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  • Mexico considering social media restriction for minors — minister

    Mexico considering social media restriction for minors — minister

    MEXICO CITY — Mexican education authorities are actively developing regulatory proposals to restrict social media access for minors, mirroring Australia’s stringent approach to digital child protection. Public Education Secretary Mario Delgado confirmed to AFP that the government has initiated comprehensive consultations with civil society groups, targeting June for formal proposal development.

    This move aligns with a growing international trend where nations including France, Britain, Spain, Denmark, India, Indonesia, and Portugal are implementing or considering similar age-based social media restrictions. Australia’s December 2023 mandate requires major platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Snapchat to remove under-16 accounts under threat of substantial penalties, while France recently approved legislation banning social media for under-15s.

    Delgado emphasized the state’s fundamental responsibility in minor protection and education, stating: “What Meta, Facebook and TikTok are interested in is having followers, and there are no filters on content that could affect children’s emotional health.” He specifically cited concerns about minors’ exposure to violent material, pornography, and cyberbullying through unrestricted platform access.

    However, the secretary stressed that effective regulation must originate “from the grassroots, from the lived experiences of parents, different communities and teachers” rather than top-down imposition. The consultation process aims to establish boundaries through collaborative input rather than prohibition, with tech companies also participating in discussions to foster “responsible, critical and conscious” digital citizenship.

    Australian officials report their restrictions have already yielded positive outcomes including reduced cyberbullying incidents and improved student concentration in educational settings. While Delgado expressed personal approval of Australia’s model and acknowledged the parental challenges of limiting social media use, Mexico currently isn’t considering Brazil-style classroom smartphone bans that prohibit non-emergency device use in schools.

  • NCB to host tax seminar for businesses navigating statutory payments

    NCB to host tax seminar for businesses navigating statutory payments

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a strategic move to bolster financial resilience among local enterprises, National Commercial Bank Jamaica Limited (NCB) is set to conduct a specialized online seminar focused on navigating statutory tax obligations without compromising operational liquidity. Scheduled for Thursday, March 12, 2026, between 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm, the virtual event ‘NCB Business Tax Seminar: Master Tax Season and Get Rewarded’ will be broadcast live on the bank’s official YouTube platform.

    The seminar will assemble a multidisciplinary panel of taxation authorities, financial strategists, and payment solutions experts to dissect regulatory compliance and unveil pragmatic approaches for managing fiscal responsibilities during peak payment periods. Danielle Cameron Duncan, NCB’s Acting Senior Vice-President for Payments and Enterprise Operations, emphasized that the initiative directly responds to the liquidity constraints frequently encountered by businesses during tax cycles.

    ‘Unstructured management of tax liabilities can exert substantial pressure on a company’s cash flow,’ Cameron Duncan noted. ‘Our objective is to empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with the knowledge to tackle this challenge methodically.’

    The discourse will extend to the intelligent application of credit facilities and digital payment instruments, demonstrating how these resources can provide operational flexibility while meeting government mandates. ‘When deployed judiciously, financial tools can offer crucial breathing space, enabling businesses to sustain smooth operations amid statutory demands,’ she added. ‘We aim to equip entrepreneurs with techniques that safeguard liquidity and enhance fiscal discipline.’

    Featured contributors include representatives from Tax Administration Jamaica, global payment giant Mastercard, and NCB’s internal experts. Entrepreneurs, independent contractors, and SME proprietors can secure virtual participation by registering at www.tinyurl.com/NCBTaxesSeminar2026.

  • Another wage warning

    Another wage warning

    Jamaica’s fiscal stability faces a critical juncture as its Independent Fiscal Commission issues a stark warning against the nation’s escalating public sector wage bill. Fiscal Commissioner Courtney Williams cautioned that the current trajectory—where compensation costs consume an ever-growing portion of tax revenues—threatens to undermine long-term economic growth and climate resilience.

    The Commission’s February 2026 Economic and Fiscal Assessment Report identifies multiple structural challenges creating mounting fiscal pressures. These include wage growth disconnected from economic performance, systematic under-execution of capital projects, and recurring climate shocks. The report emphasizes that this combination necessitates immediate structural corrections to preserve fiscal sustainability.

