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  • Buy-and-hold investing weighs on market liquidity

    Buy-and-hold investing weighs on market liquidity

    Financial experts at the 21st Jamaica Stock Exchange Investments and Capital Markets Conference have identified a significant structural challenge facing the nation’s capital markets: an entrenched buy-and-hold investment culture that is severely constraining secondary market activity.

    Sarah Cummings, Director of Corporate Solutions and Investment Banking at Scotia Investments Jamaica, highlighted the dominance of institutional investors, pension funds, and collective investment schemes that typically acquire securities with minimal subsequent trading. “Having a buy-and-hold culture suppresses secondary trading,” Cummings stated, noting this pattern creates liquidity shortages that deter broader investor participation and complicate capital raising efforts for companies.

    The conference revealed this phenomenon extends beyond Jamaica throughout the Caribbean region. Christopher Buchanan, Senior Vice-President of Investment Banking at NCB Capital Markets, observed investment managers demonstrate reluctance to divest long-held securities, often citing limited attractive alternatives. This mentality raises fundamental questions about whether Caribbean markets offer sufficient investable assets to enable portfolio repositioning.

    Proven Wealth President and CEO Luwanna Williams proposed solutions focused on restructuring existing offerings rather than introducing entirely new financial instruments. Her recommendations include reducing minimum subscription thresholds to enhance retail accessibility, creating multiple tranches of offerings to widen inclusion, and implementing comprehensive investor education initiatives.

    Williams identified significant knowledge gaps as particularly problematic regarding sustainable investment vehicles like green and blue bonds. Despite their potential to attract capital for climate-resilient development, these instruments suffer from limited understanding among investors. Williams cited a telling case where a German renewable energy company abandoned Caribbean fundraising efforts after securing just $11 million of a $20 million target, subsequently raising approximately $100 million through Norway’s Oslo Stock Exchange.

    “This was a very attractive investment in terms of yield. It was steady in terms of cash flows, and the issuer was well known internationally,” Williams noted. “So what was the problem?” She attributed the failure to persistent misconceptions that sustainable investments deliver inferior returns or prove too complex for average investors.

    Both executives emphasized that deeper regional integration could address liquidity challenges. Buchanan advocated for increased cross-listings to build brand recognition, access wider investor bases, and improve capital raising capabilities. However, conservatism and uneven regulatory frameworks across Caribbean exchanges continue to hinder progress despite ongoing discussions among market operators.

    Williams concluded that overcoming these barriers requires coordinated efforts to demystify investment processes and opportunities, particularly for retail participants who often prefer familiar banking products over equity investments due to comprehension gaps and risk aversion.

  • CEOs warn against fragmentation as global trade turns inward

    CEOs warn against fragmentation as global trade turns inward

    Amid escalating global trade fragmentation and mounting protectionist pressures, Caribbean corporate executives are issuing urgent calls for enhanced regional integration, framing it as an economic imperative rather than merely strategic ambition. This consensus emerged during pivotal addresses at the Jamaica Stock Exchange’s Regional Investments and Capital Markets Conference, where industry leaders outlined the critical need for coordinated action.

    Jerome Smalling, Chief Executive of JMMB Bank, highlighted how geopolitical tensions and evolving trade policies threaten to fracture Caribbean cohesion without deliberate coordination efforts. “Our focus must remain on mitigating the detrimental effects of a potentially divided Caribbean,” Smalling asserted. “A unified regional approach, facilitating the seamless movement of capital, talent, and services, proves fundamental to the area’s sustainable growth and development.”

    Smalling cautioned that regional fragmentation would undermine the Caribbean’s capacity to attract investment and navigate economic shocks, particularly as global capital adopts increasingly selective allocation strategies. These concerns intensify against a backdrop of rising tariffs, remittance taxes, and policy uncertainties that elevate cross-border transaction costs.

    Frank James, Group Chief Executive of GraceKennedy, confirmed that multinational corporations already experience tangible impacts from growing trade friction. “New tariffs and remittance taxes are creating operational challenges, increasing trade expenses, and generating transaction barriers,” James reported.

    James explained that these pressures, compounded by climate-related disruptions and geopolitical volatility, compel Caribbean enterprises to reconfigure supply chain architectures and market access strategies. For GraceKennedy, this has translated into aggressive diversification across regional markets and supply networks to avoid over-reliance on individual nations.

    “Recent crises demonstrate how disruptions rapidly propagate between markets,” James observed, emphasizing the necessity of building operational flexibility. This strategic shift has motivated GraceKennedy to invest in robust regional supply chains and accelerated market pathways throughout the Caribbean.

