分类: business

  • Lack of financial statements showing MNIB history delaying its transformation

    Lack of financial statements showing MNIB history delaying its transformation

    The Grenadian government has initiated a significant transformation in its agricultural sector by replacing the long-standing Marketing and National Importing Board (MNIB) with a new entity, Import-Export Agromart (IMEXA) Ltd. This move comes after years of financial mismanagement and inefficiencies within the MNIB, which had necessitated repeated government bailouts. Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell highlighted the absence of financial statements as a major obstacle in securing a private partner for the MNIB. ‘The MNIB was so poorly run that there were no financial statements for many years,’ Mitchell stated during an interactive talk show, ‘DMs with the PM.’ The government has since taken decisive steps to address these issues, including the payment of severance and termination benefits totaling $2,667,892.73 to all 87 MNIB staff members recorded as of 28 February 2023. In August 2023, the government successfully refinanced approximately EC$5 million of debt owed by the MNIB to a local commercial bank, consolidating all outstanding principal balances at an interest rate of 4.0% to be repaid over 10 years. Finance Minister Dennis Cornwall announced in March 2025 that the MNIB would cease operations before the third quarter of 2025, with IMEXA Ltd. established as its successor. Legal and financial experts are currently developing a prospectus and legal agreements to engage a suitable strategic partner for the new entity, aiming to have it operational by the end of the third quarter of 2025.

  • Caribbean Airlines CEO quits

    Caribbean Airlines CEO quits

    In a significant development for Caribbean Airlines, CEO Garvin Medera has stepped down from his role after eight years at the helm. His resignation, reported by the Trinidad Express, follows mounting pressure from Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who issued a stern ultimatum to the airline’s management earlier this year. In August, Persad-Bissessar warned that leadership changes would be imminent if the company failed to address its operational challenges within two years. Medera’s departure also coincides with the resignation of the airline’s board following the country’s general elections in April. Recent months have seen heightened scrutiny of the airline’s financial operations, leading to the dismissal or suspension of several senior finance team members. In a strategic move, Caribbean Airlines announced the discontinuation of its services between Kingston and Montego Bay, Jamaica, and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, effective November 2, 2025, as part of efforts to streamline its network and improve efficiency.

  • Nano-grant sparks growth for Dames Electrical

    Nano-grant sparks growth for Dames Electrical

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – At 34, Dominic Morgan, the founder of Dame’s Electrical and Home Renovation Services, is a living testament to how determination, skill, and targeted support can transform small beginnings into significant opportunities. His journey into the world of electrical repairs began in childhood, fueled by an insatiable curiosity for dismantling electronics—even if he didn’t always know how to put them back together. What started as a childhood fascination evolved into a passion that now anchors his livelihood.

  • Forex: $161.34 to one US dollar

    Forex: $161.34 to one US dollar

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The foreign exchange market in Jamaica witnessed a day of mixed movements on Friday, October 3, as the US dollar remained stable while other major currencies experienced declines. According to the Bank of Jamaica’s daily exchange trading summary, the US dollar closed at $161.34, showing no change from the previous trading session. In contrast, the Canadian dollar saw a dip, ending the day at $115.84, down from $117.23. Similarly, the British pound also recorded a slight decrease, closing at $216.85 compared to $217.17 the day before. These fluctuations highlight the dynamic nature of the global currency market, with the US dollar maintaining its resilience amidst shifting economic conditions. The Bank of Jamaica continues to monitor these trends closely, providing essential insights for investors and policymakers navigating the complexities of international finance.

  • Jamaica sets sights on 500,000 UK visitors by 2030

    Jamaica sets sights on 500,000 UK visitors by 2030

    Jamaica has unveiled an ambitious plan to attract 500,000 visitors from the United Kingdom (UK) annually by 2030, marking a significant effort to strengthen its position in one of its key tourism markets. The announcement was made by Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett during the Platinum Celebration Awards at the Jamaica Travel Market. Bartlett emphasized the deep historical and cultural ties between Jamaica and the UK, as well as the growing interest among British travelers in experiencing authentic Jamaican culture.

