In a significant move to bolster the micro, small, and medium-sized enterprise (MSME) sector, the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has announced a strategic partnership with the Cayman Islands Centre for Business Development (CICBD). The initiative, backed by a substantial grant of nearly US$80,000, is designed to fortify the business support ecosystem, encourage inclusive economic participation, and stimulate sustained economic growth in the Cayman Islands. Premier and Minister for Financial Services and Commerce, André M Ebanks, lauded the collaboration, emphasizing its alignment with the government’s vision for a more vibrant and dynamic business environment. He highlighted the initiative’s focus on reducing barriers, enhancing access to financing, and building resilience among Caymanian entrepreneurs, ensuring that MSMEs remain pivotal in job creation, innovation, and economic diversification. The CDB’s new policy framework will prioritize empowering women, youth, and entrepreneurs in non-traditional industries, while also boosting business confidence and investment. It aims to foster ongoing dialogue between policymakers and the private sector, ensuring that entrepreneurial voices are integral to national development strategies. Lisa Harding, Division Chief of Private Sector at the CDB, underscored the initiative’s alignment with the bank’s broader strategy to enhance competitiveness, build resilience among MSMEs, and contribute to sustainable national development. The project is also expected to yield critical insights into the role of MSMEs in GDP, employment, and revenue generation, while strengthening the government’s ability to formulate investment-friendly policies and improve service delivery by business support organizations. Additionally, the policy development process will leverage regional expertise and technical resources to conduct a thorough assessment of the MSME landscape, identify key challenges, explore growth opportunities, and provide actionable recommendations to create a more conducive environment for small businesses to thrive.
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Charlie Kirk’s widow takes helm of Turning Point USA
In a poignant turn of events, Erika Kirk, the widow of the late right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, has been appointed as the new CEO and Chair of the Board of Turning Point USA, a prominent youth action campaign group. The announcement came just two days after Charlie Kirk was fatally shot on a university campus, allegedly by a 22-year-old gunman. Erika Kirk, addressing supporters, vowed that the movement her husband had passionately built would continue to thrive. ‘The movement my husband built will not die,’ she declared. The organization’s board confirmed her appointment in a unanimous decision, citing Charlie Kirk’s prior wishes that she lead in the event of his death. The tragic incident has sent shockwaves through conservative circles, where Charlie Kirk was revered as a staunch advocate for free speech and Christian values. In a rare gesture of official mourning, former President Donald Trump ordered flags to be flown at half-staff, and Vice President JD Vance personally traveled to Utah to retrieve Kirk’s body. The shooting has also exacerbated societal divisions, with conservatives mobilizing to penalize those perceived as disrespectful of Kirk’s death. Reports have surfaced of individuals being dismissed from their jobs for making celebratory or mocking social media posts about the tragedy. Notably, late-night comedian Jimmy Kimmel faced backlash and suspension of his show ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ after comments he made about the alleged shooter’s motives drew ire from conservatives. The federal government’s threat to revoke broadcast licenses from channels that did not condemn Kimmel further intensified the controversy.
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Morgan named new Parliamentary Whip
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Robert Morgan, a second-term Member of Parliament for Clarendon North Central, has been appointed as the new Parliamentary Whip by Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness. Morgan, who also serves as a minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development, will take on the additional role of deputy to the Leader of Government Business in the House of Representatives, Floyd Green. He succeeds veteran MP Olivia “Babsy” Grange, who previously held both positions.
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St Elizabeth man charged with burglary and larceny
KINGSTON, Jamaica — A 30-year-old man from Rocky Hill, Santa Cruz, St Elizabeth, has been formally charged with burglary and larceny in connection with a series of break-ins in Coral Spring Village, Trelawny. The accused, Jermaine Findley, was charged on September 16 after being implicated in a burglary that occurred in the early hours of the morning.
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Forex: $160.48 to one US dollar
KINGSTON, Jamaica — On Thursday, September 18, the US dollar experienced a slight decline against the Jamaican dollar, closing at $160.48, a decrease of 26 cents, as reported by the Bank of Jamaica’s daily exchange trading summary. This shift reflects ongoing fluctuations in the global currency market. Additionally, the Canadian dollar also saw a dip, ending the day at $116.29, down from $117.36. Similarly, the British pound weakened, closing at $217.95 compared to its previous rate of $220.49. These movements highlight the dynamic nature of international currency exchanges and their impact on local economies. Analysts suggest that such fluctuations may be influenced by broader economic trends and geopolitical factors affecting global markets.
