Senator the Hon. Aubyn Hill, Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, has called on entrepreneurs in Manchester to seize business opportunities in agriculture and technology, as the government pushes to modernize these sectors. Speaking at the Ministry’s ‘MSME Business Roadshow’ held at Sacred Heart Academy in Christiana, Manchester, Hill highlighted the government’s efforts to transform agriculture into a high-productivity, export-ready sector. With over $60 million invested in advancing technology for small farmers, the focus is on tools like drones, walk-behind tractors, and root crop harvesters to boost efficiency and output.
The Minister emphasized that the government is also committed to digital transformation, with the European Union (EU) providing grants to train 2,700 micro, small, and medium-sized enterprise (MSME) operators. So far, 900 operators have completed their training, equipping them with skills to navigate the digital landscape. Hill encouraged small entrepreneurs to build relationships with established businesses in Jamaica, such as Wisynco, GraceKennedy, Jamaica Broilers, and Fontana, to learn and identify areas where they can offer improved services. “Go into big businesses, walk around and look at how it’s done and say – I can do this better. I am more nimble, I am smaller, and can move faster,” he advised.
The roadshow, held on Thursday, July 24, is part of a series of events aimed at empowering Jamaican MSMEs by providing them with essential tools, knowledge, and connections to drive innovation and growth. Nayaatha Taitt, Sector Specialist at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), a partner in the roadshows, highlighted the importance of MSMEs in Jamaica’s economy. “MSMEs make up over 97 per cent of formal businesses in Jamaica and play a central role in employment and economic activity,” she noted. In Manchester, these businesses span various sectors, including agriculture, agri-business, commerce, manufacturing, and services. The parish is known for its strong agricultural output, from fresh produce and root crops to poultry, as well as its growing manufacturing and distribution networks.
Taitt pointed out that these businesses are crucial for livelihoods and food security, with farmers increasingly venturing into new areas such as climate-smart production and logistics. The IDB is committed to partnering with the government, financial institutions, and other stakeholders to strengthen Jamaica’s MSME ecosystem. This includes addressing challenges such as access to financing, rising operational costs, climate shocks, and limited access to markets, technology, and export opportunities.
The implications of these initiatives are significant. By modernizing agriculture and embracing technology, Jamaica can enhance its competitiveness in the global market. The training and support provided to MSMEs can foster innovation, improve productivity, and create jobs, contributing to economic growth. Moreover, by building relationships with established businesses, small entrepreneurs can tap into existing supply chains and markets, further boosting their prospects for success.
The ‘MSME Business Roadshow’ in Manchester was the 10th in the series, with key partners including the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ), HEART/NSTA Trust, and Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ). These events are designed to equip MSMEs with the resources they need to thrive in an increasingly competitive and digital economy. As Jamaica continues to invest in its agricultural and technological sectors, the potential for growth and development in these areas is substantial, offering promising opportunities for entrepreneurs in Manchester and beyond.