Recognising that most local producers still face the challenges of high energy costs to produce and limitations in recruiting skilled labour, the incoming president of the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA), Kathryn Silvera, is championing energy policy reforms that support cheaper, more environmentally friendly energy sources and the development of a skilled labour pool.

In her speech after being elected to the post of president during the JMEA annual general meeting at Summit Kingston on Wednesday, July 16, Silvera pointed out that the business advocacy organisation “cannot afford to be passive” on the issue.

“Energy continues to be one of the most pressing issues facing our sector. While we have been given some assurances that a more favourable energy policy will be in place by 2027, we cannot afford to be passive,” she said.

The JMEA president said she is ready to continue advocating for fuel mix diversification and greater integration of renewables, modernised grid access and wheeling arrangements, aggressive steps to combat electricity theft, and greater transparency and data sharing from the Office of Utilities Regulations.

Silvera added that the association will explore short-term solutions, including improved financing mechanisms to foster the transition to renewable energy.

“These are not just environmental goals; they are economic necessities,” she said.

Finding/retaining skilled labour

Turning to productivity and skills development, she pointed out that the Jamaican economy is “severely hamstrung by a shortage of skilled workers”. Silvera further shared that the manufacturing sector is not the only one faced with the challenge of attracting and retaining talent, as the dearth of skilled labour is also a challenge for the construction, logistics, agriculture, tourism, and ICT industries.

“No economy can outgrow the capacity of its workforce, and as we move toward automation, digitisation and global integration, the demand for higher technical and soft skills becomes more urgent by the day,” she explained.

To remedy this, the JMEA president expressed her willingness to partner with skills development agency HEART Trust/NSTA, tertiary institutions and global partners to design and launch a “Manufacturing Acceleration Programme”.  At the same time, the association will embark on apprenticeship and internship initiatives targeting women, youth and underserved communities.

While noting that such programmes go beyond corporate social responsibility, Silvera said they reflect “smart economics” that require “national coordination, private sector involvement and real execution”.

From policy to performance

The JMEA president said she does not have all the answers but invited the members to share in her vision for the association.

“Let us build a smarter, stronger, more inclusive industrial base. Let us not just export products, but export excellence, proudly stamped with the Jamaican identity. Let us lead with courage, collaborate with intention, and execute with discipline,” Silvera said.

We will not always agree. The road ahead will require tough conversations, shared sacrifice and relentless focus,” she added.

Committing herself to listen to the JMEA membership and serve as best as she can, the president called on the private sector to engage, share data and invest in their staff. To the Government, she urged the authorities to move from policy to performance.