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标签： Jamaica

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  • Two arrested after police seize counterfeit cash and gun

    Two arrested after police seize counterfeit cash and gun

    Jamaican law enforcement authorities have apprehended two individuals in connection with significant criminal activities following an early morning operation in Trelawny. The coordinated police action occurred in the Mendez Town area on Tuesday at approximately 8:30 AM, resulting in the discovery of both counterfeit United States currency and an unlicensed firearm.

    According to official reports, specialized police units executed a precisely targeted raid on a residential property as part of an ongoing investigation. During their systematic search of the premises, officers uncovered a concealed Smith & Wesson Springfield 9mm pistol along with accompanying ammunition hidden within furniture. The weapon, classified as prohibited under Jamaican firearm regulations, was found strategically placed inside a couch within the residence.

    In addition to the illegal firearm, authorities recovered multiple counterfeit US banknotes of substantial denomination. The sophisticated operation demonstrates the continued vigilance of Jamaican police forces against financial crimes and weapons violations that threaten community safety.

    Both suspects, identified as one male and one female resident, were immediately taken into custody following the discoveries. They currently remain detained at a secure facility while investigators pursue multiple lines of inquiry regarding the origin and intended use of both the counterfeit currency and the unauthorized weapon. Forensic analysis of the evidence is underway to determine potential connections to broader criminal networks operating within the region.

    The Jamaica Constabulary Force has emphasized its commitment to combating organized crime through targeted interventions, with this operation representing another successful effort to remove illegal weapons and counterfeit money from circulation. Local community leaders have expressed support for the police action, acknowledging the importance of such measures in maintaining public security.

  • Labour ministry formalises working partnership with HRMAJ

    Labour ministry formalises working partnership with HRMAJ

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a landmark move for labor development, Jamaica’s Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS) has formally established a collaborative framework with the Human Resource Management Association of Jamaica (HRMAJ) through a signed Statement of Intent. The ceremonial signing occurred during the opening of HRMAJ’s 45th Annual Conference at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel on Wednesday, with Portfolio Minister Pearnel Charles Jr and Acting Permanent Secretary Dione Jennings representing the government.

    Minister Charles Jr emphasized the agreement transcends symbolic gesture, representing a concrete commitment to ongoing dialogue and cooperative action. He highlighted the aligned objectives between the ministry’s mandate and the association’s mission, noting their “shared goals and mutual obligations” toward national workforce development.

    “Our ministry recognizes the strategic value of this partnership,” Charles Jr stated. “We will continue establishing policy frameworks and regulatory standards while HRMAJ equips organizations with professionals, knowledge, and tools for effective implementation.”

    The minister contextualized the partnership within global workforce transformations, stressing the urgency for flexible, competitive labor markets. He envisioned the collaboration as instrumental in advancing Jamaica’s workforce readiness amid evolving economic demands.

    From the association’s perspective, HRMAJ Vice President Michael McAnuff-Jones characterized the agreement as historic for the human resources profession. The partnership positions Jamaica to become the Caribbean’s first nation with government-supported HR regulation, joining jurisdictions like Canada, South Africa, and parts of Europe.

    McAnuff-Jones revealed the initiative will involve self-regulation mechanisms centered on a revised code of ethics modeled after the United Kingdom’s standards. He expressed gratitude for ministerial support in advancing professionalization efforts that promise to elevate HR practices nationwide.

  • Coach elated as U-17 Reggae Girlz advance to Concacaf Qualifiers final round

    Coach elated as U-17 Reggae Girlz advance to Concacaf Qualifiers final round

    Jamaica’s Under-17 women’s national football team secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Honduras on Monday, advancing to the next stage of the 2026 CONCACAF Women’s Under-17 Qualifiers. The decisive moment came just before halftime when Elizabeth Miller expertly headed home a precisely delivered corner kick from Shennell Walters in the 44th minute at Aruba’s Stadion Guillermo Prospero Trinidad.

