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  • Jeanel Bowla: The woman behind the brand

    Jeanel Bowla: The woman behind the brand

    Since the ATL Automotive Group acquired the BMW brand in Jamaica in 2016, BMW has emerged as the country’s top-selling premium car brand, achieving record-breaking sales for five out of the past seven years. At the forefront of this remarkable success is Jeanel Bowla, the sales manager at BMW Jamaica in Kingston, whose leadership and passion have been pivotal in steering the brand to new heights.

    Bowla’s connection to BMW runs deep. Growing up in a family where the brand was a constant presence, she developed an early appreciation for BMW’s driver-centric philosophy and distinctive road feel. Her father’s 1972 BMW 2002 and his hands-on involvement with the brand left an indelible mark on her. For Bowla, BMW is more than just a car—it’s an experience, a feeling that transforms driving into a joy.

    Despite her family’s automotive legacy, Bowla initially didn’t see herself in car sales. However, her career trajectory changed when she joined ATL Automotive in February 2018. Within seven months, she was promoted to sales manager for BMW Jamaica, a role she embraced wholeheartedly. Balancing her new responsibilities with pursuing an MBA at the Mona School of Business and Management was challenging, but Bowla’s discipline and time management skills enabled her to excel in both areas.

    Now, over seven years into her journey with ATL Autobahn and a new mother, Bowla attributes much of her growth to her team. She has led the BMW Jamaica sales team through several high-profile vehicle launches, including the BMW M2, BMW X3 M, and BMW X4 M. One standout experience was a road trip organized exclusively for BMW M and M Performance customers, which turned into a celebration of the passion that unites the M community.

    Bowla’s success is rooted in her discipline, mindset, and love for her work. As a woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry, she emphasizes the importance of learning, building confidence, and showing up consistently. She believes in humility and the willingness to ask for help as key drivers of growth.

    For young women aspiring to enter the automotive industry, Bowla offers sage advice: let your work speak for itself, protect your peace, and stay grounded in what matters to you. Her leadership ensures that every customer encounter reflects both BMW’s legacy and her own dedication, leaving customers satisfied and her team proud.

  • Rapid recovery

    Rapid recovery

    Flow Jamaica has successfully restored 80% of its mobile network traffic and over 40% of fixed-line services following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, according to Liberty Latin America CEO Balan Nair. In major metropolitan areas, fixed-line recovery has surged to more than 80%. However, the pace of restoration remains heavily reliant on the Jamaica Public Service Company’s efforts to restore power, which has so far reached over half of its customers. Emergency connectivity via Starlink’s direct-to-cell technology has reconnected over 140,000 users in severely affected regions as the company continues to repair infrastructure and services. Nair expressed confidence in the resilience of Flow Jamaica’s employees and their commitment to restoring critical communications for customers. Despite the progress, the company anticipates negative impacts on its Caribbean financial metrics for the remainder of 2025, including reduced revenue, fewer active customers, and increased costs for equipment and property repairs. Flow Jamaica’s recovery is bolstered by a parametric weather insurance contract, which enables faster payouts compared to traditional policies, facilitating quicker funding for repairs. Nair confirmed that the hurricane triggered the insurance coverage, with a payout expected soon. While the exact amount remains undisclosed, LILA received $44 million from similar contracts in 2024. Weather derivatives, which pay out based on specific measurements like wind speed, have proven instrumental in accelerating recovery efforts. Flow Jamaica’s 2024 annual report revealed $5.545 billion in net proceeds from weather derivatives, offsetting $1.273 billion in costs from Hurricane Beryl. Additionally, the company recorded $207 million in asset impairments due to hurricane damage. Phoenix Tower International (PTI), responsible for repairing mobile tower sites under a 2023 agreement, has deployed teams to rebuild infrastructure. Nair emphasized that network recovery will align with power restoration efforts. Despite the challenges, Flow Jamaica reported a 5% revenue growth in Q3 2024, reaching $17.17 billion, with mobile services contributing 59% of total revenue. LILA’s consolidated revenue grew by 2% to $1.11 billion in Q3, though it reported a net loss of $525.9 million for the first nine months of 2024.

