January 7, 2021

At the beginning of the Covid19 pandemic, there were sudden lockdowns and tight restrictions on movement. Businesses were forced to close, and farmers were left with surplus produce and no market. Many incurred significant losses due to the severe hit that the local market received, but thanks to Robert Kibo Thompson this will be improved. Thompson is the mastermind behind OEXONE, a new technology-driven platform through which Jamaican farmers can connect with and access buyers across the world. OEXONE which stands for “One Economic Exchange”, allows farmers and buyers to interact virtually. Buyers can outline what they need, and farmers can plant to meet that demand and export the crops immediately after reaping them. The development of OEXONE is a timely one since we are currently in a time period of limited movement and social interaction. That is not the only benefit, the development of OEXONE comes at a time when there is increased digitization and the need for businesses to upscale and move aspects of their operations online. Out of it, all the need for food security was recognized and OEXONE through its platform will contribute significantly to global goals whilst allowing many to capitalize using modern standards. The platform is creating a niche on the international market for Jamaican products. Farmers are now able to utilize technology to earn from a larger market which cannot be outgrown as opposed to our local market. Approximately 600 farmers are said to have already signed up to utilize OEXONE and more are expected to follow.  The OEXONE platform has merged food distribution and technology by utilizing the value chain approach. The value chain approach seamlessly incorporates everything from the flow of products, knowledge, information to capital in order to organize buyers, sellers, and producers. The approach does not only include factors necessary to move products/services/information, but it identifies and mitigates inadequacies in the process. Additionally, by facilitating diaspora or international trade, e-commerce, and the possibility for investments Jamaica has been positioned to become the Caribbean’s leader in the trade and marketing of agricultural produce.  In recent times the idea of food distribution only factored the transporting of goods in a refrigerated truck, but the development of this platform again puts Jamaica steps closer to leapfrogging into another emerging market. OEXONE provides a lens through which Jamaican farmers can watch market patterns and cultivate to meet market demands. Notably, OEXONE highlights the fact that any process can be simplified or even improve by using technology.

Creative economies include a broad set of activities that are both cultural and or based on substantial artistic and creative content. Currently, creative economies are a part of the most dynamic in the world.  The Caribbean region is well known for its cultural expression and creative products, but Kingston creative believes that the Jamaican capital is the creative capital of the Caribbean or at least they aim to make it such. The organization’s head Andrea Dempster-Chung along with her partners acknowledges that creative industries can be a catalyst for national development.  With this in mind, Kingston Creative has set out to achieve such through  their mission “ to enable Caribbean creative entrepreneurs to succeed by providing the necessary training, resources, and environment, so that as empowered entrepreneurs they can create economic and social value, gain access to global markets and have a positive impact on their local community.” Kingston Creative is a nonprofit organization that “empowers Caribbean creatives and position downtown Kingston as a city destination ripe for exploration by people craving history, heritage, and culture”.  The organization has made major changes to the walls of structures in the downtown Kingston area. Artists are making these walls as their canvas which births paintings and murals that bring life to the streets of Kingston. A few of Kingston creative’s mission include: “support artists, artisans, creatives and entrepreneurs to develop their practice and showcase their work in a sustainable way”  “reposition Jamaica as a place that is actively investing in and developing its creative economy; thereby catalyzing growth in complementary areas including production, services, commerce, and entertainment.”  And “regenerate the urban environment of downtown Kingston, using art to improve the space in which people live, work and play as well as where they think, invent and create.”  to name a few. The efforts of Kingston creative are integral in knitting the social fabric of Jamaica. If we are to become a competitive global logistics hub or the place to live, work and do business then our people must also be revolutionized so too our infrastructure and cities. There is no linear approach to development and for Jamaica to become competitive globally we must adopt authentic and creative ways to achieve our goals. The logistics centered economy that we aim for is not limited only to the moving of goods and services but, is part of a body that requires a coordinated effort. In other words, we need dynamism, creativity, and an all hands-on deck approach.  The aims of Kingston creative are intertwined with Jamaica’s goals to have sustainable cities by transforming marginalized communities and getting interested citizens to leverage and capitalize on their creativity.  It brings inspiration and in addition to that, it adds to the cultural aesthetic of our country.

You must be tired of hearing “our services are not available in your area” well the reality is the internet has developed unevenly globally but the effects of this are telescoped in developing countries like Jamaica. The uneven development of the internet is frequently referred to as a digital divide and whilst most countries grapple with it the effects are becoming increasingly obvious in those that are developing. The digital divide significantly affects the development of human capital and societies especially considering that the internet is now a necessity globally. Luckily, there is good news for all Jamaicans. Jamaican telecommunications company Flow, in partnership with the Cable & Wireless Charitable Foundation (CWCF), recently launched a 60-million-dollar pilot programme to promote digital learning and support micro, small and medium-sized enterprises MSMEs. The programme comes at an opportune time considering the effects of the Covid 19 pandemic coupled with the far-reaching effects of the digital divide in the country. The programme which will initially run for 12 months aims to promote digital learning, increase school and community connectivity, and provide certified online training for professionals. The second pillar of the programme is centered around empowering MSMEs in the hope to get Jamaicans on board as the country accelerates efforts geared towards digital transformation. We want to position ourselves in the global digital economy without leaving our citizens or stakeholders behind.  Thankfully, this timely initiative is tackling the digital divide whilst also providing benefits for youth, entrepreneurs, and other professionals. Flow, through its efforts, is providing opportunities for the right groups and the benefits of this will be substantial in alleviating current constraints especially in rural or “hard to reach” areas. Some of our goals at JSEZA specifically target our MSMEs. We aim to foster backward linkages to the domestic economy to encourage those seeking to enter the SEZ regime. But for this to be possible business processes must be synchronized with current standards to create profitability and in the same breath, entrepreneurs must position themselves to create, innovate, and tap into new opportunities. There is however a major hinderance to it all and it presents itself in the form of the digital divide which results in unequal access to goods and services that are available through technology. Now inequality here hampers JSEZA’s efforts to make Jamaica a major player in the global logistics chain because of what that step requires. So, by training entrepreneurs, youth and professionals we become ready to adapt, prepare for, and build technological capacities in preparation for a digital future. As often expressed, by JSEZA’s the world is rapidly changing  so we must do the same but what better way to do such except through inspiring and ignite youth and professionals to innovate, create, and capitalize using available resources. It is pertinent that the authority acknowledges this move by flow because their efforts educate and make citizens employable, it tackles a major hindrance to our development, and it synchronizes with our efforts.