PM says incentives of Junior Stock Market remain

Prime Minister Andrew Holness yesterday announced that incentives for companies enlisting on the Junior Stock Market would continue.

On the anniversary of the launch of the Junior Stock Market, the prime minister congratulated business operators who have enlisted on the market and expressed gratitude for their continued partnership in the thrust for economic growth and job creation.

He argued that enough attention has not been paid to the Junior Stock Market, which has, since its inception, contributed significantly to economic growth.

Launched in 2009, the Junior Stock Market was established to encourage and facilitate the development of smaller companies, particularly newer enterprises, by enabling them to raise equity.

GROWING THE ECONOMY

"We know that growth comes from the growth of businesses, the growth of firms, and not just large firms. Indeed, growing the economy means growing it at the root, at the base", the prime minister said.

He added that the Junior Stock Market has always been an arena where new businesses, new idea innovations, and entrepreneurship can flourish.

Holness described his Government's approach to economic growth as systematic, and declared, "We must continue to create a system where, when people take risks, they are rewarded. We must encourage entrepreneurship and make it easier for people who have ideas to find financing and take risks."

General Manager of the Jamaica Stock Exchange Marlene Street-Forrest thanked the prime minister for restoring the original incentives for the junior market and said that the Government would not be disappointed as there would be a significant increase in the levels of growth, confidence, and entrepreneurship in Jamaica.