Events Calendar

FTC Participates in Regional IP and Competition Law Workshop in Trinidad

The Fair Trading Commission, represented by a Competition Analyst and a Legal Officer, participated in a regional workshop on the Intersection between Intellectual Property Rights and Competition Law, held from June 30 to July 2, 2025, in Trinidad and Tobago.

The workshop was organized by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), in collaboration with the Intellectual Property Office of Trinidad and Tobago, the Trinidad and Tobago Fair Trading Commission, and the CARICOM Competition Commission.  The event aimed to enhance participants’ understanding of competition issues related to intellectual property (IP) within the context of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME).

The three-day workshop brought together experts in competition law and intellectual property from across the region, fostering knowledge exchange and meaningful dialogue on the evolving interface between these two critical areas.

Central to the discussions were concerns regarding the potential for IP rights —while intended to incentivize innovation — to give rise to competition issues.  These concerns are particularly pronounced in contexts involving monopolistic practices related to licensing, copyright enforcement, and the growing dominance of digital platforms.

The workshop addressed a broad spectrum of topics.  Day One focused on fundamental principles of competition law and intellectual property, as well as the role of Collective Management Organizations (CMOs) and their influence on market dynamics. Participants examined how competition law can both support and challenge the enforcement of copyrights, and explored the competition implications of collective rights management.

Day Two shifted attention to practical challenges and emerging issues. Sessions explored the licensing of patents and copyrights — particularly in the pharmaceutical and creative industries — and examined the regulation of digital platforms and their expanding influence in Caribbean markets. A panel discussion underscored the importance of fostering stronger collaboration between intellectual property offices and national competition authorities across the region.

The workshop represented a significant step toward the continued development of more integrated and responsive regulatory frameworks within the CARICOM Single Market and Economy.

The Westmoreland Leg of the MIIC MSME Roadshow was a Success!

On June 18, 2025, the Fair Trading Commission (FTC) participated in the MSME Business Roadshow held at Manning’s School in Savanna‑la‑Mar, Westmoreland. The event brought together business owners, consumers, government agencies, and other key stakeholders in a dynamic forum for engagement and collaboration.

FTC representatives provided valuable insights into the Commission’s role in promoting fair competition, safeguarding consumer welfare, and contributing to national economic development. Attendees received guidance and information on how the FTC supports a competitive marketplace that benefits both businesses and consumers.

A highlight of the roadshow was the entrepreneurial pitch segment, where local business owners competed for grants ranging from JMD$200,000–JMD$400,000. The event also featured over 40 exhibitors, expert-led workshops, and a wide array of resources from the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce (MIIC) and its partners — all aimed at driving growth and innovation in the MSME sector.

The FTC’s participation underscored its ongoing commitment to fostering a vibrant, competitive business environment across Jamaica.

The MSME Business Roadshow is coming to Westmoreland, and you’re all invited!

The MSME Business Roadshow is coming to Westmoreland, and you’re all invited!

The Ministry of Industry, Investment & Commerce, Jamaica’s Business Ministry, is calling on bold entrepreneurs to step forward and pitch their innovative ideas at the Micro Business Pitch Competition on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at Manning’s School.

What’s at stake?
A chance to win a J$200,000 cash grant and get your business the recognition it deserves!

Are you ready to take the stage? Here’s what we’re looking for:
✅ Business operating for at least 1 year
✅ Registered in Jamaica
✅ Annual revenue of J$15 million or less
✅ No more than 5 employees

Don’t let this opportunity pass you by! Whether you’re crafting the future or expanding your vision, this is your moment to shine.

Register now at roadshow.miic.gov.jm

See below for more information.

Westmoreland! The MSME Business Roadshow is heading your way!

Westmoreland! The MSME Business Roadshow is heading your way!

The Fair Trading Commission invites YOU to take centre stage in the Small Business Pitch Competition during the MSME Business Roadshow on Thursday, June 18 at the Manning’s School.

This is your chance to showcase your business, gain exposure, and compete for a J$400,000 cash grant!

Whether you’re launching something new or growing your venture, this is the perfect opportunity to make it happen.

Register now: roadshow.miic.gov.jm
️Deadline: June 10, 2025

We can’t wait to see you pitch your way to success!
See below to learn more.

