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  • Jamaica Broilers cuts losses but weak US unit still drags results

    Jamaica Broilers cuts losses but weak US unit still drags results

    Jamaica Broilers Group Limited has achieved a remarkable financial turnaround during the nine-month period ending January, substantially narrowing losses through strengthened domestic operations that have helped stabilize the poultry conglomerate following last year’s accounting crisis. While the company’s challenging US division continues to negatively impact overall performance, the Jamaican operations have emerged as the primary engine driving the group’s recovery.

    The third-quarter interim financial report reveals a net loss of approximately $1 billion, representing a dramatic improvement from the $3.5 billion deficit recorded during the same period last year. This significant recovery stems from a complete reversal in operating performance, with the company posting an operating profit of about $2 billion compared to an operating loss of $1.2 billion in the previous year.

    Revenue for the nine-month timeframe reached $73.6 billion, accompanied by a 22% surge in gross profit to $13.5 billion, indicating substantially improved margins despite modest revenue growth. Company management credited this margin enhancement to refined operational execution across all business units, emphasizing their continued focus on efficiency measures and disciplined implementation strategies.

    The financial resurgence occurs against the backdrop of Jamaica Broilers’ ongoing efforts to stabilize its financial position after accounting irregularities discovered in its US operations prompted a massive $46 billion restatement of financial statements. This development led to the planned transition from long-standing auditor PricewaterhouseCoopers to Ernst & Young.

    Currently, the company is negotiating the resolution of approximately $120 million in debt associated with its US operations, while a $24 billion refinancing arrangement with local banks has provided essential liquidity during balance sheet restructuring. Despite these challenges, Jamaica Broilers maintains its commitment to enhancing operational efficiency and strengthening performance across all business segments as it works toward restoring sustained profitability.

  • ‘Aim for the uncomfortable’, urges Shaggy

    ‘Aim for the uncomfortable’, urges Shaggy

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Grammy-winning dancehall artist Shaggy has revealed how his collaboration with music legend Sting in the theatrical production ‘The Last Ship’ fundamentally transformed his artistic perspective. In a recent appearance on Sherri Shepherd’s daytime talk show, the Jamaican star articulated how embracing discomfort became his catalyst for creative evolution.

    “True artistic growth emerges from stepping beyond familiar territories,” Shaggy explained. “A hamster remains comfortable running in its wheel, but ultimately goes nowhere. Sting consistently pushed me into these uncomfortable spaces that ultimately became my most rewarding creative experiences.”

    The It Wasn’t Me hitmaker described his relationship with Sting as unexpectedly fraternal, noting: “He’s become the brother I never realized I needed. His belief in my capabilities often exceeded my own confidence. He deliberately positioned me in challenging scenarios while championing my talents to production teams. When we began delivering exceptional performances, his validation felt particularly meaningful.”

    The production has achieved remarkable commercial success across Europe, with Shaggy reporting over 60,000 tickets sold during their Paris run and completely sold-out engagements in Amsterdam.

    This philosophy of artistic risk-taking extends to Shaggy’s upcoming album ‘Lottery,’ which he describes as another manifestation of betting on himself. Despite criticism from reggae purists for creating hybrid musical forms, Shaggy maintains that innovation drives genre evolution. “Historically, session musicians blended rock instrumentation with Bob Marley’s foundational work, and those very recordings eventually defined modern reggae. Today’s dancehall itself represents a hybrid form, validating the experimental approach I’ve always embraced.”

  • When ‘without prejudice’ does not apply

    When ‘without prejudice’ does not apply

    A significant legal exception is reshaping debt recovery proceedings for financial institutions, challenging conventional understandings of privileged communications between lenders and borrowers. While standard legal practice protects settlement discussions through ‘without prejudice’ privilege, a crucial judicial carve-out permits admissions of debt to become admissible evidence in court.

    The foundational precedent emerged from Bradford & Bingley PLC v Rashid [2006] UKHL 37, where the House of Lords established that correspondence containing clear debt acknowledgments—even alongside settlement proposals—loses privilege protection. This ruling proved pivotal when a commercial bank sought to recover a longstanding mortgage debt after the borrower’s attorney explicitly admitted the outstanding £15,583 obligation while proposing a £500 settlement.

