Azan

In continuing our presentation of the thoughts of influential leaders in society on the more positive features of Jamaica, The Gleaner today brings you the views of Omar Azan, president of the Jamaica Manufacturers' Association Limited.

ONE OF the things that comes to mind when I think about Jamaica is the strength of our people. The maxim 'Wi likkle but wi tallawah' attests to the fact that even though we are a small island, our influence is felt worldwide, whether it is in the area of sports, academia or culture.

Even though we are located in the tropics, we dared to enter the 1988 Winter Olympic Games with a bobsled team. Our fellow Jamaican, Barrington Irving, made history when he flew around the world solo. We have a musical legend that has transcended borders and races, athletes who have broken world records, and great minds who have been movers and shakers on the world stage.

Our manufacturers, despite operating in a challenging environment, have been resilient. This resilience is attributed to our upbringing where, as a people, we are taught to be resourceful when things are lacking.

Living up to our name

We have been a leader in the Caribbean in skills training, with institutions such as the HEART Trust/National Training Agency, in maintaining quality products, attributed to the presence of the Bureau of Standards, and in the modernisation of our Customs Department.

Jamaica is blessed with natural resources. The beauty of our landscape and the variety of flora and fauna that exists enable us to live up to our name as the 'land of wood and water'.