    Statistical evidence reveals a dramatic shift in budget allocation patterns. Wages and salaries now claim 56% of tax collections—a sharp increase from just over 36% in FY2021/22. During the review period, compensation reached $381.2 billion, exceeding projections by approximately 2%. Meanwhile, capital expenditure plummeted to 37.2% below original estimates, creating a dangerous imbalance between recurrent spending and productivity-enhancing investments.

    The timing mismatch between wage negotiations and budget cycles continues to exacerbate fiscal uncertainty. Despite a contingency allocation of $42.8 billion for wage settlements in the 2026/27 fiscal plan, the Commission questions whether this adequately covers ongoing negotiations. Potential shortfalls could force the government toward increased borrowing or disruptive budgetary adjustments.

    The report concludes with urgent recommendations for structural reform: aligning wage discussions with budget cycles, tethering compensation growth to economic performance, and implementing stronger fiscal rules. These measures aim to balance necessary public sector compensation with the critical investments required for Jamaica’s sustainable development.

  • ‘Any time I want it to end, it will end’, Trump says on Iran war

    ‘Any time I want it to end, it will end’, Trump says on Iran war

    WASHINGTON — In a recent interview with Axios, U.S. President Donald Trump suggested that the military engagement with Iran could conclude imminently, stating that there is “practically nothing left to target” and emphasizing that the conflict would end “soon.” Trump asserted unilateral control over the timeline, remarking, “Any time I want it to end, it will end.”

    The war, which commenced on February 28, has been characterized by ambiguous strategic objectives and fluctuating rhetoric from the White House. Mounting political pressure and accusations of inadequate preparedness have placed the administration under scrutiny, particularly as Iran’s disruptive actions in the Strait of Hormuz trigger global oil price surges.

    On Wednesday, Iranian forces attacked two commercial vessels in the Gulf, igniting at least one ship. In response, Trump assured rapid restoration of safety in the region while en route to an economy-focused event. He claimed that U.S. forces had incapacitated most of Iran’s mine-laying capabilities in a single night, though he noted no evidence of actual mine deployment.

    Trump further declared that Iran’s military infrastructure—including its navy, air force, and air defenses—had been largely neutralized, and its leadership significantly degraded. However, he cautioned, “we’re not finished yet.”

    The administration’s stated war aims include preventing nuclear weapon development and dismantling Iran’s ballistic missile program. While regime change has not been explicitly declared, the killing of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has fueled speculation. Trump declined to comment on whether victory would be proclaimed while Mojtaba Khamenei, his successor, remains in power.

    Earlier on Wednesday, U.S. Central Command warned that Iranian civilian ports in the Strait of Hormuz could be treated as legitimate military targets, alleging their use for hostile operations. This comes amid reports of a U.S. missile striking an Iranian elementary school due to a targeting error—an incident Trump claimed no knowledge of when questioned.

    As November midterm elections approach, analysts suggest Trump may seek a swift resolution to mitigate political fallout. Nonetheless, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz affirmed that operations would continue indefinitely until all objectives are met. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards reiterated their readiness to retaliate, underscoring the persistent volatility in the region.

  • Lawyers’ ‘conflicting commitments’ pause Klansman trial

    Lawyers’ ‘conflicting commitments’ pause Klansman trial

    The high-profile Klansman Gang trial faced a significant procedural delay on Wednesday as conflicting commitments within the defense team representing accused Shawn Pottinger necessitated a two-day adjournment. Justice Dale Palmer ordered the recess to enable a newly constituted legal team to adequately prepare for Pottinger’s defense, emphasizing the court’s commitment to ensuring fair representation.

    Originally represented by attorneys Donovan Collins and Aston Spencer since February, Pottinger had effectively been represented solely by attorney Petreta Gabbidon throughout most proceedings. The court learned Monday that Collins and Spencer sought to withdraw due to overlapping commitments with another murder trial in St. James parish, prompting the judge to halt proceedings rather than risk inadequate representation.

    During Wednesday’s session, Spencer explained to the court that their prior murder case—which predated the gang trial—had experienced multiple delays, including allegations that their client suffered injuries while in police custody. Both Spencer and Collins (appearing via Zoom) offered apologies to Justice Palmer for their absence, acknowledging the logistical challenges that prevented their consistent participation.

