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  • $1.08b allocated to upgrade TAJ revenue system

    $1.08b allocated to upgrade TAJ revenue system

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaican government has formally committed J$1.08 billion in its 2026/27 Expenditure Estimates to fund a comprehensive technological overhaul of Tax Administration Jamaica’s (TAJ) core operating platform, the Revenue Administration Information System (RAIS). This substantial investment marks the initial phase of a broader modernisation initiative with a total projected cost of J$1.9 billion.

    Tabled in the House of Representatives by Finance and the Public Service Minister Fayval Williams on February 12, the budgetary allocation will catalyse a significant transformation of the nation’s tax infrastructure. The modernised system is designed to deliver a vastly improved digital experience for taxpayers, incorporating advanced technological features and implementing robust, next-generation security protocols to safeguard sensitive financial data.

    A primary strategic objective of the upgrade is to foster greater voluntary compliance among taxpayers by streamlining processes and enhancing accessibility. Furthermore, the project is critical for ensuring Jamaica’s full adherence to the international standards mandated by the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA).

    Key operational targets for the 2026/27 fiscal period include the deployment and installation of the new RAIS GenTax Core 26 software suite. This platform will introduce sophisticated functionalities, including an intelligent e-services assistant, seamless financial data exchange capabilities, and a more efficient payment management ecosystem.

    Concurrent initiatives will involve the configuration of an integrated customer relationship management (CRM) framework, alongside a modernised digital appointment and queuing system. The timeline also includes the rigorous development of test plans, the execution of comprehensive user acceptance testing (UAT), and the creation of detailed training materials and programmes for both staff and users.

    The ambitious modernisation project is scheduled to commence in April 2026, with an expected completion date set for March 2028, representing a two-year transformational journey for Jamaica’s revenue administration.

  • Bartlett receives Global Tourism Resilience Lifetime Achievement Award in Nairobi

    Bartlett receives Global Tourism Resilience Lifetime Achievement Award in Nairobi

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett has been honored with the Global Tourism Resilience Lifetime Achievement Award during the 4th Global Tourism Resilience Day ceremonies in Nairobi, Kenya. The prestigious recognition was presented on February 17, 2026, at the Safari Park Hotel, acknowledging Bartlett’s transformative contributions to global tourism security and sustainability.

    The award celebrates Minister Bartlett’s pioneering development of comprehensive resilience frameworks that have enhanced crisis preparedness and recovery capabilities across international tourism destinations. His innovative approaches have established resilience as a fundamental component of sustainable tourism development, enabling tourist destinations worldwide to better anticipate, withstand, and recover from various disruptions including natural disasters, pandemics, economic instability, and other global crises.

    Throughout his distinguished career, Bartlett has been instrumental in championing multinational collaboration, policy innovation, and capacity-building programs specifically designed to protect tourism—one of the world’s most critical economic sectors. His visionary leadership has facilitated stronger partnerships between governments, private sector entities, and global institutions, promoting strategies that encourage recovery, sustainability, and inclusive growth within tourism-dependent economies.

    In his acceptance address, Minister Bartlett reaffirmed his dedication to developing resilient tourism systems that empower local communities, safeguard livelihoods, and promote long-term economic stability. He stressed the critical need for ‘continued global cooperation to build adaptive frameworks capable of responding to emerging challenges in our increasingly interconnected world.’

    Bartlett attributed the honor to the collective efforts of the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre based in Jamaica, extending gratitude to both public and private partners who recognize the vital importance of building tourism resilience. Professor Waller, executive director of the Centre, praised Bartlett’s achievements, noting that the minister’s work represents ‘a huge win for both the minister and Jamaica’ on the global stage.

    The Global Tourism Resilience Lifetime Achievement Award is reserved for exceptional leaders whose contributions have created lasting, transformative impacts on the international tourism industry, setting new standards for excellence and innovation in the field.

  • FROM THE GROUND UP

    FROM THE GROUND UP

    Kingsmen Sports Enterprise has officially acquired the Jamaican franchise for the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), marking the team’s return after a two-year hiatus. The United States-based organization, represented by Faisal Mirza, successfully concluded bidding negotiations to secure ownership of the team previously known as Jamaica Tallawahs.

    Mirza revealed that expanding into Jamaican cricket represented a strategic evolution for Kingsmen, which recently added the Hyderabad franchise in the Pakistan Super League to its growing sports portfolio. He emphasized that Jamaica’s rich cricketing heritage and cultural resonance with the Kingsmen brand made this acquisition an obvious choice for the organization.

