As the country deals with the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the Government has put in place measures to protect consumers from price gouging as they purchase products to protect themselves from the virus. Price gouging is the practice of increasing the price of an item that is in demand in the midst of a disaster (natural) or emergency...

Several business leaders have endorsed the Government’s decision to seek access to the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI) as part of measures to cushion Jamaica against the precipitous economic fallout being projected as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The RFI provides rapid financial assistance to IMF member countries facing urgent balance of payment requirements, consequent...

Several micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) have answered the Government’s call to provide innovative solutions in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) by producing protective face masks. Technical Services Manager, Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC), Colin Porter, tells JIS News the Corporation has been working with its MSME clients to produce face masks using the recommended health and safety specifications....

The Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) is implementing measures to stimulate economic activity as the country grapples with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.  The objective is to ensure that the economy can bounce back quickly once the worst has passed. President of JAMPRO, Diane Edwards, tells JIS News that focus is being placed on agriculture and agribusiness through, among other things, helping farmers to access new markets.  “We...

Small Business Association of Jamaica (SBAJ) President, Hugh Johnson, says he is “very optimistic” that the country can recover from the effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. He tells JIS News that while further slowing down of economic activity is anticipated, “I do not think an outright lockdown is looming”. “We have a cadre of leaders instituting interventions, who I...

Entrepreneur, Marsha Edwards, has transformed her hobby into a business while helping other women to hone their skills in nail technology. In September this year, Ms. Edwards began a partnership with the HEART College of Beauty Services to offer a certified course in nail technology. At the end of the course, called ‘Back to Basics’, an NVQ (National Vocational Qualification)...

The Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC) is encouraging shoppers to understand and be aware of their basic rights while conducting their business during the Yuletide season. Communications Specialist at the CAC, Dorothy Campbell, tells JIS News that it is very important for consumers to understand that within their own transactions, whether small or large, they have specific rights. “If, for instance,...

For persons looking for unique, handcrafted jewellery and accessories ‘Koda Handmade’ is the perfect choice. The business, operated by Valentine McLean, offers one-of-a kind pieces such as necklaces, rings, bracelets, handbags and other items, each beautifully crafted from natural materials such as wood, shells, animal bones, calabash, coconut, bullhorn, suede and leather. Mr. McLean tells JIS News that he plans...

Starting his small business, Wood Land Roots Natural Drinks, in 2012 was not easy for Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Oliver Welsh. He had to face many challenges, such as having to walk from Portmore in St. Catherine to Kingston, enticing persons along the journey to patronise his natural juices. “It wasn’t an easy road… rain wet me, and all kinds...