The Small Business Association of Jamaica  would like to take this opportunity in congratulating Prime Minister designate The Hon. Portia Simpson-Miller and the People’s National Party on their recent success in the general elections on Thursday December 29, 2011.  The people of Jamaica spoke clearly in electing the new government for the next five years and we are anticipating your initiatives as promoted in your manifesto.  We eagerly await the participation in developing our nation.

 

The Jamaica Labour Party, its candidates and leader Prime Minister Andrew Holness must be commended for their  dedication to the democratic process in  presenting their candidates for governance.  Although not successful in comprising the government it is important to note that the position of opposition is a noble and critical area in any democracy.

 

Once again, we must applaud the operations of the Electoral Office of Jamaica in coordinating and executing an electoral process that can be appraised at the same level of an advanced and developed society.

 

The Small Business Sector is aware of its critical role as primary employer and a catalyst to kick start the economy.  In light of this, The Small Business Association of Jamaica looks forward to working with the new government to make this reality by helping to shape policies and the enabling environment for business.

 

The areas that need immediate priority for success are:

 

1) Completion of a small and medium size business strategy/Policy

 

2) Creation of and access to Venture Capital and Angel investment funding

 

3) Government’s role in assisting with solutions that will reduce the need for strictly collateral funding and increase the importance of cash flow/ability to repay and investing in sound business initiatives.

 

4) Assisting in preparing an institution like National Development Foundation of Jamaica (NDFJ) and other players in the SME sector to help to train and transition their constituents in formal business processes and winning business strategies that will provide a platform for growth in our economy and global success.

 

We have every confidence that the cooperation enjoyed in the past will continue in the future to ensure the vibrancy of Jamaica’s Small Business Sector.

 

Again, our hearty congratulations to all.