    The match presented significant challenges for the young Reggae Girlz, who demonstrated remarkable resilience after playing most of the second half with only ten players following Ricquanna Richards’ red card in the 57th minute. Despite being numerically disadvantaged, the Jamaican squad maintained tactical discipline and defensive organization to preserve their narrow lead.

    Head Coach Marlon Hylton expressed immense pride in his team’s performance, highlighting their exceptional composure under pressure. “It’s a proud moment for the players and staff and a reward for the hard work and commitment shown throughout the campaign,” Hylton told the Jamaica Observer. “The players stayed organized and trusted the game plan even under pressure.”

    Hylton revealed his team employed a compact mid-block strategy designed to exploit Honduras’ defensive vulnerabilities with balls played over the top. The tactical approach proved successful due to what the coach described as “great discipline and communication” from his players, who executed the game plan with “maturity beyond their years.”

    While celebrating the victory and qualification, Hylton acknowledged areas needing improvement, particularly offensive efficiency. “Going forward, we must be more clinical in front of goal,” he stated. “I will continue to say this and improve our decision-making in key moments.”

    The team now shifts focus to recovery and preparation for next month’s qualification round, with ambitions of making history by qualifying for Jamaica’s first youth Women’s World Cup. Hylton emphasized the importance of maintaining perspective despite the achievement: “This win gives the group confidence and belief, but we remain grounded and focused on continuous improvement.”

  • Italy foils Russian cyberattacks targeting Olympics

    Italy foils Russian cyberattacks targeting Olympics

    ROME, Italy — Italian authorities have successfully intercepted a sequence of sophisticated cyber assaults allegedly originating from Russian operatives, specifically targeting critical infrastructure associated with the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani confirmed the security breach on Wednesday, revealing that the attacks impacted both diplomatic facilities—including the foreign ministry office in Washington—and Olympic venues such as hotels in Cortina.

    The hacker collective Noname057, believed to have ties to Russia, publicly claimed responsibility for the coordinated distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks. In a statement circulated on Telegram, the group justified its actions as retaliation for Italy’s continued support of Ukraine, declaring: “The pro-Ukrainian course of the Italian government leads to the fact that support for Ukrainian terrorists is punishable by our DDoS missiles on websites.”

    Cybersecurity experts have corroborated the group’s involvement, noting that the attacks temporarily disrupted access to several hotel websites in Cortina d’Ampezzo, a key host location for the Games scheduled from February 6 to 22.

    In response to escalating threats, Italy has mobilized an extensive security apparatus involving approximately 6,000 police officers and nearly 2,000 military personnel. Specialized units—including bomb disposal experts, anti-terrorism squads, sniper teams, and ski-trained police—have been deployed across competition zones stretching from Milan to the Dolomites. The defense ministry has further reinforced operations with 170 vehicles, radar systems, drones, and surveillance aircraft.

    Amid these security preparations, controversy emerged regarding the presence of US Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents—a branch of ICE—during the Games. Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi clarified that these agents would operate solely in an advisory capacity within US diplomatic missions, with no patrolling or enforcement authority. Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala had previously criticized their involvement, labeling ICE a “militia that kills,” but Piantedosi dismissed the concerns as “completely unfounded,” emphasizing that international security cooperation during mega-events is standard practice.

    US Ambassador Tilman J Fertitta affirmed that HSI’s role would be limited to intelligence sharing and analysis of transnational cyber and criminal threats, with no operational duties on Italian soil.

  • Jamaica remittance inflows rise in November as sector shows signs of consolidation

    Jamaica remittance inflows rise in November as sector shows signs of consolidation

    Jamaica’s remittance landscape is undergoing significant transformation as new data from the Bank of Jamaica reveals both substantial financial growth and structural consolidation within the industry. According to the latest Remittance Bulletin published by the central bank, November 2025 witnessed remarkable growth in net remittance inflows, which surged to US$281.2 million – representing a robust 14.2 percent increase compared to the same period in the previous year.

