Background

The Government of Jamaica in recognition of the need to raise the level of efficiency with which local firms conduct business, as a critical means towards achieving greater international competitiveness, is currently implementing a Project designed to improve product quality and operational efficiency among Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs).

Training and Implementation

The Project aims to create a demand for International Standards and Management Systems. There are three (3) specific areas of focus which includes training and implementation in the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) Food Safety System as well as Quality and Environmental (ISO 9000 & ISO 14001) Management Systems. Implementation is being done in some forty-five (45) SMEs and training programmes have been hosted for over one thousand (1000) persons, from approximately ninety companies throughout Jamaica.

The development of a cadre of local consultants specifically trained in implementing the ISO 9000, ISO 14000 and HACCP Management Systems have been completed. Both the HACCP and ISO 9000 and 14000 Train-the-Trainer programme currently have ninety Trainees working with forty-five (45) SMEs to implement the System. The consortia (group) concept is being used by the QJP for implementation of any of these systems, the cost of consultancy services through the Project is US$5,000.00, of which grant funding is available to cover fifty percent (50%) up to a maximum of $3,750.00. Studies have found that current market fees range between US$ 25,000 – US$35,000.