Over 200 years ago a Chamber of Commerce was formed to give a representational voice for business throughout Jamaica. This was the premier Chamber to emerge in Jamaica and the Caribbean. It served the mission of promoting good business, good government and good citizenship. For many years the Chamber stood as a representational force for Jamaican businesses in all local and global affairs. The organization’s purpose is facilitate and protect business and commerce interests for businesses across local industries. It works as a network for Jamaican businesses to share experiences for advocacy and growth in always evolving economic landscape. The Chamber continues to advocate for better economic, social and political conditions to foster suitable trade facilitation in competitive global markets. Businesses in this alliance continue to acknowledge their civic duty to developing the economy to a level that future generations will not be impeded. As The Voice of Business, the Chamber, so ahead of its time, has transformed the Jamaican business model into what it is today.
1950s
The Chamber was incorporate under the Companies Act as the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce, through the amalgamation of the Royal Society of Arts and Agriculture and the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce. In the same decade, the Chamber embedded itself in its community through social welfare, in 1956, when it aided job placement through the Committee for the Employment of the Physically Handicapped after receiving 146 job applications and launching a competition for designing the company’s letter head emblem/crest. In 1957, it also set up a physical presence in downtown Kingston after purchasing its East Parade building, making it the first Chamber of Commerce in the British West Indies to have its own premises.
1960s
As an acknowledgment to the role of private entities in national planning and development, the Chamber commissioned and published a Survey of the Jamaican Economy in 1969 done by Prof. George V. Doxey. The Chamber’s commitment to public education and longevity and growth of business saw to the launching of a programme for school seniors to learn about the workings of business through observation of Board meetings.
1970s
In 1974, the JCC published the first Jamaica Trade Guide as a medium to facilitate trade between Jamaica and the rest of the world. In 1979, during its 200th year, “The Bi-Centennial Handbook” was published, providing a look into the history of the Chamber and critical industries in the Jamaican economy.
1980s
The 80s saw the launch of two campaigns that encouraged individuals to care for their environment and the disenfranchised around them. The “Clean as a Whistle” Campaign launched in 1982, motivated students to keep their surroundings clean and taught them of their responsibility to the environment. “The Helping Hands” Campaign (1968) helped with the rehabilitation of street peoples island wide.
2000s
To keep on the pulse about how social issues impact businesses and consumers, the Chamber commissioned the Business and Consumer Confidence Indices in 2001. The study unearths vital information that impacts policy discussions within both the private and public sector.
2020s
The Chamber and other stakeholders from the private sector, civil society and political affiliates partner in 2020 to facilitate oversight on crime as a direct response to burgeoning crime in Jamaica that threatens to disrupt sustainable economic growth and development. The Chamber continues to be vocal on a number of issues such as labour issues, technological advancement and all retardations to an economic model within Jamaica that matches global standards.
Mission
To be the leading provider of business connectivity, Trade, and Commerce facilitation through lobbying, advocacy and business support to ensure our members’ success in the local and global market.
Vision
To be the indisputable Voice of Business in Jamaica.
Mission
To be the leading provider of business connectivity, Trade, and Commerce facilitation through lobbying, advocacy and business support to ensure our members’ success in the local and global market.
Vision
To be the indisputable Voice of Business in Jamaica.
President’s Message
Since our inception in 1779, the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC) has been the leading provider of business connectivity, trade, and commerce facilitation. Through lobbying, advocacy and business support, we ensure our members’ success in the local and global markets. I have had the privilege of representing the Chamber previously, while I served as Vice President on a local and regional level and I am proud of the achievements the Chamber has made. I will continue to pursue the Organisation’s mandate as we engage in the transformation of commerce into the digital era. In light of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the business community, and the challenges faced by our members, we will work with them to develop recover strategies, while preparing for the “new norm” in conducting business. We will take up the “artist’s brush” and focus on “brightening the colours” while enriching the environment that allows commerce to thrive.
The JCC team pledges to guard the rich legacy of the Chamber and to expand its capacity to promote the growth of businesses, generate employment and expand Jamaica’s economic base. These are the elements that will boost the competitiveness of businesses in Jamaica and further cement our vision of facilitating our members’ participation and integration into the national and global economy.
The JCC’s world class website is an essential platform; offering businesses access to value-added services and solutions, important market insights, up-to-date information on Chamber initiatives, programmes, events, activities and latest news, in addition to other useful resources.
As you explore our website, we encourage you to provide feedback or suggestions on other ways in which we can effectively serve the business community.