Hill highlights need for local entrepreneurs to invest in digitalisation
Published:Tuesday | June 25, 2024 | 12:06 AMAinsworth Morris/Staff Reporter
Aubyn Hill, minister of industry, investment and commerce, is urging Jamaican business owners to buy into digital transformation programmes, such as the European Union (EU) and the Government of Jamaica’s €9.5 million Digital Transitioning Programme for Jamaica, or Digital Jamaica, to avoid failures which jointly affect the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP).
Over the years, one main reason for scores of start-up and fledgling businesses ultimately not getting contracts and failing is due to the stubbornness of their owners or operators when it comes to investing in new technology and embracing transformation, especially digital transformation.
While speaking at the launch of a new digital company last Thursday, called Smart Tech 360, a division of Smart Mobile Solutions (SMS) Group, at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston, Hill said it was for this reason and more that Dr Dana Morris Dixon was appointed as the minister in charge of digital transformation and upskilling of the nation by Prime Minister Andrew Holness, as the Government acknowledges the need to fix that side of the economy.
Also, with the Government of Jamaica needing help with going to the doorsteps of entrepreneurs who need to hear, the EU jumped on board last October with the launch of Digital Jamaica. This is the first grant funded and multisector initiative to support Jamaica’s digital transformation agenda.
For the nation’s part, Hill said more businesspeople need to buy into the idea.
“We need to make sure that we understand that technology will help us to meet the international demand and driving Jamaica’s global competitiveness ... . Until we get those right, we’re not going to be the kind of rich country we must be,” Hill said.
“Use of smart technology helps to streamline processes, automate tasks and optimise allocation across industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, health care and logistics ... . The Andrew Holness administration recognises the vital role of technology and is committed to Jamaica’s digital transformation,” he said.
He also stated that he enjoys speaking about grant funding because that means taxpayers in another country or group of countries see Jamaica as being worthwhile to spend their money to help the nation build what needs to be built.
“Digital empowerment is necessary. As the minister of industry, investment and commerce – Jamaica’s Business Ministry – I’m in agreement with, and I’m committed to working with our agencies – and in our ministry we have 20 of those agencies – and collaborating with other ministries and the private sector in driving our nation’s digital agenda,” Hill said.
SMS consists of two business partners, Dane Spencer and Marlon Hudson, who represent entrepreneurs who Hill believes abide by what the Government is preaching about the level of digital transformation and investment needed on a micro, small and medium business level.
SMS commenced operations in 2008 supplying smartphone devices and related accessories, as well as the provision of repairs and other IT services by Spencer and Hudson, 2003 graduates of The University of the West Indies, Mona.
This company was the very first Blackberry Non-Carrier Alliance member in the English-speaking Caribbean, and Blackberry was the first brand of smartphone that facilitated Jamaica’s first major move to using colour screens and interactive messaging.
The company was also the first and still the only full-service mobile support unit in Jamaica.
After 15 years, SMS grew phenomenally, to become one of the largest local distributors of mobile devices and accessories, and expanded its offerings to include mobile device management, customised software solutions, technical support services and an ICT equipment supplier.
Hill believes Spencer and Hudson are shining examples of what he wants to see entrepreneurs in Jamaica do.
“I am pleased to see what SMS has done. They have had 40 government contracts... . And for SMS to get 40 different government contracts is something you should applaud them for, because it’s not easy to get it done. But after you get the first three, it’s easier because you know the rules and follow the rules, and we have a better country because of it,” Hill said.