The JSE Unwavering Market Education Thrust Continues
Overcoming Financial Obstacles Through Smart Investment Decisions. The Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE) chose this timely theme to drive its annual week-long market education seminars during the 16th National Investor Education Week (NIEW), held at the Exchange, 40 Harbour Street, Kingston, October 14 – 20, 2023.
NIEW is a planned week of activities designed to assist the public by raising awareness about the importance of investor education and protection covered by securities regulations. It is a forum through which the JSE, the listed companies and stockbrokers and other players in the financial industry converge to offer expert advice and solutions to participants to navigate this challenging financial climate and stimulate financial recovery and new wealth creation.
On Saturday October 14, the JSE worshipped at the Spanish Town Seventh-day Adventist Church in St. Catherine to kickstart the event by inviting the blessings of God. Monday being a National Heroes Day, the Church Service on Saturday was followed on Tuesday by the Youth Forum & Stock Market Games Awards Ceremony. The Open House accommodated all interested members of the public for a full day of market education on various areas of the stock market. On Thursday, the inaugural and phenomenally successful ‘She Leads’ women’s conference followed. The week of education ended with the youngest cohorts from across Jamaica, the primary/preparatory schools’ market participants, gathering at the Exchange for the launch of the Primary School Stock Market Game. This represents a milestone achievement for the JSE.
The week was successful with the JSE reaching over 3,000 participants during the week of activities.
The details of each event are as shown below:
Church Service
The week of activities began with a Church Service on October 14, 2023, at the Spanish Town Seventh Day Adventist Church where we offered thanks to God for his guidance over the years and asked for his blessings on the week of activities ahead. We also used the opportunity to sensitize a captive audience on the week’s activities. In attendance were JSE staff members and their families and other stakeholders in the finance Industry. The pastor in charge was Pastor Robert Williams.
National Youth Forum
On Tuesday, October 17, 2023, we hosted the National Youth Forum at the Jamaica Stock Exchange. This event catered primarily to students at the High Schools level and those who participated in the High School Stock Market Game. It aimed to attract the younger generation to the Stock Market and share simple steps that they can follow to make sound financial decisions. The highlight of the day was the Stock Market Game Award Ceremony with Jamaica College emerging the winner for the fifth year in all four award categories: Best Performing School, Best Performing Teacher, Best Performing Mentor and Best Performing Student.
Open House
On Wednesday October 24, 2023, we hosted our Outside Broadcast and Open House at the Jamaica Stock Exchange. The Outside Broadcast was hosted by RJR’s Hotline Programme and moderated by Dr. Orville Taylor. It featured representatives from the Jamaica Stock Exchange and our event sponsors who spoke on their involvement in NIEW and provided information to the listening public on their companies’ available products and services. The Open House was an interactive day of presentations from speakers of participating listed companies, stockbrokers and industry experts who delivered presentations and offered advice on the various investment products and services available to assist them to make strategic investments decisions. Some of the topics covered were “Business Valuation Techniques” by VM Wealth Management and “How to Read a Balance Sheet” by Sagicor Group.
‘She Leads’ Women’s Conference
On Thursday, October 19, 2023, history was made as the inaugural “She Leads” Women’s Conference, a powerful partnership between The Entrepreneurial You, led by the visionary Heneka Watkis-Porter, and the Jamaica Stock Exchange, took center stage. This groundbreaking event operated under the resounding theme of “Mental Wellness and Women in Leadership.”
The primary mission of the She Leads Conference was to ignite inspiration and empower women in both business and leadership roles. It provided a nurturing environment where women were encouraged to openly address their challenges and, more importantly, equipped with practical techniques to enhance their mental wellness. The event was an extraordinary confluence of expertise and insights, featuring captivating presentations from luminaries in their respective fields. Notably, Dr. Nadine Wong, a beacon of knowledge in mental wellness, and Melissa Pegus of TechStars Atlanta powered by J.P. Morgan, a trailblazer in startup operations and early-stage investment, graced the stage with their wisdom and expertise.
Panel discussions brimming with thought-provoking dialogue, networking opportunities that fostered invaluable connections, and a vibrant showcase of exhibitors displaying products and services tailored to women in business were among the many highlights of the day. But perhaps the zenith of the event was the presence and wisdom shared by the Honorable Olivia “Babsy” Grange, Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sports. As one of the main speakers, her insights resonated deeply, further emphasizing the significance of her role in advancing women in leadership.
The inaugural She Leads Conference was not just a one-time event; it was a celebration of enduring partnerships, women’s empowerment, leadership, and a commitment to mental well-being. It set the stage for future conversations, collaborations, and transformations, leaving a profound impact on all who were fortunate to be part of this extraordinary day.
Launch of the Primary/Preparatory School Stock Market Education Programme
Friday October 20, 2023, was the culmination of the week of activities. It was the launch of the Primary/Preparatory School Stock Market Education Programme and Stock Market Game. The goal of the Programme is to promote financial Literacy in schools by educating students of Primary and Prep Schools in Jamaica on the value of investing in the stock market and on the importance of starting to save at an early age. We had a total of forty (40) schools attending the launch. The event was opened by our Managing Director Dr. Marlene Street Forrest and the guest speaker was Hon. Fayval Williams, the Minister of Education and Youth. Minister Williams spoke to the students on the importance of Financial Literacy at an early age. She also gave her full support and endorsement of the Programme and the game. The JSE mascot “Stocky the Bull” was unveiled to reinforce the theme of investment and saving for the future. The developer of the Primary School Stock Market Game WISDOM CRM gave the students a tutorial of the platform and accommodated their questions and concerns.
There was also a second Outside Broadcast hosted by Power 106’s Mr. Raulston Hyman – Real Business. This Broadcast featured representative from the Jamaica Stock Exchange and the sponsors and the creator of the Stock Market Game WISDOM CRM informing the public of the available products and services that their companies offer. It was a very impactful week of activities catering to a wide cross section of the population.
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CONTACT:
Mr. Neville Ellis
Marketing Manager
Telephone: 876-967-3271 / 876-322-0984