    The impressive performance was primarily fueled by heightened activity through formal remittance companies, though partially tempered by an accompanying rise in outbound transfers. Cumulative figures for the current fiscal year demonstrate sustained growth, with net inflows reaching US$2.17 billion, marking a 2.8 percent year-over-year increase. Total incoming remittances grew by 2.9 percent, while outflows experienced a more pronounced uptick of 5.3 percent.

    Parallel to these financial developments, the industry’s operational framework is evolving dramatically. The number of active remittance locations contracted significantly from 514 in 2023 to 492 in 2024, indicating a trend toward market consolidation. This restructuring is further evidenced by licensing patterns: revoked or relinquished licenses nearly doubled to 83 from 46 year-over-year, while new licenses issued plummeted from 132 to 67. Complete 2025 structural data remains pending publication.

    From January through November 2025, total remittance inflows reached US$3.15 billion, maintaining a steady 3 percent annual growth rate. This performance positioned Jamaica favorably against regional counterparts, with some Central American nations experiencing stronger growth while Mexico recorded declines.

    The United States continues to dominate as Jamaica’s primary remittance source, accounting for 66.9 percent of total inflows in November – though slightly diminished from previous levels. The United Kingdom, Canada, and the Cayman Islands followed as significant contributors.

    Remittances remain a cornerstone of Jamaica’s economy, providing crucial foreign exchange equivalent to approximately 15 percent of GDP, nearly 80 percent of tourism earnings, and exceeding 180 percent of export values, according to the central bank’s macroeconomic indicators.

  • Saint’s Tami Williams stars in new Tommy Hilfiger fragrance campaign

    Saint’s Tami Williams stars in new Tommy Hilfiger fragrance campaign

    NEW YORK — Jamaican modeling sensation Tami Williams has been unveiled as the newest ambassador for Tommy Hilfiger’s signature fragrances, marking a significant milestone in her already illustrious career. The Saint International model headlines the freshly launched global campaign for the legendary American fashion house’s ‘Tommy Girl’ and ‘Tommy’ fragrances, photographed against the dynamic backdrop of New York City streets by renowned photographer Matteo Montanari.

    Williams expressed profound enthusiasm about collaborating with an American fashion icon, stating the experience resonated deeply with her personal connection to New York. ‘Shooting in the Empire State was incredible. Being aware that Mr. Hilfiger is a New Yorker himself made it particularly special. This city serves as my second home away from Jamaica, and its vibrant energy is authentically captured throughout the campaign imagery,’ Williams remarked. She appears alongside American model Conrad Solaka in the co-ed promotional blitz.

    The announcement triggered celebratory reactions from her agency. An elated Dewight Peters, CEO of Saint International, was fielding congratulatory calls upon the news breaking. ‘We are filled with gratitude for the blessings Tami continues to receive within the industry through this prestigious campaign,’ Peters commented. He highlighted the longevity of Williams’s career, noting her 12-year tenure since her exclusive debut as a teenager for Alexander Wang at New York Fashion Week in 2014.

    This achievement further solidifies Saint International’s reputation for developing top-tier modeling talent for major fragrance campaigns. The agency boasts a notable history, with Brit Knight featured in Lancôme’s 2023 campaign for ‘La Vie Est Belle’, Kai Newman in a 2016 Colors de Benetton blitz, and Kibwe McGann as a face for Puma in 2004.

    Tami Williams stands as one of Jamaica’s most prolific modeling exports. Her portfolio includes high-profile global campaigns for luxury fashion powerhouses such as Valentino, Balmain, Dolce & Gabbana, Calvin Klein, and Ralph Lauren. Demonstrating remarkable versatility, she has also fronted mass-market campaigns for major brands like Express, Maybelline, and Victoria’s Secret. The ‘Tommy Girl’ fragrance itself remains a powerhouse in the competitive industry, maintaining top-selling status since its original launch in 1996.

  • Salada profits rise, but cash falls as costs and climate risks bite

    Salada profits rise, but cash falls as costs and climate risks bite

    Jamaican coffee and beverage manufacturer Salada Foods Jamaica Limited has reported strengthened profitability in its fiscal year ending September 2025, despite facing significant operational challenges from inflationary pressures, currency fluctuations, and climate-related disruptions.