    Justice Palmer granted the attorneys’ withdrawal request while underscoring the necessity of the adjournment: ‘While none of the witnesses so far directly dealt with counts specifically relating to Mr. Pottinger, all evidence can potentially affect everyone.’ The judge noted that despite Pottinger’s willingness to proceed without delay, the court prioritized ensuring his new counsel—Gabbidon and Lynden Wellesley—receive comprehensive case briefs and adequate preparation time.

    Two prosecution witnesses scheduled to testify Wednesday were bound over to appear Monday when the trial resumes. Pottinger faces charges including criminal organization membership (count two) and multiple counts of murder and aggravated robbery (counts 30-31) alongside 24 co-accused.

  • Banking reset

    Banking reset

    The Jamaican government is implementing sweeping financial reforms aimed at addressing longstanding consumer frustrations with banking paperwork, opaque fee structures, and cumbersome account switching procedures. Finance Minister Fayval Williams announced these measures during her opening of the 2026/27 Budget Debate in the House of Representatives, highlighting how these initiatives will transform the country’s financial landscape.

    The comprehensive package includes two flagship digital solutions: a banking cost comparison platform and a national electronic Know Your Customer (eKYC) system. The comparison tool, scheduled for launch this year, will empower consumers to evaluate banking charges across different institutions through an intuitive online interface. This transparency initiative has already received development approval, with focus group testing and marketing campaigns planned prior to its official rollout.

    Simultaneously, the Bank of Jamaica is developing a centralized digital identity verification platform that will streamline account opening procedures. This eKYC system will serve as a secure gateway for identity verification and customer due diligence, eliminating repetitive paperwork and standardizing onboarding processes across financial institutions. The project has reached approximately 50% completion, with vendor selection and implementation planning currently underway, maintaining alignment with its targeted 2027 launch timeline.

    Minister Williams emphasized that these reforms extend beyond consumer benefits to strengthen Jamaica’s entire financial ecosystem. The increased transparency is expected to foster more competitive deposit pricing, reduce funding costs for financial institutions, and improve monetary policy transmission. For the government, these changes will support more accurate pricing and greater participation in domestic debt instruments, ultimately lowering borrowing costs for public and private sectors alike.

    The minister positioned these initiatives within Jamaica’s broader strategy to modernize financial infrastructure through digital integration. She noted that digitized systems would enhance market accessibility, strengthen investor confidence, improve efficiency, and reduce operational risks across the financial sector. These developments represent a significant step toward creating a more inclusive, competitive, and transparent banking environment for all Jamaicans.

  • FID warns of strict action for breaches of pecuniary penalty orders

    FID warns of strict action for breaches of pecuniary penalty orders

    Jamaica’s Financial Investigations Division (FID) has issued a stern warning regarding strict enforcement measures against individuals failing to meet court-mandated pecuniary penalty orders (PPOs) under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA). This declaration follows recent criminal charges filed against two individuals for non-compliance with financial penalty requirements.

    The enforcement actions target Jason Kameka and Orville Barriffe, both charged with violating previously imposed PPOs. The Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Specialised Investigation Branch, particularly its Constabulary Financial Unit, conducted the operational investigations leading to these charges. The branch had previously investigated the predicate offenses that resulted in the initial PPOs—fraud charges in Kameka’s case and narcotics offenses in Barriffe’s case.

    Kameka, currently detained on unrelated matters, faces a court appearance scheduled for March 13, 2026, regarding his PPO violation. His original conviction in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court included conspiracy to defraud, aiding cybercrimes, and obtaining money under false pretenses. Despite a 2020 court order requiring payment of J$18.1 million, investigations revealed complete non-compliance with the financial penalty.

    Barriffe, granted bail, is scheduled for court appearance on April 7, 2026. His conviction for cocaine possession and trafficking resulted in a consent order requiring J$6 million payment through structured installments. While partial payments were made, the majority remains outstanding with no evidence of appeal or payment extension requests.

    The legal framework under POCA establishes serious consequences for non-compliance. Section 12(6) categorizes payment failure as a criminal offense punishable by up to five years’ imprisonment. Section 13 mandates automatic interest accrual on outstanding amounts at six percent annually until full payment is completed.

