Election spending a boon for some businesses

With the general election reaching its climax on Wednesday, September 3, some businesses are counting windfall earnings from the provision of goods and services to boost both major political parties in their quest for victory at the polls.

From transportation to food and drink, advertising in traditional and social media, billboards, vehicle wraps, clothing and caps, event planning equipment and more, businesses large and small have cashed in on the months-long frenzy to achieve political power.

“A number of businesses of all sizes benefit tremendously from the election…people in transportation, restaurants, caterers, people in the printing business, making feather banners, banners, the list goes on,” President of the Small Business Association of Jamaica Garnett Reid told the Financial Gleaner.

Reid, a motor vehicle dealer, said he has personally benefited from the elections this time around, unlike on other occasions. A four-time candidate for the Jamaica Labour Party, Reid said he had to dig deep into his resources to fund his election campaigns in the past.

He lost three times to former Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller in South St Andrew, and once to O.T. Williams in Western St Andrew.