Support and encourage local business

As the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce & Industry makes preparations to stage its 14th Annual Trade Expo, I am honoured and privileged to extend to them commendations on their consistency in the promotion of Montego Bay's industries and improving networking among commercial entities.

This trade expo is just one of the critical ways of providing a time-efficient and cost-effective platform which gives exposure to true Jamaican industries, and encouraging the entrepreneurial spirit amongst business owners and operators.

The holding of this year's event at the Montego Bay Convention Centre signifies that it will be bigger and better than those of previous years.

In this period of global economic recession, and ever-increasing competition, it is commendable that the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry continues to operate in a manner demonstrating its willingness to support and encourage local business.

It is my believe that many of the solutions to Jamaica's economic problems must and will come from the private sector, and in particular, from small- and medium-size business enterprises. We must therefore encourage the principals and workers within these various businesses to take advantage of all opportunities to retool and become innovative in the conduct of their respective enterprises.

We must create critical and relevant inter- and intra-sector partnerships, and become increasingly creative in manoeuvring any and all obstacles which may hinder growth and development. We must rekindle and unleash that innovative spirit that is embedded in our Jamaican brothers and sisters. It is with these sustained efforts that positive change will occur in our nation's economy, while we strive to achieve the goals of Vision 2030.

I again commend the chamber on this effort and wish for them, and each and every participant in this 14th Annual Trade Expo, every success.

Charles A. Sinclair
Mayor
City of Montego Bay