April 14, 2022

KINGSTON, Jamaica – The JPS Foundation and the IDB Lab, launched the new Rev Jamaica Brand, a collaborative project that supports the growth of the electric mobility sector in Jamaica.  Rev Jamaica’s first project was rolled out recently with the launch of a free boot camp for innovators and entrepreneurs with bright ideas for businesses in or around the electric vehicle industry.

The boot camp, which will be facilitated by the Branson Centre for Entrepreneurship Caribbean, will equip the participants with the necessary tools to develop their business ideas for solutions to energy and transport related problems. It will also expose them to business best practices by industry experts.   Registration for this boot camp closes on April 18, after which 30 participants will be selected.

Deputy Chairman of the JPS Foundation, Ramsay McDonald, pointed out that, “the Rev Jamaica project gives us an opportunity to expand our reach, to support technical training and capacity building in the electric mobility sector. Over the next two years, the Rev Jamaica project will facilitate the training of 400 persons in electric vehicle maintenance and as first responders.”

While JPS President & CEO, Michel Gantois, who officially announced the boot camp, noted that JPS has been steadily laying the foundation for electric mobility over the past two years, through the construction of charging stations, and that this would continue, as the Company will be a major player in this emerging market in Jamaica.

JPS’ Chief Operating Officer, Gary Barrow took the concept of participation even further, by positing that the nation ought to set ambitious goals, in the face of so great an opportunity. “We are a vibrant culture full of talent… but we have failed, as a country, to convert these opportunities to economic development. In my view, electric vehicles represent a big opportunity, so let us not play small in this space – we should be assembling or better yet manufacturing EVs here in Jamaica within the next three years and that is my first challenge to the camp,” he asserted.

Terry-Ann Segree, Private Finance Operations Senior Specialist at IDB Lab, expressing delight at the progression of the initiative said “this phase of the program is geared towards the inclusion of innovators and entrepreneurs in the evolution of new value chains and new business opportunities in electric mobility.   Having the most innovative minds driving the future of electric mobility in Jamaica, is an exciting prospect for improving passenger experience, reduction of cost and fostering greater inclusion. This partnership will create the enabling environment for a sustainable electric mobility ecosystem, with an emphasis on creating opportunities for SMEs and their employees in the EV value chain through market sensitization, capacity building and new business model development.”

Keynote speaker for the event, CEO of the Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship Caribbean, Lauri-Ann Ainsworth, in addressing the audience , acknowledged the difficulties of the present period, observing that, “entrepreneurship gets us out of these challenging times.”  Delivering an impactful message on two non-negotiables – self-love and self-awareness, Ainsworth explained their critical role in achieving success.  These, she pointed out, allow one to identify their strengths and operate in their ‘zone of genius’ which is in fact, their differentiation.  She added to her recommendations: autonomy; self-mastery; and purpose – as inescapable musts for any successful entrepreneur.

The Entrepreneurial boot camp is one of several initiatives which will be undertaken by Rev Jamaica, in the short to medium term.

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About the JPS Foundation

The JPS Foundation plays a key role in facilitating our contribution to nation building. The Foundation was established in 2012 as the main channel for community outreach and development projects. This is being achieved through strategic partnership with individuals and groups that share a similar vision for Jamaica.

About the IDB LAB

IDB Lab is the innovation laboratory of the Inter-American Development Bank Group. It seeks to empower poor and vulnerable populations and activate new and sustainable engines of inclusive growth in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC).

Engrossed in conversation are (from left), JPS Foundation Deputy Chairman, Ramsay McDonald, CEO, Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship Caribbean, Lauri-Ann Ainsworth, JPS Chief Operating Officer, Gary Barrow and JPS Director of Corporate Communications, Winsome Callum. The group was at the launch of rEV Jamaica’s Electric Mobility Entrepreneurship Boot Camp held recently at the JPS Head Office. The Boot Camp is one component of the IDB Lab and JPS Foundation’s Electric Mobility Project and is designed to help participants develop their business ideas around electric vehicles and find solutions to energy and transport related problems.

CEO, Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship Caribbean, Lauri-Ann Ainsworth (2nd left), in conversation with Team JPS, (from left) Chief Operating Office, Gary Barrow; Media and PR Manager Audrey Williams; Director of Business Development, Dionne Nugent; President and CEO, Michel Gantois and JPS Foundation Deputy Chairman, Ramsay McDonald. The group were at Rev Jamaica’s Electric Mobility Boot Camp launch recently held at the JPS headquarters.

Enjoying a light moment at the launch of Rev Jamaica’s Electric Mobility Entrepreneurship Boot Camp are (from left), CEO, Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship Caribbean, Lauri-Ann Ainsworth; JPS Manager, Media and PR, Audrey Williams; and JPS President and CEO, Michel Gantois. Recently, Rev Jamaica launched its Entrepreneurship Electric Mobility Boot Camp calling for entrepreneurs and innovators to come together and share ideas to expand their businesses and the Electric Vehicle sector. This training opportunity is part of the IDB Lab and JPS Foundation’s project geared towards the development of a sustainable electric mobility eco-system.