CLUSTERS
A cluster is a geographic concentration of interconnected businesses, suppliers, and associated institutions involved in the production, and or delivery of similar or complementary product or service. Clusters increase the competitiveness of their members in both national and global markets by taking advantage of the collective synergies formed from its members working together. The initiatives of a cluster are guided by an analysis of the clusters value chain, and undertaken with a view to increase the competitiveness of all its members. Download our department brochure
How can MSMEs Benefit from Operating in Clusters?
A well developed cluster facilitates three (3) important activities:
- Increased productivity and faster growth (through specialized inputs, access to information, synergies, and access to public goods and key supply chain networks)
- Market driven innovation (through cooperative research and competitive striving), new business formation (filling in niches and expanding the boundaries of the cluster map),
- A stronger position for advocacy / policy change.
The PSDP’s objective is to enhance the perspective of socio-economic development through strengthening of Jamaica’s private sector in the challenging context of globalisation and the liberalization within the international economy. The purpose of the programme is to increase the private sector’s contribution to GDP, and more specifically, the portion which comes from the Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) sector.
Existing Clusters
10 Business Clusters were formed in 2007 through grant funding provided by the Private Sector Development Programme (PSDP), a five-year (2004 to 2009) €28.67 million technical assistance programme financed jointly by the European Commission via the 9th European Development Fund (EDF) and the Government of Jamaica (GOJ).
The 10 approved clusters are:
- Egg Industry Cluster
This cluster seeks to increase collaboration with support organisations and partners to provide the consumer with the highest quality and most competitively priced egg product. -
The Tourism Cluster
The cluster includes not only accommodations, but attraction, tours, and bed and breakfast operators with the aim of creating a distinct Jamaican experience. -
Jamaica Aquaculture Cluster
The development and expansion of the Aquaculture industry are a part of this cluster’s mandate. The cluster incorporates producers and businesses involved with technology and marketing associated with the industry. -
The Small Ruminant Cluster
The small ruminant cluster seeks to build awareness of this growing industry, through building capacity and enhancing industry integration among its members. -
Authentic Jamaican Gift and Craft Cluster
This cluster seeks to establish itself in international and domestic markets for the authenticity and ethnicity of its products. -
The Visual & Performing Arts
The cluster seeks to devise and implement a unified strategy to facilitate Jamaica becoming a global hub of creative industries. -
Jamaican Fashion and Apparel
Through the adoption of best practices in marketing, IT, technology and institutional strengthening, this cluster seeks to make the Jamaica Fashion and Apparel Cluster globally competitive. -
Jamaica Reggae Industry Association
The cluster seeks to harmonise the main participants in the music industry. -
Wellness Cluster
Establishing Jamaica as the premier source of natural, herbal, organic, health and wellness ingredients, products and services in the Caribbean is the ultimate goal of this cluster. -
Negril and Western Jamaica’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)
Known for its beauty and vibrancy, this cluster will position Negril’s West End as a cultural hub and destination for quality products and services.
Under this initiative, JTI will have the responsibility of monitoring the establishment and activities of five of the ten business clusters, namely:
- Jamaica Aquaculture Cluster
- Jamaica Reggae Industry Association
- Negril and Western Jamaica MSMEs
- The Tourism Cluster
- Visual and Performing Arts
Contact our Clusters
To indicate your interest in the Cluster Program, please contact the Cluster and Linkages Department at JTI at (876) 978-7755 ext. 2042 or email ngrandison@jti.org.jm or any of the Cluster facilitators as listed below.
| Cluster | Managing PSO | Contact Information |
|---|---|---|
| Jamaica Aquaculture Cluster | Aquaculture Contact Farmers Association Ltd. | Mr. Doyen Williams email: doyen.williams@gmail.com Tel: 876 424-5248 |
| Visual and performing Arts | Jamaica Trade & Invest | Mr. Trevor Fearon email: trevor.fearon@gmail.com Tel: 877-7722 |
| Negril and Western Jamaica MSME Cluster | Negril Chamber of Commerce | Mr. Ryan Morrison email: westendvibes@yahoo.com Tel:828-1951 |
| The Tourism Cluster | The Competitiveness Company | Tel: 876 929-1203 |
| The Music Cluster | Jamaica Trade & Invest | Ms. Bianca Welds email: musicfacilitator@gmail.com Tel: 876 815-9327 |