  • NEED FOR SPEED

    NEED FOR SPEED

    Jamaican sprint sensation Oblique Seville, fresh off his historic 100m gold medal win at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, is gearing up for a strong comeback. The 24-year-old, who clocked a personal best of 9.77 seconds to claim his first individual global medal, is now focused on building greater strength as he sets his sights on competing in both the 100m and 200m events next season. Seville’s victory ended Jamaica’s eight-year gold medal drought in the 100m and marked a significant milestone in his career after previous near-misses at the 2022 and 2023 World Championships and the 2024 Olympics. Upon returning to Jamaica on September 24, Seville underwent a minor procedure to remove toenails on his big toes, which required at least a month of recovery. He has since reported a smooth recovery and is eager to resume training at the Glen Mills-led Racers Track Club. Seville attributes his recent success to a revamped strength training regimen tailored to his compact 5 ft 7-inch frame. While he acknowledges significant progress, he believes there is still room for improvement. ‘I’m 50 per cent stronger, but I still need a lot of improvement,’ he stated during an interview on Leighton Levy’s Mr Analyst podcast. Seville’s ambition extends beyond the 100m, as he aims to make a mark in the 200m, an event he has long aspired to dominate. ‘I want to be as good as the top three athletes in the world that run the 200m,’ he declared. With a personal best of 20.13 seconds in the 200m, Seville is determined to break the 20-second barrier and join the elite ranks of Jamaican sprinters who have achieved this feat, including legends like Usain Bolt, Yohan Blake, and Warren Weir. Seville’s journey is a testament to his resilience and dedication, as he continues to push the boundaries of his potential in the world of sprinting.

  • Presidenten Simons en Lula zetten nieuwe stap in regionale samenwerking

    Presidenten Simons en Lula zetten nieuwe stap in regionale samenwerking

    During the Belém Climate Summit in Brazil, President Jennifer Simons of Suriname and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva held a significant bilateral meeting aimed at deepening cooperation between their nations. The leaders agreed to organize a presidential-level working visit by February 2026 to further develop concrete areas of collaboration. Suriname’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade, and Cooperation, Melvin Bouva, announced that foreign ministers from both countries will convene a follow-up meeting before the end of this year to prepare for the visit. Key topics discussed included the Amazon rainforest, climate policy, and poverty alleviation. Suriname formally expressed its support for Brazil’s Tropical Forests Forever Fund, a climate initiative recently launched by President Lula. Social development also took center stage, with President Simons expressing interest in learning from Brazil’s successful Bolsa Família program, which supports vulnerable families. Minister Bouva highlighted upcoming discussions on agriculture, tourism, infrastructure, and education, as well as plans to strengthen ties with Brazil’s Rio Branco Institute to provide more Surinamese students with opportunities to study in Brazil. Bouva emphasized that the relationship with Brazil is a foreign policy priority and stressed the importance of regional collaboration with Guyana and neighboring countries, aiming to maximize societal and economic benefits through targeted investments.

  • Regional agricultural officials reach consensus to enhance technical collaboration, facilitate innovative technologies to mitigate risks to food safety

    Regional agricultural officials reach consensus to enhance technical collaboration, facilitate innovative technologies to mitigate risks to food safety

    Agricultural ministers from across the Americas gathered in Brasília to forge a united front against pests and diseases threatening regional food security. The meeting, hosted by the Brazilian government in collaboration with the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), focused on enhancing technical cooperation, improving information sharing, and expanding access to advanced technologies. Key threats addressed included the New World screwworm, African swine fever, and other transboundary plant and animal diseases, which pose significant risks to farmers and rural communities. Participants pledged support for the Agricultural Health and Food Security Initiative of the Americas, a platform aimed at coordinating collective efforts in this critical area. Delegates from Argentina and the United States emphasized the importance of science-based decision-making in trade and agricultural production, noting that IICA Member States are the world’s largest net exporters of food. They stressed that maintaining a competitive, secure, and healthy agricultural system is vital for prosperity, public health, and regional development.

  • Cabinet Reports Strong Ties with U.S. Under Trump Administration

    Cabinet Reports Strong Ties with U.S. Under Trump Administration

    The diplomatic relationship between Antigua and Barbuda and the United States has reached unprecedented levels of strength and cooperation, according to Maurice Merchant, the Director General of Communications. Speaking at a post-Cabinet press briefing on Thursday, Merchant emphasized the mutual benefits of this partnership, describing it as consistent with Antigua and Barbuda’s diplomatic principles. While both nations have voiced specific concerns—such as Antigua and Barbuda’s focus on maintaining the Caribbean as a zone of peace and the U.S.’s scrutiny of Citizenship by Investment (CIP) programs in the region—Merchant asserted that these issues have not hindered the overall progress of bilateral relations. He highlighted the collaborative efforts in the energy sector, particularly the involvement of a U.S.-based company in providing liquefied natural gas (LNG) and renewable energy services to the island nation. Merchant also noted the U.S. government’s interest in encouraging more American businesses to establish operations in Antigua and Barbuda, viewing such initiatives as aligned with national development goals. The Cabinet has welcomed these advancements as part of its broader strategy to foster international partnerships.

