分类： business

KINGSTON, Jamaica – Jamaican government officials are calling on the nation’s youth to harness the vast economic potential within the creative industries. Delano Seiveright, State Minister in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, emphasized that Jamaica possesses a unique and underutilized niche in the global creative marketplace.

Following a strategic meeting with entertainment mogul Romeich Major, a key architect of Jamaica’s modern entertainment landscape, Seiveright highlighted music, event production, and cultural businesses as natural competitive advantages for the nation. He argued that while Jamaican talent is abundant, young creatives must begin viewing their artistic endeavors as scalable business ventures.

“The paradigm must shift from mere cultural expression to structured enterprise creation,” Seiveright stated. He pointed to Major’s career trajectory—spanning music management, brand development, and international events—as a blueprint for success. Major’s achievements demonstrate how artistic vision, when fortified with business acumen and persistence, can generate substantial job opportunities, export revenues, and global market penetration.

Research from the Creative and Cultural Industries Association of Jamaica reveals the sector already contributes significantly to the national economy, accounting for 5.1% of GDP with an estimated annual value of $107 billion. Despite this substantial footprint, many emerging creatives face challenges in business structuring, financing, export capabilities, and market access.

Seiveright outlined the government’s intensified focus on enterprise development, export expansion, and investment facilitation specifically tailored to creative sectors. The ministry aims to provide tools and partnerships that help entrepreneurs transition from local recognition to sustainable international operations, ultimately maximizing Jamaica’s cultural capital on the world stage.

Jamaican authorities have initiated a comprehensive modernization drive to overhaul the nation’s insolvency infrastructure amid an increasingly complex economic environment. Delano Seiveright, Minister of State in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, has been appointed to lead this strategic enhancement of Jamaica’s insolvency ecosystem, focusing on institutional efficiency improvements and expanded public education programs.

The modernization effort gained momentum through recent high-level consultations with Jamaica’s key insolvency regulatory bodies. Minister Seiveright conducted substantive meetings with leadership from both the Office of the Government Trustee (OGT) and the Office of the Supervisor of Insolvency (OSI), signaling strong governmental commitment to institutional reform.

During discussions with Government Trustee Elece Campbell, the OGT demonstrated significant operational advancements including ISO 9001:2015 certification achievement, resolution of multiple longstanding bankrupt estates, and substantial creditor payments totaling approximately $21.9 million distributed to 74 creditors across 24 bankruptcy cases. The OGT’s expanded mandate now encompasses comprehensive estate administration, asset investigation, creditor distribution management, and financial counseling services aimed at economic rehabilitation.

Concurrently, OSI leadership including Supervisor Fayola Evans Roberts and Deputy Supervisor Chevánt Hamilton outlined their institution’s progress in regulatory oversight, highlighting trustee licensing, international standards compliance, and extensive data management operations. The OSI reported processing over 1,700 insolvency verification requests, conducting successful trustee compliance activities, and achieving preliminary ISO certification milestones during the previous financial year.

Minister Seiveright emphasized the critical timing of these reforms, noting that Jamaica’s evolving digital economy and increasing cross-border commercial activities necessitate transparent, efficient insolvency procedures. The initiative forms part of broader governmental efforts to enhance business facilitation, strengthen investor protection mechanisms, and ensure regulatory institutions remain responsive to dynamic economic conditions. Public education campaigns regarding insolvency procedures, debtor rehabilitation, and creditor rights protection have been identified as essential components for building economic resilience and maintaining investor confidence.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Palladium Hotel Group has announced the strategic appointment of Andrew Wright as the new General Manager for its dual-property complex comprising the Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa and Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton Resort & Spa. This leadership transition occurs during a significant expansion phase for the Spanish hotelier in the Caribbean market.

A native of Montego Bay with Hanover parish roots, Wright brings over 15 years of industry expertise to his new position. His professional journey includes international education in Canada followed by a dedicated return to Jamaica to cultivate his hospitality career. The appointment signifies the company’s commitment to local leadership development within its global operations.

In his elevated capacity, Wright will direct comprehensive operations while implementing the group’s strategic growth initiatives across Jamaican properties. Jesús Zalvidea, Vice President of Operations for the Americas at Palladium Hotel Group, emphasized the timing of this appointment: “We are proud to welcome Andrew as general manager during this pivotal growth period. His leadership will enhance our operational strategy, elevate guest satisfaction metrics, and solidify our Jamaican resorts as benchmarks of excellence.”

The management transition coincides with Palladium’s ambitious $20 million development project that will substantially increase its Montego Bay presence. The expansion plan will introduce 948 new rooms, bringing the complex’s total inventory to nearly 2,000 rooms. This development will mark the debut of two new brand experiences: the adults-exclusive TRS Hotels brand and the Family Selection at Grand Palladium Hotels & Resorts concept.

