NATI
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MANUFACTURERS’
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NTH
2025
MANUFACTURE & EXPORT TRANSFORMATION:
BOLD RISKS, BRIGHT INNOVATIONS, BRILLIANT GROWTH
POLICY WISHLIST
Manufacturers’ top asks from policymakers to accelerate growth.
RELIVE
JMEA
THE ICON DR. JOY
SPENCE
MSME STORIES PBAS Limited, Jamaican Ideale Spices, JTM Wholistic, Dawson Trading Company Limited
JAMAICA’S BOLDEST LUXURY EXPORT - FASHION
READ MORE
INSIDE
MESSAGE FROM MINISTER OF INDUSTRY, INVESTMENT AND COMMERCE As we celebrate Manufacturers Month, the Ministry of Industry Investment and Commerce (MIIC), Jamaica’s Business, we recognize the indispensable role that Jamaica’s manufacturers and MSMEs play in driving Jamaica’s economic growth, innovation, and resilience. The manufacturing sector contributed a 1.5% increase in real value added in the second quarter of 2025, alongside gains in Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing, and Construction, reflecting the determination and resourcefulness of our industries.
Senator the Hon. Aubyn Hill
Manufacturers are encouraged to constantly improve their measured productivity to expand exports of Jamaican-made products and services. Increase productivity will grow profitability, and competitiveness, opening new markets and drive Jamaica’s economic growth. Each Jamaican business that succeeds locally
and globally creates jobs, raises incomes, and reinforces Jamaica’s reputation for excellent products and services The Ministry of Industry Investment & Commerce continues to encourage all manufacturers and exporters to utilize the Productive Inputs Relief (PIR) programme. In FY2024/2025, 155 companies received approvals, with incentives totaling JM$80.2 billion. This government and ministry support provides customs duty and tax relief, allowing businesses to innovate more and grow operations. The Ministry applauds the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA) for its leadership and commitment to excellence. Together, public and private partners continue to advance the production of goods that meet a growing and changing local and foreign market demand. Manufacturers success in meeting these market demands faster economic growth in Jamaica.
MESSAGE FROM JMEA PRESIDENT
Kathryn Silvera President | JMEA
As we commemorate Manufacturers Month under the theme ‘Bold Risks, Bright Innovations, and Brilliant Growth,’ we reflect on a sector that continues to demonstrate resilience, creativity, and strategic foresight. Like gems refined through pressure and time, Jamaica’s manufacturers have evolved, embracing innovation, expanding capacity, and pursuing excellence across every facet of production. Our manufacturers are the architects of transformation, shaping industries,
generating employment, and enhancing the nation’s competitiveness on the global stage. The JMEA remains unwavering in its commitment to advancing this progress through advocacy, capacity building, and partnerships that strengthen the foundation of growth. Together, we continue to craft a manufacturing industry that gleams with purpose and promise, bold in its ambitions, bright in its innovation, and brilliant in its contribution to Jamaica’s sustainable development.
MESSAGE FROM JMEA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Kamesha Blake Executive Director | JMEA
Manufacturing has always been at the heart of Jamaica’s economic strength and national pride. As we celebrate Manufacturers Month under the theme ‘Bold Risks, Bright Innovations, and Brilliant Growth,’ we honour the visionaries and enterprises that continue to transform challenges into opportunities and ideas into impact. Our manufacturers and exporters embody the essence of innovation and perseverance. Their ability to adapt, modernize, and
create world-class products reflects the brilliance that defines Jamaican enterprise. At the JMEA, we remain committed to supporting this journey through advocacy, capacity development, and strategic partnerships that enable sustainable growth and competitiveness. Let us continue to build an industry that reflects the finest qualities of our people: resilient, enterprising, and ever evolving. Together, we are shaping a manufacturing sector that stands as a true gem within Jamaica’s economic landscape.
