KINGSTON, Jamaica — Everald Warmington, Member of Parliament (MP) for St Catherine South Western, has urged the Jamaican Government to assume full responsibility for the maintenance of roads in housing schemes, particularly those constructed four to five decades ago, which are now in a state of severe disrepair. Warmington presented a motion to this effect in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, aiming to establish this as official Government policy if debated and approved.
标签： Jamaica
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VMIL aims AI at cost and service goals in digital overhaul
VM Investments Limited (VMIL) is spearheading a digital revolution in its operations, leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced technologies to enhance efficiency and expand its regional footprint. Through a strategic partnership with overseas technology firm Abacus, VMIL is integrating AI into its call-center functions, research, and risk management teams, automating routine tasks to free up human resources for higher-value advisory roles. This initiative aligns with a broader industry trend, as global financial institutions like Citi are rapidly adopting generative AI to gain a competitive edge. Alison Mais, VMIL’s Chief Operating Officer, emphasized the importance of a digital-first approach, stating that 58% of clients now use the company’s core client management system, with 90% of equity transactions conducted on the J-Trader platform. These platforms provide real-time access to statements, rates, and transaction capabilities, replacing outdated manual communication channels. VMIL’s digital infrastructure is also facilitating its expansion into the Eastern Caribbean, with a recently approved investment advisory license in Barbados enabling virtual client onboarding. This strategy allows the company to serve regional clients efficiently without the need for physical presence, reducing costs while maintaining compliance and governance standards. Despite significant upfront investments in technology, VMIL views AI adoption as essential for long-term competitiveness. The company reported a 31.6% rise in second-quarter revenue to $653.8 million, driven by growth in fees and investment gains, though it posted a net loss of $6.7 million due to increased operating expenses from its digital transformation. CEO Rezworth Burchenson highlighted the importance of technology in product development and revenue diversification, pointing to the growth of VMIL’s asset management platform, which now includes unit trusts, mutual funds, private portfolios, and alternative investments like real estate and private equity. The company’s digital transformation is central to its strategy of building a scalable, modern financial services platform that meets the evolving needs of regional and diaspora clients. VMIL’s aggressive digital push positions it at the forefront of a transformative trend in the financial sector, mirroring the strategies of global institutions like Citi. By embedding AI and digital tools into its operations, VMIL aims to drive efficiency, manage risk, and ensure profitable growth in a rapidly changing market.
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Trump’s H-1B visa fee hike could send Jamaican professionals to other countries
The Donald Trump administration’s decision to impose a staggering $100,000 application fee for employers seeking to hire foreign professionals through the H-1B visa programme has raised significant concerns among immigration experts. Immigration attorney Dayle Blair warns that this move could ‘backfire’ on the US, potentially driving skilled workers to countries like Canada and China, which are actively courting global talent in fields such as information technology, engineering, healthcare, and education. Blair highlighted China’s recent introduction of the K-Visa, a sponsor-free visa category aimed at attracting STEM professionals, as a direct response to the US’s restrictive measures. The K-Visa, launched on October 1, 2025, is part of China’s broader strategy to compete for skilled workers, though details on fees and requirements remain undisclosed. Blair also noted that remote work could offer an alternative for US employers, but concerns over data security and client permissions persist. The H-1B visa, which allows US employers to hire foreign workers in specialised fields, has seen a 20-fold fee increase from $5,000 to $100,000, effective September 21, 2025. This sharp rise comes as the US government pushes for companies to hire more local talent. However, Blair and other experts argue that this policy could stifle US innovation and businesses by restricting access to a global talent pool. Smaller companies, in particular, may struggle to afford the new fee, potentially limiting their ability to hire skilled foreign workers. The announcement has already caused widespread concern among employers, with many scrambling to bring employees back to the US before the deadline. Additionally, Jamaicans are being warned to remain vigilant against scams that often arise during periods of immigration uncertainty. Immigration attorney Nadine Atkinson-Flowers urged individuals to rely on credible sources and make informed decisions to avoid falling victim to fraudulent schemes.
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Margaritaville Caribbean’s IPO plans remain distant prospect
Margaritaville Caribbean Group has indicated that its plans for an initial public offering (IPO) of its Jamaica business remain uncertain, with Chairman Ian Dear declining to provide a specific timeline. The IPO, first proposed in 2023, was intended to raise between US$4 million and US$5 million for expansion through a listing on a major regional exchange. However, Dear emphasized that the IPO remains in the company’s “very near future” but offered no concrete updates.
Margaritaville Caribbean operates three flagship locations in Jamaica—Ocho Rios, Montego Bay, and Negril—which have faced significant operational challenges in recent years. These include pandemic-related disruptions and storm damage at the Montego Bay venue, which was temporarily out of commission but has since partially reopened. Dear expressed optimism, stating that the Montego Bay location is “back on track” and expected to be fully operational by the end of the year. Additionally, the damaged cruise pier in Ocho Rios, crucial for customer traffic, is anticipated to reopen soon, potentially boosting revenues.
Despite the IPO delay, Dear highlighted the group’s strong operational performance, particularly in its listed subsidiary, Margaritaville (Turks) Ltd. For the year ending May 31, 2025, the subsidiary reported a net profit of US$1.6 million, a 137% increase from the previous year, driven by a 22% revenue growth to US$9.6 million. The gross profit margin also expanded to 70.9%, reflecting improved financial management. However, cash flow challenges persist, with net cash from operations at just US$264,673, largely due to a US$2.43-million increase in the “Due from related companies” segment, now the largest asset on the subsidiary’s balance sheet.
Dear remains optimistic about the group’s prospects, stating, “We are very bullish on Jamaica. We see that our tourism product is growing… all of our locations in Jamaica are doing quite well now.” The focus remains on operational recovery and financial discipline as the group navigates its path forward.
