“Jamaica Trade Desk News” Contact us at (868) 675-8862 Ext. 242 Email: tradeassist@ttma.com M O N T H L Y
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Moving forward in 2013… towards improving market access for Jamaican companies in T&T. The hardest challenges have been to find T&T distributors for Jamaican products, as a strong substitute for products that are already in circulation within the T&T market. In spite of this challenge, there are a number of Jamaican products that we could consider as ―niche products‖ however a comprehensive marketing strategy is required. Patience and perseverance are also key, and the Trade Desk strongly recommends that consistent and dedicated efforts to strategically visit the potential partner in T&T, could be a good starting point to build relationship.
HIGHLIGHT ON TRADE DESK: Updates on Trade Desk activities INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Focus on Trinidad & Tobago services sector TTCSI 5th National Services Week
As we approach the end of the year and moving forward in 2013, we wish to point out that the Trade Facilitation Desk facility is being underused as a mechanism for trade support, and we are sincerely hoping all Jamaican companies, as well as T&T firms will take advantage of this opportunity to maximize their market penetration.
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T&T Designers made 3 great impression in Guadeloupe...
Jamaica Updates JEA and Customs collaborate to address issues of Exporters...
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Jamaica Jazz & blues Festival 2013!!
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JEA Annual General Meeting
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Focus on PA Benja6 min Manufacturing & Co. Ltd.
Commentary The « politics » of WI 7 cricket...
2012 was a year of hope and accomplishment for the Trade Facilitation Desk, in which the Trade Desk Officer assisted a number of Jamaican companies, as well as private/public sector organizations to: get access to insightful market research information ; liaise with suitable trade & regulatory agencies in T&T, including facilitating meetings, providing independent critical advice on and responses to regulatory issues (compliance with local labeling, content and packaging requirements); facilitate matchmaking, networking and encourage discussions between T&T and Jamaican businesses; raise concerns of Jamaican stakeholders/firms and tackle apparent non-tariff barriers to trade; as well as; follow up on the various leads from JAMPRO made during the 2012 Trade and Investment Convention.
We reiterate that our mission is to approach pragmatically the trade issues plaguing the relationships between T&T and Jamaica, through the offering of support services and finding solutions at the ground level, with the objective to promote a free and fair trading environment in T&T for Jamaican exporters, among other countries. We implore all Jamaican firms interested in exporting to T&T to take time to visit the market and promote their products so as to ensure their visibility and presence in T&T. Only through active partnership and cooperation can there be positive achievement of tangible results. On behalf of the TTMA Secretariat and the Trade Facilitation Desk, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy & Prosperous New Year 2013. For any assistance, feel free to contact: Mrs. Naika Pichi-Ayers Trade Desk Officer JA-T&T Trade Facilitation Desk Tel: 868-675-8862 Ext. 242 Fax: 868-675-9000 Email: tradeassist@ttma.com
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TTCSI celebrating excellence in services… (1/2) Service Provider of the Year – 2012 winner: Illuminat Ltd. & Mamatoto Birth Centre Young Service Provider of the Year – 2012 winner: Rene Holder of Lab 206 Service Association of the year –2012 winner: Association of Females Executive of Trinidad and Tobagp (AFETT) Service Exporter of the Year 2012 winner: Digital Business Ltd. Special Recognition Award – 2012 winner: Roger Alexis of Lexo TV On Tuesday October 30th 2012, a session titled ―Unleashing ICT for Development‖ was Snap shot of TTCSI Board of Directors and Mr. Aneesh Chopra, Former Advisor to US President held featuring renowned ICT Barack Obama (middle)... Tsar Aneesh Chopra. Four (4) Since 2008, the Trinidad and Tobago Coalition of Government Ministers and over 250 leaders and execuServices Industries (TTCSI) has been dedicating the tives from both private sector as well as Government first week of November to highlight the contribution ministries and agencies gathered to hear the first Ameriof the Services sector to Trinidad and Tobago‘s econ- can Federal Chief Technology Officer of the United omy while hosting educational sessions for services States (CTO). Chopra shared his expertise on establishproviders. TTCSI National Services Week has become ing national developmental programmes through the use an annual marquee event bringing mainstream atten- of ICT. Other speakers at the event were the Honourable tion to the local services industries over the last 5 Minister of Public Administration, Carolyn Seepersadyears in a way that no other event ever did. This year, Bachan, Invest TT President Mr. Kelvin Mahabir, Telefrom October 29th to November 3rd 2012, with the communication Authority of Trinidad and Tobago Extheme ―Services: the new Economic Engine” the ecutive Officer Karamchad Perai and Mr. Rabindra Jagweek of activities focused on building capacity to ex- gernauth, President of the TTCSI. pand the services sector and promote exports. On October 31st, the Cosmetology Workshop ―The ImThe TTCSI partnered with the Caribbean Export De- portance of Standards – Raising Your Game‖, planned velopment Agency (CEDA), The in collaboration with the Trinidad and Tobago CosmeDeutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusam- tology Association (TTCA) was held. Approximately menarbeit (German Agency for International Coop- 200 persons attended the event, which took place in the eration) (GIZ), the Hubs and Spokes Project of the form of a series of information sessions, coupled with Commonwealth Secretariat; various private sector live demonstrations and shows of the latest industry companies and other local organisations to host the trends. Guy Hewitt, Regional manager at City & Guilds series of events. Caribbean Office shared his extensive knowledge on standards and continuing learning in the cosmetology The week of festivities opened for the second con- industry with participants. secutive year with the Excellence in Services Awards Ceremony held on October 29th 2012. The TTCSI Mr. Hewitt was able to capture the attention of the hunExcellence in Services Awards recognizes role models dreds of hairdressers, skincare specialists, manicurists/ in the services industries for their outstanding per- pedicurists, spa therapists, make-up artists, and beauty formance and contribution to the growth and develop- products sales representatives while he introduced them ment of the Services industries in Trinidad and To- to the knowledge and skills required to compete effecbago. tively and efficiently in the cosmetology industry. The categories are: Best use of Innovation in Services – 2012 winner: Mobirl Best recent Service Provider Award – 2012 winner: Steven Edwards Production
Ms. Stacia Monroe, Project Officer at the National Training Agency (NTA) presented on the Caribbean Vocational Qualification as well as the Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition program available for the cosmetology industry. Go to Next page
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Focus on T&T services sector
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TTCSI celebrating excellence in services… (2/2) On Tuesday November 1st the TTCSI partnered with the Animae Caribe Animation Festival to bring together the best animators from throughout the Diaspora to discuss various ways in which the industry can benefit from ‗brain gain‘. Six (6) skilled Trinidad and Tobago nationals now working with major companies such as Rockstar Games, Sony, Disney and Pixar were invited to Trinidad to share their experiences in the animation industry with participants . TTCSI‘s CEO Mr. Nirad Tewarie who chaired the session, reminded participants that the Animation Sector was identified as one of the pillars for the diversification of the economy and encouraged them to discuss and network with the panelists so that they can be inspired and further contribute to the development of the local animation industry. On Friday November 2nd a ―Business of Entertainment‖ session was hosted. Music business legend Ray Paul and Label Manager, Producer, Sound Engineer Patrick Poche, with Make U Music, were the featured speakers. The event aimed to educate, inspire and re-shape the way artists in the entertainment industry think, move, market and promote their services. Mr. Paul shared with the 30 participants some insights into the current state of Caribbean Music in the European Union and addressed topics such as the importance of music festivals; building local music brands; the importance of building the T&T music industry and encouraging artists to collaborate and acquire business management skills. Using examples from his own experience, Mr Poche outlined the importance of business management for musi-
cians. He also shared some tips for negotiating and getting signed to a label. Members of the TTCSI and specially invited guests were invited on Saturday November 3 rd 2012 to the Services Week closing party hosted in collaboration with Animae Caribe at the Queen‘s Royal College Hall. At the closing ceremony, Studio Jay Recording Ltd. launched the ―Emergence Experience‖, an initiative designed to promote the region‘s creative industries— music, film, animation and fashion—as one. ―Emergence Experience‖ was conceptualized during Caribbean Export‘s creative industries trade mission to Europe held in July 2012. For more information, kindly contact Ms. Florence Louis-Edouard (TTCSI Senior Trade Specialist) flouis@ttcsi.org
Mr. Robert Glass, Project Manager for GIZ
T&T designers made a great impression at the KFD! From November 29th to December 1st, 2012, four designers from T&T, led by the TTCSI, participated in the event titled ―Kreyol Fashion Days (KFD)‖,organized by the Regional Council of Guadeloupe, under the patronage of the famous French Fashion Designer, Jean Paul Gaultier. The KFD, co-financed under the INTERREG programme, is the 1st ever professional forum of the Caribbean Fashion Industry. During three days, internationally renowned organizations, designers & professionals from the region had the opportunity to exchange and address Heather Jones Designs splashed the front page of the local newspaper in Guadeloupe!
several issues ranging from training, production, promotion and distribution within the fashion sector, included plenary conferences and workshops which provided great networking and exposure among all stakeholders at the Creole Beach Hotel. The KFD concluded with an amazing fashion show at the Fort Fleur d‘Epee in Guadeloupe, in which 18 designers coming from Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominican Republic, French Guyana, Guadeloupe, Haiti, Jamaica, Martinique and Trinidad & Tobago, showed their stunning collections. The T&T designers– Heather Jones, Robert Young, Shurnel and Zad & Eastman– blew away the audience with their original and vibrantly colorful fashion lines during the closing of the show. The T&T delegates were accompanied by TTCSI representatives Ms. Florence Louis-Edouard and Ms. Natalie-Ann De Silva. Bravo!!!!