    Jamaica’s judicial system has embraced this principle through the Supreme Court’s ruling in Dorrett Wong Sam v Jamaica Redevelopment Foundation [2018]. The court determined that correspondence admitting a debt while proposing payment terms—including a specific offer of US$85,000 within 90 days—did not qualify for privilege protection since no genuine liability dispute existed.

    The legal reasoning hinges on a critical distinction: privilege only applies when parties negotiate compromised settlements of disputed liabilities. Where borrowers acknowledge indebtedness while merely negotiating repayment modalities, their communications become admissible evidence. This exception remains applicable regardless of whether correspondence bears the ‘without prejudice’ designation, with courts examining the substantive nature of discussions rather than formal labels.

    This legal framework provides powerful leverage for financial institutions pursuing debt recovery. When clear admissions exist, lenders can utilize these communications to seek summary judgment—expedited court decisions without full trials—significantly streamlining the litigation process. The exception balances legal privilege with public policy objectives by encouraging transparent debt acknowledgments while preventing borrowers from exploiting privilege protections to avoid undeniable obligations.

    Legal professionals emphasize that this exception applies specifically to unambiguous debt admissions coupled with payment proposals. Borrowers should exercise caution in debt negotiation communications, as seemingly protected discussions may become evidence in subsequent proceedings. Financial institutions, conversely, gain enhanced capability to document and leverage clear debt acknowledgments in recovery efforts.

    This evolving jurisprudence continues to shape commercial lending practices and debt collection methodologies across common law jurisdictions, creating a more predictable environment for resolving default scenarios while maintaining appropriate protections for genuine liability disputes.

  • Rowley dismisses accusation that drug money funded party headquarters

    Rowley dismisses accusation that drug money funded party headquarters

    PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – In a forceful rebuttal, former Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley has categorically denied allegations that his People’s National Movement (PNM) party headquarters was financed through drug trafficking proceeds. The accusations were leveled by current Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar during a parliamentary session last Friday, where she characterized the PNM as a “narco-party” in league with criminal elements.

    Addressing journalists at a press conference, Rowley expressed profound disappointment with what he termed “evidence-free allegations” from the sitting prime minister. The former PNM leader, who stepped down following his party’s electoral defeat in April 2025, emphasized his five-decade association with the party since 1974, including 15 years at its helm.

    “For 70 years, the PNM has participated in Trinidad and Tobago’s political landscape both in government and opposition,” Rowley stated. “To suggest that Balisier House’s operations under my stewardship were funded by narco-terrorists represents a reckless disregard for truth.”

    Rowley drew parallels between Persad-Bissessar’s allegations and the treatment of former Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro, suggesting the prime minister’s close alignment with U.S. President Donald Trump’s security policies could lead to similar extraterritorial actions against himself. He questioned whether the government’s participation in the U.S.-led Shield of Americas initiative – a multinational security pact established in March 2026 – effectively endorsed extrajudicial measures in anti-narcotics operations.

    The former prime minister raised grave concerns about the initiative’s implications for due process, noting that Guyana remains the only CARICOM member participating in the project. He referenced the Attorney General’s reported legal advice that lethal force could be employed against suspected traffickers without evidence gathering or judicial oversight.

    “This policy effectively permits our Coast Guard to eliminate suspected individuals based merely on suspicion, without any evidentiary requirements or legal proceedings,” Rowley warned. “Such approaches risk devastating our societal fabric and international standing.”

  • Supreme Ventures Foundation launches search for 4th cohort of community heroes

    Supreme Ventures Foundation launches search for 4th cohort of community heroes

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Supreme Ventures Foundation (SVF) has initiated its fourth annual Supreme Community Hero programme, actively seeking public nominations to identify and honor Jamaica’s most dedicated community development champions. This prestigious initiative specifically targets microbusiness owners who demonstrate exceptional commitment to enhancing social sustainability within their local communities.

