分类： business

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Breeze Airways is set to introduce seasonal non-stop flights from Tampa International Airport (TPA) to Montego Bay, Jamaica, starting February 11, 2026. This marks the airline’s first international service from Tampa Bay, connecting travelers directly to Sangster International Airport (MBJ). The new route, pending final government approval, will operate twice weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Montego Bay will become the 30th destination offered by Breeze from TPA since the airline’s inception at the airport in 2021. Tampa International Airport CEO Michael Stephens expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting the convenience and affordability the new route will bring to Tampa Bay travelers seeking access to Montego Bay’s vibrant culture and stunning beaches. Breeze Airways, founded by aviation entrepreneur David Neeleman, has rapidly expanded its network, now operating over 300 routes to more than 80 cities across the U.S. and internationally. Neeleman emphasized the significance of this milestone, attributing it to the support of the airline’s team, passengers, and airport partners. The new service will feature Breeze’s signature blend of low fares and premium amenities, including Ascent seating, free family seating, onboard WiFi, and flexible booking options. Introductory fares for the route start at $99 each way and are now available for booking on Breeze’s website.

The Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export), in collaboration with the European Union’s Global Gateway initiative, has unveiled a groundbreaking facility to empower micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) across the Caribbean. Named the Building Resilient Innovation for Digital & Green Enterprises (BRIDGE) facility, the program provides co-financing of up to EUR 100,000 to help MSMEs adopt sustainable and digitally advanced business models. The initiative is strategically designed to address two critical priorities for the private sector: green transition and digital transformation. Through two distinct funding streams, MSMEs can secure financial support to accelerate their growth and competitiveness. The Green Transition stream offers co-financing of up to EUR 100,000 (covering 60% of project costs) for initiatives in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, circular economy, blue economy, and green technologies. Meanwhile, the Digital Transformation stream provides up to EUR 50,000 (60% of project costs) for projects in e-commerce, business process automation, cybersecurity, digital products, and supply chain digitization. Beneficiaries are required to contribute at least 40% of project costs, ensuring a shared commitment to success and sustainability. Dr. Damie Sinanan, Executive Director of Caribbean Export, highlighted the transformative potential of BRIDGE, stating, ‘This initiative is about co-investing in the future of our businesses. By supporting green and digital transitions, we are enabling businesses to reduce costs, innovate, and access new export markets, ultimately fostering a more competitive and resilient Caribbean economy.’ Fiona Ramsey, the EU Ambassador to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean States, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the EU’s commitment to supporting Caribbean businesses in achieving sustainability and digitalization. Applications for the BRIDGE facility are now open and will close on November 9, 2025. Eligible firms can access detailed guidelines, application forms, and budget templates on the Caribbean Export website.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The National Commercial Bank (NCB) has announced the introduction of a Voluntary Separation Programme (VSP) for eligible staff members across its operations and wholly-owned subsidiaries in Jamaica. The initiative, which will be available from September 23, 2025, to September 29, 2025, is entirely optional and aims to assist employees who are considering alternative career paths or opportunities outside the bank.

Participants in the VSP will be entitled to a comprehensive package of financial and transitional benefits. These include severance payments, extended health and life insurance coverage, concessions on staff loans, flexible pension options, and the continuation of existing scholarships. NCB has clarified that the programme is not a replacement for redundancy provisions and is unrelated to employee performance. Approval for participation will be contingent on the bank’s business needs.

In a statement, NCB emphasised its commitment to fairness, transparency, and respect throughout the process. ‘We deeply value the contributions of all our employees and remain dedicated to supporting our team members during this transition,’ the bank stated. The VSP reflects NCB’s proactive approach to workforce management while maintaining its focus on operational efficiency and employee welfare.