    The new ownership group plans to implement a self-reliant operational model, distinguishing their approach from previous ownership concerns about government support. While acknowledging the Jamaican government’s cooperative stance, Mirza stressed that Kingsmen intends to drive success primarily through internal resources rather than external dependencies.

    Beyond fielding a competitive team, Kingsmen has committed to substantial long-term investments in Jamaica’s cricket infrastructure and grassroots development. The organization aims to revitalize youth cricket programs and school-level participation, seeking to cultivate future talents comparable to Jamaican legends like Andre Russell and Chris Gayle.

    Mirza outlined a comprehensive vision that extends beyond immediate sporting success, targeting positive impacts on Jamaica’s tourism sector and broader economy. The ownership group recognizes this venture as a decades-long investment that balances financial returns with social development, particularly through youth cricket initiatives that may not generate direct sponsorship revenue but contribute significantly to national cricket development.

    The return of CPL cricket to Jamaica in August represents both a sporting homecoming and an economic opportunity, with government ministers already expressing support for the franchise’s revival and its potential benefits for Jamaican tourism and national pride.

  • Newly rebuilt flow mobile network awarded ‘Jamaica’s fastest’ by Ookla

    Newly rebuilt flow mobile network awarded ‘Jamaica’s fastest’ by Ookla

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Telecommunications provider Flow has received formal recognition as Jamaica’s fastest mobile network by global connectivity intelligence firm Ookla. This accolade arrives following substantial infrastructure investments made in response to Hurricane Melissa’s widespread impact on the island’s communication systems.

    Company executives revealed this achievement marks a significant milestone in Flow’s network enhancement initiative. Stephen Price, Vice President and General Manager at Flow, emphasized the award validates months of dedicated efforts by technical teams who accelerated restoration work post-hurricane to re-establish and improve mobile connectivity across Jamaica.

    Price outlined ambitious expansion plans set for 2026, including dozens of new mobile sites and acquisition of additional spectrum to increase network capacity. These developments are expected to deliver enhanced service quality and faster speeds to more regions. The expansion strategy specifically targets known coverage gaps through strategic placement of new infrastructure.

    Customer feedback mechanisms are playing a central role in guiding network improvements, with the company implementing advanced satellite backup connectivity to maintain service during future catastrophic events. Flow is simultaneously strengthening backup power capabilities at critical facilities to minimize service interruptions during power outages.

    Recent technological innovations include the December 2025 launch of Wi-Fi calling, enabling high-quality conversations over Wi-Fi connections without requiring additional applications. The company maintains its Flow Essential product, which provides text messaging via satellite in previously inaccessible remote areas.

    To increase accessibility, Flow has introduced new customer incentives and sweeteners designed to make latest-generation smartphones and mobile technology available at more affordable price points across the Jamaican market.

  • Cuba crisis warning

    Cuba crisis warning

    A coalition of eight former Caribbean Community (CARICOM) heads of government has issued a forceful condemnation of United States policy toward Cuba, characterizing recent executive actions as “inhumane weapons of mass destruction” that are deepening a humanitarian crisis on the island nation.

    The distinguished group, comprising former presidents and prime ministers from across the region, specifically targeted the Trump Administration’s January 2026 executive order that imposes punitive tariffs on nations providing petroleum to Cuba. This policy has exacerbated existing fuel shortages that have crippled transportation, healthcare, and basic services for Cuba’s 11 million citizens.

    Among the signatories are former Guyanese President Donald Ramotar, along with former prime ministers Freundel Stuart (Barbados), Edison James (Dominica), Tillman Thomas (Grenada), Bruce Golding and PJ Patterson (Jamaica), Dr. Kenny Anthony (St. Lucia), and Dr. Keith Rowley (Trinidad & Tobago).

    The former leaders framed their statement within historical context, recalling the landmark 1972 decision by four Caribbean nations to establish diplomatic relations with Cuba in defiance of hemispheric isolation policies. They highlighted Cuba’s five decades of solidarity with the region through medical assistance, educational scholarships, and disaster relief provided without expectation of reciprocity.

    The statement emphatically rejected the doctrine that “might makes right,” arguing that economic warfare waged over ideological differences is as morally reprehensible as military aggression. The leaders endorsed findings by UN human rights experts that the US executive order violates international law and called for immediate repeal of measures undermining Cuba’s access to essential energy resources.

    In parallel developments, an international humanitarian initiative dubbed ‘Nuestra America Convoy to Cuba’ is preparing to deliver critically needed supplies to the island via air, land, and sea routes starting March 21. The coalition, which includes Swedish activist Greta Thunberg among its supporters, aims to circumvent the US blockade with shipments of food, medicine, and essential goods.