    Nominations for the 2026 cohort are now officially open through the Foundation’s dedicated portal at sv-foundation.com, with the submission period extending until March 22, 2026. Following the nomination phase, a rigorous selection process will identify five exemplary individuals who will receive comprehensive support packages specifically designed to strengthen both their community impact and business sustainability.

    Heather Goldson, SVF Director, emphasized the program’s dual focus on financial support and skill development: “Our foundation remains committed to delivering not just capital investment but also essential capacity-building tools that ensure long-term success. Countless Jamaicans are performing extraordinary community work with minimal resources. This initiative aims to identify these unsung heroes, assist them in developing sustainable business models, and provide additional resources to amplify their positive impact.”

    Tishauna Mullings, Chief Success Officer of NexxStepp Lifelong Educational Services and recognized as the 2025 Supreme Hero, exemplifies the program’s transformative potential. Her achievement followed months of intensive training, professional development, and implementation of impactful community projects.

    The selection process involves collaborative efforts with Changemakers Limited, which conducts thorough background verification of nominees, and the Mona Entrepreneurial and Commercialisation Centre (MECC), which delivers specialized retooling training courses to all five selected heroes. The Foundation expresses particular enthusiasm for this fourth cohort, noting the consistent success and accomplishments of previous participants.

  • KFC steps up to St Thomas FA’s plate

    KFC steps up to St Thomas FA’s plate

    In a significant boost for youth football development, corporate Jamaica is stepping up with innovative sponsorship models that address fundamental needs of young athletes. The St Thomas Football Association has hailed Restaurants of Jamaica’s sponsorship providing Kentucky Fried Chicken meals to under-17 teams on match days as a game-changing nutritional intervention.

    Lascelles Logan, president of the association, emphasized the critical importance of this sponsorship during a recent ceremony where McKay Security Limited formalized its support for both the Kingston and St Andrew Football Association (KSAFA) and St Thomas Football Association. Logan specifically thanked security firm CEO Jason McKay for facilitating KFC’s involvement, which provides each team with buckets of chicken on competition days.

    The timing coincides with community excitement surrounding KFC’s establishment as the first business in the new Morant Bay Urban Center. Logan noted the football association’s particular enthusiasm, recognizing McKay Security’s existing relationship with the fast-food chain and anticipating potential benefits from this connection.

    This nutritional support comes with strategic importance for St Thomas’s football structure, where participation in the under-17 league is mandatory for fielding teams in the senior major league—a requirement now incentivized through KFC’s sponsorship program.

    Logan explained the profound impact: “Providing protein to growing athletes addresses a fundamental challenge within our football community. Ensuring players are properly nourished to perform at their optimal levels represents a massive advantage for any development program aimed at elevating young talent.”

    Meanwhile, McKay Security unveiled a comprehensive $4.5 million sponsorship package for both football associations, featuring $1 million awards for each parish’s major league champions. Now in its second year of supporting St Thomas, the security company has allocated $1 million specifically to the under-17 program.

    McKay acknowledged KFC’s immediate willingness to partner in the initiative and expressed his vision for nationwide expansion of similar sponsorships. He articulated a broader philosophy for Jamaican football development, advocating for sustained investment in homegrown talent rather than relying on international recruitment of players transferring nationalities.

    The security executive pointed to Jamaica’s 1998 World Cup qualification team—predominantly composed of locally developed players—as evidence supporting his development model, emphasizing the need for consistent under-17 progression to national under-20 and senior teams.

  • Bahamas says Middle East war putting pressure on local economy

    Bahamas says Middle East war putting pressure on local economy

    NASSAU, The Bahamas — The Bahamian government has identified the escalating military conflict in the Middle East, involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, as the primary catalyst for a severe disruption at one of the world’s most critical energy transit corridors. This strategic chokepoint is vital for the global transportation of oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG), with a substantial percentage of shipments routinely passing through the region.