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JAMAICA UPDATES
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Addressing delays at ports… constraints on exporters! In a joint statement, the Jamaica Exporters‘ Association (JEA) and Jamaica Customs have indicated that a number of initiatives are underway to address the Export Procedures and related concerns highlighted by the JEA at a Press Conference called by the JEA on November 15. At a meeting of key stakeholders including Minister Horace Daley, Exporters, the Customs Department, Shipping Agents, Kingston Wharves and Kingston Container Terminals agreement was reached on the following:
Customs Department will roll out the electronic portal for Export procedures. The Customs Department and the JEA have agreed to more consistent information sharing on new technologies or guidelines for shipping and handling of exports. The key agencies also to improve the level of coordination related to the detention of Containers for inspection with a view to preventing the tardiness of export shipments and also to improve security procedures. The Customs Department and the JEA to collaborate on Workshops in 2013 to train exporters on new procedures in the exporting process.
A meeting will be held with Exporters and the Terminals to review the charges for stripping export containers detained by the Contraband Enforcement Team (CET).
These matters will be addressed further at a meeting of the Competitiveness Council on December 12 to be chaired by the Minister of Industry Investment and Commerce. For further information on this joint effort, please contact Jean Smith (JEA General Manager) jeans@exportja.org
Gearing up for Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival !!!! The 17th staging of the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival set for January 24 – 26, 2013 will feature Mary J Blige, John Legend and Michael Bolton. Walter Elmore, Festival Producer says, ―It‘s a pleasure to have Mary who is a powerhouse along with John and Michael. We know Jamaicans love their music and we are working to create a package they will thoroughly enjoy,‖ he said . On stage, Mary J Blige, loved by Jamaicans for her dynamic and passionate music and delivery, will be a powerhouse with favourites such as No More Drama, All I need, Mr. Wrong. Michael Bolton returns to the Festival and promises a love affair with Jamaicans with hits such as How am I supposed to live without you, Said I Loved you but I lied and his ardent rendition of When a Man loves a woman. John Legend who considers himself a friend of the Festival will bring an intimate performance to his adorers with hits such as Ordinary People, Everybody knows, Best you Ever Had and the mega hit Stay with me covered by Reggae Star Tarrus Riley.
Organizers of the event have also confirmed a novel non traditional Thursday night to feature classic Reggae Bands & classic Singers the world has fallen in love with. The Festival will celebrate with Third World Band their 40th anniversary in what is shaping up to be an eclectic musical journey of a successful career spanning the globe and four decades. Roots Underground, whose career launched on the talent stage of the Festival several years ago returns to the main stage to demonstrate their prowess which makes them one of Jamaica‘s most popular bands worldwide. Elmore promises a heightened wholesome entertainment experience on and off the stage for patrons. ―We have a tradition of a great entertainment experience at the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival and this year we will return aspects of the experience favoured by our patrons and add some new elements. 2013 will be even more interactive and engaging for persons at the event as we seek to further boost the social angle of the Festival.‖ Further updates will be provided on www.jamaicajazzandblues.com and www.facebook.com/jamaicajazzandblues in the coming days.
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JEA welcomes Andrew Collins as it’s new President... provide the necessary resources to ensure that the infrastructural support is in place to stimulate production. Mr. Evans noted that the experience of the past three years had been tremendous and said although there were demanding and challenging times, there were some very rewarding, fulfilling and empowering periods for him as JEA President.