MSME’s Who Dominated the M&E Awards 2025 The PBAS Journey from Business Support to Agroprocessing When Nicola Johnson launched Payroll and Benefits Administrative Services (PBAS) in October 2005, her focus was clear, help small businesses manage their people, processes and systems so they could focus on growth. For nearly two decades, PBAS stood as a quiet force behind other entrepreneurs’ success stories. But in October 2023, everything changed. PBAS expanded its vision to include agro processing, a proud Jamaican manufacturer and distributor of spices and seasonings. It wasn’t a random leap. It was a deliberate, data-driven and deeply personal decision. “When COVID hit, most of my clients were forced to close their businesses. I started thinking about sustainability,” Nicola recalls. “I read STATIN’s economic and productivity reports and saw that manufacturing, especially in spices, showed consistent year-on-year growth. Coming from a family that loves cooking and makes our own spices, I thought, why not turn that passion into a business?” So, she took the plunge. PBAS agro processing started small with a single product, curry powder, and has since expanded into a full line of offerings including scotch bonnet flakes, ginger powder, cinnamon powder, cinnamon sticks, pimento berries, jerk seasoning, all-purpose seasoning, seafood blend, chicken seasoning, coconut water, coconut oil, and raw honey.
Then came a moment Nicola never saw coming. At this year’s JMEA Manufacturers and Exporters (M&E) Awards 2025, PBAS didn’t just get noticed, it swept not one, but two major categories, winning the Jamaica Emerging Manufacturer and Services (JEMS) of company of the Year Award and the National Certification Body of Jamaica (NCBJ) Award for Quality and Standards – MSME. “I’m still surprised,” Nicola says with a warm laugh. “The other nominees are companies I’ve admired for years. To come out on top, I’m just thankful. Thankful to God, to my mentors, and to everyone who’s supported me since the start of this journey.” For her, the Quality and Standards Award holds special meaning. “From the beginning, we’ve been intentional about quality,” she explains. “We take pride in producing healthy, natural foods, no shortcuts, no fillers, just the real Jamaican flavours we grew up loving.”
In just two years, PBAS agro processing products have made their way onto shelves across the island, sitting proudly among Jamaica’s most recognized brands. N’JOY products are available in several leading retail outlets islandwide, making it easier for customers to experience our authentic Jamaican flavor wherever they shop. Notable locations include Sovereign Supermarket, John R Wong, Loshusan Barbican, SuperValu Mannings Hill Road, Family Pride, Things Jamaican NMIA, Devon House, Camp Road Classic Supermarket (Morant Bay), YoungSang, Essential, Super Plus Express (Four Paths), Ajani’s E (Spanish Town), and Sydenham Supermarket (Old Harbour Road) - among other valued retail partners who proudly share our commitment to quality and local excellence.
Christine Towsend: Banking to Blending - Building a Spice Brand She left a secure banking career to help her father in his small manufacturing business, stepping into a world she barely understood. For Christine Townsend, what started as lending a hand quickly became the beginning of her own entrepreneurial journey and the birth of Jamaican Ideale Spices. Growing up, she had always been surrounded by the sights and smells of manufacturing. Her father made flavourings and watching him work left an imprint she didn’t fully realize at the time. When she began assisting him, the challenges became immediately apparent. There was no roadmap, no guidebook, and little understanding of what it took to run a business beyond the basics. Sales, marketing, production, everything was new, and at times overwhelming. Many doubted her abilities. “I was told the only thing I could do was push paper,” she recalls. But that doubt only fueled her determination. After gaining hands-on experience with her father, Christine decided to take a leap of faith and start her own business.
