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  • CIBC Caribbean launches online business account opening in Jamaica

    CIBC Caribbean launches online business account opening in Jamaica

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — CIBC Caribbean has launched a groundbreaking digital onboarding platform specifically designed for small businesses across Jamaica and several Eastern Caribbean nations. This initiative represents a significant advancement in financial accessibility, enabling entrepreneurs to establish business banking accounts through a completely remote process without requiring physical branch visits.

    The newly implemented Business Banking Digital Client Onboarding (DCO) system streamlines the account creation process by allowing business owners to electronically submit required documentation, verify critical information, and complete all necessary compliance checks through a secure digital interface. Jamaica stands among the pioneer markets for this deployment, alongside Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Lucia. CIBC Caribbean has announced plans to expand this digital service to its remaining Caribbean operational territories within the upcoming months.

    Deepa Boucaud, Executive Director for Personal and Business Banking at CIBC Caribbean, emphasized that the platform replaces traditional paper-intensive procedures with streamlined digital interactions. This transformation significantly reduces account processing times and simplifies regulatory compliance obligations. The system incorporates an innovative financial activity capture tool that permits new or early-stage businesses to submit estimated revenue and expenditure information electronically. This feature particularly benefits low-risk sole proprietors by minimizing the requirement for formal financial statements during initial stages.

    Additionally, the platform’s documentation requirements are dynamically adapted to correspond with the specific regulatory frameworks of each jurisdiction where CIBC operates. The bank anticipates that this enhanced digital onboarding process will substantially improve data integrity, strengthen anti-money laundering protocols, and accelerate overall processing efficiency. CIBC Caribbean, which maintains operations across 10 Caribbean countries with approximately US$13 billion in assets, continues to demonstrate its commitment to digital innovation in regional banking services.

  • Top boys schools look to impress at Corporate Area Champs

    Top boys schools look to impress at Corporate Area Champs

    Kingston College (KC), Jamaica College (JC), and Calabar High are locked in a fierce rivalry as they prepare for the upcoming Corporate Area Championships, a critical preparatory event for the prestigious ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships (Champs) in April. The two-day championship is scheduled for February 20-21 at the Ashenheim Stadium on the Jamaica College campus, following its official launch at the NHT Sports Club.

    Defending champion KC, under the guidance of new head coach Richard Smith, is determined to retain the trophy named after their principal, Dave Myrie. Last year, KC dominated with a commanding 50-point lead over runners-up JC, while Calabar secured a distant third place. Coach Smith emphasized the event’s dual role as both a performance benchmark and a crucial confidence-builder for his squad, known as the Famed Purples.

    Meanwhile, JC’s head coach Duane Johnson, whose team is favored to win both the Corporate Area title and the upcoming Champs, highlighted the meet’s predictive power. Noting a strong correlation between Corporate Area results and Champs victories over the past six to seven years, Johnson views the event as an essential diagnostic tool to fine-tune his team’s strategy one month before the main competition.

    The competition has already commenced with three finals concluded at the Youngster Goldsmith Classic last Saturday. JC currently leads the standings with 29 points from steeplechase and pole vault events, followed by KC with 14 points. Excelsior High and Calabar High trail with eight and six points respectively.

    For Julian Robinson, newly appointed head coach of Calabar High, the championship represents an opportunity to claim his first title while testing various team combinations and providing valuable early exposure to championship conditions for novice athletes.

  • Felecia Robinson’s V-Day Sweet Treats

    Felecia Robinson’s V-Day Sweet Treats

    In a celebration of culinary craftsmanship and entrepreneurial spirit, Felecia Robinson of Slice Divine Jamaica Ltd. unveils a Valentine’s Day spread that embodies her journey of sweet persistence. Her artistic approach to baking transforms traditional desserts into sophisticated indulgences, capturing both romance and decadence in every creation.

    Robinson’s culinary foundation was established early through familial influence and formal education. Under the guidance of a baking enthusiast aunt, she developed an innate passion for the craft before pursuing formal studies in food and nutrition during her high school years. This combination of inherited knowledge and academic training provided the groundwork for her current expertise, which she continues to refine through dedicated experimentation and practice.

