Commerce, whether local, national or international, is today, the great motivating force controlling the actions, energies and ambitions of the world. It is essential that there should be well-organized bodies to protect and watch over the interests of the industrial and commercial community in every country, when Governments are continually proposing, or enacting legislation, which affects such interests.

So it was that two hundred and six years ago a group of local business and professional men formed the Kingston Chamber of Commerce, with a view to improving the trade conditions, urging legislation beneficial to commerce and social welfare and most important, to encourage the growth and prosperity of their community.

Although Spanish Town was where the Government had its headquarters, as did the plantocracy, Kingston was the Commercial Centre. The majority of the merchants lived in or near Kingston . In "an Almanac and Register for the Year of our Lord 1779. adapted for . Jamaica ," which has been preserved in the Institute of Jamaica , the "Office-Bearers" of the Kingston Chamber of Commerce is listed. Thomas Hibbert, Jr., was the first President, Alexander Allardyce, Vice-President, Moses Benson, Treasurer and John Hardware, Secretary.

Thomas Hibbert, jr., the nephew of Thomas Hibbert, Speaker of the Assembly in 1756 was the Member of the Assembly for St. George in 1770-75. It was Thomas Hibbert, the Speaker who built Hibbert House on Duke Street , known to us as Headquarters House. This was the House of Parliament form 1872, when the capital moved from Spanish Town to Kingston , up until 1960.

Other illustrious personalities who were members of this first Chamber of Commerce included Hercules Rose, Naval Agent, Thomas Gray, member of the Assembly for Kingston in 1781, and Robert Milligan, who left Jamaica in 1779 to reside in London , and was later instrumental in forming the famous West Indian Docks, of which he was Chairman.

Advertisements and news items appearing in the Jamaica Mercury and Kingston Weekly Advertiser, testify to the activities of the Kingston Chamber of Commerce. In the issue of May 15, 1979 , occurs the following:

" KINGSTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MAY 14, 1779

A meeting of the Committee of this society is requested to be held on Tuesday next, the 18th instant at their Room in Howard's Tavern, on special business.

By Order of the Vice-President.

J. Hardwar, Secretary"

Under the date, Kingston , October 2, 1779 , appears the following paragraph:

". We hear the Chamber of Commerce has agreed to petition the Admiral that the Convoy for Great Britain may be appointed to sail the 26th of November next. "

In the supplement of the Royal Gazette, November 18, 1780 , the following advertisement appeared:

Kingston , November 15, 1780 ..

"The Admiral having been pleased to signify that he will appoint a Convoy for the Trade for Great Britain

to sail any day between the middle of January and the middle of February. "

In 1789, a number of merchants were desirous of establishing an Office of Marine Intelligence, where "an exact account of the arrival and sailing of vessels will be kept, a general account of cargoes of arrival expressed, every intelligence interesting to the Merchants and trader obtained with as much accuracy as possible. "

This was an early example of the unfortunate duplication of efforts, which had plagued Jamaica since its early history. One would have thought that the newly constituted Chamber of Commerce could have everything that the Office of Marine Intelligence proposed to do. The Almanac for 1782 lists Eliphalet Fitch as President, Allan McLean as Vice-President, Robert Hibbert as Treasurer and Edward Marriott as Secretary of the Chamber of Commerce. Eliphalet Fitch was Assistant Judge of the Supreme Court.

Further reference to the Chamber of Commerce in 1782, can be found in a letter from President to Admiral Rodney who was in Jamaica after his famous victory in "The Battle of the Saints, which according to Clinton Black in his "New almost certain capture. " The letter said, ". A Chamber of Commerce having been lately established in this town with a view to collect the Sense of the Merchants and others interested in the Trade of the Island, experience has shown that many advantages result from this institution," and requested Admiral Rodney's patronage.

In 1783, Thomas Gray was President, Thomas Bond, Vice-President, while the Secretary and Treasurer remained the same. No alteration in the office-holders took place in 1784. But the Chamber appears to have been short-lived, because in the Almanac for 1785 and subsequent years, there is no reference to it. Perhaps the death of some of its original founders and the departure from the island of others hastened its demise.