In the beginning, she sought guidance from the Jamaica Business Development Corporation to help navigate the complexities of running a company. Their support offered direction, but finances were tight. Without a steady income, she returned to full time employment while running her business on the side. The turning point came in 2019, when a simple statement reshaped her mindset. “It’s either you’re hustling or you’re doing business,” someone told her. She took it to heart and committed fully to building her brand. She started with flavourings, a natural extension of her family’s legacy, and gradually expanded into spices. The quality of her products quickly spoke for itself and Jamaican Ideale Spices soon found its way onto the shelves of Brooklyn Supermarket and later Progressive Supermarket and others. With each new placement, demand grew, sometimes at a pace that felt almost impossible to keep up with. “Every day, orders kept coming in. It was exciting and overwhelming all at once,” she says. Over eleven years, Christine has built a thriving business recognized for its quality and innovation. Recently, Jamaican Ideale Spices received the Jamaica Productivity Centre Award for Productivity and Competitiveness (MSME) at JMEA Manufacturers and Exporters (M&E) Awards, an acknowledgment that left her beaming with pride. “It’s overwhelming. I’m still surprised,” she shares. Christine’s vision extends far beyond local shelves. Trade missions, including one to London, opened her eyes to the global potential of Jamaican-made products. With a new facility in Twickenham Park, Spanish Town, and a storefront in place, she is now focusing on wholesale distribution and expanding exports, all while maintaining the authenticity and quality that have become her signature.
MSME’s Who Dominated the M&E Awards 2025 (cont’d) JTM Wholistic Care Featuring Self Care @ Tiphanie’s Selfcare @Tiphanie’s evokes feelings of warmth, comfort, and natural beauty and fittingly so, because that’s exactly how the brand began. It all started right at home when Tiphanie’s son was born with eczema. Like any mother, she turned first to prescribed products, hoping to ease his discomfort. When they didn’t deliver the results she wanted, she took matters into her own hands, creating a soothing blend she called Whipped Moringa Butter. That one creation became the spark that changed everything. Tiphanie began sharing her homemade remedy with colleagues in the medical field, where the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. A registered nurse by profession and someone who had once aspired to become a dermatologist, she realized her passion for skincare had found its purpose. Drawing on her medical knowledge and a deep love for natural wellness, she officially turned her experiments into a business, JTM Wholistic Care, the company behind the brand Selfcare @Tiphanie’s. Selfcare @Tiphanie’s offers natural haircare, skincare, aromatherapy, and wellness tea bags, along with corporate gifting options and, more recently, mobile facials available islandwide. With its growing range of high-quality, locally made products, the brand quickly gained recognition for its innovation and excellence. That reputation was solidified when Selfcare @Tiphanie’s cemented itself as a force to be reckoned with in the industry, copping the Ambassador Peter King New Exporter of the Year Award at the JMEA Manufacturers and Exporters (M&E) Awards. “I’m humbled to have been nominated in six categories. That in itself speaks volumes about the work we’ve put in, and though we didn’t win them all, to walk away with an award is truly a wonderful feeling,” Tiphanie shared. “This recognition reinforces our mission to grow into a global brand.” Selfcare @Tiphanie’s products can be found in Things Jamaican stores, Fontana locations islandwide, and pharmacies across Jamaica. The brand also exports to the United States, Canada, and CARICOM, and products are available online at https://selfcaretiphanies.com/ Looking ahead, Tiphanie is setting her sights on the hotel industry, aiming to supply in-room spa products in bulk while continuing to expand her export markets. Her ambitions do not end there. Inspired by her journey in manufacturing, she has co-authored a children’s book with her kids titled My Mommy Is a Scientist.
