Jamaican manufacturers are being encouraged to enhance their packaging design to better compete with imported products, but the lack of local innovative packaging designers remains a significant hurdle. Tara Kisco, Country Manager at PriceSmart Jamaica, emphasized this during a Young Entrepreneurship Fireside Chat hosted by the Young Women and Men of Purpose (YWOP/YMOP) Foundation. She highlighted that packaging is often the first point of contact with consumers, serving as a crucial sales tool. PriceSmart, a membership-based retail warehouse club, has been working closely with suppliers to improve packaging so that local products are indistinguishable from imported ones. Kisco noted that proper labeling is equally important, with retailers like PriceSmart refusing to stock products that lack essential details such as origin, usage instructions, and manufacturer information. The Jamaica Bureau of Standards is also developing new labeling rules to help local goods meet export standards and strengthen their presence in overseas markets. While packaging design can be costly, Kisco stressed its critical role in consumer perception. She advised manufacturers to align packaging with the product’s intended price point, using bottled water as an example to illustrate how packaging can signal a product’s market position. Despite ongoing investments in local packaging, Kisco observed that imported packaging remains dominant, particularly for more creative and innovative solutions. In November 2023, Jamaica Packaging Industries Limited (JPI) completed a $2-billion investment in a new facility, significantly boosting its production capacity. This expansion aims to reduce Jamaica’s reliance on imported packaging, which currently accounts for over 60% of corrugated boxes used in the country. According to TradeEconomy.com, Jamaica’s total paper packaging imports reached US$49 million in 2023, with corrugated and non-corrugated cartons and boxes making up the majority. These figures underscore the strong demand for packaging, yet the creative and technical aspects of packaging design remain underdeveloped, limiting local manufacturers’ ability to compete effectively.
标签： Jamaica
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Governor-General warns public of fraudulent investment scams
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Office of the Governor-General (OGG) has issued a stern warning to the public regarding a surge in fraudulent online content falsely associating Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen with various investment schemes. In an official statement released on Wednesday, the OGG clarified that Sir Patrick Allen has no involvement whatsoever with these or any other financial products, trading systems, or investment opportunities. The office emphasized that it has no connection to the individuals or groups promoting these schemes.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Sandy Gully gets last minute clean-up as NWA prepares for heavy rain
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In anticipation of Tropical Storm Melissa, the Jamaican government has ramped up efforts to mitigate potential flooding and infrastructure damage. Sandy Gully, a critical drainage channel in Kingston, has been a focal point of these preparations. Teams from the National Works Agency (NWA), alongside the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), have been conducting inspections and initiating cleanup operations in vulnerable areas. Minister Robert Nesta Morgan, responsible for Economic Growth and Job Creation, emphasized the urgency of these measures during a press briefing. He highlighted the accumulation of silt and debris in Sandy Gully, which poses significant risks to nearby infrastructure, including a vital bridge. The government has allocated approximately $4 billion for the rehabilitation of Sandy Gully and other major drainage systems across the Corporate Area and St James. However, immediate remedial actions are being taken to address the most critical threats posed by the approaching storm. Minister Morgan stressed the importance of protecting life and property, particularly in low-lying areas such as Clarendon Southern, St Elizabeth Southern, Manchester Southern, and St Andrew East Rural. The NWA has also partnered with contractors to stockpile materials like river shingle, ensuring swift response to road closures caused by flooding. Major infrastructure projects, including the Southern Coastal Highway Improvement Project (SCHIP) and the SPARK Programme, have enhanced the country’s disaster resilience. Despite these efforts, Minister Morgan acknowledged that flooding is inevitable during heavy rainfall but assured that the government is prepared to provide necessary assistance.
