Increased Canadian Investments in Jamaica Being Encouraged

Montego Bay’s Mayor, Councillor Homer Davis, is encouraging more Canadian businesses to invest in Jamaica.

“We encourage Canadians to see Jamaica as a primary location for their investments, [and] consider taking steps to gain some greater foothold here, particularly in Montego Bay, which is the fastest growing city in the Caribbean,” he said.

The Mayor was speaking at a welcome reception for the opening of the Canadian Defence Attaché Unit in Kingston.

The reception was held aboard the Canadian ship, the ‘HMCS Moncton’, at the Montego Bay Freeport in St. James on Thursday (November 29).

Councillor Davis said the relationship between Jamaica and Canada remains mutually beneficial, noting that each country has significant exports to the other.

Jamaica’s exports to Canada in 2017 totalled Can$168 million, while imports amounted to Can$123 million.

“Canada continues to be a part of our lives, with Newfoundland supplying our country with cod fish, which is a key ingredient in our National Dish – ackee and salt fish. We treasure your country’s trade and investment relationship with us, as Canada is our second largest bilateral market [behind the United States],” he further stated.

For her part, Canada’s High Commissioner to Jamaica, Her Excellency Laurie Peters, also highlighted the relationship both countries share.

“We enjoy a very special relationship, which is based on a number of factors… [ranging] from business and commercial to educational relationships. Canada is also the number-two source of tourists who are coming to Montego Bay… .  They are coming in great numbers to take advantage of the fine offerings in this city,” she said.

The opening of the Canadian Defence Attaché Unit office at the Canadian High Commission in Kingston is aimed at further strengthening the North American country’s military support in the Caribbean.

The office will be headed by Colonel Steven Guilbault.