    The company achieved a net profit of $171.5 million, representing solid financial performance as revenue climbed 7.9% to approximately $1.6 billion. Gross profit reached $487.9 million, with margins maintaining stability at around 30.5% despite persistent cost pressures throughout the supply chain.

    Beneath the surface of these positive earnings indicators, the company’s financial position reveals strategic adaptations to a volatile operating environment. Cash reserves declined substantially to $154.6 million from $272.5 million year-over-year, while inventories surged to $552.5 million from $420.6 million. This inventory accumulation reflects a deliberate corporate strategy to secure essential inputs amid rising global coffee prices and supply chain uncertainties.

    The company’s defensive posture proved prescient when Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica shortly after the fiscal year end, damaging agricultural infrastructure and supply networks. Salada’s advanced procurement strategy has shielded immediate production from disruption, though long-term agricultural impacts remain under assessment.

    Capital investment continued throughout the period with $67.1 million allocated to machinery, equipment, and work-in-progress assets, elevating the net book value of property, plant and equipment to $165.9 million. The company also distributed $130.9 million in dividends to shareholders, further impacting liquidity positions.

    Market performance revealed contrasting trends between domestic and international operations. Local sales demonstrated robust growth, advancing to $1.30 billion from $1.16 billion, while export revenues declined to $304.3 million from $322.1 million despite concerted efforts to expand regional and UK market presence.

    Looking forward, management emphasizes product diversification as a cornerstone of long-term strategy. Recent expansions into functional beverages utilizing locally sourced ingredients like ginger, turmeric, sorrel, and hibiscus target health-conscious consumers and aim to reduce dependence on volatile coffee markets. These innovations, coupled with established brands and operational efficiency focus, provide optimism despite the challenging trade-offs between financial resilience and cash generation in an increasingly unpredictable manufacturing landscape.

  • Flash Motors becomes first electric vehicle-only dealership in Jamaica’s auto association

    Flash Motors becomes first electric vehicle-only dealership in Jamaica’s auto association

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s automotive industry has reached a significant milestone with the formal integration of electric vehicle specialization into its established trade framework. Flash Motors Company Limited has been admitted as the first exclusively electric vehicle dealership within the Automobile Dealers Association of Jamaica (ADA), signaling a transformative shift in the Caribbean nation’s transportation landscape.

    This groundbreaking membership, announced Tuesday, represents a strategic alignment between emerging electric mobility solutions and Jamaica’s conventional automotive sector. The development reflects accelerating regional adoption of sustainable transportation alternatives within previously fuel-dominated markets.

    Xavier Gordon, Chief Executive of Flash Motors, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration: “Our ADA membership signifies industry recognition of electric mobility’s critical role in Jamaica’s transportation future. We value the association’s endorsement as we expand EV infrastructure throughout the Caribbean region.”

    ADA Chairman Jackie Stewart-Lechler confirmed the association’s commitment to embracing automotive innovation: “We enthusiastically welcome Flash Motors and applaud their introduction of cutting-edge electric mobility solutions for Jamaican consumers. Their expertise strengthens our industry’s evolution toward sustainable transportation.”

    Established in 2021, Flash Motors has developed comprehensive electric vehicle ecosystems across multiple Caribbean markets including Jamaica, St. Lucia, and Guyana. The company’s integrated approach encompasses EV sales, charging infrastructure development, and supportive policy advocacy.

    Operating from a modern New Kingston showroom, the dealership provides holistic customer solutions beyond traditional vehicle sales. “Our commitment extends far beyond placing EVs in driveways,” explained Sales Manager Phillip Oliver. “We install personalized charging infrastructure and implement ongoing owner education programs to ensure optimal EV ownership experiences.”

    The company maintains rigorous technical standards through international training programs, sending technicians abroad for certification in global EV maintenance protocols. This commitment to excellence aligns with ADA’s framework emphasizing accountability, transparency, and consumer protection standards.

