HUNDREDS OF LEIs NOW IN FORMAL ECONOMY

Posted on July 24, 2025

KINGSTON, July 22 (JIS):

The Social Development Commission (SDC) is reporting significant progress in its business formalisation efforts for grassroots entrepreneurs.

Speaking at a recent Jamaica Information Service (JIS) Think Tank, Director, Local Economic Development at the SDC, Avril Ranger, said that 268 of the 390 Local Economic Initiatives (LEIs) being served through the Local Economic Development Support Programme (LEDSP) have now formalised their operations.

“We were way behind as it relates to having our LEIs, even having their business names registered, and so we are at 69 per cent of those that we are serving right now,” said Ms. Ranger.

She emphasised that the SDC is committed to collaborating with ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) in supporting and bringing these businesses into the formal economy.

“It’s a very aggressive approach from the Commission, because we know that we cannot have persons operating and they are not in the formal sector, so we put great emphasis on getting this done,” said Ms. Ranger.

She noted that sometimes the LEIs have to be convinced to formalise their businesses, as many of them initially assume it is just another form of taxation.

“So, we have to work also in terms of coaching our LEIs as it relates to their responsibility as an entrepreneur and in contributing to the economy and to being a part of the formal sector,” Ms. Ranger added.

In addition to business registration, the SDC has integrated value-added capacity building programmes such as candle making, soap making, body care lotions and floral decorations training to equip LEIs with practical skills that can expand their economic potential.

Ms. Ranger informed that the SDC maintains detailed data on these initiatives, showing both the scope and impact of the training across different communities.

Digital marketing and business branding also form part of the agency’s support strategy.

“One of the things that we will do with them, from time to time, is to have workshops on how you create your Instagram page and how you project yourself. So, when you walk into the SDC doors, we pretty much strip you down and we reformat in terms of thinking as well as your appearance,” said Ms. Ranger.

She further indicated that through the SDC’s interventions, LEIs are becoming more well-read and exposed.

“They recognise that not only Jamaica is their market but they can also, through our assistance with the training, become formidable businesspersons operating on the Internet,” she added.

BUFF BAY MARKET TO OPEN IN AUGUST

Posted on July 23, 2025

“I’m a happy  man  this morning” were the words uttered by Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Honourable Desmond McKenzie after his tour of the Buff Bay Market in Portland last Friday.

The market which features an administrative office, high ceilings for natural lighting as well as a large section for fruits and vegetable stalls, a meat area and a haberdashery component is slated to be opened for operation within the first week of August, according to the Minister.

“Within the first week of August, I will be back here to officially open this brand new market. The significance of opening this market around that time of independence, this was one of the Markets under Jamaica 50th that was chosen to be renovated”

Minister McKenzie went on to commend the Mayor and the technical team of the Ministry and the Portland Municipal Corporation for the excellent work they did.

Mayor of Port Antonio, His Worship Councillor Paul Thompson, expressed how elated he was about the progress of the Buff Bay Market. He further went on to say that the team will be working with the vendors to get off the street and into the newly renovated facility.

“We are going to practice a no tolerance attitude toward the vendors, so if it means that we are going to intensify our enforcement to get the vendors off the street we are going to do everything that is possible because this is a great facility”

The Buff Bay Market is one of several markets across the island that has received a modern touch through the Market Rehabilitation Programme under the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development.

In addition to the Buff Bay Market, the Musgrave Market in the parish will soon receive a well needed facelift, this was disclosed in an open door meeting held at the Portland Municipal Council Chamber last Friday afternoon (July 18), with vendors and other stakeholders.

ENSURING TRUE INCLUSIVITY AND ECONOMIC GROWTH THROUGH SPECIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP GRANTS

Posted on July 21, 2025August 12, 2025

On Thursday, July 17, 2025, 100 entrepreneurs from St Catherine, Clarendon and Kingston gathered at the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development for the Social Development Commission’s (SDC) Special Entrepreneurship Grant Presentation Ceremony.

The Grant, which is a part of the SDC’s Local Economic Development Support Programme (LEDSP) is geared towards providing support through training and funding for regularized nano businesses across the island.

Keynote Speaker and Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr. the Honourable Dana Morris Dixon emphasized that the grants are a pathway to new possibilities for entrepreneurs and the broader Jamaica.

“These grants are providing new hope, new possibilities, and new opportunities to communities across Jamaica, and that is what inclusive economic growth looks like,” she said.

Senator Morris Dixon further highlighted the value of the programme and provided insight into how the beneficiaries can access additional training and funding from other programmes available through the government.

“We are equipping young people with skills that are relevant for the 21^st century, more importantly, we are equipping them with skills that are free”, she added.

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond Mckenzie emphasized that the Social Development Commission has been putting its funding to good use since being allocated a budget from the central government in 2016.

