Jamaica outlines JSE micro market rules as government advances WPS plan and regional projects

The Government has set out how the Jamaica Stock Exchange's new micro market will operate, as part of efforts to help micro and small businesses raise capital and grow. Finance and Public Service Minister Fayval Williams gave the details on Tuesday in a statement to the House of Representatives.

Williams said the platform is tailored to smaller firms and will strengthen the financial sector. Through the micro market, eligible enterprises could raise equity capital between $50 million and $100 million to fund expansion, working capital, technology upgrades, and jobs. An initial pool of 25 businesses that completed the Jamaica Business Development Corporation accelerator programme has been identified as possible listing candidates.

Listing rules include at least 20% public shareholding with a minimum of 50 new shareholders, including the sponsor. Provisions will allow micro entities linked to junior and main market companies to list, in support of sponsor-led supply chains and wider MSME participation. Firms must file semiannual audited accounts within 60 days, 12-month audited statements within 90 days, and annual reports within 120 days of year end. Entities must move to the junior market once capital exceeds $100 million. The JSC micro market launched on 23 June.

The Government has also begun developing a national action plan on the women, peace, and security agenda, which could make Jamaica the 117th country worldwide to adopt the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 framework. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade hosted a hybrid sensitisation session on Thursday. Ambassador Sharon Miller said the agenda is relevant beyond traditional armed conflict, citing gender-based violence, community violence, organised crime, trafficking, disasters, and climate shocks. Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister Ambassador Rocky Meade, represented by Brigadier Markland Lloyd, said the plan will require coordinated national effort and must position women as partners in security, justice, and education.

The Southeast Regional Health Authority has acquired five vehicles valued at about $44 million, handed over on Friday at the National Chest Hospital. The fleet includes one retrofitted wheelchair-accessible coaster bus and four panel vans for patient transport and logistical services across its network.

Three teachers colleges will receive smart labs through a partnership between the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information and the Digicel Foundation: Shortwood Teachers College in St. Andrew, GC Foster College of Physical Education and Sport in St. Catherine, and Moneague College in St. Ann. Each lab costs roughly US$80,000 and includes equipment, internet service, and educator training.

Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining Floyd Green announced plans for the Caribbean's first centre for agricultural innovation, modelled on IICA's digital agriculture headquarters in Costa Rica. Jamaica will also host the 20th Caribbean Week of Agriculture from 27 September to 2 October. IICA recently handed over hurricane recovery supplies, including fertilisers and agrochemicals, to support farmers.

The National Water Commission advised motorists to expect traffic changes along the Elegant Corridor in Rose Hall, St. James, as phase one of the Western Water Resilience Project proceeds, including transmission line work toward Montego Bay.