Cassetta Green
Director, Strategic Planning, Business Development and Promotions
JANAAC Global Accreditation

In a significant development that underscores its growing influence, the Jamaica National Agency for Accreditation (JANAAC) recently rebranded itself as JANAAC Global Accreditation. As the only internationally recognised accreditation body in the English-speaking Caribbean, JANAAC Global Accreditation is at the forefront of efforts to ensure quality and compliance across various sectors in a region that is rapidly integrating into the global economy.

For more than a decade, this agency has been pivotal in setting and maintaining high quality standards within Jamaica and ten (10) other Caribbean territories, impacting industries such as healthcare, education, environment and manufacturing. However, with the region’s increasing participation in global trade, the need for robust, internationally recognised accreditation has become more critical. JANAAC’s transformation marks a strategic shift, positioning the agency as a key player not just within the Caribbean, but on the global stage.

This rebranding comes at a time when Caribbean companies seek to boost exports, diversify economies, and meet the stringent demands of international trade. As globalisation intensifies, accreditation becomes a vital tool to unlock opportunities for these companies to leverage their unique advantages and secure new markets. This aligns with insights shared by the Caribbean Development Bank’s Director of Economics, Mr. Ian Durant, who stated at the February 2024 CDB Annual News Conference that “Despite having to navigate this challenging external environment, Caribbean economies continued to rebound from the COVID-19 shock, with an average growth rate of 6.7% in 2023.” “These economies benefitted from robust demand from major source markets and by the end of 2023, 11 countries had overtaken pre-pandemic output levels.” 

As a body that has evolved from a developing nation located in Kingston, Jamaica, JANAAC’s journey as an accreditation body has set a remarkable precedent in demonstrating that institutions in developing regions, have the competence to offer services that stand shoulder-to-shoulder with those in developed countries, and promote global standards of excellence across a range of industries and services. JANAAC’s strategic growth and development reflects the agency’s commitment to rigorous processes and its adaptability to the diverse regulatory environments that characterize the global marketplace. It is also a powerful testament to the impact that internationally recognised accreditation bodies have in promoting global trade, building trust in the quality and trade of goods and services across nations and shaping a more reliable and interconnected world economy. As a leading force in its field, Jamaica’s national accreditation body is poised to expand its global footprint. Today, approximately 45% of its clients are from the Caribbean region, a figure that continues to grow as the agency strengthens its foothold in markets outside of Jamaica.

JANAAC’s rebranding marks a new chapter in the agency’s history, one that is defined by growth, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to excellence on a global scale.