    Current statistics reveal significant enforcement challenges: as of September 30, 2025, courts have issued PPOs totaling over J$114 million against 17 individuals. Only three are fully compliant with payment schedules, while twelve are delinquent with at least one month in arrears. Two cases remain under appellate review.

    FID’s enforcement protocol involves formal written notifications upon initial payment default, followed by criminal charges if non-compliance persists. Principal Director of Financial Crimes Investigations Keith Darien emphasized that “pecuniary penalty orders are binding court requirements that must be treated as such,” noting that the agency will “pursue the matter fully and without hesitation” when violations occur.

    Senior Director of Legal Services Courtney Smith reinforced that PPO compliance is essential for depriving criminals of illicit gains, stating that “the Proceeds of Crime Act is intended to ensure that crime does not pay.” The FID reminded defendants that legitimate payment difficulties require formal court relief applications rather than ignored deadlines and unresponsive behavior.

  • Scotia Investments says it leads Jamaica’s collective investment schemes market

    Scotia Investments says it leads Jamaica’s collective investment schemes market

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Scotia Jamaica Investments Limited (SIJL) has emerged as the undisputed market leader within Jamaica’s collective investment schemes (CIS) industry, cementing its position following a sustained period of robust expansion in assets under management. Financial data reveals the firm now commands a formidable 32.8 percent market share as of December 2025, marking a significant surge from its 24.6 percent standing recorded in 2020. This translates to an impressive growth of over eight percentage points across the five-year timeframe, underscoring a remarkable upward trajectory. Marie Lyn James, Head of Investment Management for the Caribbean and Central America, attributed this market dominance to unwavering investor confidence in the company’s diverse portfolio offerings. She expressed considerable enthusiasm about the achievement, stating it serves as a powerful endorsement of the firm’s commitment to crafting tailored investment solutions that enable clients to nurture and expand their portfolios consistently, even amidst fluctuating market conditions. James further noted that escalating investor engagement with SIJL’s products signifies a growing perception of the company as a trusted, long-term financial ally. Operating as a subsidiary of Scotia Group Jamaica, SIJL delivers comprehensive investment advisory and wealth management services to both individual and institutional clients. The corporation credits its sophisticated portfolio management and personalized client advisory services as pivotal drivers behind its ascendance in the CIS segment. Adding to its accolades, the firm was honored with the prestigious Best Pension Fund Manager in Jamaica and the Caribbean award by World Finance in 2025, recognizing its exemplary performance in managing retirement assets throughout the region. Under the leadership of Chief Executive Officer Sabrina Cooper, SIJL has pioneered the introduction of an innovative ‘Total Wealth Approach.’ This globally-informed wealth management framework empowers the company’s wealth advisers to transcend conventional investment paradigms, facilitating a holistic assessment of a client’s financial aspirations. This comprehensive strategy encompasses critical areas such as retirement planning, estate considerations, liquidity requirements, and the intricacies of generational wealth transfer. Collective investment schemes, which aggregate capital from numerous investors to deploy across diversified portfolios including equities, bonds, and other securities, form the cornerstone of this rapidly expanding sector.

  • Scotia rolls out new digital services under five-year strategy

    Scotia rolls out new digital services under five-year strategy

    Scotia Group Jamaica Limited is intensifying its digital banking evolution as it progresses through the third year of a comprehensive five-year strategic plan designed to fortify client relationships. This initiative, originally launched globally by parent company Bank of Nova Scotia in late 2023 under CEO Scott Thomson, is built upon four foundational pillars: expanding priority business segments, deepening primary client relationships, streamlining customer interactions, and enhancing internal collaboration.

    In Jamaica, this strategy has materialized through the deployment of innovative digital tools aimed at revolutionizing the customer experience. President and CEO Audrey Tugwell Henry emphasized the client-centric approach during the March annual general meeting in Montego Bay, stating, “We implemented several strategic initiatives to make it very easy for our clients to do business with us. We introduced digital solutions to strengthen security, improve usability and add more value.”

    Significant technological advancements implemented during the October 2025 fiscal year include enhanced debit card controls and dispute resolution features within the bank’s online and mobile platforms, empowering customers to manage security settings and address issues digitally. The mobile application now also provides deposit alerts to notify users of successful transfers.

    The bank has pioneered digital onboarding for loans and credit cards, enabling existing clients to initiate and monitor applications online before finalizing documentation at branches. This innovation has dramatically reduced processing times while increasing transparency, with over 600,000 clients already enrolled in digital services.

