For Jamaica to achieve sustained economic growth and global competitiveness, the country must move beyond just producing technically capable accountants.

Instead, we should cultivate a comprehensive professional ecosystem that allows talent to develop, remain in the country, and deliver domestic value.

This was the call issued by Imani Duncan-Price, director of the newly re-established Deloitte Jamaica, during the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Jamaica’s (ICAJ) ceremony for 87 ACCA graduates last Saturday (February 15) at the Summit Business and Lifestyle Centre in New Kingston.

“We must create an ecosystem that keeps them here and apply their skills to build a stronger nation. This means providing continuous access to cutting-edge technology training, creating clear pathways to work on complex local and global projects and fostering our culture of innovation within our businesses and institutions,” said Duncan-Price.

She further implored industry players to ensure that the most exciting professional challenges and rewards are found right here at home. Duncan-Price said that in Jamaica, the mandate of the ICAJ, alongside partners in the industry and practice, has a pivotal role to play in making this a reality, so that the best and brightest can see their future in Jamaica.

Deloitte sees this as part of its mandate and motivation in re-establishing a practice in Jamaica.

Duncan-Price charged the graduates to embrace technology and master relevant AI capabilities as these should not be seen as threats to the profession, but powerful tools to elevate it.

“At Deloitte, we leverage AI and advanced analytics not to replace our professionals, but to amplify them to boost productivity. Uncover deeper insights, manage risks smarter, and serve our clients with greater precision and value,” she continued.

As director of Deloitte Jamaica, Duncan-Price welcomed the chartered accountants to the elite global community of ACCA. Deloitte Jamaica is part of the Caribbean and Bermuda member firm of Deloitte’s global network of firms operating in more than 150 countries, and providing leading professional services to 90 per cent of Fortune Global 500 companies, and thousands of private companies.

She encouraged them to be strategic thinkers and use their skills to build, not just their careers, but also our nation, and become lifelong learners and ethical champions.