分类： business

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.

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 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.

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.

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 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.

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.