Young Jamaicans Urged to Embrace Entrepreneurship

Minister of State in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Delano Seiveright, is challenging young Jamaicans to look beyond traditional employment and embrace entrepreneurship.

He was delivering the keynote address at the inaugural University of the West Indies (UWI) International Undergraduate Student Leadership Conference and Entrepreneurship Expo at the Mona campus on Wednesday (September 23).

Addressing the theme ‘The Role of Entrepreneurship: Future-Proofing the Region’, he said rapid advances in artificial intelligence (AI), e-commerce and other technologies are reshaping work and creating new entrepreneurial opportunities.

“AI is not simply changing technology. It is changing what it means to be employable. Do not waste time being afraid of AI. Learn it, understand it and use it,” he charged.

Minister Seiveright further encouraged young entrepreneurs to use digital platforms to access international markets.

“The same technology that allows somebody in China to sell to Jamaica, allows somebody in Jamaica to sell to the world. We cannot have an analogue mindset in a digital world,” he said.

Citing Jamaican companies like Rock Solid Plastics, Sanmerna Paper Products and Sandals as examples of businesses that started locally and expanded significantly, Minister Seiveright noted that “instead of simply asking whether your small business can survive, start asking, How big can I build it? How do I move from five employees to 50, from 50 to 500, and from Jamaica into the wider world?”.

The State Minister further urged students to explore opportunities in areas including manufacturing, agribusiness, global digital services, logistics, tourism, film and the creative industries, while identifying products that could be competitively produced locally.

He further advised them not to allow their socioeconomic circumstances or lack of established connections to limit their ambitions.

“Small is where you start. It does not have to be where you finish,” Minister Seiveright said.

Minister Seiveright pointed out that there are foreign investors actively looking for Jamaican opportunities and Jamaican partners, but we must position ourselves properly.

He cited the importance of networking, preparation, partnerships, saving and reinvestment in building successful enterprises. “Networking may open the door, but preparation keeps you in the room,” he said.

He assured that the Government, through the MIIC and its agencies, including the Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO), Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) and others, will continue to support micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), investment and exports, encouraging students to recognise their own role in turning opportunities into successful businesses.

“Government cannot supply your ambition. It cannot manufacture your discipline. It cannot build all your relationships for you and it cannot execute your idea. That part belongs to you. Be realistic about obstacles but be relentless about overcoming them. Small is where you start. It does not have to be where you finish,” he said.