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.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The US dollar demonstrated a slight upward trend against the Jamaican dollar on Wednesday, September 24, closing at $161.04, marking an increase of 12 cents, as reported by the Bank of Jamaica’s daily exchange trading summary. This marginal rise reflects ongoing fluctuations in the foreign exchange market. In contrast, the Canadian dollar experienced a decline, ending the day at $115.52, down from its previous close of $117.50. Similarly, the British pound saw a minor dip, settling at $216.12 compared to $216.90 the day before. These shifts highlight the dynamic nature of global currency markets, influenced by a range of economic factors and international trade dynamics.

KINGSTON, Jamaica—In a welcome development for motorists, fuel prices across Jamaica are set to experience a notable decline starting Thursday, September 25. This adjustment follows the latest ex-refinery pricing data released by Petrojam, the nation’s leading oil refinery. The price of 90-octane gasoline will drop by $2.60, bringing it to $165.82 per litre, while 87-octane gasoline will also see a reduction of $2.60, settling at $158.81 per litre. Automotive diesel fuel will decrease by $0.54, priced at $167.47 per litre, and ultra-low sulphur diesel will see a $0.63 reduction, costing $173.73 per litre. Additionally, kerosene prices will fall by $0.54, making it available at $152.01 per litre. This price adjustment is expected to provide relief to consumers and businesses alike, easing the financial burden of transportation and energy costs.

DUBAI, UAE — Dushyant Savadia, Founder and CEO of Amber Group, was celebrated as the Global Leader of the Year 2025 at the 26th Asian Business and Social Forum. The prestigious event, organized by AsiaOne Magazine and URS Media, took place on September 19 at the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel in Dubai. The forum, themed ‘Celebrating the Spirit of Asia,’ brought together a diverse assembly of global business leaders, policymakers, diplomats, and investors from Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas.

In addition to Savadia’s accolade, Amber Connect, a subsidiary of Amber Group, was recognized as one of the World’s Greatest Brands 2025. Savadia, in his acceptance speech, emphasized the importance of service in leadership, stating, ‘Success without service is meaningless. True leadership is measured not just by profits but by the lives we uplift.’

AsiaOne Magazine lauded Savadia as a transformative figure whose contributions span philanthropy, technology, and entrepreneurship. ‘Mr. Savadia’s work exemplifies service, innovation, and resilience. He has demonstrated how technology can create jobs and address global challenges while remaining committed to local communities,’ the magazine noted.

The forum highlighted key themes such as bilateral trade, innovation, and cross-continental collaboration. Attendees included ambassadors and dignitaries from the Maldives, Zimbabwe, Guatemala, Kenya, and Indonesia, alongside members of royal families, Emirati cinema icons, and influential business leaders. The event served as a global platform for celebrating progress and fostering international cooperation.