Valerie Veira, CD, JP

VALERIE VEIRA CD, JP, is the Chief Executive Officer of the JBDC. She has over thirty-five (35) years’ experience working in industrial development.

Having played a significant role in establishing the JBDC some twenty-one years ago, Miss Veira is recognised as the bonafide ‘Mother of all MSMEs’ due to her impactful leadership and contribution to the growth and development of the local MSME sector. To solidify her status, in 2019, she was awarded the Order of Distinction (Commander Class) by the Government of Jamaica for stellar Public Service and Visionary Leadership in the field of Industrial Development.

Miss Veira is a Master’s Degree holder from the prestigious Harvard University where she also received the Mason Fellow Scholarship and Women in Leadership awards for outstanding leadership contribution. She is also a double-degree holder from the University of the West Indies with a Graduate Diploma in Public Administration and a Bachelor of Arts.

Miss Veira believes that the JBDC team understands that it is not a job, but rather a mission, and has caused ripple effects in the industry. However, JBDC can have greater impact on policy for the sector and the influence of the company can reach beyond the borders of Jamaica.