Howling winds, deafening thunder and heavy downpour – the magnitude of which had never been experienced in Jamaica until October 28, 2025. Menacing Melissa was relentless as the category 5 hurricane ravaged the island, especially the western parishes. One year later, businesses like Alivewireact Ltd., based in St. James, are recovering with help from the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC).
Established in 2018 and founded by Brian Brown, Alivewireact Ltd. (Livewireact) is renowned for delivering live entertainment, professional karaoke services and providing equipment rental and production solutions.
THE SETBACK
In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, Alivewireact Ltd. experienced significant losses and disruption including damage to office space, loss of electricity, internet, water, and the ripple effect of the impact on its customers who were also struggling, resulting in loss of income.
THE JBDC INTERVENTION
- Business Development Officers at the JBDC’s St. James Business Centre assessed the business’ operations, resources, challenges, and development needs. Brown was able to develop a deeper awareness of his business’ needs such as additional financing and other gaps that required attention to strengthen the business and support its recovery and growth.
- Brown was enrolled in JBDC’s ‘Digital Jamaica’ training programme in Digitisation, Digitalisation and Digital Transformation sponsored by the European Union (EU) and managed by the Ministry of Industry, Investment & Commerce (MIIC). The Result? Alivewireact Ltd. has acquired Enterprise Resource Planning and Artificial Intelligence professional level software to enhance the business’ productivity and efficiency levels.
- Working closely with a Business Development Officer, Brown gained critical knowledge on access to recovery financing. The Result? Alivewireact Ltd. successfully acquired DBJ Recovery Grant: J$1,300,000 and TUI Colourful Cultures Loan: J$3,200,000.
THE COMEBACK
Alivewireact Ltd. is planning the inaugural MoBay LIVE! Cultural Creative Expo (www.mobaylive.com) on Saturday, November 28, 2026. The event will showcase 20+ artistic and culinary creatives and feature traditional Jamaican folk entertainment.
Brown’s story with JBDC is still unfolding. Imagine winning before you’ve crossed the finish line. Melissa left a bitter taste. But success is sweet!
