KINGSTON, Jamaica — Dr Norman Washington Grant has been appointed acting president of the Small Business Association of Jamaica (SBAJ), following a leave of absence by President Garnett Reid.
Grant, who has served as first vice president of the association since June 2019, is a chartered accountant and former president of the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS). He also holds a doctorate in Business Administration from Walden University in the United States.
He has held several leadership roles in the agricultural and business sectors, including chairman of the Jamaica 4-H Clubs, president of the Caribbean 4-H Council, vice chairman of the Global 4-H Network Board of Directors, and chairman of the Caribbean Farmers Network (CaFAN).
In a statement on Saturday, Grant congratulated Prime Minister-elect Dr Andrew Holness and the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) on their victory in the September 3 general election.
“We will engage quickly with the new administration on policies and programmes that will lead to the development of the small business sector after full engagement with our membership,” he said.
He also extended congratulations to Opposition Leader Mark Golding and the People’s National Party (PNP), noting that the party’s increased seat count will contribute to an improved balance of power in the legislature.
“It is very clear that we have a mature democracy,” Grant added.
The SBAJ, founded in 1974, represents small and micro businesses employing between one and 50 people, with an annual income not exceeding $450 million.