Livingstone Morrison

We do not have to wait for the next shock to move this conversation forward. The framework, the market infrastructure and the willingness all exist. Now is the time to connect them.

The opportunity here is significant. Energy sovereignty and economic sovereignty are closely connected, and our capital markets are well-positioned to serve as a meaningful channel for resilience financing. The capital is available, and the institutional appetite is there.

Yesterday, I spoke at the OUR’s 12th Annual Stakeholders’ Engagement on a subject that Hurricane Melissa brought into sharp focus: financing utility resilience through Jamaica’s capital markets.

Congratulations to the team at Woodcats International and to NCB Capital Markets Limited for leading a successful transaction.

Their decision to list strengthens the diversity of our Junior Market and reinforces the exchange’s role as a launchpad for companies that are building real value in the Jamaican economy.

Today, we welcome Woodcats International Limited to the Junior Market of the Jamaica Stock Exchange, marking the first listing of 2026 and a powerful signal of the confidence investors continue to place in our capital markets.

Jamaica has the savings. Jamaica has the institutions. Jamaica has the regulatory framework. What we need is the collective focus and determination from businesses, investors and policymakers to put it all to work on a different scale.

Thanks to the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce for this morning's Breakfast Conversation on "From Recovery to Growth: How Capital Markets Can Power Jamaica's Next Decade." NARA creates a real opportunity for public and private sector collaboration, rebuilding better and stronger.

Jamaica’s next decade of growth will be defined by the strategic mobilisation of capital, strong investor confidence, and markets positioned to drive national development. Join me at the JCC’s Breakfast Conversation, February 24, 2026. I hope to see you there.