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  • Commerce ministry ramps up MSME recovery support

    Commerce ministry ramps up MSME recovery support

    KINGSTON, Jamaica—In a significant escalation of its post-hurricane economic rehabilitation strategy, Jamaica’s Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce (MIIC) is implementing a multi-faceted support program for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). This coordinated response addresses the persistent operational disruptions faced by businesses, particularly in the western regions of the island, despite progress in restoring essential utilities.

    Delano Seiveright, State Minister at the MIIC, emphasized that the recovery drive is being executed under the strategic direction of Minister Senator Aubyn Hill, prioritizing rapid, practical interventions. The core objectives are facilitating business reopenings, preserving employment, and stabilizing local economies. “Our approach is fundamentally centered on delivering tangible solutions with speed and precision,” Seiveright stated, highlighting the ministry’s commitment to removing obstacles for enterprise recovery.

    The ministry’s on-the-ground initiatives showcase a blend of immediate relief and long-term resilience building. Notable projects include the complete reconstruction of a cluster of 44 small shops in Border, St. Elizabeth, now engineered with enhanced hurricane and flood resistance. In Whitehouse, Westmoreland, commercial activity has been revived through the restoration of grocery operations and cold-storage capacity via targeted generator support.

    To date, direct assistance has reached over 600 MSMEs across the parishes of Trelawny, Hanover, St. Elizabeth, and St James. This support is being delivered through a combination of voucher systems and community-based measures designed to ensure the continued availability of essential goods.

    Spearheading the technical response, the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) has amplified its islandwide engagement. Its efforts encompass comprehensive damage assessments, client reconnection services, and an emergency helpdesk, all informed by a national MSME survey to precisely tailor interventions. For medium-term recovery, the JBDC’s “Build Back Stronger” programme offers business coaching, product development, digital transformation support, and resilience planning.

    Concurrently, the National Export-Import Bank of Jamaica (EXIM Bank) has activated a suite of financial relief measures. These include moratoria on existing loans, reductions in associated fees, and expanded credit access for businesses impacted by the hurricane. This financial lifeline is specifically aimed at aiding working capital needs, equipment repairs, and supply-chain rehabilitation.

    Further facilitation has been rolled out across the Ministry’s portfolio agencies. The Jamaica Trade Board Limited has eased specific import permit and certification requirements to assist business retooling, while the Jamaica Special Economic Zone Authority has offered compliance flexibility and relocation support to sustain operations in manufacturing, logistics, and business process outsourcing.

    The Ministry confirms it is also collaborating with institutional partners, including the Development Bank of Jamaica, to channel recovery financing through dedicated initiatives like the M5 Business Recovery Programme, ensuring a cohesive and robust support ecosystem for Jamaica’s vital MSME sector.

  • Mobile skate tour for downtown Kingston this weekend

    Mobile skate tour for downtown Kingston this weekend

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – A transformative urban culture initiative is set to roll across Jamaica as the Jamaica Skate Culture Foundation (JSC) launches its national skateboarding tour with a three-day inaugural event in downtown Kingston from December 19-21.

    The groundbreaking event will commence at 10:00 AM on Water Lane, featuring an innovative mobile skate park installation designed to provide structured, safety-equipped skateboarding activities at no cost to participants. With particular emphasis on engaging inner-city youth, the program aims to democratize access to recreational sports while fostering community development.

    Friday and Saturday programming will specifically target young residents from urban neighborhoods, offering beginner-level skateboarding initiation sessions, supervised group activities with comprehensive protective gear, skate demonstrations, and street art workshops. The initiative takes an interdisciplinary approach to youth engagement through urban culture.

    On Sunday, the mobile skate park will integrate with Kingston Creative’s Grand Market – one of the city’s premier cultural events – by installing the facility at the intersection of Church Street and Water Lane. This strategic placement positions skateboarding within a broader creative ecosystem during the market hours.

    The Sunday schedule from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM will feature an institutional ceremony attended by distinguished representatives including Kevin Brown, President of the University of Technology, Jamaica (home to the Corporate Area’s sole skate club), alongside diplomatic officials from France and Germany.

    This Kingston launch initiates a nationwide tour continuing through 2026, with planned expansions to Portmore, Ocho Rios, Port Antonio, Montego Bay, Negril, Mandeville, and Treasure Beach.

