Ministry committed to facilitating work of the petroleum industry

Chief Technical Director in the Ministry of of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Stephen Wedderburn, says the Government continues it work to ensure that the requisite laws and regulations are in place to govern the petroleum industry.

He informed that what the Ministry has been doing is creating capacity building programmes through its various agencies to ensure that micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are able to move their business to the next level; from micro to small or small to medium.

“The gasolene industry, a part of our MSME sector, aside from contributing to our general economic well-being, creates jobs and provides opportunities for many Jamaicans. We recognize that the gasoline industry plays a critical role in making available a wide range of transportation services used in our economy, including both public and private transportation providers,” he stated.

The Chief Technical Director was representing Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon Karl Samuda at the official opening of the Jamaica Gasolene Retailers Association’s inaugural Trade Show, at Worthington, Spanish Court Hotel on April 5.

Mr. Wedderburn noted that Jamaica’s gasolene industry, through the work of the Jamaica Gosolene Retailers Association has become far more sophisticated and that the trade has expanded over time, with more operators coming on board and retailers continuing to upgrade their facilities in response to the demands of consumers.
“We now have approximately 18 marketing companies and 295 service stations in the market, represented by the JGRA, and indeed, a much greater variety of gas stations to suit varying consumer needs and income levels,” he said.

The Chief Technical Director said that the JGRA has become a mainstay in the petroleum industry, dedicating its energies to fulfil its mandate to ensure service delivery, maintain harmony and cooperation within the industry, as well as, inculcate and maintain high standards of integrity and honour in the distribution of petroleum products.

Some 22 exhibitors, not only from the petroleum sector, but also other business entities and other stakeholders participated in the trade show.
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Contact:

Director, Communication & Public Relations
Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries
Hope Gardens, Kingston 6
T – 618-7128; E: pr2@micaf.gov.jm; daoconnor@micaf.gov.jm
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