From Humble Beginnings to International Markets: Dawson Trading Company Limited Journey Dawson Trading Company Limited has built its reputation on one simple but powerful mission, encapsulating the high-quality of Jamaican agricultural produce and making it accessible to people both locally and overseas. The company’s story began in 2012 as a one man band when founder Jordan Dawson noticed an opportunity to source mangoes in St Thomas and ship to a single distributor in Canada. Driven by passion and opportunity, he launched what would become the company’s first product line, the Fresh Line. What started as a modest operation has grown into one of Jamaica’s most reliable sources of mangoes, ackee, breadfruit, ground provisions and other Jamaican agricultural products. The company now exports to over 10+ distributors and customers in over 6 different overseas markets As demand increased, so did the company’s vision. In response to a need for the supply of agricultural produce outside of the production season, Dawson Trading Company introduced its second line of products in 2020 - Easy Pickin’s. This expansion marked a major turning point for the company. Easy Pickin's represents DTC's frozen line of products made from 100% Jamaican grown and manufactured high quality agricultural products. The products contain no preservatives or additives, are easy to use, and remain accessible to customers seeking convenience, quality, consistency and accessibility. Today, Dawson Trading Company services several major retail outlets also hotel and restaurant chains islandwide, many of which depend on these products daily. The frozen line Easy Pickin's is also being exported to markets across the USA, Canada, the UK and select Caribbean territories. Today, Dawson Trading Company Limited stands proudly as one of the larger mango exporters in the region and is among the five Jamaican exporters approved to ship Jamaican mangoes to the United States, a significant milestone that reflects its commitment to global standards. Dawson Trading Company also leads the way in Jamaica for agricultural produce freezing technologies and cold chain products. The company’s growth has not gone unnoticed. At the JMEA Manufacturers and Exporters (M&E) Awards, Dawson Trading Company Limited has consistently proven itself a standout performer, winning the Ray Hadeed Award for Best MSME three years in a row, including 2025, as well as Best Small Champion Exporter in 2024 and 2025. For Jordan Dawson, these achievements carry deep meaning. “The awards mean a lot. Agricultural manufacturing and exporting in Jamaica isn’t one of the easiest businesses to pursue, so I’m grateful for the recognition for the hard work that the team puts in,” he shared. “The company started from humble beginnings with just one employee and today we have 8 full time employees and over 30+ contract workers. The path for growth is difficult, but with persistence, passion, and commitment to quality, we have been able to turn challenges into opportunities and build a business that now extends beyond our shores.” But Dawson Trading is far from finished. The company is currently expanding its production capacity to better serve existing markets and meet increasing international demand. As the brand continues to strengthen its global footprint, Dawson remains focused on one core promise, delivering the very best of Jamaican produce to the world.
MOMENTS
The JMEA honours RedStripe (part of the HEINEKEN Company), for its valuable contribution to Jamaica’s manufacturing and export sectors.
The JMEA proudly recognizes the VM Group as a valued Partner Sponsor of the 2025 M&E Awards Gala.
The JMEA honours JAMPRO, for its valuable contribution to Jamaica’s manufacturing and export sectors.
JMEA Directors share a photo-op moment with Senator the Honourable Aubyn Hill on the M&E Awards red carpet.
One of the evening’s lucky attendees proudly receives a gate prize during the M&E Awards 2025, held at The Jamaica Pegasus Hotel.
The JMEA celebrates past Director Brett Wong for his meaningful contribution to the organization during the period 2022–2025.
JMEA President, Kathryn Silvera, presents the Director in Service Award to Deputy President, Cecil Foster, at the 2025 M&E Awards.
The JMEA honours the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) for its valuable contribution as an award sponsor of the 2025 M&E Awards Gala.
ESG – Most Sustainable Manufacturer Award
Pauline Gray Award for Best Support Service
Caribbean Broilers Ja. Ltd.
Seaboard Marine
Corporate Social Responsibility Award Vision 2030-Jamaica LARGE
Corporate Social Responsibility Award Vision 2030-Jamaica MSME
GraceKennedy Limited
Bartley’s All In Wood
National Certification Body of Jamaica (NCBJ) Award for Quality and Standards - Large
National Certification Body of Jamaica (NCBJ) Award for Quality and Standards - MSME
Jamaica Productivity Center Award for Productivity and Competitiveness - SUPER LARGE
J. Wray and Nephew Limited
PBAS Limited
RedStripe (part of the HEINEKEN Company)
Jamaica Productivity Center Award for Productivity and Competitiveness - LOWER LARGE
Jamaica Productivity Center Award for Productivity and Competitiveness - MSME
Jamaica Productivity Center Award for Productivity and Competitiveness - UPPER LARGE Caribbean Producers Jamaica Limited (Meat Processing Plant)
Ray Hadeed Award for Best Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise
Dawson Trading Company Limited
Jamaican Ideale Spices
PBAS Limited
National Commercial Bank Jamaica Limited (NCBJ) Award for New Exporter of the Year - SME
The Charles Henderson Award for Breakthrough Product of the Year (FOOD)
The Charles Henderson Award for Breakthrough Product of the Year (NON-FOOD) Blue Power Group Limited (Blue Power Cake Soap Powder)
The Best Dressed Chicken (Crispy Breaded Chicken)
Spur Tree Spices Jamaica Limited
Jamaica Emerging Manufacturer and Services (JEMS) Company of the Year Award
Lydford Mining Company Ltd.
