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Past Presidents

The Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA) proudly acknowledges the distinguished leadership and dedicated service of our past presidents. These visionary leaders have played a pivotal role in shaping the direction and success of our association, advocating for the interests of Jamaica’s manufacturing and export sectors with passion and determination.

JMEA Past Presidents

Sydney Thwaites
Sydney Thwaites 2023-2025
John Mahfood
John Mahfood 2021 - 2023
Richard Pandohie
Richard Pandohie 2019 - 2021
Metry Seaga
Metry Seaga 2018 - 2019

JEA Past Presidents

Michelle Chong
Michelle Chong 2016-2018
Marjory Kennedy
Marjory Kennedy 2013-2016 | 2006-2008
Andrew Collins
Andrew Collins 2012-2013
Vitus Evans
Vitus Evans 2009-2012
Michael Lumsden
Michael Lumsden 2008-2009
Andre Gordon
Andre Gordon 2003-2006
Ricky Wates
Ricky Wates 2002-2003
Beverly Lopez
Beverly Lopez 1999-2002 | 1992-1995
Dr. Karl James
Dr. Karl James 1997-1999 |1989-1992
Rita Hilton
Rita Hilton 1996-1997
Robert McDonald
Robert McDonald 1995-1996
Claude Clarke
Claude Clarke 1984-May 1986
Deryck Rose
Deryck Rose June 1986-October1986
Geoffrey Messado
Geoffrey Messado 1982-1984
John Fletcher
John Fletcher 1981-1982
Prakash Vaswani
Prakash Vaswani 1986-1989 | 1978-1981
Lascelles Chin
Lascelles Chin 1976-1978
Sam Mahfood
Sam Mahfood 1973-1976
David Lyons
David Lyons 1969-1973
Neville Murray
Neville Murray 1967-1968

JMA Past Presidents

Metry Seaga
Metry Seaga 2015-2018
Brian Pengelley
Brian Pengelley 2011-2015
Omar Azan
Omar Azan 2007-2011
Doreen Frankson
Doreen Frankson 2003-2007
Clarence Clarke
Clarence Clarke 2000-2003
Hon. Sameer Younis
Hon. Sameer Younis 1996-2000
Anthony M. Hyde
Anthony M. Hyde 1994-1996
Major Anthony R.F. Robinson
Major Anthony R.F. Robinson 1990-1994
Anthony H. Barnes
Anthony H. Barnes 1988-1990
J. Paul Thomas
J. Paul Thomas 1985-1988
R. Anthony Williams
R. Anthony Williams 1981-1985
Douglas C. Vaz
Douglas C. Vaz 1975-1976 | 1973-1974
Winston H. Mahfood
Winston H. Mahfood 1976-1981 | 1974-1975
Charles V. Henderson-Davis
Charles V. Henderson-Davis 1970-1973
Hon. Ray E. Hadeed
Hon. Ray E. Hadeed 1966-1970
Vincent A. Bennett
Vincent A. Bennett 1965-1966
Hon. Aaron J. Matalon
Hon. Aaron J. Matalon 1960-1965 | 1953-1957
Lee Gore
Lee Gore 1957-1960
James F. Gore
James F. Gore 1952-1953
Harry E. Vendryes
Harry E. Vendryes 1947-1951

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.

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