“I have no doubt in my mind that we have gotten value for money, and we have created more small business entrepreneurs in this country because of the success of this programme,” he said.

“Never in the history of Jamaica as we have seen the unemployment rate at the level that it is today… and we within local government and the SDC can say that we have contributed to the reduction in unemployment because of programmes such as this,” he continued.

The special entrepreneurship grant is a strategic approach to addressing the needs of nano and micro businesses in underserved communities by empowering recipients and providing immediate relief for their businesses. As of January 2025, over 1000 nano enterprises have benefitted from grant funding of more than $46 million.  At last Thursday’s ceremony an additional $11 million was handed over to the SDC to provide funding for 250 more entrepreneurs.

KSAMC TO HOST JULY ORIENTATION FOR YSEP PARTICIPANTS WHO MISSED INITIAL SESSIONS

Posted on July 10, 2025July 29, 2025

KINGSTON, July 9 (JIS):

The Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) will host a follow-up orientation session on Friday (July 11) for Youth Summer Employment Programme (YSEP) participants who were unable to attend earlier sessions.

The orientation session will take place at the KSAMC’s offices at 24 Church Street in downtown Kingston beginning at 10:00 a.m.

This was disclosed by Mayor of Kingston, Councillor Andrew Swaby, during the Corporation’s monthly meeting on Tuesday (July 8).

“Three orientation sessions were conducted, with each participant required to attend one. However, unfortunately, no participant attended from the Duhaney Park, Seivwright Gardens, Denham Town, Chancery and Hughenden Divisions,” he said.

Councillor Swaby further disclosed that programme participants must have an active bank account in order to begin their assignments.

“I’ve instructed the CEO (Chief Executive Officer) that no one without a bank account should start working until that bank account is provided to us; and you will not start to work during the week; you will start to work on a Monday. So anyone who doesn’t have a bank account now… please don’t put those persons out to work until you have satisfied that requirement. We have also employed 10 additional persons. Each person has supervision for four divisions,” he said.

Mayor Swaby noted that, this year, 1,200 young people have been assigned to the KSAMC.

He indicated that YSEP participants will be tasked with collecting data on streetlights, dilapidated buildings, signage, and billboards to support infrastructure planning and community development.

Councillor Swaby said the programme offers young people a valuable opportunity to gain hands-on experience while contributing meaningfully to municipal development and public service.

“We believe that YSEP should be seen as more than just a summer employment programme. It’s an opportunity to expose young people to the operations of local government and to help them to identify ways in which they can contribute to the growth and development of their community,” he stated.

The 2025 Youth Summer Employment Programme was officially launched on June 17.

SCHOOL STREET IN BLACK RIVER RENAMED IN HONOUR OF PIONEER LAWMAKER, C.D. WRIGHT

Posted on July 7, 2025July 7, 2025

July 6 (JIS):

Black River, St. Elizabeth, celebrated the legacy of one of its most distinguished sons on Friday (July 4), with the official renaming of School Street to C.D. Wright Road.

The ceremony was led by Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie.

The event, which also marked the completion of a $10 million road rehabilitation project, honoured the late Charles D. Wright, the first Member of Parliament for the St. Elizabeth South Western constituency.

Mr. Wright played a pivotal role in Jamaica’s early political journey, including the movement toward independence.

A pastor and nation-builder, he left behind a lasting legacy through his contributions to the establishment of schools, housing schemes, and improved infrastructure across the ‘breadbasket’ parish.

Mr. Wright’s unwavering dedication to the people distinguished him as a selfless servant who consistently made decisions in the nation’s best interest.

In a bid to further honour the pioneer, Minister McKenzie announced plans to elevate the recognition by requesting that the St. Elizabeth Municipal Corporation pass a resolution to redesignate C.D. Wright Road as C.D. Wright Boulevard.

He also encouraged the citizens of St. Elizabeth to consider establishing additional commemorative initiatives to educate younger generations about Mr. Wright’s contributions to the parish, particularly the parish capital, Black River.

The current Member of Parliament for St. Elizabeth South Western, Hon. Floyd Green, noted that Mr. Wright was a monumental figure in Jamaica’s political history.

Mr. Green, who also serves as Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, noted that Black River High School—originally established as part of Mr. Wright’s vision—has undergone expansion, culminating in the elimination of the shift system.

The Minister added that the renaming of School Street serves not only as a celebration of the past, but also as a continuation of Mr. Wright’s legacy and the Government’s ongoing commitment to national progress.

Meanwhile, Mayor of Black River and Chairman of the St. Elizabeth Municipal Corporation, Councillor Richard Solomon, praised Mr. Wright’s legacy of service, leadership, and compassion.

He stated that the renaming of the street is not only a fitting tribute to Mr. Wright’s enduring impact, but also a call to action for future generations to lead lives of purpose and service.