There are various references to the existence of Chambers of Commerce over the ensuing years, but although the records are scanty it seems safe to assume that there was no continuity of organisation over the next half century. The next Chamber of Commerce was established at a meeting of "merchants and other inhabitants of this city" held on 21st October, 1839 . Here it was:

"Resolved: That being desirous of promoting the welfare of this Colony at large, and being also of opinion that this object can be best attained by a combination of interests of the Planter, the Merchant, and the Mechanic, the subscribers to agree to form themselves into a Society to be called "THE JAMAICA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE."

The first President was the Honourable Hector Mitchell who was also the Mayor of the City of Kingston , as well as Custos of Kingston. Hector Mitchell had an interesting career. He was at various times in his life, a Captain in the Kingston Militia, Vice- President of the Fire wardens, Member of the Assembly for Kingston ; Assistant Judge, Court of Common Pleas, Kingston ; Justice, Surrey Assizes and Treasurer, Wolmers Free School . His Vice Presidents were the Honourable John Mais and John Fowles, with William Wright as Treasurer.

At this time the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce was the sole arbitrator in settling differences and adjusting accounts between various parties. It was also called up to settle any questions related to the mercantile trade. Two of its first projects were the upgrading of the mail service between Port Royal and Kingston and the improvement of the Insolvent Debtors' Law.

It is known that Mr. Mitchell was President up until 1846 at least. He died in 1853, and may have been President at the time of his death, but this cannot be ascertained. Gall's Newsletter of April 3, 1875 also mentions the Chamber of Commerce as being at 2 Duke Street . In the Jamaica Directory (1878) there was an advertisement by the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce, which at this time had offices at 131 Harbour Street.

Oscar Marescaux, Manager of the Colonial Bank, was now President. The Vice- Presidents were James H. McDowell, Ralph Nunes, H. F. Colthist and Altamont DaCosta, with James Gall as Secretary. Miss Sicard was the Librarian and Luke Hollar, the Boarding Officer.

An interesting footnote to the advertisement said, "The news room is open to all strangers visiting the island and to Captains of Vessels on the introduction of a subscriber."

Unfortunately, not very much can be found on the actual work of the Chamber at this time. The Jamaica Directory gives the name of another organization then in existence as "The Royal Society of Arts and Agriculture of Jamaica." It also tells us that it was the process of being reorganized.

It was a merger between the agriculture and commercial sectors, the Royal Society of Arts and Agriculture of Jamaica and the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce, which led in May 1885 top the formation of the "Jamaica Society of Agriculture and Commerce." It is this society which, having undergone various name changes and reorganization, is known today as the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce.

The first President was the Honourable James McDowell who had been a Vice-President of the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce in 1878 and an ex-officio member of the Royal Society of Arts and Agriculture in 1867. The Vice-Presidents were the Honourable William Malabre, George Solomon, George Stiebel and John Ellis, with the Reverend J. B. Ellis as Secretary. The first annual report tells us that the Honourable James McDowell resigned as President during the year, "on account of pressure of business and ill-health, but expressed a wish to continue as a member of the Council." His place was taken by George Solomon.

As stated in the rules, the chief objects for which the society existed were:

1. "To take action in all matters concerned with the Agriculture and Trade of the Colony.

2. To offer facilities for considering and discussing all schemes or proposals having for their object the increased development of the Industrial resources of the Colony, by means of improved methods of Cultivation, Scientific Process of Manufacture, New Implements or Appliances of Husbandry, or any other Available Agency.

3. To promote. improvement in the breed of stock, the opening up of new markets for cattle, horses, etc. and the practicability of enlarging the area of Minor Products.

4. To co-operate with kindred Associations. in constitutional efforts for the removal of all unjust fiscal or other disabilities, such as Foreign Export Counties.

5. To have control over the holding and conducting of Agricultural Shows, Fairs and Competitions different parts of the island.

6. To perform the function of a recognized medium of communication with the Government.

7. To exercise the province of Arbitrator . in all matters Agricultural or Commercial.

8. To watch over every question emanating from the local Government, or from other sources, whether Home or Foreign which may in any way affect the interests of the people of this island. "

It was the practice for the Chamber to report on the activities of the Merchants' Exchange, which the Society had opened on February 1, 1868 , at the Southwest corner of Duke and Harbour Streets. The Merchants Exchange employed a Signal Man, who was as well as a Boarding, and Reporting Officer. On the appearance of vessels, signals were hoisted at the southeast corner of Church and Port Royal Streets.

