July 27, 2026

Jamaica is taking a major step towards creating a nationally coordinated industrial development strategy through its first Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Master Plan, which will guide where future investments, industrial clusters and export-oriented industries are developed across the country. The latest stakeholder consultation on the development of the Master Plan, held recently at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel, brought together representatives of government ministries and agencies, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), global consulting, engineering and architecture firm IDOM, private-sector stakeholders and the Jamaica Special Economic Zone Authority (JSEZA). Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of JSEZA, Kelli-Dawn Hamilton, said the Master Plan will serve as a strategic blueprint for the future development of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) across Jamaica. “Once the SEZ Master Plan is complete, it will provide more transparency, predictability and even more opportunity for companies to establish an SEZ,” Mrs. Hamilton said. She explained that one of the Plan’s most significant outcomes will be the identification of appropriate locations for future SEZs and the sectors best suited to each area. “It is that predictability, that consensus of positioning from a location and sector perspective that will allow us to be very deliberate in how we tool our country for the future, what sectors are we focusing on and how we’re going out and really selling Jamaica as an investment destination,” she said. Mrs. Hamilton noted that the Master Plan will also guide workforce development, infrastructure planning and investment promotion while supporting the creation of industry clusters capable of driving long-term economic growth. These clusters could include logistics and distribution hubs linked to Jamaica’s ports and airports, advanced manufacturing operations such as light assembly, agro-processing and medical or technology-related production, as well as the incorporation of green energy solutions, including solar power, energy-efficient facilities and cleaner technologies to reduce operating costs and support sustainable industrial development. “This is a catalyst, really, and part of the work that we have to do to grow industry in this country. This is one more step towards doing that,” she said. She stressed that stakeholder engagement remains central to the process, noting that consultation is critical. “We have to hear from our stakeholders, understand what they need and execute according to what they need. If we are creating something that does not meet their requirements, then it makes no sense,” Mrs. Hamilton emphasized. Acting Senior Director in the Legal Services Unit at JSEZA, Shaquille Douglas, said the consultation marked another important milestone in developing a strategic framework that will shape the future of Jamaica’s Special Economic Zones, “and strengthen our position as a competitive destination for investment, trade, innovation and sustainability.” He noted that the Master Plan extends beyond identifying locations for Special Economic Zones, focusing instead on creating a stronger ecosystem to maximise their economic impact. “As we gather to validate the findings of the assessments and sector analyses, it is important to understand that successful Special Economic Zones are built on more than infrastructure and businesses. They are built on sound regulation, institutional effectiveness and stakeholder confidence,” he said. Mr. Douglas added that the process presents an opportunity to ensure Jamaica’s legislative and regulatory framework remains responsive to changing global economic realities, while supporting higher-value investments, innovation-driven industries and sustainable development. The development of the Master Plan forms part of JSEZA’s ongoing efforts to create a more coordinated and competitive Special Economic Zone regime that supports investment, strengthens linkages with local industries and enhances Jamaica’s position in regional and global value chains. Source: https://jis.gov.jm/sez-master-plan-to-serve-as-strategic-blueprint-for-future-investments/

The Full Story Associated Manufacturers Limited (AML), the Jamaican company behind the globally recognised Walkerswood brand, is accelerating its export growth strategy, through significant investments in production capacity, agricultural development, and market expansion. The company, a leading manufacturer and exporter of authentic Jamaican seasonings, sauces, and condiments, is investing approximately US$1.5 million this business year to expand its farming network, strengthen processing capabilities, and increase manufacturing output. Supported by the benefits available under Jamaica’s Special Economic Zone (SEZ) framework, the investment is expected to increase productive capacity by as much as five times, positioning Walkerswood to meet growing international demand, while deepening its commitment to local sourcing and value-added production in Jamaica. “The growth trajectory of Walkerswood demonstrates the transformative impact that the Special Economic Zone regime can have on Jamaican businesses with global ambitions. Through strategic investments, increased exports, and stronger linkages with local farmers and suppliers, companies like Walkerswood are creating sustainable economic value, while showcasing Jamaica’s competitiveness in international markets,” said Chief Executive Officer of the Jamaica Special Economic Zone Authority (JSEZA), Kelli-Dawn Hamilton. “At JSEZA, our objective is to create an environment where businesses can reinvest, innovate, and scale. Walkerswood’s expansion plans, commitment to local agriculture, and continued export success exemplify the type of growth we aim to facilitate through