In response to mounting financial losses and a shrinking traditional advertising market, the RJRGleaner Group has initiated a bold 12-month turnaround strategy. The plan, unveiled during an investor briefing at the AC Hotel Kingston, focuses on corporate restructuring, a groundbreaking partnership with the Jamaica Observer, and a concerted effort to monetize its vast but underutilized digital audience. This move comes as the company reported a net loss of $180 million for the first quarter ending June 30, 2025, highlighting the urgency of the situation. Chairman Joseph Matalon emphasized the challenges faced by the group, stating, ‘The past year has been very challenging… but we are not standing still. We have taken decisive steps to reshape this group for the future.’ The strategy includes a shift from a siloed operational structure to a unified model, with dedicated leaders for each business line focused solely on profitability. Centralized sales and marketing teams will craft a cohesive strategy to monetize the company’s audience across all platforms. The group is also leveraging its dominant online presence, targeting the Jamaican Diaspora, particularly in the United States, where advertising revenue per million impressions is significantly higher than in Jamaica. Additionally, a landmark memorandum of understanding with the Jamaica Observer aims to reduce operational costs through a joint venture in printing and distribution. Despite these efforts, CEO Anthony Smith cautioned that the turnaround will be gradual, with tangible results expected in the latter half of the year and beyond. The company’s auditor, Baker Tilly, flagged critical areas of concern, including the valuation of its investment property portfolio and the impairment of its goodwill balance. The success of this ambitious plan will determine whether the RJRGleaner Group can navigate the digital transition and restore its financial health.
作者： admin
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CALM BEFORE THE STORM
As the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo entered its sixth day, Jamaica’s athletes showcased a mix of triumphs and setbacks, setting the stage for a thrilling medal pursuit. Shericka Jackson, Bryan Levell, and Jordan Scott are poised to lead Jamaica’s charge in the women’s and men’s 200m finals and the men’s triple jump, respectively, aiming to bolster the nation’s six-medal tally. Levell, who clocked an impressive 19.78 seconds in the men’s 200m semi-final, is set to face off against defending champion Noah Lyles and Kenny Bednarek in a highly anticipated final. Lyles, despite denying any direct response to Levell’s performance, acknowledged the Jamaican’s talent, stating, “He’s a great talent. I don’t know how long he has been around, but he’s doing his thing now.” Meanwhile, Jackson, the two-time defending champion in the women’s 200m, advanced with a season-best 21.99 seconds, setting up a fierce showdown with 100m champion Melissa Jefferson-Wooden. In the men’s triple jump, Jordan Scott, with a qualifying mark of 17.51m, aims to make history as the first Jamaican man to medal in the event at the World Championships or Olympics. Thursday also saw Navasky Anderson break the national record in the men’s 800m, qualifying for the final with a time of 1:43.72. However, there were disappointments, including Rusheen McDonald’s fourth-place finish in the men’s 400m final and Lamara Distin’s failure to qualify in the women’s high jump. Shanieka Ricketts, a medal favorite in the women’s triple jump, finished fifth, while Ackelia Smith placed eighth. Despite the mixed results, Jamaica remains hopeful for podium finishes as the championships progress.
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A beast of a car show
On Sunday, August 31, Hope Botanical Gardens in Jamaica became the epicenter of automotive enthusiasm as Velocity Jamaica hosted its much-anticipated event, Beasts & BBQ. This free car show brought together car enthusiasts, families, and food lovers for an afternoon of high-octane entertainment and community bonding. The event featured an impressive array of vehicles, ranging from modified classics to high-performance machines, all showcased against the lush backdrop of the gardens. Attendees were treated to a dynamic display of automotive artistry, with cars constantly rotating in and out of the venue, creating a visual spectacle that kept the crowd engaged throughout the day. The event’s unique setting, combined with its creative execution, set it apart from traditional car meets, earning widespread acclaim from participants and spectators alike. Raheem Hall, director of Velocity Jamaica, expressed his pride in the team’s efforts, emphasizing their dedication to delivering unparalleled entertainment. Co-directors Daniel Fraser and Justin Campbell highlighted the event’s success in fostering a sense of community among car enthusiasts while offering a platform for creativity and shared passion. The overwhelming positive feedback has already sparked anticipation for future events, solidifying Velocity Jamaica’s reputation as a leader in the automotive entertainment scene. Sponsors such as VM, Porsche, Red Bull, and All Power played a crucial role in bringing the vision to life, earning gratitude from the organizers and attendees. Beasts & BBQ not only celebrated Jamaica’s vibrant car culture but also demonstrated the power of community-driven events to inspire and unite.