When the vessel was identified, all parties known to be interested were contacted. On this arrival at Port Royal , letters of instruction from agents were delivered to the master, except in the case of the regular mail steamers, telegrams were sent to the interested parties, so all concerned with the arrival of a particular vessel were notified.

The Exchange also recorded the daily departures, the particulars of cargoes imported and exported, and the names of passengers arriving and departing. Because of the similarity of interests of the Merchants' Exchange and the Society of Agriculture and Commerce, the following resolution was adopted at the Annual General Meeting held on June 23, 1892 :

" Whereas the interests and management of the Jamaica Society of Agriculture and Commerce and the Merchants' Exchange being identical:

RESOLVED that the societies be amalgamated under the title of the " Jamaica Society of Agriculture and Commerce and Merchants' Exchange."

In 1896, the Council "received the permission of Her Most Gracious Majesty (Queen Victoria) for the Society to add the prefix Royal to its former title." So there was another name change, and the organization became known as the "The Royal Jamaica Society of Agriculture and Commerce and Merchants' Exchange.

John Orrett had acceded to the Presidency at the end of December 1886, when the Honourable George Solomon, simultaneously with his retirement from business in Kingston , resigned as President of the Society. John Orrette retained this position until he resigned in September 1895, at which time Lieutenant Colonel Charles James Ward took over the reign of President, a position he held until 1913.

But all of this is purely historical. What exactly did the Jamaica Society of Agriculture and Commerce do? One of its first acts after being established was to offer a prize of £5, for the best essay on the following subject:

"The most effective and practical means of ameliorating and extending the agriculture and productive capabilities of Jamaica."

The Governor and an "anonymous friend" increased the prize money to £15, with gifts of £5 each. The prize winner was the Honourable W. B. Espeut. In August 1887, the Council brought to the attention of the Government the convenience to the public of using Revenue and Postage Stamps in common. In September the matter was further considered and in October, the Council was informed by the Colonial Secretary that a Law had been passed carrying out its previous suggestions on the subject. The annual report for the year 1889/90 had this to say;

". In view of the many useful and important measures which it (the Council) has originated in the interest of agriculture and commerce and by the aid of the Government successfully effected, it now holds a prominent position among the most useful and valuable Institutions of the Island. ."

The Council had also submitted to the Government, suggestions for the establishment of an Industrial Model Farm with a view to nurturing agricultural interests of the island and at the same time decreasing growing juvenile vagrancy." The suggestions were accepted by the Government and measures were being taken to carry them out.

On June 6, 1892 , at a Special General Meeting, it was decided to take steps to urge the Government to establish an Agricultural Department. The following resolution was adopted' "RESOLVED: That in view of the fact that Jamaica is purely and simply an agricultural country, it is imperative for the future prosperity of the inhabitants that an Agricultural Department should be at once established". However, the Governor declined to undertake the establishment of an Agricultural Department at this time, but the Chamber continued to press for it.

In entering upon its tenth year of existence, the members of the Council "felt gratified" that the Society continued to maintain its influential position in the island. The report went on to state that, ". The Council has much pleasure in noting the foregoing facts which in view of the pessimistic opinions which were advanced at the time of its formation cannot but be received as most gratifying, the more so, when the many useful measures which have resulted from its deliberations are considered. "

The report for the year ending May 1895, bore an admonishment for some of its members. It read as follows: ". The measures advanced and brought forward during the past year, prove that the Society has ever at heart the promotion, as far as rests within its power, of the welfare of the Society at large; but while the Council of the Society is at all times watchful to protect the interests of the agricultural and commercial community, it is necessary to remind members that much more might be accomplished were they less lethargic in the promotion of beneficial objects and less content to expect that any useful measures should devolve upon or be initiated by the executive in Kingston. "

In 1896, the Society became a member of the Royal Agricultural Society of England. It was also in this year, that a special show stand was erected at the Society's Rooms for the display of samples. This was intended to offer increased facilities for the disposal of products and manufactured goods. A Notice Board was also provided, where planters and penkeepers who had stock for sale could list them and so invite purchasers.

The Council also saw fit to acquaint the Government of the necessity for proper protection of Jamaica Rum in Britain , either by means of Certificates of Origin, Registered Trade Mark or of "taking such steps as may be found necessary to prevent adulterated or foreign rums being sold in the United Kingdom as "old Jamaica ."

