like me in Jamaica that have been doing something a certain way for a long time and don’t want to learn a new trick.” Rather than forcing rapid adoption, the company chose a strategic approach, gradually building credibility through demonstration projects and education. “We didn’t really want to do all of it. We wanted to pass it on, but because people were pushing back and when we gave people some carte blanche, they didn’t stick to the systems,” says Merrill. “It meant we had to become the contractors, and that was to protect the brand and the product.” At present there are a variety of structures built with the E-Z Block system all across the island. In addition to homes and multi storey condos there is a school, a church entryway, security walls and even a swimming pool. A turning point came when the company established a certification program with the University of Technology Jamaica (UTECH).“We have an MOU with UTECH to collaborate in 13 different areas, but the Dwaine Ramsay (left) Dale Merrill (right) building sample NHT House at Oceanpointe, Lucea, Hanover 70 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN VOLUME 12, ISSUE 03 ON)
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