Industry Minister Emphasises Significance Of Accreditation
MIIC Author
Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Audley Shaw, has emphasised the importance of accreditation for effective response to major environmental protection issues in the Caribbean region.
He was addressing the Jamaica National Agency for Accreditation (JANAAC) webinar, titled, ‘Climate Change: Impacts on Regional Economic Growth and Development’, in recognition of World Accreditation Day, on June 9.
“I urge all private and public-sector laboratories, inspection bodies and certification bodies to improve their service delivery and marketability through JANAAC’s accreditation service,” the Minister said.
He added that accreditation services underpin environmental performance by reducing contamination, greenhouse gasses, controlling waste and pollution, “so as to safeguard the well-being of consumers and the wider public and support the effective management and conservation of natural resources which impact several productive sectors”.
Citing data from the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre, the Minister noted that 25 per cent of the island’s population lives in coastal areas where 90 per cent of its total income is also produced.
“Other Caribbean countries are similarly at significant risk due to their geography [and their] dependence on agriculture and tourism,” he said.
According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, the Caribbean is the most tourist-intensive region in the world.
Mr. Shaw said the Council predicts the Caribbean will become the most at-risk tourist destination in the world between 2025 and 2050.
“In light of the foregoing, what future can the region reasonably anticipate if measures are not universally adopted and maintained to better protect our natural resources, especially as they play such a vital role in economic growth and development,” the Minister added.
World Accreditation Day 2021 was observed under the global theme, ‘Accreditation: Supporting the Implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals’.
Source: JIS
Recent News
See all news
Posted on 20/01/2026
KFC’s Expansion to Morant Bay a Symbol of Economic Decentralisation – Minister Hill
Minister Hill has welcomed the opening of the new KFC branch in Morant Bay, highlighting its role as a symbol of economic decentralisation and confidence in Jamaica’s business environment. The expansion underscores MIIC’s support for private secto...
Posted on 14/01/2026
Official Reopening of Business Kiosks and Shops at Border, St. Elizabeth, on January 16
The Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce (MIIC) will host the official reopening of the Business Kiosks and Shops at Border, St. Elizabeth, on Friday, January 16, at 11:00 a.m. Marking a significant milestone in the restoration and revita...
Posted on 13/01/2026
Seiveright discusses development finance options with US officials
State Minister in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Delano Seiveright met with representatives of the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and the US Embassy in Kingston on Tuesday morning to discuss development ...
