Where it all began

THE IDEA for Expo Jamaica (formerly the JMA/JEA Expo) was birthed long before its first staging in 1971. In fact, in 1954, during Aaron Matalon’s presidency, the Jamaica Manufacturers’ Association (JMA) sponsored an industrial exhibition, staged at the Roman Catholic School on Duke Street. Opened by National Hero Sir Alexander Bustamante, who attended every night until the expo ended, for the first time in the history of Jamaica, an exhibition of only Jamaican-manufactured products was on display.

Spurred by the success of that first showcase, the JMA mounted an even larger showcase in 1955 at the Victoria Market, which was opened by Adlai Stephenson, a presidential candidate for the USA. Honorary Secretary Eddie Hall recalls vividly the colour and splendour of those first exhibitions. He notes: “Many Jamaicans did not realise that we were producing so many goods at such high quality until we held those exhibitions.”

The third exhibition, hosted in 1963, touched with the national fervour of Independence, comprised

over 126 exhibits under the theme ‘Buy Jamaican and Keep Jamaican Independence’. By 1964, the promotion of Jamaican exports was seen as a natural progression for national expansion. This was the guiding philosophy behind the unforgettable, ‘Flying Showcase’ in 1965, which introduced Jamaican products to new markets in the Caribbean.

‘FLYING SHOWCASE’ – A CARIBBEAN BLITZ SHOWCASING JAMAICAN PRODUCTS

The ‘Showcase’, conceived by Aaron Matalon in anticipation of the CARIFTA agreement, was a miniature exhibition which sought and did prove to the Commonwealth Caribbean that Jamaica was rapidly being industrialised and could compete in price and quality with products from other well-developed countries. It was led by then JMA President Vincent Bennett, executive secretary Eddie Hall, and other members. Display cases and exhibits were transported in a stripped-down British West Indies Airways (BWIA, now known as Caribbean From left: Newly elected Jamaica Exporters’ Association President Michelle Chong; Jamaica Manufacturers’ Association President Metry Sega and president of JAMPRO, Diane Edwards, are all smiles as they, on behalf of their respective organisations, welcome and endorse Expo Jamaica 2016 at the event launch.

Airlines) aircraft from which all seats (except one) were removed.

The exhibition was taken to eight English-speaking Caribbean countries, including St Kitts, Antigua, St Lucia, St Vincent, Trinidad, Grenada and Guyana (then British Guiana). A successful execution, many new orders were received by this breed of aggressive businessmen who were willing to seek their own markets at home and abroad.

THE BIRTH OF EXPO JAMAICA

Support for other trade shows, hosting flying tradeshows and more has set the background for what is now Expo Jamaica. Birthed in 1971, ‘Expo’ – the biggest and most comprehensive exhibition of locally made products – was first staged by the JMA. Under the theme, ‘Industry in Action’, the historic manufacturing trade fair was officially opened by then Prime Minister Hugh Shearer under the leadership of then JMA President Charles Henderson-Davis. Special highlights included a tribute to then Minister of Trade and Industry Robert Lightbourne for his contribution to the island’s industrial development, and a ‘Worker in Industry’ Day on which manufacturers honoured employees for their contribution to industrial development.

The successful trade show continued, and in 1982, the biennial fair took on a more unique quality. Unique because, for the first time, it was staged jointly by the Jamaica Manufacturers’ Association Limited (JMA) and the Jamaica Exporters’ Association (JEA).

The 1982 Expo became the first show geared towards export market and one which had participation of manufacturers outside Jamaica. As before, the show attracted hundreds of people and provided the perfect opportunity for networking and the establishment of profitable business relationships.

EXPO 1996

Expo ‘96 was held between October 31 and November 3 and showcased goods and services from the Caribbean in 16 different categories displayed in over 200 booths. For the first time, the JMA/JEA Expo received assistance from the Government through its investment agency, JAMPRO, as well as sponsorship from the Barbados-based Caribbean Export Development Agency.

Expo ‘96 was the last trade show for an eightyear hiatus until the second half of 2003 when the JMA initiated plans to relaunch a ‘Buy Jamaican’ campaign to increase local consumers’ awareness of the worldclass goods and services produced within the country. The 2004 JMA/JEA Expo was held from March 28-30.

EXPO 2004

In 2004, under the leadership of then JMA President, Ms Doreen Frankson, the JMA and JEA renewed their partnership and hosted the JMA/JEA Expo under the theme ‘Buy Jamaican, Build Jamaica’. The expo sought to educate and increase awareness and market share of the plethora of worldclass goods and services available locally, as well as to market these commodities on an international level. The Jamaican Agricultural Society also partnered with both associations to highlight the link between agriculture, manufacturers and exporters and to encourage consumers to ‘eat Jamaican!’

The Expo 2004 was attended by over 20,000 adults and children, and approximately 300 buyers visited the show. Over 220 magnificently decorated booths were set up by 160 companies with exhibits of locally manufactured products and services. Exhibitors reported increased business opportunities, both locally and internationally, based on their participation in the exposition.

EXPO 2006

Expo 2006 was officially opened by then Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller at the National Arena, held from April 27-30. The first two days of the 2006 Expo were limited to buyers and was designated ‘Buyers’ Days’. A special invitation was also extended to the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce to join the buyers on the second day in order to expose them to the possibility of forging a network of relationships. Approximately 144 companies exhibited in 222 booths.

That year’s staging of the Expo recorded attendance