For her part, Mr. Wright’s granddaughter, Allison Smith—an attorney based in the United States—expressed gratitude to the Government and other officials for their efforts in honouring her grandfather’s memory.

She reflected on her childhood in Black River and underscored the importance of public service and community involvement—values she said her grandfather exemplified throughout his life.

10,000 Jamaicans to Participate in This Year’s Youth Summer Employment Programme

Posted on July 3, 2025

JIS:

Beginning July 7, some 10,000 young Jamaicans will be engaged islandwide through the Youth Summer Employment Programme (YSEP), a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development.

Now in its ninth year, YSEP offers meaningful summer placements within local authorities, providing participants with opportunities for personal development, skills training, and civic engagement.

The programme aims to strengthen local government services by collecting data to inform targeted policies and improve service delivery.

Since its inception in 2017, the programme has positively impacted more than 50,000 youth, equipping them with vital skills and first-hand experience while contributing to national development.

Participants are assigned to areas such as administration, information gathering, and data collection in support of the Ministry and its agencies.

Their work includes auditing streetlights, billboards, dilapidated buildings, garages, car marts, and cemeteries – activities that generate critical data to improve service delivery across the local government sector.

To date, YSEP participants have collected more than 350,000 data points on streetlights and contributed to the mapping of parochial roads across Jamaica.

The information gathered continues to inform the development and implementation of policies and programmes that enhance community infrastructure and governance.

Participant and Junior Mayor of Port Maria, Akili Hall, praised the programme as commendable, not just for its scale and reach, but for its bold vision of empowering Jamaica’s future leaders.

“As I embark on this journey, I do so with clear expectations and a strong desire to grow. I hope to deliver a greater sense of independence by managing my responsibilities and time in a professional setting. I aim to strengthen essential workplace skills, such as communication, adaptability, team work and problem solving,” she said

Ms. Hall, a student of Westwood High School in Trelawny, said she hopes to gain valuable insight into public administration and community development – knowledge that will be instrumental in her journey to becoming a lawyer.

“Most importantly, I wish to expand my capacity for emotional intelligence, self-discipline and resilience as I engage with new challenges and diverse experiences. I view this programme as more than just a summer engagement; it is a platform for transformation; it is an opportunity to expand perspectives, contribute meaningfully to my community and prepare myself for the rigorous path ahead in law and public service,” she further stated.

Ms. Hall extended sincere appreciation to the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development, as well as to the facilitators and coordinators whose dedication makes the programme possible.

“Your commitment to youth empowerment is not only admirable, it is essential to the future of our country. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to participate in YSEP 2025, and I am committed to making the most of this experience. I look forward to learning, growing and representing my school and municipality with excellence,” she said.

Youth Mayor for Kingston and YSEP participant, Tyrone Smith, also expressed appreciation for the opportunity.

“We promise to make our families, communities, leaders and municipalities proud. In doing so, we will take the words of First Timothy Chapter Four, verse 12 seriously: ‘Let no one despise you for your youth; but set an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity’. We are all happy for this opportunity to earn while we learn,” he said.

Speaking during the recent launch of this year’s renewal, Portfolio Minister, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, expressed gratitude to the youth for their dedicated service and meaningful contributions to the programme.

“The Government appreciates your efforts over the years, and we continue to look forward to improved performance from you this year in the programme,” he said.

Mr. McKenzie noted that since the programme’s inception, approximately 1,000 individuals have secured full-time employment across various government entities.

“Your skills will help to continue to develop Jamaica, to make our country a prosperous one. This is the start of being good workers… contributing to the growth of the country,” he said, while urging the participants to use the funds they will receive from the programme wisely.

This year’s participants – young men and women aged 16 to 29 – will each receive $17,000 tax-free per week throughout their four-week employment period.

The income earned is designed to empower participants on their path to financial independence, equipping them to support themselves and contribute to their households.

Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, encouraged the participants to embrace the opportunity and cultivate intangible yet invaluable qualities such as strong character and a solid work ethic.

“The value of the experience is what you should appreciate and take away. That experience is going to make you a better person, a more knowledgeable person, a more rounded person, a more prepared person, and it is going to give you the edge in the world of work over others who would not have the similar experience.

“I want you to approach your job with this zeal for knowledge, this zeal for gaining the experience because, ultimately, the purpose of this exercise is to provide you with a transitioning bridge from the world of school to the world of work,” he said.

Mayor of Kingston, Councillor Andrew Swaby, noted that the programme has evolved beyond a typical summer job, serving as a meaningful introduction to public service and the workings of local government.

“You will get a first-hand experience as part of a team that gets our community running, and your contribution matters. You’ll be involved in a wide range of assignments from assisting in administrative support and community outreach to field work and data collection. Each of these tasks is important in how we serve our people in our respective municipalities,” he said.