On January 31, 1897 , the formal opening of the West India Direct Cable took place. (This produced direct telegraphic Communication with England through exclusively British territory.) The Society had played a part in its establishment, as did Mr. Edgar Tripp, Secretary of the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Commerce. In acknowledging his thanks he said, ". The success attained is due to the united efforts made by the Commercial Bodies throughout the West Indies, a union which has been happily rendered possible by the establishment of Chambers of Commerce, thus enabling these Colonies for the first time in their history to speak together with a voice of sufficient strength to penetrate the walls of Downing Street and Command attention."

An agricultural Chemist had now finally been appointed. The Society had repeatedly urged this, but the former Governor, Sir Henry Blake, "did not think it necessary to propose the addition of such an official to the Civil Service of the Colony."

After the disastrous hurricane, which struck the island in August 1903, the earnest efforts of the mercantile and agricultural sectors did much to efface the terrible effects. In 1909, the Chamber appointed Mr. E. A. DePass as its representative in London . It was thought that the commercial and agricultural interests of the island would be better served if the Chamber had a representative in London to:

A. "Give expression in England on any views this Chamber of Commerce might desire to have ventilated:

B. To have as an adviser a man of position, experience and ability that could present his advice on all subjects - touching the welfare of Jamaica - which might arise.

The Society had so far successfully served the island's economic interest of agricultural production and marketing. But with the ever-increasing complexity of the economy, it became obvious that separate organizations were needed to concentrate on agriculture and commerce. In 1922 the Society was reorganized, and it was decided for the purpose of convenience that the ordinary designation should be "The Jamaica Chamber of Commerce and Merchants' Exchange." On March 21, 1950 , this organization was incorporated under the Companies Law as the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce Limited.

In 1926, the Chamber began its "clean-up" campaign. Forceful advertising was employed to convince residents and businessmen of the desirability of cleaning up and painting the City of Kingston and urban St. Andrew. The Chamber has had a long association with Gillespie Brothers who recently established a Line of Credit with Jamaica . In 1927, Mr. W. A. Griffin of Gillespie Brothers and Company was appointed to represent the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce on the Council of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce of the British Empire in London .

Publications of a "Monthly Journal" had begun in 1925. The report for 1926/27 had this to say about it . " The Monthly Journal is now recognized as Jamaica 's commercial journal. As the Chamber's publicity organ the Journal has more than justified its existence. "

The Council of the Chamber found it necessary in the interest of efficiency "to establish sectional trade committees from the membership in 1933. Each committee was under the Chairmanship of a member of the Council and approved to be very useful.

A combination of efforts by the Chamber and the Agricultural Department resulted in Jamaica being represented at the British Industries Fair, for the first time, in 1935. It was the Chamber, which arranged for the various exhibits to be shipped.

The problem of sidewalk vendors has been with us for many years. In 1937, a section of the Chamber's report read, ". As a result of representation of the Council, the practice of vending toys and novelties from crude stands erected alongside the sidewalks in King Street during the Christmas season will not be permitted by Police. The Chamber suggested that the vendors might be permitted to take up their position in other sections of the commercial area of Kingston , as the appearance of the crude stands along King Street was very undesirable."

There is an interesting comment in the report for 1937/38 on the relationship between the Chamber and the Government, which was described as being "most cordial." It went on to say, " . The attitude on the part of the Government towards the Chamber of Commerce in showing more willingness to cooperate is highly appreciated by the Council, who are anxious at all times to assist in matters relative to business and progress in the island. "

Among other things, the Government sought the advice of the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce on:

a. Jamaica 's representative at the New York World's Fair to be held during 1939 and at the Glasgow Exhibition in 1938

b. A change in banking hours

c. Amendment of Trade License Law in respect to Licensees payable to Commercial Travellers.

d. Shop Assistants Law.

e. Appointment of the Trade Commissioner for Jamaica or joint trade representation of the British West Indies in the United Kingdom .

f. Shipping and freight rates and fares enquiry.

g. Advertising matter for proposed broadcasting service for Jamaica .

h. Trade Enquires.

i. Arbitration in labour disputes

j. German Barter Trade.

During the Second World War, the Chamber felt it its duty "to assist the Government in every way practicable in whatever part the island was to play in the conduct of the War." The Government took up the offer and the President and members were asked to serve on numerous Boards and Committees. As far back as 1940, the Chamber gave very serious thought to the establishment of "further agricultural and manufacturing industries in the island," and made many suggestions for "starting new projects in which local raw material and labour could be utilized. ."

