In commending the entrepreneurship of Cecil and Marian Foster, owners of FosRich Company Ltd (FCL), Allen said they were well aware that "if everyone sits back and waits on the economy to improve, there will be no improvement".
"Instead, it is the business and productive sector which must rise up, take action and turn the economy around," the governor general said while speaking at the opening of the new office of FCL at 77-79 Molynes Road in Kingston last week.
FCL is one of the island's largest suppliers of electrical material and equipment.
Devastated economies
While pointing to the economic downturn, which has devastated economies around the world, Allen said that many might wonderwhy FCL chose to make such a largeinvestment now.
"Does Cecil Foster know something that we don't know?" he asked. "I think not. Cecil Foster is a shrewd businessman who believes in himself, believes in what he does, believes in this country, and believes in God. This is clear evidence that, if embraced by all Jamaicans, the theme 'I Believe' can propel this nation to embrace its destiny of greatness. We must believe in ourselves and our nation, we must believe."
Allen also recognised the work of the35-year-old Small Business Association of Jamaica, which he said has as one of its main objectives fostering the development of small-business, thereby contributing to national development. He said the small-business sector in Jamaica had proven to be very resilient and they had a critical role to play.
Small and micro enterprises make up approximately 90 per cent of the business economy. They employ approximately 80 per cent of the workforce and contribute approximately 50 per cent of the gross domestic product (GDP).
Allen further added: "The spirit of entrepreneurship must become embedded in the consciousness of our people, because a healthy entrepreneurial culture will contribute substantially to the social and economic development of our country. I urge members of the business community to help in the branding of Jamaica and spreading the message that small businesses have the confidence and have demonstrated that Jamaica is a reliable, trustworthy and good place to invest and to do business."
Commenting on why he undertook the expansion at this time, Foster said: "There is never a time when there are no challenges that face businesses. Challenges open new opportunities, and new opportunities open room for growth. My mantra is to find a way to go through, around or over the 'mountain' of challenges."
FCL started business 15 years ago with a staff of two (Cecil and Marian) in a small building at 77 Molynes Road. It now occupies 45,000 square feet of warehouse and 20,000 square feet of store room at 77-79 Molynes Road, and has a staff complement of 27.
Cecil Foster (right), managing director of FosRich Company Ltd, explains the unique qualities of the weatherproof (water- and dust-proof) flourescent lamp to Governor General Dr Patrick Allen during a tour of the warehouse in Kingston. - Photo by Nigel Coke