In a landmark settlement, Amazon has agreed to pay $2.5 billion to resolve allegations brought by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regarding deceptive practices in enrolling consumers into its Prime subscription service and complicating the cancellation process. The lawsuit, filed in a federal court in Seattle, accused Amazon of intentionally misleading customers during checkout, making it challenging to decline the $139-per-year Prime membership while prominently featuring sign-up options. The FTC highlighted that crucial details about pricing and automatic renewals were often obscured or buried in fine print. Amazon’s internal cancellation system, nicknamed ‘Iliad’—a reference to Homer’s epic about the prolonged Trojan War—was described as deliberately convoluted. As part of the settlement, Amazon is required to overhaul its enrollment and cancellation processes, ensuring transparency and ease of use. Additionally, the company must implement new disclosure requirements before charging consumers. The court had previously ruled that Amazon Prime subscriptions fall under consumer protection laws, emphasizing that Amazon collected billing information without fully disclosing subscription terms. Amazon neither admitted nor denied wrongdoing in the settlement proposal, which was submitted before the third day of testimony in Seattle. This case is part of a broader bipartisan effort to regulate the growing influence of U.S. tech giants, marking a significant shift in government oversight.

In a decisive move to protect Jamaica’s tourism sector, Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett has announced plans to strengthen regulations and enforce penalties against unregulated operators. Speaking to the Jamaica Observer, Bartlett emphasized the risks posed by unlicensed activities, which undermine the country’s tourism product. He revealed that the government will collaborate with the Ministry of National Security and the Ministry of Justice to ensure compliance and enforce sanctions effectively. This initiative comes in response to growing concerns from licensed stakeholders who report unfair competition from unregulated entities. For instance, Garfield Dussard, owner of Garfield’s Diving, highlighted the challenges of competing with operators who bypass permits, licenses, and insurance, offering cheaper rates and larger commissions. Similar grievances are echoed across the industry, with licensed transport providers, craftsmen, and tour companies losing market share to unregulated rivals. The Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo) has begun issuing cease-and-desist orders to unregistered operators, but many argue that enforcement remains inconsistent. Licensed operators like Robert McNamee and Dalton Green have expressed frustration over the lack of effective action, with some even considering exiting the industry due to unsustainable competition. Minister Bartlett has called for stricter enforcement and a partnership with local authorities to ensure compliance with standards. The Tourism Ministry is also pursuing policies to incentivize greater participation of Jamaican manufacturers, farmers, and professionals in the tourism supply chain. As Jamaica strives to maintain its status as a premier destination, stakeholders stress the need for a balanced regulatory framework that ensures safety, fairness, and sustainability for all participants in the industry.

The Jewel Grande Montego Bay Resort in Jamaica became the epicenter of culinary innovation on September 16, as the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) hosted an enlightening Beef & Lamb Showcase. The event, designed to highlight the exceptional quality and versatility of USDA-certified meats, attracted a diverse audience of industry professionals, including chefs, hoteliers, and food-and-beverage executives, all eager to explore the potential of these premium products in Jamaica’s dynamic food scene. The evening commenced with insightful presentations and live demonstrations by USDA experts, who detailed the rigorous standards, cutting-edge practices, and nutritional advantages that position USDA beef and lamb as global market leaders. These sessions not only emphasized the superior quality of the meats but also underscored the opportunities they offer for elevating menus in Jamaica’s hospitality sector. The second half of the event featured a curated tasting session, where guests savored an array of dishes that showcased the adaptability of USDA beef and lamb. From internationally inspired tender cuts to innovative fusions with traditional Jamaican flavors, the culinary creations sparked vibrant discussions among attendees. Cecil Jagdath, Executive Chef at Marguerites, praised the initiative, noting its value in providing fresh perspectives and enhancing the dining experiences expected by guests. For the USDA, the event was more than a promotional effort; it was a strategic move to strengthen ties with Jamaica’s hospitality industry and bolster the island’s reputation as a global culinary destination. Liz Wunderlich, Caribbean Representative for US Meats, highlighted Jamaica’s significance as a key market and announced plans for local distribution of USDA premium products through supermarket channels. The showcase concluded with toasts to its success, marking a significant step in fostering collaboration between the USDA and Jamaica’s culinary leaders.