分类： business

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a strategic move to bolster its leadership team, the National Commercial Bank Jamaica Limited (NCBJ) has announced the promotion of Angus Young to the position of executive vice president, corporate and investment banking. Young, who will retain his role as CEO of NCB Capital Markets Limited, will now also oversee the bank’s corporate banking division. This consolidation aims to enhance client experiences and amplify the bank’s capacity to deliver scalable solutions.

In a groundbreaking move to bolster tourism and strengthen ties with Latin America, the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), in collaboration with Wingo Airlines, Corona, and Hyatt Hotels, welcomed two ‘mystery flights’ from Colombia to Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay on Thursday. This event marked the beginning of a new chapter in connectivity between Jamaica and Colombia.

Campari has unveiled a striking new bottle design, marking its first significant packaging overhaul in years. The revamped bottle features a sleek, modern silhouette with intricate engravings inspired by Milan’s iconic Duomo cathedral, blending the brand’s contemporary vision with its deep Italian heritage. Dominique Bell, communications manager at JWray & Nephew Limited, emphasized that this redesign is more than just a cosmetic update. ‘This new Campari bottle represents a lifestyle moment,’ Bell stated. ‘It’s bold, fresh, and transforms any space it enters. Campari has always dared to stand out in the entertainment scene, and this design amplifies that spirit. We believe it will spark confidence, inspire new connections, and reshape the way people experience Campari. This is a fresh drop for those who dare to be bold, different, and unapologetically themselves.’ The company confirmed that the product inside remains unchanged, and the redesign comes at no additional cost to consumers. Key features include a champagne-gold cap, an embossed Campari logo, and the founder’s signature. Bell explained that the redesign was driven by the need to modernize while staying true to the brand’s roots. ‘The iconic Milanese landmark, Il Duomo, inspired the bottle’s engraved detailing, a nod to the city that birthed Campari,’ she said. The updated packaging will be rolled out globally, with localized marketing campaigns in regions like Jamaica and the wider Caribbean. ‘This is a global initiative with local adaptations,’ Bell added. ‘Each element was chosen to root the brand in Milanese heritage while elevating its tactile, visual, and cultural appeal, solidifying Campari as a modern, sensual icon.’

In a significant move to support its agricultural sector, Ghana has announced a 12.3% increase in the price paid to cocoa farmers, raising the rate from 3,228.75 to 3,625 cedis ($257 to $289) per 64-kilogram bag, or 58,000 cedis per tonne. This adjustment, effective immediately, positions Ghana’s cocoa price at $4.5 per kilogram, closely trailing its neighbor and top global producer, Ivory Coast, which recently set a record price of 2,800 CFA ($5) per kilogram. The decision underscores the Ghanaian government’s commitment to ensuring farmers receive equitable compensation for their labor, according to Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson. This price hike follows a previous announcement in August 2025, which had already marked a 60% increase in dollar terms, though the cedi’s depreciation since then has somewhat diluted its impact. Price controls in Ghana, the world’s second-largest cocoa producer, aim to stabilize farmers’ incomes, particularly during market downturns. However, critics argue that these controls have failed to keep pace with global price surges, prompting some farmers to abandon cocoa farming for more lucrative ventures like gold mining, which has led to environmental degradation and further strained cocoa production. The Ghanaian government, under President John Mahama, has pledged to increase cocoa farmers’ share of export earnings to at least 70% of the Free-On-Board (FOB) value. Additionally, Forson announced ongoing support initiatives for farmers, including free fertilizers, pesticides, and spraying machines, as well as a new scholarship program for cocoa farmers’ children, set to begin in the 2026/27 academic year.

The Caribbean tourism sector has demonstrated remarkable resilience in the first half of 2025, with tourist arrivals increasing by nearly 2% despite a decline in demand from North America. According to Paul Garnes, the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) database administrator, the region welcomed 18.5 million visitors during this period, marking a 1.9% year-on-year increase and a 6.1% rise compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019. These figures were shared at the 2025 State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) in Barbados.

Elon Musk, the world’s wealthiest individual, has etched his name in history by becoming the first person to amass a net worth exceeding $500 billion, as reported by Forbes’ real-time billionaires index. This unprecedented achievement underscores Musk’s dominance in the global tech and business arenas, leaving his competitors far behind. On Wednesday afternoon in New York, Musk’s fortune momentarily peaked at $500.1 billion before settling slightly above $499 billion later in the day. The bulk of Musk’s wealth is attributed to his 12% stake in Tesla, the electric vehicle giant whose stock has experienced a meteoric rise this year. Musk, who also spearheads SpaceX, Neuralink, and other groundbreaking ventures, has consistently led global wealth rankings. However, this milestone marks the first instance of any individual surpassing the half-trillion-dollar mark. Forbes further speculates that Musk could potentially become the world’s first trillionaire by 2033.

Jamaica’s economy has demonstrated robust growth in the second quarter of 2024, surpassing initial estimates and setting the stage for an even stronger performance in the third quarter. The Statistical Institute of Jamaica reported a 1.6% year-on-year expansion for the April-June period, an upward revision from the earlier 1.4% estimate released by the Planning Institute of Jamaica in August. This marks the second consecutive quarter of economic growth, signaling a steady recovery trajectory. The Bank of Jamaica (BOJ) projects a further acceleration, with third-quarter growth anticipated to reach between 3% and 4%. The central bank attributes this momentum to a tight labor market and rising wage growth, which are broadening economic activity. The agricultural sector emerged as a standout performer, surging by 9.2% due to favorable weather conditions that boosted harvests of yams, vegetables, and fruits. This contributed to a 3.6% overall increase in the goods-producing sector. Tourism, a critical driver of the economy, also saw a 4.1% rise in accommodation and food services, fueled by higher foreign arrivals. However, the mining sector faced challenges, contracting by 4.8% due to operational issues at alumina refineries. Despite this setback, the BOJ remains optimistic, forecasting sustained economic expansion over the next two years, positioning Jamaica on its most stable recovery path in years.