    The baker’s distinctive style merges nostalgic comfort with contemporary luxury. While demonstrating particular affinity for dark fruitcakes and cheesecakes, her repertoire showcases remarkable diversity and creativity. Signature offerings include the Black Forest Luxe, Pink Champagne confections, Red Velvet with berry filling, and an expanding assortment of artisanal cheesecakes. Robinson acknowledges cheesecakes as her preferred medium, describing them as “intricate, delicate, and challenging” creations that initially seemed daunting until she mastered their preparation and began exploring numerous variations.

    Customer response has been overwhelmingly positive, with reviews frequently expressing inability to get enough of her creations. Robinson acknowledges the competitive baking landscape but remains focused on her core mission: creating memorable desserts that evoke nostalgia and contribute to celebratory occasions. “Cakes are done in times of celebration,” she notes, “and I want to know that I contributed to the joy in the occasion.”

    Her Valentine’s Day collection specifically captures the dual essence of romance and indulgence, representing what she considers one of the year’s best occasions for decadent treats. The visually stunning presentation, documented through professional photography, includes strawberry vanilla ice cream cake cups, cookies and cream ice with piña colada cake cups, pink champagne and chocolate fudge boxes, and a mini cheesecake sampler pack featuring lemon blueberry, Baileys Irish cream, red velvet Oreo, and Guinness variations.

    Contact Information:
    Slice Divine Jamaica Ltd
    Tel: 876-847-2289
    Instagram: @slicedivineja

    Visual documentation by Aceion Cunningham showcases the exquisite detail and artistic presentation of Robinson’s creations, from the richly textured dark fruitcake to the meticulously crafted red velvet cake with berry filling.

  • Pizza Hut Jamaica to open $180 million restaurant in Portmore

    Pizza Hut Jamaica to open $180 million restaurant in Portmore

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Restaurants of Jamaica (ROJ), the national operator of Pizza Hut franchises, has announced a major expansion initiative with a $180 million (JMD) investment, highlighted by the launch of a new restaurant in Cumberland, Portmore. The new establishment, slated to commence operations in March, will mark the brand’s sixteenth outlet nationwide and its second within the Portmore community. This development also positions it as the third Pizza Hut location in the parish of St. Catherine.

    According to Mark Myers, Managing Director of ROJ, this strategic move is an integral component of the company’s aggressive growth blueprint. The strategy encompasses planned new openings both within the Kingston Metropolitan Area and other emerging economic hubs across Jamaica. Myers emphasized the company’s sustained confidence in the robustness and potential of the local market, underscoring a committed focus on driving economic growth and generating employment opportunities.

    The Cumberland outlet will notably become the eleventh Pizza Hut establishment situated outside the parishes of Kingston and St. Andrew. This expansion is strategically designed to enhance customer accessibility and convenience by embedding the brand more deeply into both residential neighborhoods and commercial districts. ROJ’s substantial investment is presented as a direct response to consistent consumer demand and reflects a highly optimistic, long-term perspective on the viability and continued growth of the Jamaican market.

  • Free agent Raheem Sterling joins Feyenoord

    Free agent Raheem Sterling joins Feyenoord

    PARIS, France — In a significant career development, English international footballer Raheem Sterling has finalized a transfer to Dutch Eredivisie club Feyenoord, committing until the conclusion of the current season. The announcement was formally made by the Rotterdam-based team on Thursday.

    The 31-year-old winger, who boasts an impressive 82 caps for the England national team, became a free agent after his contract with Premier League side Chelsea was terminated in January. Following his release, Sterling engaged in extensive deliberations regarding his next career move, holding discussions with multiple clubs across various leagues.

    Sterling expressed measured optimism about his new chapter, stating on the club’s official platform: ‘After careful consideration, I am confident that Feyenoord represents an environment where I can thrive and establish myself as a valued team member. This transition to international football presents an entirely fresh challenge that I am fully prepared to embrace.’

    The transfer sees Sterling joining a club currently positioned second in the Dutch top flight, though facing a substantial 17-point deficit behind dominant league leaders PSV Eindhoven.

