Outgoing Jamaica Stock Exchange Chief Eyes Guyana as Regional Financial Hub
HGP Nightly News | June 5, 2025
By Tiana Cole | HGP Nightly News
Dr. Marlene Street Forrest, the outgoing Managing Director of the Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE), is in Guyana this week as a keynote speaker for Money Week 2025, hosted by the University of Guyana.
Her visit, she says, is more than ceremonial—it’s an opportunity to assess Guyana’s capital market potential, foster regional collaboration, and advance financial literacy and investment culture in what is currently the world’s fastest-growing economy.
“There is capital flow into Guyana, and within the country itself,” Dr. Street Forrest said.
“You need to examine your options for investment and wealth creation. Education is the foundation.”
She emphasized that market education will be key to Guyana evolving into a regional stock market leader, offering globally competitive financial products within the next five years.
“If we stay committed to market education, I see a groundswell coming,” she noted.
“Young people will be the drivers—they will demand sophisticated financial products and services.”
Kevin Powell, Principal of the JSE eCampus, echoed that sentiment. He stated that the Jamaican delegation is exploring partnerships with the Government of Guyana and local financial institutions to strengthen financial literacy, a necessary pillar for building generational wealth.
“We believe in creating an informed market. All of our training programs reinforce the importance of financial education, wealth building, and capital markets awareness.”
Powell added that the eCampus offers accessible courses designed for people at various educational and professional levels, emphasizing inclusivity in financial knowledge.
After over 20 years at the helm, Dr. Street Forrest’s retirement marks the end of a transformative era for the Jamaica Stock Exchange, which was named the best-performing stock market globally between 2015 and 2018 under her leadership.
Her final message to Guyana is to prioritize education and transparency in financial markets, and the country could become the investment capital of the Caribbean.
