Clarke
BIG City Brewing Company, Island Grill and Centennial Digital (Jamaica) are to be recognised by the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) for their success in creating jobs.
The PSOJ will hold its inaugural Job Creation Awards ceremony on Wednesday, February 20, at the Hilton Kingston Hotel. Companies or entrepreneurs are chosen for the awards based on their creation of a minimum of 25 employment opportunities.
"Unemployment is a problem in Jamaica," said Dr. Nigel Clarke, chairman of the PSOJ's economic policy committee, which oversees the awards. As the country's private sector umbrella organisation, the PSOJ supports companies or entrepreneurs creating employment opportunities.
Big City Brewing Company, producers of Real Rock beer, has increased production since it started operations in July, last year and has expanded into overseas markets. The company is directed by a team of local entrepreneurs led by managing director, Peter Wong.
Local restaurant chain, Island Grill, headed by Thalia Lyn, is on an expansion drive. This year it will double its outlets in Jamaica from five to 10 with an investment of approximately J$100 million.
New cellular service provider Centennial now employs 178 people directly, says chief operating officer, James Beneda. It plans to increase its staff complement to more than 350 in the short term.
The PSOJ awards will be presented on a monthly basis from February to December of this year. The awards are being sponsored by Cable & Wireless Jamaica Limited.
"Any company is eligible to be nominated for an award," Dr. Clarke said. The public is being invited to nominate companies by contacting the PSOJ, which reserves the right to make the final selection for the awards through a selection committee.
Minister of Industry, Commerce and Technology, Phillip Paulwell will be the guest speaker at the inaugural function on Wednesday.
