In a world governed by smartphones, GPS, intelligent thermostats and seemingly ‘independent’ appliances that can practically do anything … data drives our every move today. This is fast becoming Jamaica’s everyday reality too, with over 80% of the smartphones used by Jamaicans actively using mobile data

This symposium provides an opportunity to share some thoughts and dialogue on a very important issue in our 51st year of Independence. We need to think about the ways in which we can collectively collaborate to achieve objectives.We have to think about how we convert these large visions and dreams into a reality within the context that we operate in.

The Jamaica Logistics Hub Initiative aims to provide value-added services to assist and enhance global trade and establish Jamaica as the fourth node in the worldwide network of trade and commerce. This involves a largescale approach to re-organizing resources and acquiring new ones

Senior officials in the government argue that changes in global manufacturing, trading and shipping – along with the proposed expansion of the Panama Canal to accommodate the new mega- liners – offer a unique opportunity for Jamaica to become a major player in global logistics. The opportunity is strengthened by a Chinese offer to invest some US $1.5 billion in new port and related facilities. They are bullish on the prospects for jobs and growth. Others say history suggests caution in making assumptions about gains to come from foreign direct investment

Raby Danvers 'Danny' Williams is, arguably, Jamaica's most respected businessman with a highly successful career as both visionary and implementer over the half century of Jamaica’s Independence. And he continues to innovate and serve. As the country embarks on the next 50 years of its journey towards economic growth and human development, MSBM Business Review spoke with him about the evolution of Jamaican business since Independence, his role in that process and his expectations for the immediate, uncertain period ahead.

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.

In recent years, several Jamaican companies have used the Jamaica Stock Exchange as a source for business expansion capital. Using the equity market as a capital structure tool has allowed these firms to build capacity within the midst of the recession which started in 2008, and is, by many accounts, still on-going.