    This institutional partnership establishes formalized retail standards for Jamaica’s emerging electric vehicle market, creating regulatory consistency while accelerating sustainable transportation adoption across the Caribbean region.

  • NCB’s Cayman transfer completes balance sheet clean-up

    NCB’s Cayman transfer completes balance sheet clean-up

    NCB Financial Group Limited has executed a significant internal restructuring through the acquisition of its Cayman Islands subsidiary by majority-owned Clarien Bank Limited. While presented as an organizational realignment, this transaction culminates a multi-year balance sheet optimization initiative that has fundamentally reshaped the group’s offshore operations.

    The transfer, pending regulatory approval, will transition select wealth and investment management relationships from NCB (Cayman) Limited to Clarien Bank, with the Cayman entity subsequently rebranding under the Clarien name. Group leadership has assured stakeholders of seamless client continuity and no material impact on capital adequacy, liquidity, or ownership structures.

    This stability is anchored by exceptionally robust capital metrics. Regulatory filings reveal NCB (Cayman) maintained a Total Capital Ratio exceeding 30%—more than double the 12% regulatory requirement—with nearly all capital derived from internally generated retained earnings. The entity’s Net Tier 1 capital, a core measure of financial strength, stood at US$35.5 million, characterized by simplicity without complex subordinated debt structures that typically complicate financial transfers.

    Despite these capital strengths, operational challenges persist. A recent rating agency downgrade highlighted a US$1 million net loss for fiscal 2024 and a fourth consecutive year of deposit base contraction. This funding decline reflects both strategic divestments and client migration to higher-yielding alternatives, indicating ongoing profitability pressures despite improved balance sheet stability.

    The transaction represents the culmination of a deliberate cleanup process that included addressing the substantial Sandy Bay loan facility in Barbados, which previously constituted approximately 75% of the subsidiary’s non-performing loans (NPLs). While its removal to National Commercial Bank Jamaica Limited in Q3 2025 significantly improved headline NPL ratios, the Cayman unit’s NPL ratio remained elevated at 25.8% as of June 2025, suggesting persistent credit quality concerns within the remaining portfolio.

    Group CEO Robert Almeida characterized the move as “a deliberate strategic internal realignment designed to strengthen focus and operational coherence across our regional businesses.” The consolidation simplifies the group’s offshore narrative for regulators and investors following its US$300 million return to international capital markets last year, reducing the number of separate entities requiring scrutiny.

    For Clarien Bank, the acquisition supports strategic expansion in selective offshore markets with emphasis on operational continuity, according to CEO Ian Truran.

    Ultimately, this transaction represents the strategic tidying of a stabilized but still recovering operation. While major surgical interventions have addressed the most critical issues, the transferred entity continues to navigate profitability and funding challenges within a cleaner, simplified operational structure.

  • Tropical Battery seeks extension for audited financial statements

    Tropical Battery seeks extension for audited financial statements

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Tropical Battery Company Limited has formally requested and received authorization to postpone the submission of its audited financial statements for the fiscal year concluding September 30, 2025. The Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE) was notified on Wednesday that the revised deadline for filing has been established for February 16, 2026.

    The corporation attributed this deferral to complexities arising from independent third-party assessments of its employee pension fund. These evaluations require meticulous scrutiny and subsequent actuarial recalculations, processes the company deems essential for guaranteeing the utmost precision in its financial disclosures. The initial publication date for these statements was set for November 29, 2025.

    Consequently, the release of the company’s comprehensive annual report, which is predicated on the finalized audited data, will be similarly delayed. Stakeholders can now anticipate its dissemination on or around February 18, 2026, a significant extension from the original target of January 28.
    In its official communication, Tropical Battery emphasized that its internal finance team is collaborating intensively with external auditors and specialized actuarial consultants to meet the new schedule. The company’s leadership expressed confidence in fulfilling all regulatory obligations within the allotted extension period.

    The JSE disclosure concluded with a firm reassurance from the company: “Tropical Battery Company Limited reaffirms its full commitment to transparency, regulatory compliance and the delivery of reliable information to its shareholders and the investing public.”