  • Cabinet Reviews Enforcement of Rent Restriction Act Amid Rising Complaints

    Cabinet Reviews Enforcement of Rent Restriction Act Amid Rising Complaints

    The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda is currently examining the enforcement of the Rent Restriction Act in response to escalating public concerns over soaring rental prices and unregulated evictions. During Thursday’s post-Cabinet press briefing, Maurice Merchant, Director General of Communications, emphasized that while existing laws are designed to safeguard tenants, there is a pressing need for more robust enforcement. ‘The laws are in place,’ Merchant stated. ‘However, it’s a matter of ensuring they are effectively enforced and that individuals utilize these legal provisions to address their grievances.’

    Merchant urged tenants who feel unjustly treated to pursue legal recourse through the judicial system. ‘If you believe you’ve been wronged, take your case to the courts. The judiciary is equipped to handle such matters, as there are established regulations that can be enforced,’ he advised. When questioned about the operational status of the Rent Commission—a body mandated by law to oversee the rental sector—Merchant acknowledged the need for further investigation. ‘I will look into this and provide updates in future briefings,’ he assured.

    The Cabinet’s review of the Rent Restriction Act coincides with a broader public discourse on housing affordability and tenant rights protection. As rental costs continue to climb, the government faces mounting pressure to address these issues and ensure equitable housing practices across the nation.

  • Government Monitoring Supermarkets for Food Price Reductions After Tariff Suspension

    Government Monitoring Supermarkets for Food Price Reductions After Tariff Suspension

    The Prices and Consumer Affairs Division is actively overseeing local supermarkets to ensure that consumers reap the benefits of the government’s temporary suspension of the Common External Tariff (CET) on essential food items. Maurice Merchant, Director General of Communications, emphasized this during the weekly post-Cabinet press briefing on Thursday. He confirmed that the suspension is already in effect, stating, ‘It is in place. Individuals should have already started to see some decrease in the cost of those items. The tariffs have been removed.’

    When questioned about the readiness of consumer protection officials to verify compliance, Merchant assured that they are fully equipped. ‘They were the first to be notified of the reduction as this came through the Ministry of Trade. They are aware and they are monitoring,’ he explained. He further noted that the impact of this policy will be reflected in upcoming monthly reports. ‘We should see some reporting during the next cycle of monthly reports that we get from these divisions as it relates to the lifting of the CET on these items,’ he added.

    The Cabinet’s decision to remove import tariffs on key goods was aimed at alleviating the cost-of-living pressures. Officials have also pledged to take corrective measures if retailers fail to pass on the savings to consumers.

  • UPP ‘Beach Case’ Adjourned Again

    UPP ‘Beach Case’ Adjourned Again

    The high-profile legal matter known as ‘the Beach Case’ has been postponed once more following a hearing at the St John’s Magistrate’s Court. Defence attorney Mr. Boing raised significant concerns regarding what he termed ‘certain defects’ in the case file. Despite these objections, the magistrate opted to proceed with witness testimonies before addressing the alleged issues. Mr. Boing stated, ‘I highlighted specific flaws in the file, but the magistrate believes the witnesses’ accounts might resolve these concerns. A ruling on my submission will only occur after the evidence is heard.’ The case has now been adjourned until December 12, 2025, when the prosecution, led by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, is expected to present its witnesses and evidence. Outside the courtroom, political commentator George Wehner, who has been closely monitoring the case, voiced frustration over the repeated delays. Wehner also drew attention to broader systemic issues, referencing the Small Charges Act—a colonial-era law originally intended to control emancipated Africans post-slavery. ‘These laws criminalized everyday actions, such as walking on a neighbor’s land or picketing,’ he remarked. ‘Even after independence, they continue to oppress the same communities they were designed to target.’ The Beach Case, named for its alleged connection to an incident on a local beach, has garnered significant public attention, with advocates for the defendants demanding transparency and fairness in the judicial process. The next hearing is set for December 12, 2025, when witnesses are expected to testify.

  • Cuba reaffirms support for Palestinian people’s rights

    Cuba reaffirms support for Palestinian people’s rights

    During recent discussions in the Committees on Education and Financial and Administrative Affairs, the Cuban delegation voiced strong support for draft resolutions aimed at enhancing educational and cultural initiatives in the occupied Arab territories. The delegation emphasized its endorsement of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and its educational programs, particularly in the Gaza Strip, where ongoing violations of international law continue to severely impact Palestinian civilians. Cuba underscored the necessity of a peace agreement that ensures the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian State within the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. Such an agreement, the delegation argued, must uphold the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and the return of refugees. Additionally, Cuba reaffirmed its commitment to UNESCO’s Action Plan in Gaza, which faces significant challenges due to the occupation’s restrictive conditions, hindering the organization’s operational effectiveness.