the SEZ framework,” she told JIS News. For his part, Sales and Marketing Director at Associated Manufacturers Limited, Sean Garbutt, pointed out that exporting authentic Jamaican flavours has long been central to the company’s success. “Walkerswood is a leading manufacturer of authentic Jamaican seasonings, sauces, and condiments, and exporting our flavours across the world has always been a core part of our strategy,” said Mr. Garbutt. “Incorporating the Special Economic Zone into our operational structure has enabled us to focus more aggressively on export markets while enhancing our capabilities and capacity,” he continued. Sales and Marketing Director at Associated Manufacturers Limited, Sean Garbutt. The company views Jamaica’s strategic location as a significant competitive advantage, particularly for serving North American, Latin American, South American, and Caribbean markets. “Combined with strong logistics connectivity, time-zone alignment, and a business-friendly environment, the SEZ framework has helped create conditions for accelerated growth,” the Sales and Marketing Director informed. Additionally, he shared that savings generated through the SEZ programme have allowed Walkerswood to finance major investments through retained earnings and cash flow, thereby maintaining a debt-free growth strategy while expanding operations. “For years, one of Walkerswood’s primary constraints was access to sufficient volumes of fresh Jamaican agricultural produce. To address this challenge, the company has significantly expanded its network of farming partners and recently strengthened its vertical integration strategy through the operation of its own agricultural holdings,” he explained. As production capacity expands, Walkerswood is actively seeking new international distribution partners and exploring new markets as part of its five-year growth strategy. While the company continues to see growth opportunities within existing territories, market diversification has become an increasingly important priority. The company is also developing new product offerings aimed at reinforcing Walkerswood’s position as a complete Caribbean culinary solutions brand, providing consumers around the world with authentic flavours for traditional Jamaican and Caribbean cooking. Walkerswood currently employs approximately 120 full-time team members, most of whom reside within surrounding communities. The company’s expansion strategy prioritises workforce development, with ongoing investments in employee training and skills upgrading to support future growth. “Beyond direct employment, the company purchases approximately six million pounds of fresh Jamaican produce annually, generating an estimated $720 million in value for local farmers each year,” Mr. Garbutt said, adding that “through the Walkerswood Cooperative Farmers Group, participating farmers are guaranteed purchase commitments for a percentage of the company’s Scotch bonnet pepper requirements, providing a reliable market and income stability.” Walkerswood also maintains strong linkages throughout Jamaica’s manufacturing ecosystem, sourcing labels, packaging materials, pallets, and other support services from local suppliers. This is in addition to its support of several initiatives focused on local community development and social welfare. Among these is support for the restoration of the Walkerswood Community Centre in St. Ann, through the Walkerswood Community Jerk Festival. The long-term vision includes revitalising community facilities, restoring access to healthcare services, and creating spaces for farmers’ markets, sporting activities, and community events. The company also funds a breakfast programme serving approximately 160 students daily at a local school, ensuring children begin the school day with a nutritious meal. Further demonstrating its commitment to Jamaica’s agricultural future, Walkerswood is partnering with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining to support a scholarship programme for Jamaican students to pursue studies in seed genetics. “The initiative aims to develop more resilient varieties of Jamaica’s iconic yellow Scotch bonnet pepper, improving consistency in yield, flavour, colour, and heat levels while strengthening long-term agricultural sustainability,” Mr. Garbutt told JIS News. Environmental stewardship is also a key component of Walkerswood’s operations. The company operates integrated water management systems, including rainwater harvesting infrastructure capable of storing approximately 500,000 gallons of water, wastewater treatment systems utilising biodigesters and reed beds, and water-recovery technologies that allow portions of processing water to be reused. These systems support both operational efficiency and agricultural productivity by returning treated water to farming operations in surrounding communities. To mitigate the impacts of increasingly severe weather events, Walkerswood has further expanded storage capacity for semi-processed agricultural inputs and strengthened supply-chain resilience through its growing network of farming partners and owned agricultural operations. Reflecting on the company’s experience within the SEZ programme, Mr. Garbutt described the JSEZA as a collaborative partner throughout the company’s development and operational journey. “We’ve found JSEZA to be highly collaborative and engaging. They have maintained an ongoing dialogue with us, seeking feedback, understanding challenges, and looking for opportunities to improve the programme. For businesses that understand how the SEZ framework aligns with their operations, the benefits can be significant,” he said. As Walkerswood continues to expand its global footprint, the company remains committed to producing authentic Jamaican products in Jamaica, supporting local farmers and communities, and showcasing the country’s agricultural