New JEA President
The Marketing Manager of Grace Kennedy International, Mr. Andrew Collins was elected President of the Jamaica Exporters’ Association (JEA) on November 29. He was elected unopposed at the JEA‘s Forty-seventh Annual General Meeting held at the JEA Secretariat 1 Winchester Road. Mr. Collins, a former member of the Board of Director of the JEA, succeeds Mr. Vitus Evans, CEO of the JADF, who served for three consecutive years as President, and was not eligible for re-election. In his acceptance speech, Mr. Collins pledged his commitment to working with the membership and the various agencies to realize growth in the sector. The new JEA president says his focus will be on strengthening existing relationships and seeking more collaborative efforts from members and other stakeholders to move the export sector and the country forward. He noted that the JEA is prepared to do everything possible to keep exporters viable in a highly competitive marketplace. In his final address to the membership as President, Vitus Evans encouraged exporters to continue their efforts to increase the exports of non-traditional goods, despite the many economic challenges being experienced in the local and international markets. He encouraged exporters ―not to be distracted by our small size, but to explore the opportunities available to us based on the dynamism of our Brand. We must therefore build Jamaica‘s exports on our athletes, our music and the appeal of Brand Jamaica.‖ Mr. Evans noted that it was therefore important to assess the traditional and emerging markets in order to identify new opportunities. He called on the government to “JAMAICA
TRADE
DESK
NEWS”
Guest Speaker at the AGM was USA Ambassador to Jamaica, Pamela Bridgewater. In her address to exporters‘ the US Ambassadors advised that she and her team were committed to improving trade relations between Jamaica and the US. She encouraged exporters to gain a better understanding of the Caribbean Basin Initiative and to seek to optimize opportunities from this trade agreement as they seek to increase trade with the US. She commented on the strength of Brand Jamaica and encouraged exporters to build on this legacy. The newly elected president Andrew Collins will lead a dynamic team at the JEA which includes Vice Presidents, Andre Gordon, Paul Lewis, Aswad Morgan and Lynden Nugent. Hernal Hamilton was returned as Honourable Treasurer and will serve on the Board of Directors which also includes former president Marjory Kennedy, Greta Bogues, Idelle Brown, Dennis Hawkins, Duncan Messado, John O. Minott, Jr, Julian Rodney and Winston Stona. Additional information can be provided by JEA Marketing & Membership Services Manager, Mrs. Camille Beckford Scott camilleb@exportja.org
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Who is P.A. Benjamin Manufacturing & Co Ltd? foreign earnings, has made the company more self-sufficient and less dependent on the commercial banks.‖
PA. Benjamin at JMA-JEA Expo Jamaica 2012
Despite the many challenges that have faced the manufacturing sector in Jamaica P.A. Benjamin Manufacturing Company has remained truly committed to the growth of the sector, and expansion of its brands in export markets. Today export sales have accounted for over 30% of total sales. This 133 years young company‘s brand BENJAMINS,isinternationally known for the wide range of products offered to consumers in the Pharmaceutical, Personal Care, Savouries and Flavourings and Colourings categories. P.A. Benjamin is always cognizant that the BENJAMINSbrand is its major asset and to this end the company has always focused on maintaining the highest quality standards in all markets. The addition of new distributorships in Belize, Canada, Turks and Caicos, the US Virgin islands, Barbados and Dominica should assist the company in achieving growth in its export earnings. The Company has upgraded and modernized its facilities, as well as kept abreast of consumers‘ needs, in an effort to be more cost effective and to improve production methods thereby achieving greater efficiency. Over the past three years the company has invested J$40 million in a new filling line, expansion of factory and warehouse spaces and introduction of a new computerized management information system The investment also included J$16.9million for plant upgrade and expansion. An aggressive new products development policy has also played an important role in expanding product lines, resulting in the introduction of new and diverse products such as; Jerk Seasoning, Honey Jerk Barbecue Sauce, Natural Flavouring Extracts, an Infant Care line and expansion of the Cough & Cold line of products. Several of these products are already in the North American, Central American, and United Kingdom markets Chairman and Chief Executive, Errol Powell stated that ―Increased growth in our overseas markets, through introduction of new products as well as our ability to increase
The company is also aggressively looking at ways to expand its export markets to include non CARICOM Caribbean Markets such as Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, and Panama. The quest to find new markets and expand product portfolio has also included steps towards ensuring that the Company achieves international certification, e.g., Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) .This programme has already commenced along with further upgrading of existing equipment, facilities, Management Information Systems and the Company‘s website As a member of the Jamaica Manufacturers and the Jamaica Exporters Associations, P.A Benjamin supports these efforts to promote the Jamaican brands and products in the overseas markets. Our Mission The mission of P.A. Benjamin Manufacturing Company Limited, is to manufacture and distribute the highest quality goods in health care, toiletries, personal care, home care and culinary preparations categories in both the domestic and export markets. The company is committed to improving the quality of life of its employees optimizing the returns to the shareholders and contributing to the well-being of the communities it serves in Jamaica and elsewhere. Our Vision The Company‘s vision for the future is to aggressively develop new markets while expanding sales to existing markets .Benjamin’s Chairman and CEO sums it up in these words, ―We have to stay ahead of the game‖.
