels & Resorts, RIU, Bahia Principe, and UNICO, as evidence that confidence in Jamaica’s long-term prospects continues to deepen.

He encouraged the luncheon attendees, which included scores of hotel owners, developers, institutional investors, lenders, private equity professionals, business executives, and government officials from across the United States, the Caribbean and other international markets, to look beyond Jamaica’s traditional strengths and consider opportunities in hospitality, mixed-use developments, logistics, manufacturing, business services, and other high-growth sectors.

“There has never been a better time to invest in Jamaica,” Seiveright said. “The fundamentals are stronger, our institutions are more resilient, our infrastructure is expanding, and our Government remains committed to working alongside investors to unlock long-term growth.”

Hosted by the National Association of Black Hotel Owners, Operators and Developers (NABHOOD), under the leadership of Florida businessman Dr Andy Ingraham, the annual summit is regarded as one of the United States’ leading forums for hospitality investment and hotel ownership.