SDC Stages Activities to Reignite Local Economies

In a vibrant push to reignite local economies and strengthen community bonds following the impact of Hurricane Melissa, the Social Development Commission (SDC) will host a full slate of Economic Villages and Business Opportunity Events (BOEs) throughout December 2025.

The month-long activation underscores the Commission’s steadfast commitment to rebuilding grassroots economic resilience and providing vital platforms for micro and small entrepreneurs during the Christmas season.

Executive Director of the SDC, Omar Frith, informed JIS News of the strategic value of December’s activities in the national recovery drive.

“Part of our mandate is to foster sustainable development from the ground up. This December, we are strategically deploying our Economic Villages and Business Opportunity Events to stimulate local commerce, accelerate community-led recovery, and ensure that the festive season brings tangible economic benefits to our entrepreneurs and parishes affected by the hurricane,” he said.

The events begin today, December 10, with the return of the Trelawny Economic Village at the Falmouth Market, which will be staged again on December 17.

December 12 will see the hosting of the Portland Economic Village at the SDC Parish Office at 5 Smatt Road.

The festivities will heighten on December 16 with the hosting of the Clarendon SDC’s Cherry Tree Lane Christmas Tree-Lighting ceremony, while Kingston simultaneously comes alive with the Kingston Night Market on Hillcrest Avenue, which will also return on December 23.

Momentum builds further on December 19 as the Commission activates simultaneous Economic Villages across several parishes. These will be held at the SDC Parish Office in Duhaney Pen, St. Thomas; Highgate Square in St. Mary; the Puerto Seco Car Park in Discovery Bay, St. Ann; Cecil Charlton Park in Mandeville; and the SDC Parish Office in Spanish Town, St. Catherine.

These activities set the stage for a major islandwide highlight on December 20 – the Multi-Stakeholder Business and Social Services Fair at Harmony Beach Park in Montego Bay, St. James.

This large-scale event will merge commerce with essential services from various ministries, departments, and agencies, creating a holistic support ecosystem for residents and businesses.

The celebrations will continue on December 21 with the Longville Annual Tree Lighting and Business Expo, followed on December 23 by a Local Economic Initiative (LEI) Pop-up Fair at the SDC Office Car Park in Clarendon.

Throughout the month, the SDC’s calendar will feature a series of BOEs blending community celebration with economic opportunity, before closing out the month’s activities with the final Trelawny Economic Village on December 24.

Mr. Frith noted that the SDC’s packed December schedule promises meaningful economic opportunities for local entrepreneurs and encouraged all Jamaicans and visitors to participate and support the national recovery.

For her part, Director of Local Economic Development at the SDC, Avril Ranger, extended appreciation to partners, such as the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development, Municipal Corporations, and the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) for their ongoing support.

“Collaboration has been the bedrock of our recovery efforts. We continue to invite corporate Jamaica to partner with us. Together, we can rebuild stronger and ensure a prosperous, resilient future for every community,” she said.

Ms. Ranger added that “with these villages collectively open for business, we are not just celebrating our recovery but our culture”.