The Chamber recognized that "the fostering of local enterprises would be an admirable means of assisting the Country in its economic troubles."

The sale of the Constant Spring Hotel in 1940 "to become a School for girls," caused a stir among the members of the Chamber. The Government took the view that "the establishment of an up-date girls' school was more important to the welfare of the country than the continuation of the hotel business there." Although the members protested, the Government went ahead with the sale and the Chamber felt it was a great loss to the tourist industry which it had worked so hard to foster. With the incorporation under the Companies Law in 1950, the Chamber began its modern period of work. Virtually the sole representative of the business sector, the early activities of the Chamber were concentrated on developing Jamaica 's tourist trade, the industrial sector the export trade.

Because of the growth of these various sectors, Government and private interests created various specialized organizations to concentrate exclusively on these areas. However, the Chamber continued to work in close collaboration with the organizations while fulfilling the wider aims of the business sector.

The emphasis and activities of the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce had changed over the years, in keeping with the more far-reaching changes of the island community, but the objectives remained the same, and may be summarized as "the promotion of good business, good government and good citizenship." It provides the means whereby Jamaican businessmen can meet for the discussion and solution of common problems. It also serves as a corporate voice through which the business community can make its views known to the government or to the general public.

Today the membership embraces large and small firms of manufacturers, distributors, accountants, bankers, lawyers, and a wide range of professional and other associations and of individual members, representatives of commerce and the professions. In addition, high commissions and foreign diplomatic missions may be granted honorary membership and may be represented by Trade Commissioners and other appropriate officers.

Application for membership is made to the Directors on a prescribed form and is decided on a ballot at Board meetings.

In order to conduct its work effectively, the Executive appoints committees whose chairmen are approved by the Directors. Of this number two are Chamber-oriented Committees - the Membership and the Public Relations Committees. There are three Government oriented committees - Trade; Customs, Tariff and Port Users; Tourism; Finance. There are also committees on Civic Affairs; Better Business Practices and Public Welfare and Education. Any member may be appointed or can offer his services to any of the above committees if the directors consider or if in his own opinion he can make a contribution to its efficient operation.

In addition to the work of the various committees, which act on behalf of Jamaica 's commercial and industrial sectors, the Chamber provides a wide range of services for its members, some of which are as follows:-

• Advice on Trade Regulations and a variety of other Trade Matters.
• Certifying Commercial Invoices and Certifications of Origin.
• Putting members in touch with sources and outlets for goods and services by publication of Business Opportunities listings.
• Affording members the opportunity of meeting with Trade Missions to Jamaica and participating in (Jamaican) Trade Missions overseas thereby maintaining knowledge of changing business trends and exploring new sources of supply markets for both imports and exports and of new traditional products.
• Keeping its members advised of Government policies and changes as it affects Trade
• Providing a Commercial Library Service.
• Providing Letters of Introduction for Overseas Contact.
• Offering a direct line of communication with other similar bodies overseas.
• Providing a Reference Service for overseas contacts.
• Issuing Membership Identification.
• Endeavoring to solve any problems that may arise between Government Departments and Individuals or the Collective Membership.
• Accommodation of Meetings.

The Chamber might be regarded as the "voice of Business in Jamaica ", but it has also seen fit to harness the resources and support of the private sector in the promotion of education, civic improvement and public welfare.

It is practically impossible to state which have been the most outstanding of the Chamber's activities in the last three decades. There have been many and in various fields, revealing a wide range of interests. Among the achievements in the filed of commercial education are the following:

• Conducting a manpower training survey with a view to determining the needs of local firms for staff.
• Conducting lectures for employees of member firms on salesmanship, accounting, advertising and public relations.
• Organizing a part-time training course at the Kingston Technical High School for Radio servicemen.
• Impressing on the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Jamaica Employers' Federation, the need to place greater emphasis on commercial education.

In the field of public welfare and civic improvements, the Chamber was to a large extent instrumental in:

- Having the island's electricity frequency converted from 40 to 50 cycles.
- The introduction of the Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) system for Income Tax.
- Providing at no cost to the Municipal Authorities the mercury vapour lights which illuminate King, Harbour and Orange Streets.
- Conducting an island-wide campaign against indecent exposure in public places.
- Conducting clean-up, paint-up campaigns and window display competitions.