    Prime Minister Phillip Davis confirmed that the geopolitical turmoil has precipitated a dramatic surge in international oil prices. Values have skyrocketed from approximately US $70 per barrel at the start of the year to figures well exceeding US $100, marking one of the most acute energy price shocks witnessed globally since the onset of the Ukraine crisis. ‘This increase, and the uncertainties about what will come next, are putting immense pressure on oil prices, shipping, and international supply chains,’ Davis stated.

    Addressing domestic concerns, the Prime Minister acknowledged that citizens are acutely aware of the overseas events and are anxious about the potential repercussions on their cost of living. He emphasized the disproportionate impact on a small island nation, where rising global fuel costs directly inflate electricity bills, freight charges, transportation expenses, and ultimately, grocery store prices.

    In response, the government is leveraging policy reforms enacted over recent years to insulate the local economy. Davis highlighted that significant energy sector overhauls, which introduced major efficiencies, infrastructural improvements, and risk mitigation strategies, have enhanced national resilience. Consequently, he assured the public that household electricity bills, which have already decreased due to these changes, will remain unaffected by the current international crisis.

    Further demonstrating proactive measures, Prime Davis convened a meeting with the Retailers Association to coordinate a unified stakeholder effort. The discussions centered on implementing a scheduled reduction of the Value Added Tax (VAT) on unprepared food, effective April 1, to alleviate financial strain on families. Davis framed this collaborative initiative as a testament to a government committed to easing economic pressure on its citizens. He expressed confidence that the VAT reduction would help families retain more of their income and make essential goods more affordable.

    Beyond economic strain, Davis also cautioned that such periods of international instability often breed secondary challenges, including a potential rise in illegal migration, maritime smuggling, and other unlawful activities across the Caribbean region.

  • Deveta McLaren appointed acting regional director for WRHA

    Deveta McLaren appointed acting regional director for WRHA

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaican Ministry of Health and Wellness announced a significant leadership reshuffle within its Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA) this Wednesday. Deveta McLaren, a seasoned management professional with three decades of expertise, has been appointed Acting Regional Director.

    The Ministry’s official release characterized McLaren as a results-driven leader whose extensive career spans sales, marketing, strategic planning, and business restructuring. Her proven track record demonstrates exceptional organizational and people management capabilities, with a specific talent for aligning diverse stakeholder expectations with overarching institutional goals. The Ministry highlighted her proficiency in building brand equity and catalyzing growth across various sectors, including public healthcare.

    In her new capacity, McLaren will assume oversight of all health services delivered across the parishes of Westmoreland, St. James, Hanover, and Trelawny.

    Concurrently, the former regional director, Andrade Sinclair, has been reassigned to a pivotal new role as Project Lead for the Health Infrastructure Maintenance Fund, operating directly under the Ministry. Sinclair’s mandate will encompass the strategic stewardship, governance, and performance oversight of the Maintenance and Resilience Fund. His primary objective is to ensure that investments in critical biomedical equipment and health infrastructure are meticulously planned, prioritized, and managed to safeguard service continuity and uphold the highest standards of patient safety.

    In this capacity, Sinclair will provide support to the ministry and regional health authorities by financing and supervising comprehensive planned preventive and corrective maintenance programs. This strategic move is designed to significantly reduce equipment downtime, though it explicitly does not involve assuming direct operational responsibility for maintenance execution.

    These strategic personnel changes, effective as of Monday, March 2, were formally announced by WRHA Chairman Eric Clarke. Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton extended his best wishes to both McLaren and Sinclair for success in their new assignments, signaling full governmental support for the new operational structure.

  • Lime Hall and Roaring River lose unbeaten records in JFF Championships

    Lime Hall and Roaring River lose unbeaten records in JFF Championships

    The Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) Championships witnessed a significant shift in competitive dynamics this past weekend as two previously undefeated teams suffered their first losses. In a series of matches characterized by intense discipline issues and dramatic turnarounds, Zone A’s landscape experienced substantial alterations.

    Tru-Juice Academy delivered a strategic 1-0 victory against Lime Hall Academy at Dinthill, effectively ending their opponent’s unbeaten record. The solitary goal proved decisive in elevating Tru-Juice to second position in Zone A with 14 points, though they still trail Sakka Club Brown’s Town who maintained their lead with a narrow 1-0 win against Gray’s Inn.

