On Tuesday, August 5, 2025, the Small Business Association of Jamaica (SBAJ) paid a courtesy call on His Excellency Mr. Jan Hendrik van Thiel, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany, who was accompanied by Mrs. Kristina Nigbur-Sammy, Deputy Head of Mission and Head of Administration.
The SBAJ delegation included President Mr. Garnett Reid, Second Vice President Ms. Dennise Williams, Director Ms. Audrey Bowen-Baker, Ms. Althea McPherson, Ms. Shaun Grant, Mr. Lionel Campbell, Mr. Walter J. Davis, Ms. Veniesh Wallace, and Intern Mr. Alain Barrant.
Key Discussion Areas
The meeting explored a wide range of topics including:
- Training and tertiary opportunities in Germany for adults of all ages
- Green energy collaboration, particularly in solar and wind power
- Access to equity markets and investment facilitation for Jamaican SMEs
- Light manufacturing support, including equipment procurement and repair training
- Nursing education and employment opportunities in Germany
- Feedback on local business expos such as “Christmas in July” and addressing quantity challenges in product development
Ambassador van Thiel also shared valuable insights into the German Federal Government’s perspective on global developments, including the ongoing war in Ukraine.
This engagement reflects SBAJ’s continued commitment to fostering international partnerships that support capacity development, sustainable energy innovation, and trade diversification for Jamaica’s small business sector