The Jamaica Securities Dealers’ Association (JSDA) has re-elected Ramon Small-Ferguson to serve a fourth consecutive term as President of the Association, following its Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, May 20.

Senator Ramon Small-Ferguson serves as Chief Executive Officer of Barita Investments Limited and Managing Director of Barita Unit Trusts Management Company Limited. His re-election reflects continued confidence in the Association’s efforts to strengthen Jamaica’s capital markets, deepen investor participation and support innovation and modernisation across the financial sector.

Joining him on the Association’s Council are:

• 1st Vice President: Stacy-Ann Tait, Chief Investment Officer, NCB Capital Markets Limited.
• 2nd Vice President: Denise Marshall-Miller, Assistant Vice President, Global Markets & Digital Asset Trading.
• Secretary: Tara Nunes, Senior Vice President and Chief Executive Officer, Sagicor Investments Limited.
• Treasurer: Colando Hutchinson, Chief Executive Officer, JOH Investments Limited.

The newly elected Council brings continuity, experience, and deep industry expertise at a time when Jamaica’s capital markets continue to evolve through regulatory reform, market development, and financial sector modernisation.

Over the past year, the JSDA remained actively engaged on several initiatives aimed at strengthening Jamaica’s capital markets, improving market infrastructure, and supporting the long-term competitiveness of the financial services sector.

Among the major initiatives advanced during the year were continued collaboration with industry stakeholders and regulators regarding the listing of Government of Jamaica local bonds on the Jamaica Stock Exchange, engagement on reforms to the retail repo framework including the inclusion of cash as an allowable asset, and advocacy related to the modernisation of elements of the regulatory and investment framework affecting the securities and pension sectors.

The Association also continued engagement on several market deepening initiatives, policy development matters, and measures aimed at improving market efficiency, transparency, and investor participation.

In commenting on his election, President Ramon Small-Ferguson stated: “I am deeply appreciative of the continued confidence placed in me by the members of the Association, and I am honoured to serve a fourth consecutive term as President of the JSDA. This is a meaningful responsibility, particularly at a time when Jamaica’s capital markets are playing an increasingly important role in supporting investment, innovation, economic recovery, and long-term development.

“Over the past year, the Association has worked constructively with regulators, policymakers, market infrastructure providers, and industry participants to advance practical reforms and market development initiatives. The resilience demonstrated by the industry in the wake of Hurricane Melissa has reinforced the importance of strong, well-functioning capital markets in supporting confidence, mobilising investment, and helping the country recover and build back stronger.

“As we move forward, we remain committed to working collaboratively with stakeholders to support Jamaica’s recovery, strengthen the competitiveness of the industry, and expand the role of capital markets as a powerful medium for value creation, not only for institutions and investors, but for businesses, communities, and the lives of everyday Jamaicans. Our focus will remain on supporting sound regulation, encouraging innovation, expanding participation, and ensuring that the financial sector continues to contribute meaningfully to national development and long-term economic opportunity.”

The Association also outlined several broad priorities for the upcoming year, including continued engagement on capital market modernisation initiatives, strengthening stakeholder collaboration, supporting regulatory reform efforts, and expanding public dialogue around the role of capital markets in national development.

The JSDA reaffirmed its commitment to promoting sound industry practices, investor confidence, innovation, and sustainable capital market growth in Jamaica.