In highlighting the importance of data collection, Councillor Swaby pointed out that, “every policy we put forward, every plan we implement must be based on accurate, up-to-date information, whether it’s about infrastructure, public health or service delivery. Good data gives a clear picture of what is happening on the ground and allows us to respond in a way that’s timely, targeted and effective”.

NEARLY 400 GRASSROOTS BUSINESSES BENEFIT ANNUALLY FROM SDC’S LEDSP

Posted on July 2, 2025July 1, 2025

KINGSTON, June 28 (JIS):

Nearly 400 grassroots businesses are receiving vital support annually to grow, formalise and thrive through the Social Development Commission’s (SDC) Local Economic Development Support Programme (LEDSP).

Director, Local Economic Development at SDC, Avril Ranger told a recent JIS Think Tank that the programme began in May 2015 and has since become a vital source of technical assistance and capacity-building for entrepreneurs seeking to enter and thrive in the formal economy.

“We started out with 50 grassroots-based businesses, providing hand holding services to help them to matriculate in the formal sector, and at present I must say that we are hovering around 400 on an annual basis where we are providing business development support services,” said Ms. Ranger

“Our objectives include identifying and strengthening grassroots-based businesses, allowing for them to benefit from compliance training, business regulations, business registration and of course, we assist them to write grant proposals,” she continued.

Ms. Ranger noted that the SDC has developed a comprehensive suite of business development support services, which has enabled them to provide a variety of technical assistance to entrepreneurs.

The SDC also works in partnership with organisations such as HEART/NSTA Trust, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, and the Companies Office of Jamaica to ensure that local economic initiatives (LEIs) are equipped to meet regulatory standards and achieve long-term sustainability.

“When they (LEIs) come in, we interview them, we find out w here the gaps are and we assist them from their business idea to actually producing or having their services up to scratch and meeting the criteria of all the operating entities across the island,” said Miss Ranger

She indicated also that each LEI benefits from a tailored work plan – Local Economic Development Support Plan – that maps out the path for their business to become formally established.

“We also have our capacity building, which is a whole package of different areas that we train our LEIs in, which include things like pricing, selling and how to be more confident as a businessperson,” she added, noting that LEIs also benefit from financial management training.

Ms. Ranger further highlighted capacity building as a major success of the programme.

“The area of capacity building has been one of our strengths where we have much success in how our LEIs have developed over the years and have become so confident that they are now taking the lead… They are the ones saying that we have seen this opportunity and we’ll be advancing, we need your support we need your coaching and mentor,” she said.

MONTEGO BAY TO BENEFIT FROM HOSTING CARICOM MEETING

Posted on July 1, 2025July 1, 2025

MONTEGO BAY, June 29 (JIS):

Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Richard Vernon, says the city stands to benefit significantly from hosting the 49th Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), slated for July 6 to 8 at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in St. James.

The meeting will bring together regional leaders to engage in high-level policy discussions on a range of issues, including regional security, climate change and trade.

In an interview with JIS News, Mayor Vernon said Montego Bay’s selection as host city, solidifies its position as a leading Caribbean destination for events of this magnitude.

“It places [Montego Bay] not only as a strategic location, but a viable option across the Caribbean for events of this nature. We are indeed setting ourselves apart as that place to host high-level regional discussions,” he said.

Highlighting the city’s track record, Mayor Vernon noted that Montego Bay has hosted several CARICOM events in the past, including the landmark 2003 meeting where the Rose Hall Declaration on Regional Governance and Integrated Development was adopted.

“[It] tells a story. It positions us as a key meeting place for important regional policy discussions,” the Mayor said.

He added that the upcoming conference is expected to tackle critical matters such as transportation, telecommunications, digitalization of the tourism industry, regional security, climate financing, food and nutrition security, external trade negotiations, and Haiti.

“Montego Bay is positioned to facilitate these discussions within its space, and that is also key for Jamaica as we look to expand in these areas,” Councillor Vernon outlined.

The Mayor also underscored the importance of regional integration.

“We hope that these discussions will deepen the integration process, because we can indeed benefit from regionalism, especially in light of what is happening globally,” he stated.

Referencing his earlier proposal for a regional disaster response hub, Councillor Vernon said the discussions around climate change and public safety could further promote coordinated approaches among CARICOM member states.

He also expressed confidence in the city’s readiness to host the event.

“We are putting all the necessary things in place to ensure that we not only have a safe event, but a great experience for our visitors,” he assured.

Mayor Vernon also took the opportunity to congratulate Prime Minister Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, who will assume chairmanship of CARICOM on July 1.

The CARICOM conference will be held under the theme ‘People, Partnerships, Prosperity: Promoting a Secure and Sustainable Future’.