    Established in 2020 as a registered charitable organization, the Jamaica Skate Culture Foundation employs skateboarding and urban culture as vehicles for youth development, educational advancement, social inclusion, and violence prevention. The foundation has secured international support, with France funding initial skate park development and instructor training, while Germany enables national mobility through support of the mobile facility.

    Beyond immediate youth engagement, the tour serves as an advocacy platform encouraging municipal governments and institutions to invest in permanent public skate parks as sustainable infrastructure for community development. According to foundation founder Remy Walter, the initiative operates ‘at the intersection of sport, education, culture, and social impact’ through international partnerships aimed at building ‘a better Jamaica.’

  • Anthony Patrick architects two upsets almost simultaneously

    Anthony Patrick architects two upsets almost simultaneously

    Veteran football strategist Anthony Patrick achieved an extraordinary coaching double on Wednesday, securing two significant victories across different competitions within hours. The seasoned mentor first guided underdogs Racing United to a stunning 1-0 victory against Caribbean champions Mount Pleasant FC, marking the latter’s inaugural defeat this Jamaican Premier League season. Demonstrating remarkable tactical prowess, Patrick immediately traveled from Ferdie Neita Park to Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex to oversee St Catherine High’s dramatic 3-2 Walker Cup semifinal triumph over perennial champions Kingston College.

    Racing United’s remarkable ascent continues as the second-year top-flight club now occupies second position in the league standings with 25 points from 12 matches, trailing leaders Montego Bay United by a single point. The decisive moment arrived during stoppage time when Damion Herrera’s 93rd-minute strike penetrated Mount Pleasant’s previously unbreached defense.

    Patrick revealed his comprehensive preparation methodology: “We conducted extensive analysis of Mount Pleasant’s tactical system and individual tendencies, developing specific strategies to neutralize their strengths. Our players executed the gameplan flawlessly, denying them opportunities to implement their preferred style.”

    The coach particularly emphasized squad discipline: “During pre-match preparations, I randomly questioned players about their specific responsibilities, and their precise responses demonstrated complete understanding of our tactical approach.”

    Following his first victory, Patrick delegated initial Walker Cup sideline duties to trusted assistant Theo Brown—his former Bridgeport protege from their 2006 Manning Cup triumph—before arriving during the second half. With St Catherine protecting a narrow 2-1 advantage against relentless Kingston College pressure, Patrick’s tactical adjustments proved decisive as Dwight Gentles secured his second goal in the 69th minute, ultimately ensuring the semifinal victory.

    Patrick elaborated on their strategic approach: “Theo and I identified vulnerabilities in Kingston College’s wingback positioning and ball-handling capabilities. We implemented a false-nine formation to exploit transitional opportunities, which our players executed magnificently.”

    The coach specifically praised standout performers Gentles and Kedean Young—whom he described as among schoolboy football’s elite talents—while expressing optimism about securing silverware for both school and parish in the upcoming final.

  • Reggae Boyz could face Nigeria in play-off after Super Eagles complaint against DR Congo

    Reggae Boyz could face Nigeria in play-off after Super Eagles complaint against DR Congo

    Jamaica’s path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup faces potential disruption as Nigeria launches a formal challenge against the Democratic Republic of Congo’s qualification. The Super Eagles have filed an official complaint with world football’s governing body alleging their opponents fielded ineligible players during last month’s African play-off final.

    The controversy centers on several players who recently switched international allegiance to represent DR Congo, including prominent figures Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe. The Nigeria Football Federation contends these athletes violated FIFA regulations by holding dual citizenship despite Congolese law prohibiting the practice. NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi asserted that FIFA was “deceived into clearing them” through what the federation considers fraudulent documentation.

    Should FIFA uphold Nigeria’s protest, it would fundamentally alter the inter-confederation playoff structure. Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz, initially scheduled to face New Caledonia in March with the winner advancing against DR Congo, might instead confront Nigeria for the coveted World Cup berth. This potential matchup would create a dramatic final qualification showdown between two nations separated by the Atlantic but connected through football’s global appeal.

    The Congolese Football Federation (Fecofa) has vehemently rejected the allegations, characterizing Nigeria’s challenge as an attempt to “win via the back door.” In a strongly worded social media statement, Fecofa declared that World Cup qualification should be determined “with dignity and confidence, not with lawyers’ tricks,” while simultaneously welcoming the formal investigation.