    Sterling’s career trajectory has seen notable fluctuations since his high-profile £47 million (approximately $64 million) transfer from Manchester City to Chelsea in 2022. Previously regarded as one of England’s most dynamic wingers and a four-time Premier League champion, the player struggled to replicate his prior performance levels in West London.

    During the recent transfer window, speculation linked Sterling with several European clubs including Italian giants Juventus, German champions Bayer Leverkusen, and London-based Fulham. However, none of these potential moves materialized before the Feyenoord agreement was reached.

  • Witness cop says deadly force accepted if attacked

    Witness cop says deadly force accepted if attacked

    A key prosecution witness in the high-profile murder trial of six Jamaican police officers provided critical testimony on Wednesday, affirming that law enforcement protocol mandates the use of deadly force when officers face armed aggression. Detective Corporal Kevin Adams, the second witness called in the case, addressed the seven-member jury regarding the January 2013 shooting incident that resulted in the deaths of three civilians.

  • France’s ex-minister Retailleau to run for president

    France’s ex-minister Retailleau to run for president

    PARIS — Bruno Retailleau, the prominent leader of France’s conservative Republicans party and former interior minister, formally declared his candidacy for the 2027 presidential election on Thursday. The announcement was conveyed through an internal party communication obtained by AFP.

    The 65-year-old political veteran described his decision as thoroughly considered, stating: “The moment has arrived for my political family to present the French people with an alternative vision centered on order, economic prosperity, and national pride.”

    Retailleau’s entry marks a significant development in the upcoming electoral landscape, where incumbent President Emmanuel Macron will be constitutionally barred from seeking a third term. Emphasizing the collective nature of his campaign, the Republicans leader asserted: “While I am prepared to spearhead this initiative, this endeavor must fundamentally represent a unified movement. I require the active support and personal commitment of all party members and sympathizers.”

    Following his resignation as interior minister last October, Retailleau is scheduled to formally unveil his campaign via social media platforms before making a televised appearance on TF1 later Thursday.

    Recent polling data indicates Retailleau currently enjoys the highest popularity among potential right-wing candidates within his political bloc. The presidential field continues to take shape with centrist former Prime Minister Edouard Philippe, 55, having previously declared his candidacy.

    Meanwhile, the far-right contingent awaits a critical July appeals court ruling regarding Marine Le Pen’s eligibility following fraud allegations. Should the three-time presidential candidate face office exclusion, her designated successor, 30-year-old Jordan Bardella, would assume her candidacy. A November survey surprisingly projected Bardella potentially securing victory in the second-round runoff regardless of his opponent.

  • US shutters its Dominican anti-drug office over corruption claims

    US shutters its Dominican anti-drug office over corruption claims

    The United States has abruptly shuttered its Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) office in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, following unspecified corruption allegations. US Ambassador to the Caribbean nation Leah Campos announced the immediate closure via social media platform X, declaring zero tolerance for even the perception of corrupt activities within her embassy’s operations.

    “I will not tolerate even the perception of corruption anywhere in the Embassy I lead,” stated Ambassador Campos. “To that end, today I am announcing the closure of the DEA office in Santo Domingo until further notice.”

    The decision represents a significant development in bilateral relations between the two nations, particularly regarding their collaborative anti-narcotics efforts. The Dominican Republic has actively positioned itself as a key US partner in combating drug trafficking throughout the Caribbean region.

    This development follows recent enhanced cooperation between the two countries. Last November, during a visit by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Dominican authorities agreed to permit American forces to utilize a local air base and airport for counter-narcotics operations. Those operations resulted in dozens of fatalities during strikes on vessels allegedly transporting drugs, though Washington provided no concrete evidence of narcotics trafficking.

    Earlier that same month, a joint US-Dominican operation successfully intercepted a boat carrying approximately 500 kilograms (1,100 pounds) of cocaine, demonstrating previously effective collaboration.

    Ambassador Campos emphasized the seriousness with which the US government treats corruption allegations, stating: “Corruption holds no place in the U.S. government or any other government. It is a disgusting and disgraceful violation of public trust to use one’s official capacity for personal gain.”

