2011-11-23

JBDC, MIIC and JMA Encourage Jamaicans to ‘Buy Jamaican This Christmas’

The Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) and the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce (MIIC) are joining forces with the Jamaica Manufacturers’ Association (JMA) to promote a ‘Buy Jamaican This Christmas’ campaign.

The campaign will engage all aspects of media and will seek to excite and reignite Jamaicans to give a piece of Jamaica for Christmas to family, friends, and colleagues. “The message of buying quality Jamaican products also means ensuring the quality of life for Jamaican producers,” notes Valerie Veira, Chief Executive Officer of the JBDC.   She further noted that all stakeholders would be supporting each other for growth with this effort.

To support the campaign, both the JMA and JBDC will stage events that will provide the opportunity for locals to see Jamaican products live and direct.  JMA recently hosted its ‘Buy Jamaican Road show and Motorcade on November 5 in targeted areas of Kingston and St. Andrew.  The road show began in Half-Way Tree with a motorcade to Cross Roads and culminated in Downtown Kingston with a grand finale and exhibition in the St. William Grants Park. The event showcased the best of local members/manufacturers who are affiliated with the JMA as well as a number of micro and small producers.

Complementary to this programme will be the annual JBDC Christmas Artisan Village, Kumba Mi Yabba at Jamaica College on December 17 and 18, 2011.  Kumba Mi Yabba is a presentation of authentic Jamaican products ranging from ceramics and pottery, carvings and other fine arts products with cutting edge creations, soft household furnishing, fashion and fashion accessories as well as local agro processing products.