248 Businesses Expected To Use ENDS This Weekend
Approximately 248 businesses are expected to utilise the E-Commerce National Delivery System (ENDS) platform this weekend, as the Government continues to expand the service island-wide.
The web-based ENDS system enables quick-service industry and delivery stakeholders registered on the platform, to operate during the curfew hours implemented to combat the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
ENDS is a partnership between the Government and the Private Sector Organization of Jamaica (PSOJ).
Providing an update on the platform during Wednesday’s (May 19) virtual post-Cabinet press briefing, Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of National Security, Senator Hon. Matthew Samuda said applications have been received from businesses in every single parish in Jamaica.
“We expect to have up to 248 businesses using the ENDS platform this weekend and that is evenly spread right across the country. Persons who are also visiting the website would notice that several upgrades have been done by e-Gov in recent weeks and the platform is much more user-friendly. This programme, we believe, is a bit of a silver lining… as it is moving several small and micro businesses into the 21st century,” Senator Samuda said.
He informed that companies registered for the ENDS programme have been installing new hardware and software as well as creating new apps to enhance customer experience.
“We are also seeing a boom in the number of companies who are offering an end-to-end payment solution. Some of these companies have gone as far as tackling logistics, which augurs well for the future of the delivery economy,” he said, noting that entities are retooling their staff and infrastructure.
Meanwhile, Minister Samuda remained persons that the Government does not collect or process the information of customers placing orders but rather, directs them to businesses on the e-commerce platform