Beyond physical expansion, the project incorporates upgraded amenities and innovative sustainability features aligned with modern travel expectations. Simultaneously, through its Palladium Cares initiative, the group has established hospitality training centers in Jamaica with capacity to benefit approximately 600 residents annually, addressing both workforce development and corporate social responsibility objectives.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Caribbean aviation connectivity receives a significant boost as LIAT Air announces strategic expansion with two new non-stop routes originating from Pointe-à-Pitre in Guadeloupe. The regional carrier unveiled plans to establish enhanced air links to Antigua and Montego Bay, marking a pivotal development in intra-Caribbean transportation infrastructure.

The airline’s expansion strategy commences May 1 with twice-weekly ATR 42 service to Antigua operating Fridays and Sundays, featuring 48-seat aircraft configurations. This initial phase will evolve into year-round operations by July 2026 with the introduction of additional rotations utilizing 50-seat Embraer ERJ 145 aircraft.

Concurrently, LIAT will inaugurate its Montego Bay corridor during July’s first week, deploying Embraer ERJ 145 aircraft for bi-weekly Tuesday and Saturday flights. This permanent service coincides with Jamaica’s premier Reggae Sumfest cultural festival, strategically timed to capitalize on increased regional travel demand.

Alain Bievre, Chairman of Guadeloupe Maryse Condé International Airport’s Board, characterized these developments as transformative for the territory’s aviation landscape. “The restoration of Antigua services and establishment of new Jamaican connectivity represent monumental progress for Guadeloupe’s aviation infrastructure,” Bievre stated. “These routes actualize our board’s diversification strategy, complementing existing services to Southern Caribbean destinations and Canadian markets while positioning our airport as catalyst for economic and tourism development.”

LIAT Air CEO Hafsah Abdulsalam emphasized the expansion’s significance for regional integration, noting: “Reconnecting Antigua reestablishes crucial inter-island linkages that strengthen familial bonds, stimulate economic exchange, and enhance cultural connectivity. Simultaneously, our Montego Bay service creates seamless access to one of the Caribbean’s most vibrant tourism economies, benefiting both Caribbean and European travel corridors.”

Tourism authorities welcomed the developments, with Guadeloupe Islands Tourism Board General Director Rodrigue Solitude noting: “These aviation enhancements transcend mere transportation improvements, fostering cultural exchange and historical connectivity while potentially catalyzing expanded regional network development.”

The executive chairman of Great Bay Joint Venture Company, Bernard St Aubyn Henry, has reaffirmed his family’s deep-rooted dedication to the Treasure Beach community, a commitment spanning more than eighty years. As the developers behind Treasure Bay Estates, the Henry family maintains that their connection to this coastal Jamaican enclave remains unwavering.

Henry traces this enduring legacy to his father, Glen Henry, whose initial ownership established the family’s profound ties to the area. ‘Treasure Beach has been an integral chapter in our family’s narrative for generations,’ Henry stated. ‘It continues to embody our conviction that this community stands among Jamaica’s most exceptional coastal locations for investment and residential living.’

Historically, Treasure Beach originated as a serene fishing village on Jamaica’s south coast, distinguished by its authentic culture and strong communal pride. This foundational ethos was significantly influenced by Desmond Henry, who served as Director of Tourism at the Jamaica Tourist Board from 1978 to 1980. During an era dominated by sun-and-sand tourism marketing throughout the Caribbean, Henry advocated for a more comprehensive vision—one that presented Jamaica through its cultural richness, its people, and authentic lived experiences. He maintained that tourism should facilitate genuine connections between visitors and local communities while safeguarding regional identity.

His pioneering efforts helped establish Treasure Beach as one of Jamaica’s earliest models of community-driven tourism. This approach encouraged visitors to lodge in locally owned villas, savor fresh seafood, engage in farm-to-table practices, and immerse themselves in the south coast’s natural serenity.

Treasure Bay Estates now carries forward this vision through a meticulously planned residential development encompassing approximately 44 acres. The project is designed to include 130 villa lots, prioritizing long-term sustainability and organized growth. Perched at an elevated position, the development offers expansive views of the Caribbean Sea, with numerous home sites featuring uninterrupted ocean vistas while preserving the open, tranquil character intrinsic to Treasure Beach.

Prospective homeowners can select from four distinct residential designs, including an exclusive four-bedroom, four-bathroom villa layout, alongside three-bedroom, three-bathroom configurations. These residences, ranging from 2,424 to 4,348 square feet, artfully blend comfort, privacy, and sophisticated coastal living.

To promote consistent development and protect investments, the project requires construction to commence within five years of purchase. This policy supports active building efforts and fosters the cohesive growth of the community, ensuring that Treasure Bay Estates evolves in alignment with its founding principles.