Nagra Plunkett, Staff Reporter
Sujata Jagwani (left), president of the Rotary Club of Montego Bay, presents a certificate of appreciation to Marlene Street-Forrest, general manager of the Jamaica Stock Exchange, on Monday. The occasion was the club's monthly luncheon at Sandals Montego Bay. Mrs. Street-Forrest was the guest speaker. - PHOTO BY NAGRA PLUNKETT
WESTERN BUREAU:
THE JAMAICA Stock Exchange (JSE) says it is overhauling its operations in an effort to protect investors and ensure growth of the industry.
"Our focus must be on strengthening of regulatory framework, addressing matters such as corporate governance by way of an audit committee and strengthening internal systems to ensure proper monitoring of the market," Marlene Street-Forrest, general manager of the JSE, said Tuesday.
CAPITAL MARKET
"We have to look at encouraging investors and businesses to put valuable dollars in the Jamaican capital market."
Mrs. Street-Forrest, who was addressing the Rotary Club of Montego Bay luncheon at Sandals Montego Bay, said public education and exposure to market information were the primary focus of the organisation.
Greater awareness will stimulate change in how companies listed on the exchange operate and how funds are invested, she said.
Public education will also stimulate investors and businesses to lobby government and regulators on issues relating to the encouragement of greater liquidity in the marketplace, the JSE executive added.
She said the upcoming Regional Conference on Investments and Capital Markets would update participants on the issues relating to the Caribbean Single Market (CSM) and global changes in securities rules and regulations as well as the move towards a regional exchange.
"Possibly, the conference will lend itself to further review of the capital market sector and from feedback of attendees, will assist in providing a framework for a comprehensive capital market policy document," Mrs. Street-Forrest added.
The forum is scheduled for Half Moon Rose Hall in Montego Bay from January 17 through to January 19.
