Everything Jamaican Under “Two Roofs”

With a merger of the two organizing trade associations The Jamaica Manufacturers Association (JMA) and the Jamaica Exporters Association (JEA) pending, EXPO 2018 continued the format established in the previous fair of utilizing the National Indoor Sports Centre as well as its adjacent “big sister” the National Arena. Use was also made of the outdoor areas of the Arena forecourt and the sides.

The combination of multiple venues again made for a dynamic showcase of Jamaican industry manufacturing and services under the theme “Advancing Breakthroughs” As joint chiefs, Michelle Chong (JEA )and Metry Seaga (JMA) noted, “The country boasts over six hundred producers in the manufacturing industry consisting of potential and experienced exporters. We are very proud to have presented them to Jamaica and to the world and very pleased with the response to date.”

One growing innovation is the national JEMS, Jamaica Emerging Manufacturers and Services Village, housed in the Indoor Sports Centre. Here, artists and other creatives shared space with hoteliers,retailers, financial service providers and others, notably a gathering of “graduates” of National Baking Company’s” Bold Ones” project, first introduced in 2011. Inside the Arena, a number of the more established manufacturers held court, everything from bedding to beverages, from digital communications to building materials and cosmetics.

Of course, what would any EXPO be without food? Those more inclined toward preparing their own meal made good use of the fresh produce on offer at the Farmer’s Market, another “young” feature that has grown tremendously with succeeding EXPOs. As expected, the purveyors of ready-to- eat food and drinks items attracted long lines, particularly on the “heavy” days of Saturday and Sunday, when public interest peaked. From pasta to seafood to chicken, pork and beef, it was all there. Thirsty? There was plenty to wash down your food samples with, whether Blue Mountain Coffee, energy drinks or just good old-fashioned rum.

To Read More: Purchase your copy of Volume 9 #8 May-June 2018