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...

Local artist, Lennox Coke, strongly believes that Jamaica, with its rich pool of creative talent, can further strengthen its stake in the billion dollar global art industry, given the allure of top quality Brand Jamaica products. “Jamaican art can also bring in money to the country, just like Jamaican music and Jamaican sport, because we have an authentic brand and...

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...

The Food Storage and Prevention of Infestation Division (FSPID) has become the first local food inspection body to be accredited by the Jamaica National Agency for Accreditation (JANAAC). The FSPID, which is a division of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, was recently awarded its accreditation certificate for successfully complying with the standard of ISO/IEC 17020. ISO/IEC 17020...

Trees are pivotal to sustaining life. They provide a home for many animals, stabilise the soil, store carbon dioxide and provide oxygen, which is vital for all life forms. It is against this background that the Forestry Department remains focused on maintaining trees in Jamaica’s forest reserves through, among other things, its ‘Adopt-a-Hillside’ Programme. The agency’s Manager for Strategic Corporate...

The Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) is seeking to boost the local cosmetics industry, by capitalising on potential investment opportunities and leading trade missions to existing and potential overseas markets. Sales and Promotions Manager for Manufacturing, Energy and Mining at JAMPRO, Berletta Henlon- Forrester tells JIS News that studies undertaken by the Agency, show that the cosmetics industry is a lucrative...

Local and international investors are being encouraged to take advantage of the numerous opportunities that are available in Jamaica’s medicinal cannabis industry. Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO), Manager, Logistics and Infrastructure, Don Gittens, said opportunities are available in research and development, retail, and exporting the services of Jamaican professionals. He was speaking at a Jamaica Information Service (JIS) Think Tank Session...

Hair care guru and founder of Kumea’s Hair Perspective, Yolande Gooden-Rhoden, has big plans to transform her small business into a much larger thriving enterprise under the Women in Entrepreneurship Support (WES) Project. She is one of four participants selected for the first phase of the three-year project, being jointly implemented by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries...