JMEA manufacturing conference focuses on storm recovery, capital access and market trends

Jamaica’s manufacturers, exporters, financiers and policymakers met in Kingston on May 20 for the third Manufacturing 360 conference, as the sector continues to wrestle with the heavy damage left by Melissa and wider questions around recovery, financing and resilience.

The Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association staged the event at the AC Hotel by Marriott Kingston under the theme Robust Recovery and Resilient Growth. The annual conference, held under the wider Manufacturing 360 banner, has expanded since its 2024 launch and attracted more than 200 participants this year, with demand exceeding available spaces.

Melissa, which made landfall on Wednesday, October 28, 2025, was described as the most destructive storm in Jamaica’s recorded history. The manufacturing sector alone was estimated to have suffered J$10 billion in losses. Nearly 70 per cent of JMEA members, many of them micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, are reportedly still below full production or have stopped operating. “The question is no longer whether the sector will recover, but what it will recover into,” said JMEA executive director Kamisha Blake.

Conference sessions were set to examine supply chain redesign, smarter logistics, insurance gaps, risk financing in a climate-sensitive economy and practical routes to capital.

In real estate, Treasure Bay Estates reported that more than 80 per cent of its available villa lots have been sold. Director Vera Henry said buyers are showing stronger interest in Caribbean luxury developments that combine authenticity, calm surroundings, nature and modern amenities. The gated Great Bay, Treasure Beach project has 132 residential lots, each about a quarter acre, with ocean and mountain views and an average price of US$90,000. Buyers receive approved plans from four modern home designs and must build within five years. Planned amenities include a clubhouse, pool, gym, management office and courts for tennis, pickleball and other activities.

On the equities market for May 20, 2026, the most active securities were Kentire Holdings Jamaica Limited, with 14,364,970 units and 33.10 per cent of sales activity; TransJamaica Highway Limited, with 7,094,544 units and 16.35 per cent; and Omni Industries Limited, with 4,170,002 units and 9.46 per cent.

Bank of Jamaica foreign exchange data for the same date showed continued activity in major currencies. The US dollar sold at J$156.97 and bought at J$158.39. The Canadian dollar sold at J$115.20 and bought at J$114.82, while the British pound sold at J$212.63 and bought at J$207.85.