The Chamber has also assisted public organizations such as the police force by providing equipment and social amenities as well as training of recruits for the entrance examination for the force. Being cognizant of the important role which the private sector has to play in national planning and development, the Chamber in 1969, on its own initiative commissioned and published "A Survey of the Jamaican Economy." This survey was done by Professor George Doxey who was at the time visiting Professor of Economics at the Cave Hill Campus of the University of the West Indies . This report, which became known as the "Doxey Report", received wide attention, and was regarded as a "possible blue print for future action in the social and economic fields with emphasis on the private sector's role." As a former President said: . " The Chamber recognizes that there is close interaction between prosperity of the whole country and the growth and development of business and has therefore always demonstrated a practical concern for the proper utilization of Jamaica's resources and manpower, raw materials and production capabilities. "

The Chamber has also seen the necessity for more dialogue between the business world and the wider community, and has established closer working relationships with special groups such as the Consumers' League and the Jamaica Junior Chamber (Jaycees). In 1969, the Chamber introduced a Schools' Programme, where senior students from high schools were invited to attend Directors' meetings and observe at first hand "the workings of business." To date, several hundred students have participated in this programme. The rapid growth of large towns outside of Kingston , and the spread of business to other areas, led to the formation of local Chambers of Commerce in these areas. These are all autonomous and cordial relations are maintained between them and the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce. It was the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce which was instrumental in establishing the Associated Chambers of Commerce of Jamaica which is the blanket organization, representing all the Chambers on matters of national importance.

The Jamaica Chamber of Commerce and the Associated Chambers of Commerce were involved in the formation of the Private Sector Organization of Jamaica. This umbrella organization was formed for the main purpose of educating the public as to the main role and importance of the private sector and improving its image in the eyes of the public.

The Jamaica Manufacturers' Association was also established nearly forty years ago by members of the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce, who felt that, with rapid growth of the manufacturing sector, there were specialized problems which warranted the formation of a separate association. The Chamber collaborates with these and other organizations in making representation to Government on matters regarding labour relations, taxation and economic development.

The Jamaica Chamber of Commerce is an active member of the Caribbean Association of Industry and Commerce, which deals with the complex problems of the emerging Caricom Single Market & Economy (CSME) and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) based in France .

The day-to-day business of the Chamber was carried on at offices at East Parade in downtown Kingston . The very first meetings from May-December 1885, were held "at rooms in offices of Messrs. Davidson, Coltirst and Company." Unfortunately, the exact address was not given. In January 1886, the Chamber moved into rented offices at " 82 Harbour Street , known as "The Merchants' Exchange."

These offices were destroyed in the earthquake in 1907, and they next occupied the upper floor of the new Bank of Nova Scotia Building on King Street . As far back as 1925, there had been a proposal for the Chamber to erect its own building on East Parade. The facility is still owned by the Chamber.

The fact that in practically every country Chambers of Commerce are in existence. Is clear indication that they are recognized. In Jamaica the expansion of trade can be traced to the direct efforts of the Chamber of Commerce. It is not only traders who benefit from the work of the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce, but all classes gain by the many concessions secured through its efforts. It is not organized to secure petty business advantages for individuals, but to furnish organized aid to individuals and firms to enable them to build up the highest type of commercial development for the benefit of every inhabitant.

With our Chamber of Commerce as with all other organizations unity is strength, and it recognizes the fact that benefits are secured through a policy of co-operation and co-ordination rather than through a policy of isolated efforts.

CONCLUSION

Over the years, the Corporate Area in particular, and Jamaica as a whole, has benefited from efforts of the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce. Although the Chamber is not a service or charitable organization, it does contribute to such civic and social efforts which solicit the Chamber's assistance. When the Chamber's resources are unable to meet a particular need, the wider community of its membership is encouraged, and has indeed, tangibly demonstrated its social consciousness.

The Jamaica Chamber of Commerce has been instrumental in establishing such bodies as The Agricultural Department, The Tourist Board, and in recent years the Jamaica Manufacturers' Association and the Private Sector Organization. The Chamber's members have been actively involved in such fields as education, sports, journalism, adult literacy and management training. There can be no doubt that the Chamber and its membership have dedicated itself to the upliftment of the nation, and to building and enhancing the economic, social and cultural life of Jamaica .