    Mexico has already demonstrated regional solidarity by dispatching aid ships from Veracruz in February, while maintaining diplomatic channels with Washington regarding the oil embargo. This emerging pattern of international resistance signals growing regional determination to address what Caribbean leaders term an unprecedented humanitarian challenge.

  • Scammer forfeits J$12 million, BMW X6 after Supreme Court order

    Scammer forfeits J$12 million, BMW X6 after Supreme Court order

    JAMAICA’S FINANCIAL CRACKDOWN: In a significant legal development, Jamaica’s Financial Investigations Division (FID) has successfully obtained a Supreme Court Consent Order to recover illicit gains from a decade-old lottery scam operation. The civil recovery proceedings, initiated under the nation’s Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA), targeted assets acquired by defendant Simnel Mullings between 2009 and 2010.

    Court documents reveal compelling evidence demonstrating Mullings received over US$54,695 through numerous remittances from multiple senders in the United States during the specified period. These transactions were conclusively linked to unlawful activities associated with lottery fraud schemes.

    The January 2026 court mandate requires Mullings to pay J$12 million to the state, with J$4.5 million paid immediately upon settlement. The remaining J$7.5 million will be disbursed through 16 structured monthly installments of J$468,750, commencing February 2026.

    In addition to the financial penalty, the court ordered the forfeiture of a 2012 BMW X6 vehicle registered under an associate’s name but proven through financial investigation to be beneficially owned by Mullings. The luxury vehicle, described as being in excellent condition, now becomes state property.

    Keith Darien, Principal Director of Financial Crime Investigations at FID, emphasized the strategic importance of civil recovery mechanisms: “Civil recovery helps to stop crime from paying. Where evidence supports it, even without criminal conviction, we will employ due process to recover illicit benefits, deter offenders, and protect public interest, particularly when fraud and deception cause substantial harm both locally and internationally.”

    The case exemplifies Jamaica’s strengthened asset-recovery framework, which utilizes court-supervised processes and legal safeguards to remove the financial benefits of criminal activity, representing a sophisticated approach to combating financial crimes.

  • Race day review for Wednesday, February 18, 2026

    Race day review for Wednesday, February 18, 2026

    The 2026 Ash Wednesday Trophy, a prestigious six-and-a-half-furlong race, concluded a dynamic 10-race program with notable performances and unexpected outcomes. Despite being installed as the 9-5 favorite, Supremasi, ridden by two-time champion Raddesh Roman for trainer Anthony Nunes, failed to contend, finishing without a notable chance.

    In a display of superior class, the American-bred Wall Street Trader (5-2) dominated the field, securing a victory by nearly four lengths. The 2019 champion jockey Christopher Mamdeen piloted the Rowan R Mathie-trained horse to a commanding win.

    The race meeting showcased a series of impressive triumphs. Jockey Robert Halledeen, following a 67-1 longshot ride earlier in the week, opened the card with a win aboard the 6-1 bet Bobbytwobad. The five-year-old chestnut, owned and trained by Robert French, led prominently throughout the five-and-a-half furlong gallop to win by over two lengths.

    Trainer Peter-John Parsard emerged as a dominant force, securing a remarkable triple victory. His success began with US-bred Miss Marabella (8-5), guided by 2022 champion Dane Dawkins to a 3.5-length victory over the even-money favorite Bowmore (USA) in the five-furlong straight course. Parsard’s second win came with Bangarang (5-2), where visiting former three-time champion Anthony Thomas demonstrated exceptional skill to secure a head victory. Parsard completed his triple with Midnight Galaxy (1-5), who delivered a 13-length canter under two-time champion Shane Ellis in the seven-and-a-half furlong event.

    The meeting wasn’t without controversy. The Nunes-Roman team found redemption in race three when their Canadian-bred Miss Grove (4-1) was awarded victory after the initial winner, Danka, was disqualified for interference in the final stretch.

    Additional notable performances included Tevin Foster’s riding double aboard Minnehaha (3-5) and Summer Palace (6-5), the latter completing a stable one-two finish for trainer Jason DaCosta. Spencer Chung earned the Training Feat Award for preparing seven-year-old General Chief to a dominant 9-length victory, while Anthony Thomas received the Jockeyship Award for his exceptional ride on Bangarang.

