– business leaders
(Jamaica Gleaner): Business sector leaders say that the National E-Commerce Delivery System (ENDS) can potentially help revolutionize economic activity in Jamaica, by facilitating the transition of more informal operators to the formal sector.
ENDS is a partnership between the Government and the Private Sector Organization of Jamaica.
It allows the fast service industry and delivery operators registered on the web platform to operate until midnight during curfew hours, which has been forced to control the spread of COVID-19 infections.
The pilots started in Portmore, St Catherine, on March 26, and at Kingston and Montego Bay, St James on April 2.
Jamaica Small Business Association President Michael Leckie told JIS News that the initiative bodes well for commercial activity in terms of improving service delivery and regulating the operations of informal entrepreneurs.
THE BEST WAY FORWARD
“This is the best way forward, especially for people in the food and restaurant industry, especially corner shops. If we can encourage and facilitate delivery services to customers, who only need to call an individual or organization, in light of what we are now experiencing with the COVID-19 infection rate and the resulting curfew to reduce spread, then that’s the best route to go, ”he said.
Leckie also believes that more informal operators will be encouraged to regulate their operations.
“I think that where people see the benefits, we will have more individuals who are acting informally, buying into the concept and are more convinced that they can move from informal to come formally, ”he said.
The President of the Jamaican Manufacturers and Exporters Association, Richard Pandohie, describes END as an “excellent enterprise,” noting, “I think it’s part of all the progress towards registration (informal businesses).”
“You must be (registered to participate) … and I think it also bodes well for the Government’s drive towards transforming Jamaica into a fully digital economy,” he said.
Noting that the concept is already being used successfully in local commerce, Pandohie says ENDS represents the elevation of the format to the national level.
“I think it’s a [big] move, and I sincerely hope that the vendors and other stakeholders really take advantage of it. I think they will be very surprised at their achievements in doing so, ”he added.
Jamaica Chamber of Commerce President Lloyd Distant Jr. said in light of the challenges posed by COVID-19, “It’s good to see something like the END being developed,” adding, “we hope it secures the type of benefits expected ”.
For his part, business analyst Warren McDonald said the decision to roll out the initiative shows that we are “moving in the right direction,” as it will regulate the operations of more informal entrepreneurs.
“It’s a good idea and we should certainly strive for its success,” he added.