Exploring Impactful Investments: Highlights from “Jamaica 2030 - Investing for Impact”
Recently, we attended a thought-provoking forum organized by Blue Mahoe Capital Partners titled “Jamaica 2030 - Investing for Impact.” The event brought together members of the Jamaican diaspora and active investors in Florida to discuss sustainable equity investments in Jamaica.
A highlight of the event was meeting Miramar City Commissioner Maxwell Chambers, one of five Jamaican members on Miramar's City Council. Commissioner Chambers shared his inspiring journey, underscoring the leadership and influence of the Jamaican community in shaping local governance and driving impactful initiatives abroad.
The forum featured a keynote presentation by Blue Mahoe Capital Partners CEO, David Mullings, who outlined a compelling vision for sustainable investments in Jamaica. Nicholas Sutherland, Manager for New Market Development at JAMPRO, also addressed attendees, emphasizing the growing interest among overseas Jamaicans in sectors such as agribusiness, boutique hotels, and commercial real estate—industries showing strong signs of recovery and opportunity.
Sutherland noted, “There has been a sustained interest by the Jamaican community overseas in investing in Jamaica, and more individuals and companies are exploring opportunities in key growth sectors.”
The discussions underscored a growing confidence among investors, fueled by the improvements in Jamaica’s business climate. Key reforms such as online business registration, reduced property transfer fees, and expedited Tax Registration Number (TRN) processing have significantly enhanced the ease of doing business. These advancements have contributed to Jamaica’s impressive ranking as the 6th easiest place in the world to start a business, according to The World Bank’s Doing Business Report 2020.
At the event, we engaged with several attendees who shared their experiences with investing in Jamaica. While some highlighted the importance of local knowledge for navigating specific processes, many expressed optimism about the strides being made to create a more investor-friendly environment.
Law firms, including Smith, Afflick, Robinson & Partners, play an essential role in this landscape, offering legal expertise to help businesses and investors navigate Jamaica's regulatory and legal framework successfully. Their services have become pivotal for both local and overseas investors seeking to establish or expand their presence in Jamaica.
If you’re considering investments in Jamaica and need legal guidance, feel free to reach out to the law firm of Smith, Afflick, Robinson & Partners at smith@sarpjm.com.