  • Banks urged to re-evaluate agricultural financing

    Banks urged to re-evaluate agricultural financing

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaican government is spearheading a transformative initiative to redirect financial resources toward the agricultural sector. Floyd Green, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, has issued a compelling appeal to lending institutions, urging them to fundamentally reconsider their lending strategies by prioritizing agricultural investments over consumer financing.

    Minister Green criticized the prevailing banking preference for consumer loans—such as automobile financing—emphasizing that this approach must evolve to support national food security and economic resilience. He announced concrete measures to facilitate this shift, including directives to the Agro-Investment Corporation (AIC) to collaborate with banks in building analytical capabilities for evaluating agricultural enterprises.

    Historically, Jamaican banks employed trained agricultural specialists to assess farming proposals, but this expertise has diminished over time. To address this gap, the AIC will now provide free services to farmers—including business plan development and financial record-keeping support—while also working with financial institutions to enhance their ability to analyze agricultural loan applications.

    In parallel, the Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ) has revised its lending criteria to simplify farmers’ access to capital. Minister Green revealed ongoing discussions with the DBJ to initiate direct lending programs tailored to agricultural entrepreneurs. He additionally called upon People’s Cooperative (PC) banks to reengage significantly with the farming community by offering expansion capital.

    Further broadening the effort, the Ministry has requested technical assistance from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to evaluate Jamaica’s agricultural financing ecosystem and develop innovative financial instruments aimed at increasing funding accessibility for farmers.

    These initiatives complement the recently launched Matching Grant Scheme (MGS) under the Southern Plains Agricultural Development Project (SPAD), supported by the United Kingdom Caribbean Infrastructure Development Fund (UKCIF) and administered by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB). The program targets enhanced economic stability for small and medium-scale farmers in St. Catherine and Clarendon through resource provision and infrastructure development managed by the AIC, including irrigation, drainage, and road improvements in key agricultural zones.

  • Floyd Green goes shopping at ‘Curry’

    Floyd Green goes shopping at ‘Curry’

    Jamaica’s agricultural industry is demonstrating a remarkable resurgence as produce prices experience a significant downward trend across local markets. This encouraging development was highlighted during Agriculture Minister Floyd Green’s feature appearance on the Jamaica Observer’s popular Market Bag video series, filmed at Kingston’s historic Coronation Market.

    Minister Green joined host Carlysia Ramdeen to document the market’s vibrant activity and discuss strategic government initiatives that facilitated the sector’s robust recovery from Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact last October. The weekly program, which tracks agricultural commodity prices nationwide, revealed substantial price reductions including tomatoes at approximately $50 per pound, carrots at $100, and cabbage priced around $150.

    During the market tour, Minister Green specifically commended Jamaican farmers for their extraordinary resilience and dedication amid challenging circumstances. “What we are witnessing represents the tangible outcome of combined efforts—strategic seed distribution, enhanced water management systems, operational improvements, and most importantly, the determination of exceptional farmers committed to restoring Jamaica’s food security,” Green emphasized.

    The agriculture minister detailed how coordinated intervention programs involving seed distribution, irrigation support, and technical assistance enabled farmers to rapidly rebuild production capacity following natural disasters. This comprehensive approach has not only stabilized supply chains but also created favorable conditions for price normalization that benefits consumers nationwide.

    The latest Market Bag episode documenting this agricultural recovery premieres Friday at 6:30 PM on YouTube and social media platforms, providing consumers with transparent market information and celebrating the restoration of Jamaica’s local food production capabilities.

  • Bermuda recalls infant and baby milk formula products

    Bermuda recalls infant and baby milk formula products

    HAMILTON, Bermuda – In a critical public health alert, Bermuda’s Ministry of Health has initiated an immediate product recall for multiple batches of infant and follow-on milk formulas. The urgent action targets specific products from the Cow & Gate and Aptamil brands, manufactured by the international food conglomerate Danone, over potential contamination with cereulide, a harmful toxin known to induce severe gastrointestinal distress.

    The Ministry confirmed that environmental health officers have already commenced the removal of the identified 15 products from retail shelves across the island. Officials emphasized that the recalled items, which were available in local stores, pose a significant health risk to infants, potentially causing symptoms including acute nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramping.

    Authorities are strongly urging all parents and caregivers to immediately cease using the affected formulas and to return them to their point of purchase for a full refund, irrespective of whether a receipt can be provided. For detailed information on the specific batch numbers involved in this recall, consumers are directed to the official resource website, www.cgbabyclub.co.uk.

    The Ministry has committed to ongoing surveillance of the situation and will disseminate further updates to the public as necessary, ensuring transparent communication throughout the remediation process.