Westmoreland is known for its natural beauty, but behind the palm trees and sunsets lies a parish with a growing and diverse economy. Agriculture has long been its backbone, with sugar cane, bananas, plantain, pineapples, dasheen, pumpkin, peppers, and sweet potatoes among its leading crops. Tourism, anchored by Negril’s world-famous beaches, is another pillar, while food processing, textiles, and the service sector of hotels, restaurants, and retail shops round out the business landscape.
The parish is also fertile ground for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in woodworking, furniture making, crafts, pottery, ceramics, fashion design, and a fast-growing niche: hair and skin products. And while opportunities abound, challenges such as infrastructure, limited access to financing, and gaps in record-keeping often stand in the way of growth.
That’s where Meneve Gayle-Malcolm, Business Development Officer (BDO) at the JBDC Westmoreland Business Centre, steps in. A proud Westmoreland native, Meneve understands the terrain, both literal and economic. Her approach begins with assessing each client’s business to identify gaps, whether it’s proper record-keeping, tax compliance, or pricing strategies.
“We guide them to start small if needed even with a simple record book and then build from there,” she explains. From enrolling budding entrepreneurs in JBDC’s Fundamentals of Business training to connecting them to the Tax Administration of Jamaica’s Education Unit, Meneve works to put MSMEs in a position where they can approach financiers with confidence.
Her reach extends into Hanover, a neighbouring parish without a physical JBDC office, where she meets entrepreneurs at community events, mobile clinics, and via one-on-one sessions arranged through local partners.
A Calling to Help
Meneve’s career path was shaped by a lifelong desire to help people. “I don’t want to see anyone stay in the same position,” she says. “I feel pride when I can help someone move from one point to another.” While she once considered nursing, her love for numbers led her to a Bachelor of Science in Business Studies from Montego Bay Community College, a combination that blends compassion with business acumen.
Her ultimate goal as a BDO? To see MSMEs scale up, create jobs, and contribute meaningfully to the local and national economy. “The businesses have potential; they just need the right guidance to grow.”
Entrepreneurs in Westmoreland and Hanover can access services by visiting the JBDC Westmoreland Business Centre or connecting with Meneve at local business events. Located at MJ Bingham’s Complex, Dunbars River, Savanna-la-mar, the Centre offers training, coaching, and advisory services designed to take ideas from concept to market.
Walk-in, book a consultation at www.jbdc.net or call 876-918-1333.