JTM Wholistic Care
Nicola Gordon Rowe Buy Jamaican Award
JMEA Best Digital Ad Campaign Award
Wisynco Group Limited
Consular Corps Next Generation Leadership Award Vishwanauth (“VJ”) Tolan - Blue Power Group
Best Performing Manufacturing Company Listed on the Junior Market
President’s Award for Director in Service
TEF Tourism Linkages Award - LARGE
TEF Tourism Linkages Award - MSME
JMEA Deputy President – Cecil Foster, Founder and Managing Director of FosRich Company
Caribbean Producers Jamaica Limited (Meat Processing Plant)
Body by Roxanne and Co.
Woman in Manufacturing and Exporting Award
VM Group JMEARA Award Large
Best Performing Manufacturing Company Listed on the Main Market
Blue Power Group Limited
Jamaica Producers Group Ltd.
VM Group JMEARA Award - MSME
JAMPRO Award for Small Top Exporter Dawson Trading Company Limited
Sanmerna Paper Products Limited
Governor-General’s Award for Exporter of the Year Seprod Limited
Governor-General’s Award for Manufacturer of the Year Seprod Limited
Lifespan Co. Ltd. (Nayana Williams)
Caribbean Broilers Group
Jamaica Trade Board Limited Award for Top Exporter through Trade Agreements
National Commercial Bank Jamaica Limited Top Exporter Award (Manufacturing)
P.A. Benjamin Manufacturing Co. Ltd.
Seprod Limited
JMEA Icon Award Dr. Joy Spence
VM Group JMEA Legacy Award
J. Wray and Nephew Limited
Dr. Joy Spence
ICON
In 1997, Joy Spence made history when she became the first female to be appointed Master Blender in the Global Spirits Industry. Her journey with J. Wray & Nephew started in 1981, 44 years ago. But it is one that will forever be etched in the hall of fame of JWN’s 200 years and the global spirts industry. When Joy Spence joined J. Wray & Nephew Limited as Chief Chemist in 1981, no one could have imagined the heights to which she would soar and the impact that she would make on the Company and the global spirits industry. Working under her predecessor and mentor Owen Tulloch, Joy extended her knowledge of the science of rum making to include the art of rum blending. Although Joy’s most tangible legacy will be the blends that she has created, her ability to think outside the box, coupled with her passion for excellence has been a tremendous asset to the people, the brands as well as the Company in general. Joy’s penchant for innovation and impressive level of commitment became evident early in her career. While she was Chief Chemist, Joy spearheaded the charge to make J. Wray & Nephew ISO certified thus becoming one of the first companies in Jamaica to earn international quality standards certification. This achievement allowed the Company to demonstrate to the world that it was a serious scientific player in the spirits industry and could produce world class products on a consistent basis. It is worthy to note that this certification was achieved in record time due in no small part to Joy’s tenacity and contagious passion. Throughout her career, Joy conducted extensive research on critical aspects of J. Wray & Nephew's rum-making process, with outcomes that significantly improved the Company's production efficiency while substantially reducing its environmental footprint. She ensured the quality and consistency of all the Company's products and, until her retirement, maintained rigorous international health, safety, and environmental standards. The Jamaican rum industry has also benefited from Joy’s knowledge and passion as she developed the technical specifications and the code of practice for the Geographic Indicator for Jamaica Rum and, working with Jamaica Intellectual Property Organization, was instrumental in Jamaica registering the Geographic Indicator which will protect and promote the Jamaican rum industry globally.
