News

Corporate Sponsorship for Worldskills

When the 15-member WorldSkills Jamaica team leaves this month for Shizouka, Japan, HEART/NTA, the enabling agency, will give thanks to the partnerships and corporate sponsorship that helped make it all possible.

HEART/NTA first looked to the Jamaica Tourist Board and Jamaica Trade & Invest when the decision was made to participate in this year's WorldSkills International Competition November 14 to 21. Those agencies have vast experience taking Brand Jamaica on the road and were ideal partners in this venture. It also helped that two key principals at JTI, Robert Gregory and Mark Thomas, are HEART alumni.

Corporate sponsorship was also needed to ensure Jamaica's participation in the WorldSkills competition, where our finalists are to compete in four skill areas: Orane Johnson - Software Application, Marlon Maulsby - Web Design, Alia Wedderburn - Lady's and Men's Hairdressing, and Brian Lumley - Cooking.

GraceKennedy Ltd., through its Grace Foods International Division lent support with sponsorship of US$1,500 and the donation of several of its products. Grace's sponsorship will be used to defray the high cost of shipping products to Japan.

Other major local organizations supporting WorldSkills Jamaica include: Jamaica Standard Products Company Ltd., Busha Browne, and Wray & Nephew Ltd. These companies have all donated products for display, along with promotional material that will help bring attention to Jamaican businesses and products.

On exhibition during the 4-day competition will be the following Jamaican made products: Grace's Tropical Rhythms juices, Hot Pepper Sauce, packet-Soups, and Jerk Seasoning; Jamaica Standard Product's Coffee and Hot Pepper Sauce; Busha Browne's Seasonings; and Rum from Wray & Nephew.