Posted on 16 September 2008
Mike Michalowicz, author of the The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur
had a business trip to Jamaica and returned with an interesting report Why Jamaica Can (And Will) Lead the World in Next Generation Entrepreneurialism. “I discovered something far more beautiful and inspiring than you would ever see as a tourist. It is the entrepreneurs of Jamaica with their relentless pursuit to improve themselves and the world that is beautiful and inspiring. In one word, I was impressed. In a a few words, I was impressed to my core.”
Mike has build a list of factors that could influence entrepreneurship in Jamaica in the near future. While his report is full of enthusiasm, I can’t stop thinking if the way he saw things isn’t that the way things go in Eastern Europe? A young generation of entrepreneurs that think the World if theirs and move mountains in a society that was asleep for so many years before?
Thanks so very much for the comment! I always appreciate a counter point… it can foster a great converstation.
If you don’t mind, would you post additional comments on the TPE blog about your knowledge, experience, etc. about the Eastern European entrepreneurial experiences?
Thanks again… I so appreciate your candor and input.
Hi and thanks for the post. I was the Jamaican who brought Mike to my country and I have no doubt that if Mike is brought to many of the Eastern European countries, that he would come away with the same feeling of enthusiasm.
Both Jamaica and Eastern Europe share more similarities than people realize.
Jamaica however has produced things that are readily recognizable anywhere in the World:
- Bob Marley
- Reggae music
- The fastest sprinters
- Jerk seasoning
Few countries have such brand recognition or such a large diaspora population.
We have the 7th largest natural harbour in the World, which is a major trans-shipment point in the western hemisphere, one of the treatments for glaucoma was developed from research in Jamaica from Cannabis, we already have a call center from Verizon, speak English naturally and are in the same time zone as NY.
Jamaica is 1 hour and 20 minutes from Miami and plans to launch a international financial centre like Cayman but focused on sports and entertainment.
Our dollar is twice as strong as the Yen, we have tons of sugar cane to turn into ethanol (just bought by a Brazilian company), have working ethanol plants, wind farms and the government is encouraging solar power.
Jamaica has a large collection of indigenous plants which would be good for biotech and pharma research.
The climate is perfect for growing and exporting Cannabis, just like what Canada currently does.
Each region has it’s competitive and comparative advantages. Eastern Europe seems to be more tech focused and will undoubtedly take over from India.
But no other country has the brand that Jamaica has and they cannot duplicate that.
David,
A real eye opener comment about the Jamaican entrepreneurship! Thanks for the help.