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SmartHomes by CEAC brings green living to Portmore
Once a hub for starter homes and middle-income neighborhoods, Portmore, Jamaica, is now emerging as a hotspot for high-end developers and diaspora buyers seeking lifestyle upgrades and long-term investments. The latest addition to this transformation is Tessera by SmartHomes Jamaica, a groundbreaking development that underscores the city’s shift toward sustainable, tech-driven living. Located in Bernard Lodge, Tessera will feature 418 units across four neighborhoods, each equipped with solar panels, lithium battery storage, and EV-charging outlets. The community will also boast a clubhouse, recreational spaces, and jogging trails, amenities previously reserved for upscale areas in Kingston. With prices starting at $36.95 million, Tessera positions Portmore in Jamaica’s mid-to-upper housing segment, offering enhanced features like built-in energy and water systems that significantly reduce utility costs. Each unit includes six solar panels, a hybrid inverter, and a lithium battery, ensuring uninterrupted power during outages. A solar water heater, a 400-gallon roof-mounted tank, and a rainwater harvesting system further enhance sustainability. SmartHomes estimates these features can slash electricity bills by 50-80%. Lancedale Farquharson, operations director at SmartHomes, emphasized the affordability of these eco-friendly homes, stating, ‘We treat smart and green as standard, not luxury.’ The development targets young professionals and returning residents, offering a $1 million discount for early applications and a 5% deposit requirement. Portmore’s evolution from a suburban spillover to a thriving residential hub has been fueled by new highways, expanding commercial centers, and a growing population of professionals. Tessera builds on this momentum, introducing advanced technology and environmental consciousness to the area. Despite rising construction costs driven by inflation and global supply chain pressures, SmartHomes remains committed to making sustainable living accessible. The first phase of Tessera, comprising 136 units, is underway, with completion slated for early 2027. This development sets a new standard for modern, energy-efficient housing in Jamaica, signaling a promising future for Portmore’s real estate market.
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Melissa expected to become hurricane by Friday—Met Service
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Meteorological Service of Jamaica has issued a tropical storm watch as Tropical Storm Melissa is projected to intensify into a hurricane by Friday. Evan Thompson, the Director of the Meteorological Service, announced during a special press briefing on Wednesday that the island will begin experiencing the storm’s effects as early as Thursday.
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Hydel edge KC, Charlie stun George’s as Manning Cup second round kicks off
The ISSA Wata Manning Cup second round commenced with a series of thrilling matches on Wednesday, delivering unexpected outcomes and shifting the dynamics of the competition. Defending champions Kingston College (KC) faced a shocking 0-1 defeat at the hands of Hydel High, marking their first loss of the season. The decisive moment came from Abraham Joseph, whose goal secured the victory for the St Catherine-based team. This result propelled Hydel to three points in Group 2, level with Calabar High, who dominated Campion College with a 4-1 win, but trailing on goal difference. Meanwhile, Charlie Smith High delivered a stunning performance, overcoming St George’s College 4-2 at Stadium East, catapulting them to the top of Group 3. In the same group, St Catherine High and Vauxhall High settled for a 0-0 draw, each earning a point. Excelsior High demonstrated their prowess with a commanding 3-0 victory over Wolmer’s Boys, taking the lead in Group 1 on goal difference ahead of St Andrew Technical High (STATHS), who narrowly defeated Tivoli Gardens High 1-0. In Group 4, Mona High asserted their dominance with a 4-1 triumph over St Jago High, while Jamaica College and Eltham High shared the spoils in a 2-2 draw. Mona now leads the group with three points, two ahead of Jamaica College and Eltham High.
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JBDC sensitises MSMEs about financial red flags to prevent bankruptcy
Amid escalating operational costs and tightening cash flows, the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) has issued a critical warning to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Jamaica. The agency emphasized the importance of recognizing and addressing early signs of financial distress to avert bankruptcy. This advice was highlighted during the JBDC’s recent Virtual Biz Zone webinar, titled ‘Debt Alarm: Identifying the Signs of Financial Distress,’ which was conducted in partnership with the Office of the Government Trustee (OGT). The session aimed to equip entrepreneurs with actionable strategies to detect and mitigate financial vulnerabilities before they escalate into business collapse.
