CIBC empowers entrepreneurs at Expo Jamaica

Expo Jamaica 2025 at the National Arena and National Indoor Sports Centre was more than just a trade show — it was a showcase of innovation, resilience, and opportunity for Jamaican businesses.

As Gold Sponsor, CIBC Caribbean took centre stage from April 3 to 6, bringing financial solutions designed to drive growth and make ambitions real for businesses and individuals from across the country.

“Expo Jamaica is where vision meets opportunity,” said Annique Dawkins, head of country, CIBC Caribbean Jamaica. “We’re here to support entrepreneurs at every stage with tools, products, and partnerships that help them turn ideas into action and ambitions into reality.”

CIBC Caribbean made banking easy and accessible on the Expo floor. Visitors could open a bank account on-site, explore loan solutions through the Loan Store, and take advantage of exclusive Expo Jamaica offers available for a limited time.

“We created a space where business owners didn’t just learn — they acted, from opening accounts to accessing credit, we were there to help them move forward. That’s the power of showing up and being a part of Jamaica’s business journey,” said Horace Watson, product owner, deposits.

The bank also promoted its CIBC Prepaid Card, a flexible digital tool for distributing salaries, per diems, and petty cash. With features like SMS alerts and real-time controls, it’s designed to help companies manage expenses and empower employees with instant access to funds — no bank account required.

“We’re creating practical solutions that meet people where they are,” added Dowen Allen, associate director, cards and payments, CIBC Caribbean. “Whether you’re an SME owner or a contract worker, our prepaid solution provides security, speed, and financial flexibility.”


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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.

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.