BRITISH JAMAICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE APPOINTS INAUGURAL LEADERSHIP TEAM TO STRENGTHEN UK–JAMAICA TRADE AND INVESTMENT

Claudine Reid MBE appointed Charter President, with award-winning financial services leader Mahari Hay named Charter Vice President (UK), as the Chamber establishes its leadership and sets out its vision for stronger economic ties between the two nations.

The relationship between Britain and Jamaica has always been shaped by more than history. It is a relationship built on generations of shared heritage, cultural influence, family connections and longstanding commercial ties. Now, a new organisation is seeking to build on that foundation by strengthening the economic relationship between the two countries.

The British Jamaican Chamber of Commerce (BritJACC) has announced the appointment of Claudine Reid MBE as its inaugural Charter President and award-winning financial services leader Mahari Hay as Charter Vice President (UK).

Announced in London on 29 October 2026, the appointments mark an important milestone in the Chamber’s development and come at a particularly significant time for Jamaica, as the country continues to confront the devastating consequences of Hurricane Melissa.

Against this backdrop, BritJACC is advancing an important proposition: Jamaica’s recovery must extend beyond immediate humanitarian assistance to include rebuilding businesses, restoring livelihoods, attracting investment and creating sustainable employment.

The Chamber aims to become a practical commercial bridge between the United Kingdom and Jamaica, bringing together entrepreneurs, established businesses, investors and institutions to facilitate trade and long-term economic growth.

RECOVERY THROUGH TRADE, INVESTMENT AND ENTERPRISE

BritJACC’s vision recognises that rebuilding Jamaica’s economy requires a strong and sustainable business sector.

Its proposed contribution includes helping Jamaican micro, small and medium-sized enterprises reconnect with customers, identify British buyers and suppliers, improve export readiness, establish commercial partnerships and attract investment.

For British businesses, the Chamber intends to provide access to Jamaican markets, potential suppliers and commercial relationships across the wider Caribbean.

Established in 2026, BritJACC is an independent, member-led bilateral organisation. It was formally launched in Montego Bay on 15 June 2026 during the 11th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference.

The Chamber is designed to support businesses at different stages of development, including start-ups, established enterprises, diaspora-led businesses and first-time cross-border traders. Its approach is intended to complement, rather than duplicate, the work of existing trade, investment and recovery institutions.

LEADERSHIP WITH COMMERCIAL AND COMMUNITY EXPERIENCE

The appointment of Claudine Reid MBE and Mahari Hay brings together complementary experience across enterprise, financial services, leadership development and community engagement.

Claudine Reid MBE brings more than three decades of experience in social enterprise, leadership development, strategic community transformation and government advisory work.

A multi-award-winning consultant and practitioner, she has advised policymakers and senior leaders on inclusive enterprise and co-led an organisation whose work has employed more than 10,000 people.

Her experience in developing enterprise, influencing policy and delivering social impact provides a strong foundation for her role as Charter President, where she will help establish the Chamber’s strategic direction.

Mahari Hay, appointed Charter Vice President (UK), brings more than 21 years of experience across financial services, banking, digital product development, commercial strategy and business transformation.

An award-winning leader, Hay is also Founder and CEO of the Community, Corporate and Culture Group, which connects businesses, leaders and communities through recognition and engagement.

Born in Jamaica and raised in Britain, he brings both commercial experience and a personal understanding of the relationship between the two countries.

Speaking about her appointment, Claudine Reid MBE said:

“Britain and Jamaica share an extraordinary relationship built over generations. BritJACC gives us an opportunity to build on that foundation and create something equally powerful economically — connecting businesses, opening doors and creating the conditions for enterprise to thrive across both markets.”

Mahari Hay added:

“Our culture already has enormous influence. The opportunity before us is to translate more of that influence into enterprise, investment, ownership and economic opportunity. I want BritJACC to become a genuine door-opener — connecting entrepreneurs and businesses with the relationships, knowledge, networks and opportunities that can help them grow.”

THE VISION BEHIND THE CHAMBER

The appointments have been welcomed by BritJACC’s co-founders, Dr Nathaniel Peat DHL and Khori Hyde, who believe the inaugural leadership reflects the scale of the organisation’s ambitions.

Dr Nathaniel Peat said:

“From the outset, we knew the leadership of BritJACC needed to reflect the scale of our ambition. In Claudine Reid and Mahari Hay, we have two exceptional but complementary leaders. Claudine brings decades of experience across enterprise, government, leadership and social impact, while Mahari brings extensive financial services, commercial, digital and community leadership experience alongside an extraordinary ability to connect people and create opportunity.”

Khori Hyde added:

“This Chamber exists to turn connections into opportunity and ambition into action. Claudine and Mahari understand how to bring together people from different worlds; government, business, corporate institutions, entrepreneurs and communities around a shared purpose. That ability will be fundamental as we build BritJACC into an important bridge between the British and Jamaican business communities.”

The Chamber intends to offer a range of practical services, including commercial and legal guidance, start-up and scale-up support, funding and finance guidance, financial literacy, mentorship, consultancy, market-entry assistance, export readiness and investor engagement.

SUPPORT FROM BOTH GOVERNMENTS

The importance of BritJACC’s development has also been recognised by diplomatic representatives from both countries.

Alicia Herbert OBE, British High Commissioner to Jamaica, welcomed the appointments and emphasised the importance of business relationships within the wider UK–Jamaica partnership.

She said:

“Strong business relationships are at the heart of the UK-Jamaica partnership, and BritJACC has an important role to play in creating new opportunities for trade, investment and collaboration. The appointment of this inaugural leadership team represents an exciting milestone for the Chamber and reflects the ambition behind its creation. I am confident that BritJACC will become a valuable bridge connecting businesses, investors and entrepreneurs across both markets.”

His Excellency Alexander Williams, Jamaica’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, also welcomed the initiative, highlighting its mandate to strengthen economic and commercial ties.

He said:

“The British Jamaican Chamber of Commerce is developed with a clear and purposeful mandate to strengthen economic and commercial ties between Jamaica and the United Kingdom. It consists of a strong and credible founding vision, aligned with advancement of bilateral trade, investment, and a clear strategic positioning, addressing the growing need for structured engagement between UK and Jamaican businesses.”

FROM SHARED HERITAGE TO SHARED PROSPERITY

The British Jamaican relationship has deep roots. Generations of Jamaican families have contributed to British society across public service, business, politics, education, the arts and sport.

The diaspora has also maintained enduring connections with Jamaica, contributing professional expertise, resources, investment and knowledge.

However, significant barriers remain for businesses seeking to operate across the two markets. British entrepreneurs interested in Jamaica may struggle to navigate unfamiliar commercial environments, while Jamaican enterprises looking to enter the UK can face challenges accessing the right networks, guidance and market information.

BritJACC hopes to address these challenges by providing a structured platform for engagement, commercial support and collaboration.

Its establishment also comes at a time when Jamaica’s economic resilience and recovery are particularly important. Beyond immediate relief following Hurricane Melissa, the longer-term task will involve rebuilding businesses, strengthening local industries and supporting the communities whose livelihoods depend on them.

The appointment of Claudine Reid MBE and Mahari Hay represents the beginning of that journey for the Chamber. Their combined experience will be central to turning its founding ambitions into practical outcomes.

BritJACC is inviting entrepreneurs, established businesses, professionals, investors, institutions and organisations interested in strengthening commercial relations between Britain and Jamaica to become part of its growing network.

For further information about membership, partnerships and opportunities, visit:

www.britjacc.com

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