Joy has led the growth in the premiumization of the aged rum category with the introduction of Limited time offers (LTOs). Joy’s award winning rums are some of the finest the world has ever seen and include Appleton Estate Reserve Blend; Appleton Estate Rare Blend 12 Year Old; Appleton Estate 30 Year Old; the Appleton Estate 250th Anniversary Blend; Appleton Estate 50 Year Old here favourite, the Appleton Estate Joy Anniversary Blend which she created in 2017 to mark her 20th Anniversary as Appleton Estate’s Master Blender, Appleton Estate Ruby and most recently Appleton Estate “ the source”, the world’s most expensive rum. Although Joy's name is synonymous with the Appleton Estate Range, her blending skills also led to the development of several other products for the Company including Magnum Tonic Wine, Wray & Nephew Rum Cream, Charley's JB Overproof Rum, Cocomania Coconut Rum, and Colbeck Ginger Wine just to name a few. Beyond her exceptional contributions to product development, Joy's commitment to excellence extends to nurturing the next generation of industry professionals. Joy's passion for people is exhibited through her philanthropic work through her contribution to the J. Wray & Nephew Foundation scholarship program donating to bursaries each year to students studying sciences. She has also served as a mentor to several women in the industry from all over the world who are currently following in her footsteps while leaving their own ‘marques’ on the industry. Joy has been recognized by the spirit industry, academia and the Jamaican Government for her achievements. The Government of Jamaica awarded her the Order of Distinction in the Rank of Commander for her service to the Jamaican rum industry and her role in promoting brand Jamaica overseas. She was also the first woman in Jamaica to be awarded the National Medal for Science and Technology. She has also received the Lifetime Achievement Award from Distilled Spirts Council of the United States (Discuss) and the Musgrave Gold Medal from the Institute of Jamaica. She has also received numerous industry awards including the Golden Rum Barrel Pioneer’s Award for Outstanding Rum Achievement and the Most Influential Rum Blender of the Last 10 Years. Joy has also been recognized by her two alma maters – the University of Loughborough, who conferred on her an honorary Doctor of Science degree, and the University of West Indies who conferred on her an honorary Doctor of Laws degree . For all of this and so much more, the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association is honoured to bestow on Joy Spence, CD, this ICON Award for her dedication, service and outstanding contribution to the Jamaican Manufacturing industry.
Jamaica’s Boldest Luxury Export - Fashion Under the chandeliers of the Pegasus ballroom, the 2025 Jamaica Manufacturers & Exporters (M&E) Awards delivered more than applause and accolades. They delivered a statement. This was not merely an industry gala. It was a cultural inflection point — where manufacturing met artistry, and Jamaica announced, without apology, that it is shaping luxury on its own terms. What commanded the room wasn’t just excellence in enterprise. It was fashion — unapologetically Jamaican, fiercely original, and unmistakably world-class. The theme, “Gems … Bold Risk,” was more than metaphor. It was a declaration.
