KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister of state in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce Delano Seiveright is urging young Jamaicans to adopt a more aggressive entrepreneurial mindset, warning that while Government can create opportunities and provide support, ambition, discipline and execution must come from the individual.

Seiveright was speaking on Wednesday at the opening of The University of the West Indies’ inaugural International Undergraduate Student Leadership Conference and Entrepreneurship Expo at The UWI Regional Headquarters.

The opening ceremony included remarks from The UWI Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, and Pro Vice-Chancellor for Undergraduate Studies and Chair of the Board for Undergraduate Studies, Professor Canute Thompson.

“Government cannot supply your ambition. It cannot manufacture your discipline. And it cannot execute your idea. That part belongs to you,” he told students.

Speaking on the theme, “The Role of Entrepreneurship: Future Proofing the Region,” Seiveright said artificial intelligence (AI), e-commerce and other technologies are rapidly reshaping employment and global competition.

Citing the Stanford University 2026 AI Index, he said 88 per cent of surveyed organisations used AI in at least one business function in 2025, while PwC’s 2026 Global AI Jobs Barometer found that jobs requiring AI skills are growing faster than the overall jobs market, according to a release from the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce.

Seiveright urged students to embrace AI and use it to strengthen their competitiveness.

He also pointed to the expansion of platforms such as Amazon, Shein and Temu, saying they have increased competition for Jamaican businesses while creating opportunities for local companies to access international consumers.

He cited Jamaican exporter Rainforest’s continued exports to China as an example of the opportunities available to businesses willing to pursue global markets.

The minister also encouraged young entrepreneurs not to be discouraged by starting small, citing Rock Solid Plastics, Sanmerna Paper Products and Sandals as examples of Jamaican businesses that expanded from modest beginnings.

“Small should describe where you started, not where you intend to remain,” he said.

Seiveright urged students to identify opportunities in manufacturing, agribusiness, digital services, logistics, tourism, film and the creative industries, including products and services that Jamaica currently imports.

He also cautioned young people against allowing social or economic disadvantages to determine their prospects.

“Your circumstances may explain your starting point, but they do not have to dictate your destination,” he said.

Seiveright stressed that entrepreneurs seeking investment must also be prepared to meet international standards, with proper proposals, financial records and business projections.

“Networking may open the door, but preparation keeps you in the room,” he said.

He said the ministry, along with agencies including JAMPRO and the Jamaica Business Development Corporation, would continue supporting MSMEs, investment and exports.

However, he said Government support must be matched by greater initiative from the next generation, noting that youth unemployment remains substantially higher than the national rate.

“Some of you must become employers. The next generation of Jamaican jobs will come partly from companies that do not exist today,” Seiveright said.