JSE accelerating collaboration this year – Dr. Street-Forrest

Dr. MARLENE STREET-FOREST MANAGING DIRECTOR OF THE JAMAICA STOCK EXCHANGE (JSE) told the opening ceremony of the 19th annual conference that in its Emerald Anniversary celebrated this year there will be accelerated collaboration with other market participants.
“As we navigate unprecedented changes in the market, collaboration is imperative,” Dr Street-Forest told listeners who flocked to the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel for the opening of the three-day annual conference.
She recalled that in 2023 the JSE pursued creative efforts to “forge effective partnerships through Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) with most stock exchanges and entities to enhance capital markets development.”
“We will be doing more of that in 2024 this year and beyond,” Dr. Street -Forrest promised, speaking under this year’s conference theme, ‘The Drivers of Capital: From Concept to Growth’.
“Throughout the conference let us not only examine current market drive, but envision what really should propel our market. Our goals should be to utilise tools and technologies for expansion while creating an inclusive market that fosters equity across all societal classes,” the JSE’s Managing Director (MD) said.
Dr Street- Forest explained that expanded collaboration is behind their vision to introduce the Jamaica Social Stock Exchange (JSSE) and push the various markets that we have had.
‘A proactive approach is necessary for micro, small and medium-sized businesses in this rapidly changing landscape for global and regional capital market developments,” the JSE official emphasised. She said fostering cooperation within countries across the region and beyond is critical for shared learning and cementing a more effective approach.
Over the three days, JSE in its 55th year of existence has selected conference speakers capable of stimulating, energising and encouraging businesses “to be the driving force in the capital markets,” Dr Street-Forest promised.
“We want to express to all of you our heartfelt thanks because we would not have been here today had it not been without your encouragement and involvement in the market. The journey continues and with you at the top of the agenda we are poised for even greater milestones,” she said.

The JSE with more than a half-century of existence and leadership experience, has seen a number of mind-boggling global changes including the most-recent, artificial intelligence (AI). Consequently businesses “must be mindful of the risks, and strategically plan to address the challenges and exploit opportunities,” Street-Forest counselled.
She said there is a need for comprehensive examination of monetary policies, regulatory frameworks and products and services.
Additionally, there is also need for help for the stock market and human capital. “This will create a balanced and confident market for regional economic development,” the JSE executive explained.
“As active participants in the capital markets, we must quickly adapt innovative technologies, and superior services that surpass customers’ expectations and that yield good returns on investments. We really want to do that when the market is up…to get that real return for investors,” the JSE official emphasised.
“A key emphasis is recognition for human capital which is a key driver for capital market investment. The continued development of our people encompasses our own aspect of capital market and their intersection with technology is critical to our progress. Also, we knew that confidence in our markets is a responsibility that we bear. Therefore, it is important that we be equipped with analytical minds so that we can drive the process of even AI,” she said.
What is wanted is a more sophisticated market, Street-Forest said as the next stage of capital market investment is approached. She said their ability to discern becomes more crucial in addressing a more nascent but complicated market they have noticed in almost two decades.
Capital market participants have been the driving force behind market confidence, and not technologies by themselves, Dr. Street-Forrest reminded her audience.