Minister of State in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Delano Seiveright is calling on Jamaican diaspora to help share what he describes as one of the most significant crime reduction success stories in Jamaica’s modern history, arguing that improving public safety is strengthening investor confidence, accelerating economic growth and helping to reshape international perceptions of the country.

Addressing the 11th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference at the Montego Bay Convention Centre, Seiveright said that while crime has historically been one of Jamaica’s greatest challenges and among the biggest barriers to investment and economic development, the country is now seeing measurable and sustained progress that deserves greater international recognition.

The Minister pointed to Jamaica’s remarkable crime reduction trajectory over the last three years.

The Minister credited Prime Minister Andrew Holness, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security Dr. Horace Chang, the Jamaica Constabulary Force and other security agencies for maintaining focus on public safety and institutional strengthening through Plan Secure Jamaica, supported by approximately J$90 billion in national security investments.

According to Seiveright, the improvements are translating directly into stronger investor confidence and a more competitive business environment.

The Minister said Jamaica’s crime reduction success is occurring alongside broader economic gains.

He noted that Net International Reserves currently stand at approximately US$6.5 billion, representing roughly 34 weeks of import cover nearly three times the international benchmark of 12 weeks.

He also highlighted relative exchange rate stability, prudent fiscal management and the confidence Jamaica continues to enjoy among international financial institutions and investors.

The Minister noted that Jamaica’s strong economic foundations and institutional credibility helped the country secure approximately US$6.7 billion in financing support from international partners following Hurricane Melissa, allowing the country to move quickly from recovery to rebuilding and long-term resilience planning.

He said Jamaica’s ability to secure that level of support reflected years of disciplined economic management under the leadership of Prime Minister Holness and the wider economic team, including Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce Senator Aubyn Hill.

The Minister pointed out that investors continue to commit significant resources to Jamaica despite growing global uncertainty.

Among the major projects highlighted were the US$1.055 billion acquisition of New Fortress Energy’s Jamaican LNG assets by US-based Excelerate Energy, the acquisition of Jamaica Aggregates by NYSE-listed Amrize, major tourism developments including Moon Palace, Princess Resorts, Grand Palladium, UNICO, Hard Rock and Harmony Cove, as well as continued expansion by Sandals Resorts International.

He also pointed to major investments by GraceKennedy, Wisynco and Seprod, the development of PriceSmart’s new Montego Bay location and the continued growth of Jamaica’s global services sector, which now supports approximately 50,000 jobs.

Across the island, investment activity continues to accelerate in tourism, manufacturing, logistics, energy, agriculture, technology, housing, commercial real estate and infrastructure.

The Minister argued that one of Jamaica’s biggest challenges today is ensuring that international perceptions catch up with reality.

He said members of the diaspora have a particularly important role to play in helping to reshape international perceptions of Jamaica.

Seiveright said improving security, stronger economic fundamentals and major infrastructure projects are creating new opportunities across the country, from tourism and real estate to agriculture, manufacturing, logistics and technology.

He also acknowledged the work of Senator Aubyn Hill, JAMPRO President Shullette Cox, Jamaica Special Economic Zone Authority CEO Kelli-Dawn Hamilton and numerous public and private sector stakeholders who continue to position Jamaica as a premier destination for investment and business expansion.

The Minister urged diaspora members to look seriously at opportunities in real estate, tourism, manufacturing, agriculture, logistics, technology and other productive sectors.