Entrepreneurship and Economic Prosperity in Jamaica

In April 2024, I traveled to Jamaica to celebrate two milestones - my birthday and the 10th anniversary of Money & Mimosas. Additionally, I had the distinct honor of serving as a U.S. Department of State representative through the esteemed U.S. Speaker program.

l-R: isheba cornwall, danetha doe, carlyle grant, mark anthony deacon. isheba, carlyle, and mark are entrepreneurs and ambassadors for the u.S. Embassy kingston.

Through the program, I facilitated and engaged in insightful discussions about entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic prosperity in Jamaica. One of the highlights of my trip was the opportunity to engage with local entrepreneurs and business leaders in partnership with the U.S. Embassy in Kingston.

Entrepreneurship and Economic Prosperity in Jamaica

danetha doe delivering a cocktail hour keynote at the embassy.

Money & Mimosas Keynote at the U.S. Embassy in Kingston

My evening keynote covered the power of mastering your money mindset, the importance of self-care, and the steps we can all take to create economic prosperity. 

In attendance were members of the business community, alumni from the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative, Academy for Women Entrepreneurs, and Fulbright Foreign Student programs, ambassadors for the Embassy, representatives from the Richard Branson Centre, and the media. Karena Bennett, journalist for the Jamaica Observer,  covered the event and highlighted my biggest takeaway with the article's title: "Doe: Prioritising self-care will boost business success." 

the jamaica observer is jamaica’s #1 daily newspaper.

Cleo Walker Smith, Public Engagement and Education Outreach for the U.S. Embassy Kingston, stated: 

"Insightful and inspiring. Those were the buzz words from young entrepreneurs, at the Mastering Your Money Mindset - a presentation by U.S. international speaker, Danetha Doe. Her engaging delivery and relatable anecdotes resonated well with the audience, providing them with valuable insights into overcoming financial fears, the importance of selfcare and building a positive money mindset."

The entrepreneurs in attendance demonstrated how Jamaica’s economic foundation and future prosperity will largely depend on the business community's success.

Danetha doe with kalilah reynolds, founder of money media and jamaica’s leading business & finance journalist.

Jamaica's current economy

In 2021, Jamaica's economy grew by an estimated 4.3%, driven by a partial rebound in tourism and related services and expansion in production and distribution activities.

This growth continued in 2022, with GDP increasing by 6.0% in the first quarter and 5.7% in the second quarter. For comparison, Jamaica's economy had grown at an average of 1% per year over the previous 30 years.

Tourism, agriculture, and mining are three key industries driving Jamaica's economy. Tourism accounts for around 30% of GDP. Agriculture, including sugarcane, bananas, coffee, and spices, accounts for around 6-7% of GDP. The mining of bauxite and alumina production contributes around 4-5% of GDP. 

Remittances and manufacturing, including food processing, oil refining, chemicals, and textiles, also play an important role.

Savoring the Flavors and Natural Wonders of Jamaica

Blue Mountain Coffee Tour on Bicycle

During my time in Jamaica, I enjoyed a bicycle tour through the enchanting Blue Mountains. Pedaling through the breathtaking terrain, I was immersed in a world of natural splendor with lush hillsides, cascading waterfalls, and historical significance. 

The local tour guides shared the rich tapestry of Jamaica's cultural heritage and the story behind the cultivation and production of the world-renowned Blue Mountain coffee. From the emerald-green fields where the coffee cherries flourish to the traditional harvesting and processing methods, every moment unveiled a deeper appreciation for Mother Earth and the farmers who care for her.

the coffee bean from the blue mountains at various stages.

l-r: horace, neasha, and jowel are tour guides and from the blue mountain region. jowel was awesome, despite his disinterested look in this photo.

The tour provided a glimpse into the sustainable farming practices that underpin the region's agricultural economy and the crucial role of environmental stewardship in preserving Jamaica's natural treasures. 

Herbal Education and Culinary Delights

Jamaica's rich herbal traditions and culinary delights are as exquisite as they are euphoric. I was introduced to a treasure trove of indigenous herbs and spices revered for their exceptional taste and medicinal properties. Among these botanical wonders was the Pepper Elder, which has a peppery zest and a unique depth of flavor and offers many health benefits, such as kidney cleansing and wound healing. 

Another memorable experience was sipping coconut jelly from a fresh coconut recently picked by a street vendor. Its sweet nectar was a refreshing respite from the tropical heat. The beef patties from Juici Patties and candied nuts from the "Nutzy" vendor were other local delicacies that offered a glimpse into the soul of Jamaican culinary artistry. 

pepper elder from the lush blue mountain region.

fresh coconut - yum!

The vibrant spirit of Jamaica's culinary scene is a celebration of heritage and community passed down through generations. From the bustling markets to the independent street vendors, every corner was alive with an abundance of tantalizing aromas and vibrant colors.

breakfast at jewel paradise cove in runaway bay. i highly recommend ordering the jamaican delight dish with ackee and saltfish and johnny cakes, and a pineapple mimosa.

the team at paradise cove surprised me for my birthday. they are amazing and i can’t wait to visit the resort again.

dinner at the courtyard marriott in kingston. the curry goat was incredible. and you have to order a rum punch, or several, when you’re in jamaica.

The World Famous Dunn’s River Falls

One of the most exhilarating experiences of my trip was scaling the alluring Dunn’s River Falls. Surrounded by lush tropical foliage, each step was imbued with a sense of wonder and anticipation—and, honestly, some trepidation—because the slippery black rocks were clearly unforgiving.

photo courtesy: sandals resorts. photos don’t do dunn’s river falls justice. you must see it in person.

Playing in the natural whirlpools reminded me of the importance of sustainable tourism practices and our responsibility as travelers to promote environmental conservation in order to safeguard Jamaica's precious natural heritage for generations.

Jamaica's culture is undeniably grounded in a commitment to revere, respect, and protect the natural world. Every local I spoke to could name the tree next to them, and every business I engaged with promoted a harmonious relationship between humanity and the natural world.

Conclusion:

The beauty of Jamaica's soul reawakened my inner explorer.  From the initiatives spearheaded by local entrepreneurs to the majestic peaks of the Blue Mountains to the grounding rhythms of the island, I feel a renewed sense of optimism for our collective global future.

By supporting the local entrepreneurial community, sustainable initiatives, and responsible tourism practices, we can nurture the region's economic growth and safeguard the natural wonders that make the Caribbean a beacon of ecological diversity. 

If you're interested in exploring the intersection of economic prosperity, entrepreneurship, and eco-tourism policies in the Caribbean, join me on this journey and subscribe to the Money & Mimosas newsletter as I continue to develop relationships with the Caribbean business community.