If you wish to contact P.A Benjamin Man. & Co. Ltd, please feel free to contact the Export Manager, Mrs. Patricia Anderson- PatriciaA@pabenjamin.com
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CARICOM CORNER
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The “politics� of WI cricket! ... By Mahindra Ramesh Ramdeen West Indies (WI) managed to win (convincingly at the end) the third one day international (ODI) played today (5th December 2012) against Bangladesh in Dhaka. It was a hard fought battle (hopefully we can win the war and come away 5-2 winners in the ODI series) made that way by the WI cricket team. It should have been a relatively easy victory. However, the inconsistencies of the WI players in the last two games, and to be honest, over the last two decades, made what should have been a walk in the park to secure victory appear to be like running a marathon on one leg. I guess to some, this level of excitement the team brings to our home is what makes WI cricket so likeable and to others, so heart breaking. I was watching this game, basking in the excitement when my wife, seeing my emotions take a roller coaster ride (as is the case most times when WI is playing) decided to sit on the chaise lounge besides me to "take in" some of the game. She is not really a cricket person; actually she is not really a sports person at all! However, this was WI playing and they were in a must win situation. Samuels was striking the ball to all parts of the boundary and as much as victory was around the corner, defeat always looms in the background like the grim reaper when it comes to the WI cricket team. Di (my wife) appeared hooked; she took in the last hour of twists and turns before the result was secured in WI favour. She knew (from my boasting of course) that WI won the test series and was hearing talk of the team 'bending the corner", (I am hoping against all odds that this corner is not like the Queen's Park Savannah roundabout); as such her interest in something that was so insignificant to her a few months ago was now piqued. Anytime she can forego watching the Lifetime Channel to watch cricket, her interest must have been spiked. At the end of the game she exclaimed that she felt good and can face the challenges of the day ahead. Her comments and reaction to the game allowed me to think of whether the WI cricket team of today really understands the power they have within themselves to unite, impact and influence Caribbean people. I am not a prophet but I am certain that there are millions of people, like my wife, who feel rejuvenated and energised when WI play cricket, AND WIN. I speak of not only those in the Caribbean, but scattered throughout the length and breadth of the world who, like me, are glued to their radios, television sets and/or their diverse internet devices taking in the game. The Black Stalin once sang "yuh try with a federation, de whole thing end in confusion, CARICOM and then Carifta, but somehow ah smelling disaster, Mr. West Indian politician, ah mean yuh went to big institution and how come yuh cyah unite 7 million?" Excuse the fact that he had the chronology wrong since we all know that CARIFTA came be-
fore CARICOM, maybe he should have been a prophet for those words ring true even today although they were penned since 1979. Today, we are even further away from unity when compared to 1979. Theoretically we should be further along the integration pathway relative to where we are now. In fact we are not even sure as to where we are. If you are to ask 20 different academics, you are likely to get 50 different answers as to where we are in terms of the integration movement. We have dropped the E from the CSME, we have the most uncommon common market in the world, we have no single currency, the CARICOM Secretariat remains a toothless bulldog, we still cannot move among our member states "freely", there is no free circulation of goods, it is easier to trade (in some instances) with third parties relative to our brothers and sisters of CARICOM, barriers to trade are continuously erected internally preventing the free flow of goods and services among our member states. Are we serious about integration? The EU started its integration process around the same time as the Caribbean. They have 27 member states, share many different languages, currencies, histories, cultures yet they are much further along the integration path-way compared to the region, who for the most part, took the same journey, speak the same language and share relatively the same customs and values. Why is this the case? We, in this part of the world, are too small and vulnerable to sustain the rigors of globalization individually. Yet we are not seeing the need to move in a direction where we can consolidate our strengths and minimize our weaknesses to engage the changing dynamic global environment. To do so will allow us to not only survive, but sustain ourselves and region in a meaningful way, such that we can compete effectively and efficiently in the liberalized trading environment. It is a pity the region's politicians don't understand "the art of winning." Most never played cricket, or may have never took the time to understand the psyche of its people basking in the glory of the WI cricket team and what its success means for us. If only the politicians could have seen the gratitude and contentment on Di's face at the end of this morning's victory for the West Indies, they would have moved expeditiously to get the politics of regional integration right, and start the winning process for us, the West Indian people. Unless of course they do know the game which they are playing and is only "googly" and "chinaman" being bowled to us, the West Indian people. Sunil Narine (mystery bowler) has nothing on them.
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