    Smalling advocated for expanding integration beyond merchandise trade to encompass capital markets, financial services, and export-focused small and medium enterprises. He positioned financial institutions as crucial enablers of cross-border investment and regional operational support.

    “A robust, inclusive, and efficient capital market remains indispensable for development,” Smalling stated, noting rising demand for cross-border financial solutions as businesses and households seek risk management and regional opportunity access.

    Both executives concurred that the Caribbean’s response to global uncertainty will define its economic resilience through the next decade. James urged businesses and policymakers to distinguish between uncontrollable global forces and strengthenable regional systems.

    “We derive optimism from comprehending immutable factors while concentrating on alterable elements,” James remarked.

    Smalling framed the situation as ultimately concerning coordination: “Economies thrive when businesses and households prosper,” he concluded, maintaining that cross-border cooperation proves essential for sustaining growth.

    As global trade turns inward, Caribbean leadership concludes that the region’s optimal defense resides not in fragmented national reactions but in deepened integration across capital, services, and markets.

  • Victoria Primary sees attendance boost following start of breakfast programme

    Victoria Primary sees attendance boost following start of breakfast programme

    A grassroots breakfast program spearheaded by the JN Circle Linstead Chapter is delivering transformative results at Victoria Primary School in Clarendon, Jamaica. Launched in November following post-hurricane school reopenings, this initiative emerged from dialogues between community leaders and school administrators during Read Across Jamaica Day activities.

    The program originated when chapter representatives identified breakfast insecurity as a critical barrier to education. ‘During our discussions with the principal,’ explained Godfrey Marshall, President of JN Circle Linstead Chapter, ‘we discovered that nutritional gaps were directly impacting student attendance patterns.’

    Through strategic sponsorship coordination, the chapter’s executive team implemented a supplemental breakfast day to augment existing government assistance. The initiative provides weekly hot meals featuring items like fried dumplings, sausage, and nutritious beverages to approximately 250 students from grades one through six.

    Principal Annette Steele reported immediate improvements: ‘The program has significantly reduced tardiness and absenteeism. Students now arrive by 7:30 am anticipating their morning meal, resulting in notable midweek attendance gains.’

    Despite operating with merely ten active members, the chapter has sustained the program through consistent community support. Secretary Kareen Dennis emphasized the program’s cost-effectiveness: ‘We recognized that modest contributions in flour, oil, and Milo could create substantial educational impact.’

    The initiative has revealed hidden dimensions of student need, with Steele noting, ‘We underestimated how many children were arriving without breakfast. This program has been tremendous for our school community.’

    Established in 1935, Victoria Primary School continues to achieve strong academic outcomes despite its rural setting. The JN Circle Linstead Chapter now aims to maintain this nutritional support and potentially expand similar programs to neighboring educational institutions.

  • WATCH: Bloodshed as four killed in Manchester overnight

    WATCH: Bloodshed as four killed in Manchester overnight

    The parish of Manchester, Jamaica, was thrust into a state of shock and mourning following a violent rampage that unfolded from Saturday evening into the early hours of Sunday. Law enforcement authorities reported three separate shooting incidents that resulted in the deaths of four men, marking a bloody night for the community.

    The violence commenced in the New Hall area at approximately 7:30 PM on Saturday. The spree continued later with a double homicide in the Old England community. The final incident, which claimed another life, occurred on Ellen Street around 1:40 AM Sunday, indicating a several-hour span of coordinated or copycat criminal activity.

    Detectives from the Manchester police division were deployed throughout the night and remained actively engaged at the crime scenes well into midmorning Sunday. Forensic teams were meticulously processing each location, with particular focus on the Old England double murder site, gathering ballistic evidence and witness statements to piece together the sequence of events and identify the perpetrators.

    The back-to-back nature of these attacks has intensified concerns among residents regarding gang-related violence and public safety. Community leaders are calling for an increased security presence and a strategic response to prevent further escalation. This series of events represents a significant challenge for local authorities, who are now under pressure to swiftly apprehend those responsible and restore a sense of order.

  • Shenese Walker runs 7.09 seconds to break FSU and ACC 60m record

    Shenese Walker runs 7.09 seconds to break FSU and ACC 60m record

    FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Jamaican track sensation Shenese Walker delivered a historic performance at the Razorback Invitational on Saturday, establishing herself as a dominant force in collegiate sprinting. The Florida State University athlete blazed through the women’s 60-meter semi-finals in 7.09 seconds, setting multiple records with her extraordinary run.

    Walker’s remarkable time simultaneously broke the Florida State University record that had stood since 2000, previously held by Tonya Carter at 7.15 seconds, and established a new Atlantic Coast Conference benchmark. The performance ranks as the fastest NCAA time this season and positions her as the fifth quickest sprinter globally in the current indoor track campaign. This achievement represents a significant personal improvement, surpassing her previous best of 7.16 seconds set just two weeks earlier.