  • Latin America push

    Latin America push

    In a bold move to diversify its tourism market, the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) has successfully launched a strategic initiative targeting Latin America. On Thursday, two direct flights from Colombia, operated by Wingo Airlines, landed in Montego Bay, carrying 370 passengers. This marks a significant step in Jamaica’s plan to tap into non-traditional markets and achieve its ambitious goal of welcoming eight million visitors by 2030, generating $10 billion in revenue. The seasonal flights from Bogotá and Medellin will run from December 18 to January 26, 2026, further strengthening ties with Colombia, one of Jamaica’s fastest-growing source markets. According to JTB data, Colombian arrivals surged by 32.3% in 2024 compared to 2023, with an additional 25.2% growth in the first half of 2025. The new Wingo routes are expected to accelerate this momentum, enhancing connectivity and enriching the visitor experience. Wingo Airlines, a low-cost carrier under Copa Holdings, now offers the only direct flight between Bogotá and Montego Bay, marking its 25th international route. The initiative, a collaboration between JTB, Wingo Airlines, MBJ Airports Limited, and Hyatt Hotels, was celebrated as the beginning of a powerful partnership between Jamaica and Colombia. Passengers on the ‘mystery flights’ were unaware of their destination until arrival, adding an element of excitement to their journey. Upon landing, they were greeted with vibrant mento music and a warm welcome from local officials. The four-day immersive experience includes curated activities such as a full-day adventure at Chukka Ocean Outpost and accommodations at Hyatt’s Secrets Hotel. Stakeholders expressed optimism about the initiative’s potential to deepen ties with Latin America and boost tourism. ‘This is only the beginning of great things from Latin America,’ said JTB Regional Director Odette Dyer. The event underscores Jamaica’s commitment to innovative marketing and strategic partnerships to achieve its tourism goals.

  • DeCambre files suit against NCB

    DeCambre files suit against NCB

    Renowned Jamaican entrepreneur Roy DeCambre has initiated legal proceedings against the National Commercial Bank (NCB), seeking substantial damages tied to an escrow agreement dispute. The lawsuit, formally lodged in July 2023, involves DeCambre’s companies, National Fuels and Lubricants Limited and Total Jamaica Limited, as the plaintiffs. The contested escrow agreement dates back to January 22, 2004, with DeCambre asserting that NCB breached its terms, leading to significant financial losses. DeCambre expressed confidence in securing a favorable verdict, estimating the damages to amount to billions of dollars. When approached by the Jamaica Observer for comment, an NCB spokesperson declined to address the matter, citing the bank’s policy of not discussing ongoing legal cases.

  • Audi rings in a triple

    Audi rings in a triple

    Audi Jamaica made history on Friday, September 19, by hosting its first-ever triple vehicle launch at its Oxford Road showroom. The event showcased the Audi A5 sedan, the Audi A6 Sportback e-tron, and the Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron, offering a diverse range of options for buyers. The lineup included two sedans and one SUV, with two electric vehicles (EVs) and one combustion-powered car, reflecting Audi’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.

  • Guyana plans to sell its own crude

    Guyana plans to sell its own crude

    In a landmark announcement on October 2, 2025, Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali revealed the nation’s ambitious plan to enter the global crude oil trading market. Speaking at the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (GCCI) “Energy Insights” breakfast forum, President Ali outlined a strategic initiative to leverage both local and international expertise to establish Guyana’s presence in the crude oil trade. The plan includes hiring experienced crude oil traders to facilitate knowledge transfer and operational readiness while the country develops its infrastructure and human capital. This move is expected to create significant economic opportunities for Guyana, which is projected to increase its oil production from 650,000 barrels per day to 1.2 million barrels per day by 2030. The initiative will involve collaboration with the domestic private sector and international partners, ensuring Guyana’s ability to trade its crude oil independently in the future. Additionally, Guyana is implementing a competitive bidding system to select a crude marketing firm for its 50% share of profit oil from the Stabroek Block. The announcement coincided with updates from ExxonMobil Guyana, which reported that its Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel, One Guyana, is nearing its full capacity of 250,000 barrels per day. ExxonMobil is also advancing plans for its eighth project, Longtail, which holds substantial natural gas deposits and could support multiple industrial developments in Berbice.

  • Central Bank takes to the road to promote BiMPay

    Central Bank takes to the road to promote BiMPay

    The Central Bank of Barbados has intensified its efforts to educate residents about BiMPay, the nation’s upcoming instant payment system, set to launch in March 2026. As part of a comprehensive public awareness campaign, a team led by Governor Dr. Kevin Greenidge recently visited the parishes of St James, St Andrew, and St Peter to engage directly with the community. The initiative aims to ensure that Barbadians are well-informed and prepared for the system’s introduction.