FTC Participates in the 7th Meeting of the Reconvened Task Force on the Implementation of Chapter 8 of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas

Mr. David Miller, Executive Director, participated in the 7th Meeting of the Reconvened Task Force on the Implementation of Chapter 8 of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, held in Bridgetown, Barbados, from May 15 to 16, 2025. Among the topics discussed were Modalities and Legal Arrangements for Advancing Cooperation between Member States and the CARICOM Competition Commission in the CSME, and Next Steps and Action Plan to Implement Obligations Under Chapter 8 of the Revised Treaty.

As a means of strengthening collaboration between competition and consumer protection authorities in Member States, Mr. Miller requested that the Task Force consider having arrangements for Cooperation Agreements between Member States with respect to competition and consumer protection issues being undertaken, whether it be investigations, market studies or competition advocacy

Our participation in JMEA Expo 2025 was a success!

It was our pleasure and honour to be a part of the biggest trade show in the Caribbean. The exhibition was a great success for the Fair Trading Commission (FTC) and allowed us to engage in numerous insightful conversations with industry representatives, academics, public officials, students and consumers; and to showcase all the services of the FTC. The interactions were rich and assisted us in gaining insight into numerous issues in special sectors including, the retail, telecommunications, education and manufacturing sectors.

As Jamaica’s competition authority, we believe public education is paramount to our mandate and hope that the visitors to the FTC booth left with more information on the role of the FTC in promoting competitive markets, just as we have learned to serve you better across the many sectors. We consider our participation in the JMEA Expo 2025 rewarding.

If you have further inquiries or in case you want more information about our services, please feel free to contact us at: [email protected], or (876) 960-0120.

Connect with the FTC at Expo Jamaica 2025

Come connect with Jamaica’s Competition Authority at Expo Jamaica on April 3 – 6, 2025! We can’t wait to see you there!

CARIFORUM Training of Staff & Commissioners of Competition Authorities

The Commissioners and Technical Staff of the Jamaica Fair Trading Commission (JFTC) participated in the CARIFORUM Level 2 Training in Competition for Staff of Commissions, which was held during March 18-21, 2025, via Zoom.  Up to 65 persons were in attendance during each of the first three days, and 140 persons attended on the closing day.

The workshop was a capacity-building initiative for competition authorities within CARIFORUM under the EU-funded project entitled “Consultancy for Capacity Building in Competition, Public Procurement and Customs and Trade Facilitation”, and aimed to strengthen the specific knowledge and skills that enforcers of competition law require to effectively investigate competition cases. The facilitator of the workshop was Dr. Frédéric Jenny, a professor of Economics at ESSEC Business School in Paris, former Supreme Court Judge of the Commercial Division in France, and the Chairman of the OECD Competition Commission, and the OECD Global Forum.

The workshop covered key areas in competition law such as legal and economic approaches to competition law analysis; direct and indirect evidence in cartel enforcement; abuse of dominance; mergers and acquisitions; standard of proof; sanctions and remedies; and interagency cooperation. The sessions blended legal and economic perspectives with case studies from Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Trinidad & Tobago, Barbados, and the wider CARICOM. It emphasized investigative techniques, evidentiary standards, policy impact assessments, and regulatory collaboration, ensuring participants gain practical knowledge to enhance competition enforcement in their jurisdictions.

On the workshop’s closing day, representatives of the regional competition authority, CARICOM Competition Commission (CCC), and several national authorities participated by presenting on their experiences in relation to sector regulators.  Mr. Marc Jones, Senior Legal Counsel at the CCC (and former Legal Officer at the JFTC) presented JFTC’s experience in investigating the 2012 Digicel/Claro acquisition, which involved court judgements on the JFTC’s jurisdiction regarding the telecommunications sector.

Also on the closing day, Executive Director, Mr. David Miller, presented the JFTC’s experience on the topic “Priority Setting and Assessment of Effectiveness of the Actions of Competition Authorities”.  The presentation is attached here.

Priority Setting & Assessment of Effectiveness of JFTC Actions

2025.03 DM Priority Setting And Assessment of Effectiveness of JFTC Actions – CARIFORUM FINAL

Upcoming Roadshow

We’re heading to St. Elizabeth for the next leg of the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce’s MSME Business Roadshow, which will take place on Thursday, March 6, 2025.

This is another fantastic opportunity for local businesses to connect, learn, and access vital resources that can help accelerate growth and development. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale your business, this event is packed with valuable insights, networking opportunities, and support tailored to your needs.

Make sure to mark your calendars and stay tuned for more updates.

We can’t wait to see you in St. Elizabeth!