Is Buying Jamaica a realistic option?

We have all heard the mantra, ‘Buy Jamaican’ but is it a viable option? Well let’s take a closer look at the Jamaican marketplace.

Recently I overheard two shoppers discussing how they wanted to purchase local products but they found that the imported items were sold at a lower cost. They were adamant that this made the imported products more attractive to consumers.

They contended that in order to be more competitive they should lower the price of local items or increase the price of imported products.

Let us examine the plight of farmers of Scotch bonnet pepper. This product is needed in large quantities for manufacturers to produce commercial sauces.
If unstable weather conditions or disease affects the local crop, the manufacturers will look to other markets to fulfill their needs. In this instance farmers might have to increase their price to recover lost profits.

Not to be ignored though is the ingenuity of the Jamaican people. Buying Jamaican is not just a patriotic gesture but an investment in our country’s future.

The best of Jamaican products and companies were showcased at the Jamaican Expo held at the National Arena April 27-29, 2012. The wide assortment of booths proudly displayed that Jamaican is still the best choice!! Do you buy Jamaican?

Tags: economy, Jamaica