A recognition that some of Jamaica’s most valuable exports are not mined from the earth, but cut from imagination, heritage, and craft — refined by designers daring enough to bet on local brilliance in a global market. Jamaican Couture Has Entered Its Era In a world drowning in fast fashion and disposable trends, Jamaican designers are redefining luxury. Here, luxury is not dictated by European capitals or mass-market logos. It is defined by craftsmanship, cultural intelligence, and confidence. At the M&E Awards, designers including Carla Lee Designs, Marc Anthony and Design by Marc transformed the ballroom into a runway of intent. Jewel tones shimmered. Silhouettes were sculpted with architectural precision. Tailoring reflected an understanding of movement, climate, and Caribbean form that factories cannot replicate. “When you wear Jamaican, you wear your story,” says designer Carla Lee. “The sun. The struggle. The success. It’s not just fabric. It’s identity.” Each garment told that story — heritage fused with modernity, craft resisting convenience, artistry commanding respect. You Can Feel the Difference Jamaican craftsmanship announces itself the moment you put it on. The seams are intentional. The fit is intuitive. The design is fearless. These are not garments optimized by algorithms or churned out by assembly lines. They are wearable works of art — created by hands that understand Caribbean bodies, tropical heat, and how confidence moves through a room. Choosing Jamaican fashion is not a purchase. It is an investment. Every garment supports: Skilled pattern makers, seamstresses, and tailors Small workshops and growing design houses A creative economy rooted in pride and sustainability This is manufacturing with soul. Jamaica Belongs at the Global Fashion Table The global fashion industry exceeds US$1.7 trillion and is undergoing a shift. Consumers are demanding authenticity, sustainability, and origin. The rise of slow fashion — quality over volume — plays directly to Jamaica’s strength. A Design by Marc suit or a Carla Lee gown is not just stylish. It is intentional. It reduces dependence on imports, lowers environmental impact, and supports local manufacturing designed for longevity — not trends. “The world is watching,” says Marcia Nicely, founder of Design by Marc.
Chief Executive Officer VM Pensions Management Limited, Natalie Bennett, JMEA Executive Director, Kamesha Blake and JMEA President, Kathryn Silvera all wearing Carla Lee Designs
“When Jamaicans choose local, we send a signal: our fashion isn’t aspirational — it’s export-ready.” Runways. Boardrooms. Red carpets. Jamaican fashion belongs in all three. Where Industry Meets Artistry: JMEA’s Role For decades, the Jamaica Manufacturers & Exporters Association (JMEA) has championed local production — food, pharmaceuticals, furniture, and more. But the JMEA M&E Awards have evolved into something greater: a cultural movement. Since 2012, the deliberate elevation of local fashion has transformed the Awards into a live showcase of Jamaican craftsmanship — not just celebrated, but worn. “We wanted people to experience Jamaican fashion as premium, powerful, and polished,” says Kamesha Turner Blake, Executive Director of the JMEA. “This event is different. People come ready to strut on the red carpet and declared the best dressed. ‘Gems … Bold Risk’ challenged everyone to think local, wear local, and show up with confidence.” What followed was fearless elegance — metallics, velvets, gemstone hues, and sharp silhouettes — all reinforcing one truth: our style is part of our economy. Fashion Is an Industry. Full Stop. Too often, fashion in emerging economies is dismissed as indulgence rather than infrastructure. Jamaica rejects that narrative.
Every Jamaican-made garment supports an ecosystem of artisans, entrepreneurs, and manufacturers building exportready brands. Events like the JMEA M&E Awards don’t just showcase fashion — they legitimize it as an industrial pillar. “Gems … Bold Risk” asks a powerful question: What happens when we stop treating local designers as alternatives — and start seeing them as first choice? The red carpet answered clearly. Choosing Jamaican fashion is a declaration: That craftsmanship matters That identity sells That excellence does not need to be imported At its core, this is the JMEA mandate: Buy Jamaican. Build Jamaica. Fashion may be its most compelling expression yet. So the next time you dress for a gala, a wedding, a boardroom, or a milestone moment — pause before ordering overseas. Look instead to the designers shaping beauty on an island that understands both resilience and refinement. Support talent that reflects who we are. Invest in quality that endures. Choose fashion with meaning. Because when you buy Jamaican, you don’t just dress well — you build an industry, a brand, and a legacy.
