Seiveright urges Diaspora to invest now as global demand for Jamaica surges

Minister of State in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Delano Seiveright, today issued a strong call for Jamaicans overseas to move decisively from remittances to ownership, arguing that the country is experiencing one of the most significant periods of economic transformation and investment growth in its modern history.

Addressing the 11th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference at the Montego Bay Convention Centre, Seiveright told hundreds of diaspora leaders, businesspersons, professionals and investors that the time to invest in Jamaica is now, warning that many Jamaicans abroad risk being left behind as local and international investors move aggressively to capitalise on opportunities across the island.

“My concern is not whether Jamaica’s future is bright. The evidence is already there. My concern is whether Jamaicans themselves will own enough of that future,” Seiveright said. “While international investors are lining up and investing billions of dollars across Jamaica, too many Jamaicans are still watching from the sidelines.”

The minister pointed to Jamaica’s strong economic fundamentals, noting that Net International Reserves now stand at approximately US$6.5 billion, representing about 34 weeks of import cover—nearly three times the international benchmark of 12 weeks. He also highlighted the relative stability of the Jamaican dollar, fiscal discipline, and a decade without new taxes before Hurricane Melissa on Tuesday, October 28, 2025.

Seiveright argued that Jamaica’s growing attractiveness as an investment destination is being reinforced by political stability, strong democratic institutions and a rapidly improving security environment.

“Jamaica remains one of the most stable democracies anywhere in the developing world. We hold free and fair elections, institutions function, and investors have confidence in the country’s direction,” he said.

The minister also highlighted Jamaica’s dramatic reduction in violent crime, describing it as one of the most significant national achievements in recent years.

Jamaica recorded approximately 673 murders in 2025, representing a 43 per cent reduction compared to the previous year and the lowest level in more than three decades. The downward trend has continued in 2026, with murders down approximately 23 per cent so far this year, while shootings, robberies and other major crimes have also declined significantly.

“This is not luck. It is the result of sustained investment, intelligence-led policing, stronger institutions and deliberate action under Plan Secure Jamaica. Crime remains a challenge, but the trajectory is moving in the right direction, and investors are responding accordingly,” Seiveright said.

The Minister further pointed to Jamaica’s resilience following Hurricane Melissa, noting that approximately US$6.7 billion in support has been mobilised through international financial institutions to assist with reconstruction and long-term resilience efforts.

He said investors have responded positively to Jamaica’s recovery and stabilisation efforts, resulting in continued growth across multiple sectors.

Among the major investments highlighted were the US$1.055 billion acquisition of New Fortress Energy’s Jamaican LNG assets by Excelerate Energy, major tourism developments including Moon Palace, Princess Resorts, Grand Palladium, UNICO and Hard Rock, as well as significant manufacturing, logistics, energy and commercial real estate investments.

Seiveright also pointed to the transformation of Kingston through new residential, commercial and mixed-use developments, the continued expansion of tourism and real estate activity along the North Coast, and growing investment interest in St Elizabeth, Westmoreland and other parts of South-West Jamaica.

He cited major infrastructure projects including the Montego Bay Perimeter Road, Long Hill Bypass, Southern Coastal Highway, the planned North Coast highway expansion, modernisation of Cornwall Regional Hospital, plans for a new Kingston Public Hospital, the Negril International Airport project, upgrades to the Treasure Beach Aerodrome and continued expansion of the Port of Kingston.

The minister also highlighted opportunities in agriculture, agro-processing, manufacturing, logistics, technology, warehousing, renewable energy and business process outsourcing, noting that Jamaica’s expanding economy will require increased local production and supply chains.

“Hotels need food. Manufacturers need raw materials. Export markets need products. There are tremendous opportunities in agriculture, agro-processing, packaging, cold storage, logistics and distribution,” he said.

Seiveright urged diaspora members to view Jamaica not simply as a place for retirement or sentimental attachment, but as a platform for wealth creation, business expansion and long-term investment.

“Every Jamaican should aspire to own a meaningful piece of this country—land, property, businesses, factories, warehouses, shares, technology companies, farms or tourism assets. Ownership matters. Generational wealth matters. Economic participation matters.”

He added: “The world is becoming more uncertain, but Jamaica is becoming more stable. The opportunities are real, and those who move early will benefit most.”

The minister concluded by encouraging Jamaicans abroad to engage with JAMPRO, the Jamaica Special Economic Zone Authority and other investment facilitation agencies to explore opportunities and participate in what he described as Jamaica’s next phase of growth.

“Do not wait until everybody else tells you Jamaica is the place to invest. By then, you may be late. Come home. Invest. Partner. Build. Own. Because the next chapter of Jamaica’s story is being written right now, and every Jamaican should have a stake in it.”