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Candidates, contributors campaign financing submissions due Wednesday
KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Electoral Commission of Jamaica (ECJ) has issued a reminder to all candidates who participated in the September 3, 2025, General Election, emphasizing that the deadline for submitting their election expense reports is Wednesday. According to the Representation of the People Act (ROPA), candidates or their official agents are legally obligated to file the Return of Election Expenses within six weeks following Election Day. The submission must be made using the prescribed Form 22, and the law caps election spending at a maximum of $15 million per candidate. Additionally, contributors to election campaigns are also mandated to provide their legally required declarations by the same deadline. These documents must be submitted to the returning officer of the respective constituency or directly to the Director of Elections at 43 Duke Street, Kingston, addressed to the Legal Affairs and Compliance Department. Once the submissions are received, the ECJ will compile and publish a summary of the declarations provided by the candidates.
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Vacancy tax on idle properties proposed as part of waterfront’s economic revival
Renowned urban planner Brent Toderian has proposed a vacancy tax on unused properties as a potential strategy to stimulate economic activity in downtown Kingston, Jamaica. The suggestion was made during the fifth Maurice Facey Lecture, held at the Jamaica Conference Centre last week. Toderian, former chief planner for Vancouver, Canada, emphasized that while he is not advocating for immediate implementation, such a tax could incentivize property owners to repurpose derelict buildings and vacant lots for commercial or residential use.
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Reggae Boyz player ratings vs Bermuda: High marks as Jamaica inch closer to WC qualification
Jamaica’s national football team, the Reggae Boyz, delivered a commanding performance on Tuesday, securing a resounding 4-0 victory over Bermuda in their FIFA World Cup qualifier. This triumph has propelled them back to the top of their group in the final round of the Concacaf World Cup Qualifiers, with just two matches left to play. The game, held at the National Stadium, showcased a series of standout individual performances that underscored the team’s dominance.
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Master Mac Food adds 15th store in latest round of expansion
Master Mac Food Store, a prominent grocery chain, is poised to open its 15th location and 5th supermarket on Thursday, October 16, marking a significant milestone in its expansion strategy. The new superstore, situated at 108-110 Constant Spring Road, spans approximately 40,000 square feet, making it the largest and most advanced outlet in the company’s 30-year history. Located near popular establishments like Furniture Land, Carmen’s Corner, and Taboo nightclub, the store is part of a larger commercial complex on a 2.5-acre property owned by the company for several years.
The superstore will feature unique additions such as a bakery and deli, alongside a wider variety of grocery items, enhancing the shopping experience for customers. Owner Raymond McMaster emphasized the strategic location and potential for strong returns, though he declined to disclose the exact investment cost. The development aligns with the increasing residential and commercial activity in the Constant Spring area, prompting the company to activate the property’s potential.
As the anchor tenant, the supermarket is surrounded by 20 other commercial units, many of which are already leased or preparing to open. These include retail shops, professional services, and eateries like the popular Mystic Thai, set to open in November 2025. The new store is expected to create 75 jobs, bringing the company’s total employment in Jamaica to approximately 600.
Founded in the late 1980s, Master Mac Food Store remains a family-run enterprise, with McMaster and his wife Wendy leading the business alongside their children, who are being groomed for future leadership. While there are no immediate plans for further expansion, the company remains open to opportunities, particularly in St Thomas, which is emerging as a new development frontier.
The Constant Spring superstore aims to cater to a diverse demographic, offering competitive pricing, a broad product selection, and a comfortable shopping environment. McMaster expressed optimism about the store’s potential to deliver value and a superior shopping experience, reinforcing the company’s commitment to customer satisfaction.
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Businessman charged for allegedly obstructing election officer
KINGSTON, Jamaica — A prominent businessman from St Mary has been formally charged following a controversial incident during the recent general election in the St Mary South Eastern constituency. Leon Campbell, 47, also known as “Poogie,” residing at Addison Close, Gibraltar Housing Scheme, faces allegations of using a computer for malicious communication and obstructing an election officer, violations under the Representation of the People Act. The incident occurred on September 4 at a primary school serving as a polling station.
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BACK ON TOP!
The Jamaican national football team, affectionately known as the Reggae Boyz, have taken a significant step towards securing a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a commanding 4-0 victory over Bermuda in the Concacaf World Cup Qualifiers. The match, held at the National Stadium on Tuesday, saw goals from Bobby Reid, Shamar Nicholson, Dujuan ‘Whisper’ Richards, and an own goal from Bermuda’s captain Dante Leverock. This win not only mirrored their earlier 4-0 triumph over Bermuda in September but also marked their third consecutive victory in the campaign, bringing their total goals scored to 10. The result was further sweetened by Curacao’s 1-1 draw with Trinidad and Tobago (T&T), allowing Jamaica to reclaim the top spot in Group B with nine points, one ahead of Curacao. With only the group winner guaranteed a place in the 2026 World Cup, Jamaica now control their destiny as they prepare for their final two matches against T&T and Curacao in November. T&T, despite their recent draw, remain in contention with five points, while Bermuda have been eliminated from the race after losing all four of their matches. The Reggae Boyz displayed their dominance with over 70% possession and nearly 30 shots, bouncing back from a 2-0 defeat to Curacao last Friday. Midfielder Kasey Palmer, who missed the previous game, set the tone with a free kick that led to Leverock’s own goal in the 24th minute. Reid, Nicholson, and Richards added to the tally, with Richards’ electrifying performance off the bench showcasing his potential. Jamaica’s next match against T&T on November 13 will be crucial, followed by a potentially decisive clash with Curacao on November 18 at the National Stadium.