Manufacturers’ top asks from policymakers to accelerate growth Agriculture & Food Security Goal: Strengthen food systems, improve traceability, and reduce agricultural losses. · Modernize slaughterhouse laws to reduce informal slaughtering and predial larceny. · Establish a network of certified abattoirs for food safety and traceability. · Develop unused lands for agriculture and manufacturing. · Provide incentives for R&D and value-added agricultural production (turmeric, ginger, orchard crops, etc.) · Support modernization of small-scale farming and expand greenhouse/smart farming technologies. · Promote new export-oriented crops such as castor bean, agave, and aloe vera. · Reform the cess on agro-processing imports to encourage local input use. · Align agricultural production with tourism growth to meet rising food demand.
Trade Facilitation & Export Growth Goal: Boost export efficiency, reduce red tape, and improve global market readiness. · Establish a One-Stop Export Facilitation Platform linking JAMPRO, Customs, EXIM Bank, DBJ, PIOJ, and key ministries. · Create a one-stop export desk to streamline clearance and reduce duplication. · Align ingredient and labelling standards with major export markets (UK, EU, etc.). · Strengthen customs and border oversight to curb illicit trade and contraband.
Financing & Investment Goal: Expand access to affordable, long-term financing and targeted investment incentives. · Strengthen and align DBJ and EXIM Bank facilities for manufacturers and agroprocessors. · Provide tax credits, accelerated amortization, and duty relief for investments in value-added and export- oriented operations. · Link incentives to measurable outcomes via PIOJ frameworks (job creation, export growth, value-addition). · Lower interest rates for capital equipment loans and provide grants for export projects.
Taxation & Fiscal Reform Goal: Create a fair and growth-oriented tax environment. · Reduce corporate income tax to encourage reinvestment and expansion. · Reduce personal income tax to increase disposable income and consumer spending. · Improve government efficiency to ensure better use of tax revenue.
Manufacturers’ top asks from policymakers to accelerate growth Infrastructure & Ease of Doing Business Goal: Modernize infrastructure and streamline government processes to enhance productivity. · Streamline government agency approvals and set statutory time limits. · Consolidate management of road networks or ensure clear funding per category (public vs. local). · Prioritize reliable energy, cold-chain logistics, and farm-to-port road connectivity. · Develop spatial planning for industrial and agricultural zones. · Ease banking regulations to simplify business account openings. · Provide targeted tax breaks for infrastructure and industrial development.
Workforce Development & SME Support Goal: Build a skilled workforce and create an enabling environment for SME growth. · Simplify and reduce the cost of work permits while requiring skills transfer. · Offer HEART/NSTA Trust training credits for companies using external trainers. · Strengthen collaboration between HEART/NSTA and the private sector to align training programs. · Encourage government review of the Honey Bun Foundation’s SME Development Model to improve business registration, incentives, and reduce bureaucracy. · Implement programs that understand and respond to SME needs, helping them formalize and prosper.
Resilience & Disaster Preparedness Goal: Strengthen disaster readiness and ensure rapid recovery for the manufacturing sector. · Establish a public-private contingency fund for disaster recovery. · Implement rapid disbursement and temporary tax relief mechanisms post-disaster.
National Campaigns & Sustainability Goal: Promote Jamaican-made products and sustainable development. · Launch a government-led “Buy Jamaica, Build Jamaica” campaign locally and internationally. · Promote investment in renewable energy and circular economy initiatives. · Align agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism strategies for cohesive national growth.
TOUR & LEARN INITIATIVE
The Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA) is proud to launch the 2026 Tour & Learn Initiative - our signature programme designed to inspire the next generation of manufacturers. How it works? The JMEA will partner with leading member companies across diverse industries to open their doors to students islandwide. Participants will step inside real manufacturing facilities for an immersive, hands-on learning experience that connects classroom knowledge with real-world innovation. Who can participate? Secondary Schools and Tertiary Institutions Students will: Explore careers in engineering, product design, robotics, quality control, logistics, marketing, and more Engage directly with industry professionals and innovators Witness how technology and creativity drive modern manufacturing Discover high-potential, high-growth jobs they never knew existed
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To participate, contact: Alexcia Depass | Project Coordinator – alexcia@jmea.org Shanique Gordon | Marketing, PR & Events Manager – shanique@jmea.org