    The closure comes as the Dominican Republic continues to manage complex regional dynamics, sharing the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, which faces profound political and security challenges.

  • Local JPS crews step up as overseas linemen set to depart

    Local JPS crews step up as overseas linemen set to depart

    Jamaica’s electricity restoration efforts have reached a critical transition point as international line workers from North America prepare to depart the island this weekend. With power restoration achieving 97.5% completion, Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) CEO Hugh Grant announced the strategic redeployment of local crews from eastern and central parishes to tackle the remaining complex work in western regions.

    The shift in strategy marks a significant milestone in the prolonged recovery operation following Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact on western Jamaica’s electrical infrastructure last October. The Category 5 storm necessitated the emergency deployment of specialized international crews equipped with heavy machinery and extensive disaster response experience during the initial phase of reconstruction.

    Grant emphasized that the nature of the remaining restoration work requires a different approach. The final 17,000 customers without electricity are primarily located in rural western districts where challenging terrain and limited accessibility demand manual pole-by-pole repairs rather than large-scale equipment operations. The company is now mobilizing Jamaican technical teams who possess intimate knowledge of local topography and community infrastructure.

    “We are now at a stage where 12 of 14 parishes are substantially restored, and we have entered the next phase of our recovery,” Grant stated during a recent post-Cabinet briefing. “This phase includes demobilization of overseas workers and redirection of our local and regional teams to complete restoration in the western region.”

    The utility company has implemented a comprehensive community engagement strategy alongside technical repairs. JPS has established temporary charging stations, ice distribution points, and relocated incident command centers to the western region. The company plans to expand community fairs and public forums to address resident concerns and provide clearer restoration timelines.

    While projecting reconnection of 7,000 additional customers by February’s end, JPS acknowledged that approximately 40% of remaining premises require private electrical repairs before service restoration can occur. The company estimates full restoration may extend through March to April 2026, depending on the resolution of these customer-side infrastructure issues.

    Grant concluded with a commitment to affected communities: “We see you, we hear you, we care about you, and we want to assure you—the work will not stop until every light is back on.”

  • Star-studded line-up for 100’s anniversary concert; BOGO ticket sale this weekend

    Star-studded line-up for 100’s anniversary concert; BOGO ticket sale this weekend

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In celebration of its tenth anniversary, the renowned 100 Restaurant & Gaming Lounge is extending a special Valentine’s gesture to patrons with a buy-one-get-one (BOGO) ticket promotion available from February 13-14. The commemorative concert is scheduled for February 28 at the Kingston venue, featuring an impressive lineup of Jamaican musical talent including Christopher Martin, Gyptian, Agent Sasco, and the legendary Beenie Man.

    Marketing Manager Tassia Bernard emphasized the establishment’s customer appreciation ethos, stating: “Valentine’s weekend presents the perfect opportunity to demonstrate our gratitude to loyal patrons. Whether celebrating with a partner or not, everyone can consider 100 their steadfast companion.”

    The event logistics indicate gates opening at 6:00 PM with performances commencing at 7:00 PM. Ticket pricing is structured at $10,000 for general admission and $25,000 for VIP access. The BOGO promotion extends across multiple retail outlets including Megamart locations, Ribbiz Ultra Lounge, Chandon Open House, Rubis Gas Station on Washington Boulevard, Genus Pharmacy Portmore, and through online platform aitix.com.

    General ticket holders will receive complimentary beverage samples and access to convenience parking with shuttle service, while VIP patrons gain exclusive benefits including premium parking, private shuttle transportation, armed security escort, dedicated entrance, unlimited gourmet food and premium beverages, and privileged seating arrangements.

    Bernard further elaborated on the VIP experience: “The premium package offers an immersive journey through our decade of excellence, showcasing not merely a performance but a comprehensive representation of our culinary and entertainment evolution. Guests will experience live cocktail preparation and curated menu selections that embody our operational philosophy.”

    The anniversary celebration enjoys sponsorship support from prominent beverage brands including Johnnie Walker, Red Stripe, Gordon’s London Dry Gin, and J Wray & Nephew, the latter providing an interactive games zone enhancement for the evening’s festivities.