    The most contentious match unfolded at Llandilo Community Centre where Humble Lion FC, despite finishing with only eight players, secured a remarkable 3-1 victory against Roaring River FC. The game descended into chaos early when referee Shemar Campbell issued four red cards before any goals were scored. Both teams were reduced to ten players in the ninth minute when Roaring River’s Dushanie Ewen and Humble Lion’s Douglas Whitely received dismissals for violent conduct. Humble Lion’s challenges compounded when Shawn Campbell and Nevar Brooks were subsequently sent off for using inappropriate language toward officials.

    Despite their numerical disadvantage, Humble Lion demonstrated exceptional resilience. Aaron Weir broke the deadlock in the 58th minute, though Jashane Foster equalized for Roaring River just four minutes later. The dramatic conclusion came through substitute Denzil Watson who entered the match in the 65th minute and scored twice during added time, securing an against-all-odds victory for his short-handed team.

    Elsewhere in the championships, Falmouth United continued their impressive resurgence with a third consecutive victory, defeating Reno FC 1-0 through Matthew Wilson’s decisive goal. Their defensive transformation has been particularly notable, having kept three straight clean sheets after conceding eight goals in their initial four matches.

    The Jamaica Defence Force delivered the weekend’s most dominant performance with a 6-0 rout of Baptiste Alliance. Sheldon Ragbeer’s hat-trick (22nd, 63rd, 66th minutes) highlighted the offensive display, supported by Tevin Cheese’s early opener—his sixth goal of the season—and additional contributions from Michael Allen and Rupert Patience.

    Progressive FC and Duncans United both celebrated their inaugural victories of the season, with Progressive defeating Meadforest FC 2-0 and Duncans United surprising STETHS Elite with a 3-1 result in Santa Cruz.

  • CEP president reiterates need for elections in Haiti

    CEP president reiterates need for elections in Haiti

    PORT AU PRINCE, Haiti – Jacques Desrosiers, President of Haiti’s Provisional Electoral Council (CEP), has emphatically declared that conducting democratic elections constitutes the fundamental mechanism for reestablishing legitimate governmental authority in the crisis-stricken nation. Addressing business leaders during a crucial meeting, Desrosiers underscored that in any democratic framework, elections represent the primary avenue through which legitimate power is attained.

    The Caribbean Community (Caricom) member state last conducted presidential elections in 2016, resulting in Jovenel Moise’s election before his tragic assassination at his private residence in July 2021. Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé reported significant progress toward political stability, noting that major political factions have signed a stability accord committing to unified participation in the upcoming electoral process.

    Electoral authorities have registered 320 political parties and organizations, with the final qualified list scheduled for publication on March 26. The CEP anticipates conducting elections later this year, contingent upon establishing adequate security conditions and securing necessary financial resources for electoral operations.

    The meeting gathered representatives from Haiti’s leading business associations including the Association of Industries of Haiti (ADIH), the American Chamber of Commerce in Haiti (AMCHAM), and several bilateral commerce chambers. Participants received comprehensive briefings on electoral process innovations introduced by the December 1, 2025 Electoral Decree, implementation timelines, and voter registration procedures.

    Concurrently, international security efforts are advancing with the first contingent of the Gang Suppression Force (FRG)—comprising Chadian troops currently training in the United States—scheduled for deployment beginning April 1. Dominican Republic Foreign Affairs Minister Roberto Álvarez confirmed the force will reach full strength of 5,500 troops by October 2026.

    The United Nations emphasized that establishing stable governance remains imperative for improving Haitian citizens’ daily lives, noting that weak governance and pervasive insecurity have enabled armed gangs to expand territorial control. Gang violence resulted in over 8,100 fatalities last year alongside widespread kidnappings, child recruitment, and sexual violence, creating 1.5 million internally displaced persons amidst economic collapse and extreme poverty. The UN identifies 2026 as carrying substantial expectations for long-overdue elections that could begin addressing these systemic challenges.