    The event’s final round was unexpectedly canceled due to circumstances not disclosed in official reports, resulting in Walker being declared the overall champion based on her semi-final performance.

    The meet showcased additional Jamaican excellence beyond Walker’s record-shattering run. Dejanea Oakley from the University of Georgia dominated the women’s 400-meter event with a world-leading time of 51.11 seconds, while her compatriot Shaquena Foote claimed third position with 51.55 seconds. In field events, Jordan Turner of Louisiana State University captured victory in the men’s long jump with a leap of 7.80 meters.

    Other notable performances included Jerome Campbell’s third-place finish in the men’s 60-meter hurdles (7.57 seconds) for the University of Arkansas, just ahead of teammate Vashaun Vascianna who matched his seasonal best of 7.63 seconds. Salieci Myles of LSU achieved a season’s best 8.25 seconds in the women’s 60-meter hurdles final.

    Meanwhile, at the Penn State National Open in Pennsylvania, Jamaican high jumper Annishka McDonald matched the West Virginia University record of 1.79 meters in the women’s high jump, equaling a standard she previously shared with historical record-holders Sharon Pfister (1985) and Sydney Cummings (2013). Teammate Kishay Rowe also impressed with a personal best of 2:49.79 in the women’s 1000-meter event, securing ninth position overall.

  • Jamaica Customs Agency: Customs Protecting Society Through Vigilance & Commitment

    Jamaica Customs Agency: Customs Protecting Society Through Vigilance & Commitment

    NASA’s Perseverance rover has made a groundbreaking discovery in its exploration of Mars, uncovering compelling evidence of complex organic molecules within the Jezero Crater. This finding, published in the prestigious journal Nature, represents the most robust indication yet that the Red Planet may have hosted conditions suitable for prehistoric life.

  • A look back at some of Dennis Brown’s greatest collaborations

    A look back at some of Dennis Brown’s greatest collaborations

    Jamaica inaugurates its annual Reggae Month celebrations on February 1st, coinciding with the birthday of the legendary Dennis Brown, born in 1957. Revered as the ‘Crown Prince of Reggae,’ Brown’s extraordinary musical legacy continues to influence generations despite his untimely passing at age 42 in July 1999.

    Throughout his prolific 31-year career, Brown collaborated with Jamaica’s most iconic producers, creating an extensive catalog of hits that defined the evolution of reggae music. His journey began with Derrick Harriott in 1968, who recorded Brown’s first major hit ‘Lips of Wine’ and later the critically acclaimed album ‘Super Reggae & Soul Hits’ featuring innovative covers and original compositions.

    Brown’s artistic development continued at Clement ‘Coxson’ Dodd’s famed Studio One, where he produced two landmark albums: ‘No Man is An Island’ and ‘If I Follow My Heart,’ both generating multiple hit singles. His work with Lloyd ‘Matador’ Daley yielded roots-reggae anthems like ‘Baby Don’t Do It’ and ‘Repatriation,’ while his partnership with Winston ‘Niney’ Holness—whom Brown considered his finest collaborator—produced powerful tracks including ‘Westbound Train’ and ‘So Long Rastafari.’

    The most commercially successful chapter of Brown’s career emerged through his collaboration with Joe Gibbs, resulting in UK chart success with ‘Money in My Pocket’ (peaking at #14 in 1979) and classic albums like ‘Visions of Dennis Brown’ and ‘Words of Wisdom.’ Later partnerships with innovative duos Sly and Robbie produced dancehall-friendly hits such as ‘Have You Ever,’ while work with Willie Lindo yielded the critically acclaimed album ‘Inseparable.’

    Brown’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish DEB Records in the late 1970s, producing both his own material and works by emerging artists like Junior Delgado and Dillinger. His enduring collaborations with producers Gussie Clarke further expanded his musical repertoire with tracks like ‘To The Foundation’ and crossover hits with Freddie McGregor and Gregory Isaacs.

  • Navasky Anderson and Kelly-Ann Beckford break national indoor records

    Navasky Anderson and Kelly-Ann Beckford break national indoor records

    Pennsylvania’s Ashenfelter Indoor Track witnessed a historic display of Jamaican athletic prowess during Saturday’s Penn State National Open. Two elite athletes from the Under Armour Mission Run Baltimore Track Club demolished longstanding national indoor records in spectacular fashion.

