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Secretariat

The Secretariat is a dedicated team of professionals responsible for the day-to-day operations and effective management of the association. With expertise across key functional areas, the Secretariat ensures seamless execution of strategic initiatives, providing vital support to members and facilitating the achievement of the association’s mission.

Kamesha Blake
Kamesha Blake Executive Director
Natalie Wright Breakenridge
Natalie Wright Breakenridge Executive Assistant
Sheneecia Salmon
Sheneecia Salmon Research, Policy and Advocacy Manager
Ms. Shanique Gordon
Ms. Shanique Gordon Marketing, Public Relations and Events Manager
Joy Angulu
Joy Angulu Technical Consultant
Shanice Blake
Shanice Blake Senior Membership Engagement Officer
Johnoi Elliston
Johnoi Elliston Senior Business Development and Programmes Officer
Alexcia DePass
Alexcia DePass Project Coordinator
Dacia Henry
Dacia Henry Research & Policy Officer
Natesha Beckford
Natesha Beckford Membership Engagement Officer
Dacia Green
Dacia Green Digital Marketer
Shakera Brown
Shakera Brown Research and Policy Officer
Kimone Clarke
Kimone Clarke Mentorship & Advocacy Coordinator (Export Max IV)
Omielo Walker
Omielo Walker Engagement and Partnership Coordinator
Omar Irving
Omar Irving Accountant

Mr. Sydney Thwaites

President

Mr. Thwaites has over 28 years of experience in financial services, petrochemicals, and consulting, with a global reach spanning the USA, Canada, Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean. He co-founded Lubricating Specialties Company Jamaica in 2015, revitalizing the local lubricant manufacturing industry. With a solid track record of organizational leadership, Mr. Thwaites has developed and negotiated long-term partnerships with major global companies, closed various debt and equity financing deals, and delivered consistent growth and returns. Known for his dynamic

leadership, trustworthy and ethical approach, and keen market understanding, he has served as CEO of LSC USA and held advisory roles with the U.S. Export-Import Bank and the Petroleum Quality Institute of America.

Kamesha Blake

Executive Director

Mrs. Blake, a Development Economist with over twelve years of experience, has worked with the Jamaica Manufacturers’ Association, the Planning Institute of Jamaica, and the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica. She excels in policy development and strategic partnerships for MSMEs. A graduate of the University of the West Indies with a master’s in Economic Development Policy, she is also a certified Project Management Professional. Mrs. Blake, a former Ms. Jamaica Festival Queen from St. Ann, is passionate about nation building and economic growth.

Mr. Sydney Thwaites

President

Mr. Thwaites has over 28 years of experience in financial services, petrochemicals, and consulting, with a global reach spanning the USA, Canada, Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean. He co-founded Lubricating Specialties Company Jamaica in 2015, revitalizing the local lubricant manufacturing industry. With a solid track record of organizational leadership, Mr. Thwaites has developed and negotiated long-term partnerships with major global companies, closed various debt and equity financing deals, and delivered consistent growth and returns. Known for his dynamic leadership, trustworthy and ethical approach, and keen market understanding, he has served as CEO of LSC USA and held advisory roles with the U.S. Export-Import Bank and the Petroleum Quality Institute of America.

Events

Licenses, Permits, and Certificates: A Quick Guide

Apply for the necessary licenses, permits, and certifications at the following Agencies:

  • Plant Quarantine Produce Inspection (PQPI) Division: Contact for exportation of agricultural produce. A certified packaging facility is required. Specifications and guidelines can be obtained from PQPI.
  • Veterinary Services Division: Contact for export permits/licenses related to the following:
    • Apicultural products
    • Bee products
    • Animals and animal by-products
  • Jamaica Agricultural Commodities Regulatory Agency (JACRA): Contact for exporting the following:
    • Coffee
    • Coconut
    • Cocoa
    • Spices (including Pimento, Nutmeg, Ginger, and Turmeric).
  • Cannabis Licensing Authority (CLA): Contact for exporting the following:
    • Cannabis
    • Hemp
  • Mines and Geology Division: Contact for exporting the following minerals:
    • Bauxite
    • Limestone
    • Aggregates
    • Gravel
    • Alumina
    • Cement
    • Rock
    • Stone
    • Soil
  • National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA): Contact for exporting the following:
    • Scrap products (metals, batteries, etc.)
    • Hazardous materials
    • Endangered species.
  • Trade Board Limited: Contact for exporting the following:
    • Scrap metal (including scrap batteries and scrap gold)
    • Coffee
    • Ammunition (explosives and firearms)
    • Plasma
    • Wood (Lignum Vitae and log wood only)
    • Jewellery (excluding those from earth metals)
    • Brown Sugar
  • Ministry of Health and Wellness: Contact for exporting pharmaceutical products.

Bureau of Standards Jamaica (BSJ): Consult with the BSJ for guidance on processed food prior to exporting. This includes information on standards, labelling and market requirements.

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