Minister Hill Commends Sydney Thwaites on Appointment as JMEA President

Kingston, Jamaica, 22 September 2023 — Senator the Hon. Aubyn Hill, Minister of Industry, Investment, and Commerce, extends his warm congratulations to Mr. Sydney Thwaites, following his recent appointment as President of the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA) for the 2023/2024 term. This appointment not only heralds a new era for the JMEA but also underscores the significant role this esteemed organization has played in shaping Jamaica’s business landscape over the past seven decades.

Mr. Thwaites steps into this pivotal role, succeeding John Mahfood, Chief Executive Officer of Jamaica Teas Limited, who served as JMEA President for two consecutive terms, in 2021/2022 and 2022/2023.

In congratulating Mr. Thwaites, Minister Hill underscores the significance of having a seasoned business professional lead the Association. He remarks, “Mr. Thwaites is now a seasoned and leading exporter from Jamaica.”

Mr. Thwaites serves as the Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Lubricating Specialties Company Jamaica and boasts an impressive record as an advisory committee member for the Export Import (EXIM) Bank of the United States and has been an integral member of the JMEA Board of Directors, having served as both deputy president and treasurer during a three-year tenure.

In his inaugural address, Mr. Thwaites, reiterates that the Association’s mandates and priorities remain steadfast. Mr. Thwaites noted that, “the era of keeping our cards closed and not openly sharing our successes and challenges has passed; we cannot conduct business in such a manner.”

Minister Hill also takes this opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of Mr. John Mahfood, who served as President for two terms. Under Mr. Mahfood’s leadership, the JMEA ushered in significant reforms aimed at enhancing manufacturing, productivity, and growing exports.

The appointment of Mr. Sydney Thwaites as President signals a new chapter for the JMEA, underlining a commitment to fostering a resilient, competitive, and industrious manufacturing sector, crucial for driving economic expansion, employment generation, and the establishment of a prosperous and wealthy economy.

Source: MIIC