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Farmer charged for stabbing woman
KINGSTON, Jamaica — A 27-year-old farmer from Falmouth, Trelawny, named Neil Ferril, has been formally charged with wounding with intent after a violent stabbing incident in Port Maria, St Mary, earlier this year. The incident occurred on the evening of February 10, when a heated argument between two women escalated into a physical altercation. Ferril allegedly intervened during the dispute, wielding a knife and stabbing one of the women multiple times. The victim was promptly rushed to the hospital, where she received medical treatment and was later discharged. Following an extensive investigation, Ferril was apprehended in Trelawny on September 15 and subsequently transported to St Mary, where he was officially charged. Authorities are now preparing for his upcoming court appearance as the legal process unfolds.
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Tavares-Finson reappointed as Senate president
In a significant political development, King’s Counsel Tom Tavares-Finson was reinstated as the President of Jamaica’s Senate during the ceremonial commencement of Parliament on Thursday. The reappointment, marked by bipartisan cooperation, saw Tavares-Finson nominated by Senator Kamina Johnson Smith of the ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP). The nomination garnered support from Senator Donna Scott-Mottley of the opposition People’s National Party (PNP), who seconded the motion. Following this, Tavares-Finson solemnly took the oath of allegiance, reaffirming his commitment to his role. Additionally, Senator Charles Sinclair was appointed as the Deputy President of the Senate, further solidifying the leadership structure. This event underscores the collaborative spirit within Jamaica’s political landscape, as both governing and opposition parties united to endorse Tavares-Finson’s leadership.
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Kings beaten in Kréyol Basketball
The Soufrière Kings, two-time champions of the KFC National Basketball League, are returning home this week following their participation in the Central Division of the 2025 Kréyol Basketball Championship in Martinique. Despite high hopes, the Kings faced setbacks, losing both of their matches in the regional tournament, which concluded on Tuesday.
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“Let Us Honour the Past by Securing the Future” Says Prime Minister Drew at National Heroes Day Ceremony
Basseterre, St. Kitts – On September 16, 2025, Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew led the nation in honoring its National Heroes during the annual wreath-laying ceremony at the National Heroes Park. The event, held on the 42nd Anniversary of Independence, served as a poignant reminder of the courage and sacrifice of the Federation’s five National Heroes. Dr. Drew urged citizens to reflect on their legacy while committing to building a sustainable and prosperous future. He emphasized that the struggles of these heroes were not confined to political arenas but also took place in fields, villages, and classrooms, where ordinary individuals dared to dream of liberty and justice. Dr. Drew highlighted that the modern challenge is no longer colonialism but securing a future where no young person feels left behind, workers earn fair wages, entrepreneurs innovate, and families thrive. Aligning the commemoration with this year’s Independence theme, “Perpetual Progress – A Sustainable Future in View: Independence 42,” the Prime Minister stressed that true sustainability encompasses not only environmental concerns but also the well-being of people. He called on citizens to embody the values of the National Heroes through service, courage, and love for country. The ceremony concluded with wreaths laid in honor of Sir Robert Llewellyn Bradshaw, Sir Caleb Azariah Paul Southwell, Sir Joseph Nathaniel France, Sir Simeon Daniel, and the Rt. Excellent Sir Kennedy Alphonse Simmonds.
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Athapaththu and Webb keep Royals unbeaten
The 2025 Massy Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL) witnessed a thrilling final group game as the Barbados Royals maintained their unbeaten record, defeating the Trinbago Knight Riders by chasing down a target of 149 runs. Despite the Knight Riders posting their highest total of the tournament, it was not enough to overcome the Royals’ formidable batting lineup, led by Chamari Athapaththu and Courtney Webb. Athapaththu’s explosive innings of 89 runs from 71 balls, featuring 10 fours and three sixes, set the stage for the Royals’ dominant victory. Webb, who had struggled with the bat earlier in the tournament, played a crucial supporting role, finishing unbeaten with 50 runs from 42 balls. The Knight Riders’ Jess Jonasson had earlier scored a brilliant 71, but her efforts were overshadowed by Athapaththu’s record-breaking performance. The Royals’ captain, Chinelle Henry, also made a significant contribution with the ball, claiming 3/25 from her four overs. The Royals now head into the final against the Guyana Amazon Warriors with an unbeaten record, aiming for their third consecutive WCPL title. The Warriors, on the other hand, will rely on home ground support to secure their first WCPL trophy.