The historical social, cultural, political, diplomatic and economic context of the Jamaica-China relationship provides a critical point of reference that gives texture to the current public discussion about balancing the relationship between both countries.

Our study conducted by Mona School of Business and Management, (MSBM) in June 2017, revealed that the leaders of local construction firms perceive that public sector delays, Government procurement policy, cost of financing, and company debt burden are among the main impediments to growth of the sector. Along with policy changes, we suggest several strategies, including adoption of Lean Construction techniques to increase efficiency.

The concept of climate change is again a very topical issue. Jamaica has had two recent bouts with heavy rains that have emphasized previously known areas of hazards, and have identified totally new areas that were previously overlooked or were dormant. The estimates of damages are not yet final, and even due diligence will not capture undocumented losses of agriculture, livestock, or illegal housing. Therefore the potential losses will continue as mere replacement does not necessarily equal enhanced restoration.

It is clear that companies in the Caribbean now have to be innovative and competitive because preferential arangements with countries outside the region have disappeared. Available data highlights the urgent need for collaboration among business organisations and for additional resources to help firms innovate in ways that directly improve sales performance and commercial success.

Diasporans (foreign born population and their off-springs maintaining relations to their country of origin) are vital sources of investment, innovation and entrepreneurship illustrated by locations such as Silicon Valley, Berlin, Taiwan and Republic of Korea. Likewise, Jamaican and Caribbean, with large diaspora populations, can also drive more investments from this source into the region given an enabling environment.

For our younger readers, Venezuela may only have a distant image comprising oilfields and offshore drilling that many have only seen pictures of. Venezuela’s second image may be the beautiful entrants in Miss World or Miss Universe. In these days of modern air travel there are only three convenient routes; one via Miami; one via Panama; or one via Trinidad.

The term “Big Data” is no longer confined to the foreign vernacular of scientists, technologists and geeks. It has now become part of mainstream media and popular culture, pervading the spectrum from McKinsey global studies to Dilbert commentaries.

The discussion about the logistics hub has been characterized, in the main, by too much misinformation and disinformation. This is unfortunate because it runs the risk of damaging potential, damaging a tremendous opportunity and we can talk ourselves into gridlock over this opportunity

Sustainable development rests on three pillars: Social sustainability, economic sustainability and environmental sustainability. The three have to be balanced. My focus in this paper is on the economic aspects of the Jamaica Logistics Hub

Much of the discussion about Jamaica’s favourable prospects of becoming the 4th global logistics hub, emphasize the country’s physical attributes and natural endowments. Little reference, however, is made to a glaring deficiency in the quality of shiprelated and logistics services in Jamaica.

The Jamaican Government should ensure that there is at least an increase in local jobs in return for providing any of the tax incentives listed above. In particular, the tax incentives should be directly tied to specific areas of job creation and  innovation.

As part of its monthly forums with the investor community, Mayberry Investments Limited hosted Conversations on 50 years of Business July 18, 2012 for reflection as well as looking ahead. The presenters were: Maurice Facey (Chairman, Pan-Jamaican Investment Trust Ltd.), Stephen Facey President & Chief Executive Officer, Pan-Jamaican Investment Trust Ltd.),Robert Levy (Chairman, Jamaica Broilers Group) and Christopher Levy (President & Chief Executive Officer, Jamaica Broilers Group).