Dermon Luke Spence, JP

Strategic Development Specialist and Agricultural Administrator

Mr. Dermon Spence can be described as an experienced executive with a proven record of success in strategic corporate planning, management, marketing and business development.  His professional career, which spans some 32 years, includes time as a high school teacher, farm manager, lecturer, researcher, consultant and administrator.
Before his acting appointment, effective January 2019, as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, he served as Chief Technical Director at the Ministry where he provided oversight to the Technical Directorate and technical advice to the Permanent Secretary and Ministers on agricultural issues and other related technical matters as required.  He was also very active in the day-to-day operations of the Ministry providing leadership in the development and implementation of Change initiatives.
In 2018, Mr. Spence completed a one-year assignment at the Office of the Prime Minister where he led the strategic coordination and implementation of the merger of the HEART Trust/NTA, National Youth Service, Jamaican Foundation for Lifelong Learning and the Apprenticeship Board.
He served more than 15 years at the HEART Trust/NTA in several capacities including National Programmes Director, Senior Director and Manager of the Ebony Park Academy.
Mr. Spence has served on several corporate and public sector boards including Western Hospitality Institute (Chairman); Rural Agricultural Development Authority; Cannabis Licensing Authority; Fisheries Management and Development Fund; National Compliance Regulatory Authority, College of Agriculture, Science and Education and Southern Regional Health Authority.
His formal education includes a Master of Science and a Bachelor of Science in General Agriculture from the University of the West Indies, Trinidad, as well as an Associate of Science Degree from the College of Agriculture, Science and Education.