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Holness doubles down on plan to transform Jamaica
Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has reaffirmed his commitment to transforming Jamaica into a nation characterized by sustained economic growth, reduced crime rates, affordable housing, and world-class infrastructure. Addressing the newly sworn-in Parliament, Holness emphasized that his focus is not on his personal legacy but on Jamaica’s destiny. This follows his historic third consecutive victory in the September 3 General Election, where his Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) triumphed over the People’s National Party.
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House warming
The opening of Jamaica’s highly anticipated legislative session on Thursday set the stage for a dynamic and contentious political landscape. The Opposition made it clear that it intends to rigorously hold the Government accountable for the pledges made during the general election campaign. This declaration underscores the heightened scrutiny expected in the coming term.
However, the reappointment of Juliet Holness as Speaker of the House, a decision opposed by the Opposition, sparked immediate criticism. Opposition Leader Mark Golding expressed concerns, suggesting that the Parliament’s commencement was marred by discord and a lack of consensus.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness reaffirmed his administration’s ambitious vision for Jamaica’s future. He emphasized the Government’s commitment to achieving sustained economic growth, reducing crime rates, providing affordable housing, and developing First World infrastructure. Holness stressed that this third term is not about personal legacy but rather about elevating Jamaica to a position of greatness on the global stage.
The contrasting perspectives of the Government and Opposition highlight the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for Jamaica’s political and socio-economic development. For more detailed coverage, refer to Pages 4 and 5.
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MEN IN LOCKS
In a groundbreaking moment for Jamaica, four male parliamentarians are now proudly wearing dreadlocks, marking a significant shift in the acceptance of Afro-centric identity and Rastafarian culture within the nation’s political landscape. This historic development includes first-time Member of Parliament (MP) Isat Buchanan and Damion Crawford from the Opposition benches, along with Allan Bernard in the Senate. On the Government side, Alando Terrelonge retained his dreadlocks as he was sworn in for his third consecutive term.
Speaking to the Jamaica Observer outside Gordon House, Buchanan, the new MP for Portland Eastern, emphasized the symbolic importance of this milestone. He highlighted the long-standing discrimination and stereotypes faced by individuals with dreadlocks, particularly within Jamaican society. Buchanan, who previously challenged the government in court over Rastafarian hair and Afro-identity rights, described this moment as a major step forward in the country’s journey toward inclusivity and cultural acceptance.
Buchanan stressed the importance of representation, noting that Jamaica’s progress in embracing its Afro-centric roots and Rastafarian heritage is a testament to the nation’s evolving identity. He also underscored the need for unity and equality, asserting that cultural background or personal preferences should not hinder anyone’s opportunities in life.
Crawford, the new MP for St Catherine North Western, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the presence of dreadlocked MPs reflects the true essence of Jamaican identity. He pointed out that the acceptance of dreadlocks in political spaces signals a broader shift toward embracing “Jamaicaness” as a unifying cultural force.
However, Steven Golding, president of the Universal Negro Improvement Association and African Communities League, cautioned against conflating dreadlocks as a hairstyle with the Rastafarian faith. He emphasized that Rastafari is a religion rooted in the divinity of Haile Selassie, and not all individuals who wear dreadlocks adhere to this belief. While acknowledging the positive impact of increased acceptance, Golding called for clearer distinctions between cultural expression and religious identity.