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UNDP announces new round of climate action grants for Bahamas
NASSAU, Bahamas – In a significant move to bolster climate resilience, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has announced that Bahamian organizations and academic institutions can now apply for climate action grants under the latest funding cycle of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme (SGP). Dr. Kishan Khoday, UNDP Resident Representative, revealed that this initiative marks the first time the GEF SGP has deepened its global partnership with the UNDP, which now serves as both the executing and implementing agency for the programme worldwide.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Portmore mayor taking precautionary measures to combat flooding
ST CATHERINE, Jamaica — Portmore Mayor Leon Thompson has reassured residents that drain cleaning operations, which commenced as early as April, are continuing in full swing as the municipality braces for Tropical Storm Melissa. In a statement to Observer Online on Tuesday, Thompson emphasized that equipment is on standby to address potential major flooding, ensuring swift removal of any blockages if necessary.
Thompson highlighted that assessments have identified illegal constructions on drain reservations and walls as significant contributors to recurrent severe flooding in certain areas, particularly the Edgewater community. He specifically pointed out Michelle Crescent, where residents have extended their properties beyond legal boundaries, encroaching on critical drainage infrastructure.
‘Residents have built beyond their property lines, constructing on drain reservations and even on existing drain walls,’ Thompson explained. ‘This has led to the collapse of many drains, obstructing water flow and causing persistent flooding in Edgewater.’
To address these issues, the municipal council has initiated corrective measures, including issuing enforcement notices to violators and maintaining routine drain cleaning. ‘We are systematically serving notices in these communities to ensure compliance,’ Thompson stated. The mayor’s proactive approach aims to mitigate flood risks and safeguard residents as the storm season intensifies.
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CGC tightens oversight as Jamaica prepares to open first casino
Jamaica is gearing up to inaugurate its first casino, located at the Princess Grand Jamaica Hotel in Hanover, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s economic transformation. The Casino Gaming Commission (CGC) is spearheading efforts to establish Jamaica as a regional leader in integrity, transparency, and investor confidence through a robust regulatory framework. This initiative aligns with international best practices and aims to ensure the sustainable growth of the casino gaming industry.
Cleveland Allen, CEO of the CGC, emphasized the commission’s commitment to building a foundation rooted in accountability and respect for the law. ‘Our primary responsibility is to create systems that protect investors, operators, employees, and the public while ensuring transparent and fair financial management,’ he stated.
In recent months, the CGC has accelerated its regulatory evolution by modernizing licensing, monitoring, and compliance systems. Advanced digital tools have been adopted to enhance due diligence and operational transparency. A pivotal aspect of this effort is the strategic partnership with the Financial Investigations Division (FID), formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This collaboration aims to detect and disrupt illicit financial activities, particularly money laundering risks associated with casino operations.
Dennis Chung, chief technical director at the FID, highlighted the significance of the MOU, stating, ‘This agreement strengthens our ability to identify and disrupt illicit financial flows, safeguarding the integrity of Jamaica’s financial system.’
The CGC’s initiatives are closely aligned with Jamaica’s broader tourism investment strategy, which focuses on attracting high-value visitors and promoting luxury resort developments with strong local linkages. Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett underscored the role of casino gaming as a new frontier in Jamaica’s tourism development, emphasizing the importance of responsible expansion and sustainable growth.
In addition to regulatory oversight, the CGC is placing a strong emphasis on responsible gaming and public education. Allen reiterated the commission’s commitment to fostering an informed public that understands the opportunities and responsibilities associated with casino gaming. ‘We aim to ensure that the industry grows safely and inclusively, benefiting all stakeholders,’ he added.
The Princess Grande Jamaica resort in Green Island, Hanover, will host the country’s first casino, setting the stage for a new era in Jamaica’s economic and tourism landscape.