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State Minister in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Delano Seiveright, says Jamaica is moving to deepen coordination across the public and private sectors to expand the country’s events economy, with a strong focus on delivering greater benefits for micro and small businesses.

He said this effort will be driven through close collaboration with Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism, Olivia Grange, Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, and Kamal Bankay, Chairman of Carnival in Jamaica, alongside key private-sector stakeholders.

Seiveright pointed to the continued growth of Carnival in Jamaica as clear evidence of the sector’s expanding economic impact, particularly for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

“Direct expenditure for Carnival-related activities amounted to $7.7 billion last year alone. That’s a huge deal. But beyond that headline number is the real story, thousands of small operators earning, growing and reinvesting,” he said in a media release.

He stressed that Carnival’s impact cuts across a wide network of everyday Jamaicans operating at the micro and small business level.

“The hotels in Kingston are full, but equally important is what happens beyond the hotels. Airbnbs, restaurants, cook shops, caterers, taxi and bus operators, car rental companies, costume designers, band operators, DJs, photographers, videographers, make-up artists, hair stylists, nail techs, barbers, lighting crews, sound engineers and food vendors all benefit,” Seiveright said.

“For MSMEs, this is real income and real opportunity, spread right across communities.”

He noted that Jamaica is increasingly being recognised as a strong and reliable events destination, with Kingston well positioned to host more structured, large-scale and multi-day experiences.

“Kingston is properly positioned for more scheduled major events. We have a solid base of hotel rooms, a rapidly expanding Airbnb market, and easy, quick access to Ocho Rios and other areas with additional accommodation capacity,” he said.

This year’s Carnival also drew strong international and local attention, with celebrities including Shenseea and Chris Gayle among those participating in the festivities.

Seiveright also commended the leadership of major Carnival bands, including Xodus Carnival, Yardmas Carnival and GenXS Carnival, for elevating the overall experience.

“They have helped transform Carnival in Jamaica into a premium, globally competitive product that attracts visitors who spend and engage across the economy,” he said.

Looking ahead, Seiveright underscored the importance of stronger coordination to unlock even greater value.

“We are focused on working closely with stakeholders to reduce costs where possible, improve logistics, strengthen planning and execution, and ensure that more Jamaican businesses—especially micro and small operators—can participate and benefit,” he said.

“This is about building Jamaica as a premier year-round events destination, creating sustained economic opportunities for our people,” Seiveright added.