    The Scotia Caribbean mobile application is being transformed into a comprehensive hub connecting services across the group’s subsidiaries. Clients of Scotia Investments Jamaica Limited can now access investment balances and statements through the app, while Scotia Jamaica Life Insurance Company Limited customers will receive monthly statements via the mobile platform beginning May 2026.

    Future enhancements include the anticipated introduction of Apple Pay and online wire transfers by late 2026, complementing existing payment innovations such as Garmin Pay and American Express integration.

    Despite Hurricane Melissa’s impact, which destroyed 17 automated banking machines (ABMs) reducing operational units to 244 by December 2025, the bank remains committed to physical infrastructure development. Plans include installing 128 new ABMs during the current fiscal year, improving accessibility through ramp installations, and expanding services for visually impaired clients.

    The group continues to expand the Scotiabank Women Initiative, which has disbursed $6.2 billion in loans to over 1,000 women entrepreneurs during the past four years. An additional $5 billion has been allocated for lending between 2026 and 2029.

    Operational improvements include the upcoming implementation of ScotiaFlow, an internal case management system designed to accelerate customer issue resolution later this year. The insurance subsidiary, ScotiaProtect, expanded its partnership with GraceKennedy Limited to Barbados, Turks and Caicos Islands, and The Bahamas in early 2026.

    These developments occur against a challenging economic backdrop following Hurricane Melissa. While total operating income grew by eight percent to $17.90 billion, consolidated net profit declined by $84.72 million to $4.12 billion in the first quarter ending January, attributed to increased asset tax charges, hurricane-related expenses, and rising staff costs.

    Chair Anya Schnoor expressed satisfaction with the bank’s resilience, noting, “We’re very pleased with the first-quarter performance and how we’ve been able to support our customers and the recovery that we see.” The group’s stock closed at $50.48, representing a five percent annual decline, with a market capitalization of $157.08 billion. Shareholders will receive a $0.45 dividend payment on April 14.

  • Two-year delay on $40m security wall raises safety concerns at Naggo Head Primary — MP Terrelonge

    Two-year delay on $40m security wall raises safety concerns at Naggo Head Primary — MP Terrelonge

    ST CATHERINE, Jamaica — A critical security project at Naggo Head Primary School remains in bureaucratic limbo despite allocated funding, prompting urgent calls for action from local officials. Member of Parliament for St Catherine East Central, Alando Terrelonge, has intensified pressure on municipal authorities to immediately approve long-delayed plans for constructing a perimeter security wall.

    The project, which has languished for over two years despite more than $40 million in allocated funds from the Ministry of Education, faces ongoing delays at the municipal corporation level. Terrelonge expressed grave concerns about the council’s inaction, emphasizing that student and staff safety should transcend political considerations.

    “The municipal council’s delay is profoundly concerning,” Terrelonge stated in an official release. “I reiterate my call for the mayor to act decisively in approving these plans. We cannot await a tragedy affecting students or teachers before taking action. This security infrastructure must be constructed without further delay.”

    The urgency is underscored by multiple security breaches documented in recent years. Naggo Head Primary School, serving hundreds of students in Portmore, currently lacks proper perimeter protection, enabling unauthorized access to school grounds.

    Principal Andria Givans provided disturbing details of the security challenges: “The absence of proper perimeter security continues to expose our vulnerability. We’ve experienced numerous incidents involving unauthorized individuals disrupting classes and school events. During our February sports day, I faced verbal attacks and threats. We’ve dealt with mentally unstable individuals throwing stones at teachers and students, and in 2022, gangs entered campus armed with knives, causing widespread panic and trauma.”

    The school has also suffered repeated break-ins and thefts during the 2024-2025 academic year, including stolen security cameras, wall fans, chairs, and classroom furniture.

    Councillor Damara Lawson of the Southboro Division emphasized the project’s critical importance: “Naggo Head Primary serves as a central institution for our communities. Hundreds of students, parents, and teachers depend on having safe, secure school grounds. This perimeter wall will dramatically enhance safety and protect school facilities.”

    All stakeholders continue to advocate for immediate approval to utilize the allocated funds and address the pressing security concerns threatening the school community.