    Navasky Anderson, an established World Championships finalist and current national 800m record holder, ventured into unfamiliar territory with stunning success. Competing in the 1000m event for the very first time, Anderson blazed across the finish line with an extraordinary time of 2:18.53. This remarkable performance shattered the previous Jamaican national record of 2:19.96, which had remained unbroken for a quarter-century since Mario Vernon-Watson established it on February 12, 2000, at Boston’s St. Valentine’s Invitational.

    Anderson’s achievement extends beyond national significance, positioning him third globally in the current year’s rankings. Only Morocco’s Jaouad Khchina (2:17.36) and Japan’s Allon Tatsunami Clay (2:18.09) have posted faster times this season.

    Simultaneously, Kelly-Ann Beckford delivered an equally impressive performance in the women’s 600m event. The former Big12 Indoor 800m champion from her collegiate days at the University of Houston clocked a phenomenal 1:24.44. This exceptional time comfortably surpassed the previous national record of 1:25.35, set by Natoya Goule in February 2017 at South Carolina’s Clemson Last Chance meet.

    These record-breaking accomplishments at the Penn State University National Open signal a promising start to the indoor track season for Jamaican athletics, demonstrating the country’s continued dominance in middle-distance running events on the international stage.

  • Two feared dead in Trelawny crash

    Two feared dead in Trelawny crash

    A tragic traffic incident occurred on Sunday morning along the Carey Park main road in Trelawny, Jamaica, resulting in the suspected fatalities of two individuals. The catastrophic collision involved a silver Toyota Axio and another motor vehicle, with preliminary investigations indicating the deceased were traveling in the Toyota at the time of impact.

    Authorities have yet to formally identify the victims as recovery operations and scene examination continue. Emergency response teams, including medical personnel and traffic investigators, remain actively engaged at the location to manage the aftermath and determine the precise circumstances leading to the deadly crash.

    The incident has temporarily disrupted normal traffic flow along the roadway while officials conduct their thorough investigation. Local authorities have urged motorists to exercise caution when traveling through the area and to consider alternative routes where possible.

    This latest accident highlights ongoing concerns about road safety in the region, though specific contributing factors remain under investigation by traffic collision experts. Further details will be released as the official inquiry progresses and next-of-kin notifications are completed.

  • Two Decades of Greta Constantine: Kirk Pickersgill Learns From The Past, Lives in the Present & Dreams About The Future

    Two Decades of Greta Constantine: Kirk Pickersgill Learns From The Past, Lives in the Present & Dreams About The Future

    Kirk Pickersgill, co-founder of Canadian fashion label Greta Constantine, recently returned from Milan where he supported longtime friends Dean and Dan Caten of luxury brand Dsquared2. This reunion highlighted a remarkable 43-year friendship that began during Pickersgill’s 15-year residency in Milan, where he initially worked in the PR and styling department of the renowned fashion house.

    Despite current excitement surrounding his label’s 20th anniversary, Pickersgill revealed to Style Observer that fashion wasn’t his original ambition. “My dream was initially to become a cobbler!” he confessed. “I’ve always been fascinated by structure—the composition of heels, soles, and handmade craftsmanship. High school offered little creative outlet, though I wasn’t academically struggling.”

    His career trajectory changed dramatically during his final year at North Albion Collegiate Institute when he discovered home economics and sewing classes. This led to a cooperative learning program at fashion house Comrags, where he secured full-time employment after his internship and spent five years refining his design skills.

    In 2006, Pickersgill and business partner Stephen Wong launched Greta Constantine, returning to Canada the following year. The timing proved perfect, as Holt Renfrew—Canada’s premier luxury retailer—purchased their entire collection. The brand’s breakthrough came when Harrods’ iconic UK department store also picked up the line, thanks to the support of Camilla al-Fayed (daughter of Harrods owner Mohammed al-Fayed) and personal shopper Raymond Ponce.

    The designers found their winning formula combining confidence-boosting bright colors with sculptural ruffles. As documented in The Kit’s 2023 feature, they quickly dressed gala attendees, actors, and wedding parties while staging runway shows in Toronto and New York. Their collections gained international traction across North America and the Middle East, achieving the rare distinction of building a Canadian fashion brand with enduring appeal.

    Greta Constantine’s celebrity clientele includes remarkable achievements: Amanda Gorman wore the Keele dress for TIME’s Black Renaissance cover (February 2021); EGOT winner Viola Davis appeared in the Yvresse dress for Ebony’s May 2022 cover; Emmy Award-winning actress Sheryl Lee Ralph selected Resort 2022 for the HCA TV Awards red carpet; Angela Bassett chose the label for the 2021 Emmys; Julia Roberts wore the brand to the Ticket To Paradise premiere (2022); and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, sported the ‘Kace’ midi skirt during her 2018 Belfast visit.