This historic moment in Jamaica’s Parliament not only celebrates the growing acceptance of dreadlocks but also highlights the ongoing dialogue about identity, representation, and cultural heritage in the nation.
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DOMLEC says outages due to fault on ITS north feeder
Dominica Electricity Services Ltd (DOMLEC) has issued a formal apology to residents in several communities following an unexpected power outage on Thursday, September 18, 2025. The disruption, which affected areas including Fond Canie, Louisville, Silver Lake, and Bath Estate, among others, was attributed to a fault on the company’s north feeder. DOMLEC has assured customers that its technical team is actively investigating the issue and working diligently to restore electricity. Updates on the restoration timeline will be provided as soon as they become available. The company expressed regret for the inconvenience caused and urged affected residents to remain patient while repairs are underway. The outage has impacted key locations such as schools, residential areas, and major streets, highlighting the importance of reliable power infrastructure in the region.
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DBS Head at readers’ prize-giving ceremony: Time to renew initiative regionally for ‘better Caribbean’
Cecil Joseph, Manager of State-Owned Radio DBS, has proposed a revival of the station’s reading initiative across the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and the broader Caribbean region. Speaking at the 2025 DBS Radio National Reading Competition prize-giving ceremony, held at the Dominica-China Friendship Hospital (DCFH) conference centre, Joseph emphasized the need for collaboration with regional education ministries to reintroduce the program. He highlighted the importance of evaluating children’s progress rather than fostering a purely competitive spirit. ‘If we can compare and learn from each other, we can build a better Caribbean and OECS,’ Joseph remarked. He pledged persistent advocacy, stating that DBS Radio would actively engage with education officials to ensure the initiative’s success. The competition crowned Kierra John of Sineku Primary School as the top reader, with Amelia Desbonne and Kyra David securing second and third places, respectively. The event also featured a segment sponsored by the National Co-operative Credit Union Limited (NCCU), where Nicole George emerged as the best reader. Dragon Windows served as the headline sponsor, underscoring the community’s commitment to fostering literacy and educational excellence.
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Thea does it again! LaFond secures silver in World Championships in Tokyo
Thea Lafond-Gadson, representing the Commonwealth of Dominica, has once again made her nation proud with an outstanding performance at the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 2025. On September 12, 2025, Lafond-Gadson clinched a silver medal in the women’s triple jump final held at the National Stadium in Tokyo, Japan. Competing against a fiercely talented field, the Olympian and gold medalist achieved a season-best jump of 14.89 meters, securing her place on the podium. This remarkable feat adds another accolade to Dominica’s growing collection of international sports achievements. The Dominica News Online (DNO) extended heartfelt congratulations to Lafond-Gadson for her exceptional performance and dedication to the sport.
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Acting PM meets with British High Commissioner to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean
On Friday, September 12, Acting Prime Minister of Dominica, Hon. Dr. Irving McIntyre, hosted a significant meeting with His Excellency Simon Mustard, the British High Commissioner to the Commonwealth of Dominica. The discussions took place at the Prime Minister’s Office in Roseau, marking a pivotal moment in the diplomatic relations between the two nations. Earlier in the day, Mustard formally presented his Letter of Credence to Her Excellency Sylvanie Burton, the President of Dominica, solidifying his official role in the region. The bilateral talks centered on reinforcing mutual commitments to enhance cooperation and explore shared interests across multiple sectors, including trade, climate resilience, and regional security. Simon Mustard, who assumed his position as British High Commissioner to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean in May 2025, brings over two decades of experience in policy, crisis management, and consular affairs. His previous roles include serving as Special Envoy to Africa’s Great Lakes region and British High Commissioner to Sierra Leone. Currently based in Barbados, Mustard’s appointment underscores the UK’s strategic focus on strengthening ties with Caribbean nations. This meeting highlights the ongoing efforts to foster a robust partnership between Dominica and the United Kingdom, with both sides expressing optimism about future collaborations.