    The impending FIFA ruling carries significant implications for all involved federations, potentially reshaping the final qualifying landscape for the 2026 World Cup scheduled across North America and Mexico.

  • Rise Up Jamaica concert in Germany raises €45,000 for Hurricane Melissa recovery efforts

    Rise Up Jamaica concert in Germany raises €45,000 for Hurricane Melissa recovery efforts

    COLOGNE, Germany—An evening of powerful musical solidarity culminated in a significant humanitarian achievement as the Rise Up Jamaica benefit concert generated €45,000 (approximately J$8.5 million) for hurricane recovery efforts. The event, held at the Live Music Hall in Cologne, demonstrated the profound capacity of music to mobilize support for global causes.

    Organized by the Summerjam Festival, the concert assembled an impressive roster of internationally acclaimed artists with strong musical and cultural ties to Jamaica. The initiative was conceived as a direct response to the devastation wrought by Hurricane Melissa, with a designated focus on supporting the hardest-hit community of St Elizabeth.

    In a remarkable display of commitment, the Summerjam Festival implemented a dollar-for-dollar matching strategy, effectively doubling every contribution made throughout the evening. Marius Brozi, representing the festival, emphasized that this matching initiative symbolized their organization’s deep-rooted connection to Jamaica. He elaborated that Jamaica represents more than just musical inspiration for Summerjam—it is intrinsically woven into the festival’s cultural identity and core values, making the support effort both an obligation and an honor.

    The generated funds will be administered through Help Jamaica e.V., with primary allocation directed toward the comprehensive reconstruction of Black River High School in St Elizabeth. The educational facility suffered extensive structural damage during the hurricane, compromising safe learning environments. The infusion of capital will accelerate restoration efforts, prioritizing the prompt return to normal academic operations.

    Beyond the flagship high school project, a substantial portion of the raised proceeds will address needs at smaller educational institutions throughout affected districts, ensuring a coordinated recovery of the region’s entire educational infrastructure.

    The benefit concert featured electrifying performances by renowned artists including Gentleman, Bonez MC, Trettmann, Patrice, Kumar Fyah, Treesha, Inti, and Milaa. The event received additional support from key partners such as Live Music Hall, AVL, RAD, Ivan Backstage Catering, Gizeh, and numerous participating DJs and artists who contributed their talents pro bono.

  • TikTok signs joint venture deal to end US ban threat

    TikTok signs joint venture deal to end US ban threat

    In a strategic maneuver to preserve its operations across the United States, TikTok has formally entered into a pivotal joint venture agreement with a consortium of prominent investors. This arrangement, as detailed in an internal company memo acquired by major US media outlets, directly addresses longstanding national security concerns raised by American policymakers regarding the platform’s Chinese ownership.

    The agreement establishes a new US-based entity with major investment participation from Oracle, Silver Lake, and the Abu Dhabi-based MGX. According to TikTok CEO Shou Chew’s communication to staff, the ownership structure will see one-third held by existing ByteDance investors and nearly 20% retained by ByteDance itself—representing the maximum allowable Chinese ownership under US law.

    This corporate restructuring serves as TikTok’s compliance solution to legislation enacted during the Biden administration that mandated ByteDance either divest TikTok’s US operations or face an outright ban. US officials, including former President Donald Trump, have consistently expressed apprehension that Chinese authorities could potentially exploit TikTok’s sophisticated algorithm to harvest American user data or exert foreign influence.

    The newly formed US joint venture will function as an independent operation with comprehensive authority over critical areas including data protection protocols, algorithm security, content moderation systems, and software assurance. Meanwhile, TikTok Global’s US entities will maintain responsibility for global product interoperability and commercial activities such as e-commerce, advertising, and marketing initiatives.

    The deal, which required approval from Chinese authorities, represents the culmination of negotiations initially announced by the Trump administration in September. Oracle Executive Chairman Larry Ellison, a noted ally of former President Trump and one of the world’s wealthiest individuals, emerges as a central figure in this arrangement. Ellison has recently regained prominence through his collaborations with Trump on significant artificial intelligence partnerships with OpenAI, alongside his financial backing of his son David’s acquisition of Paramount and subsequent bidding competition with Netflix for Warner Bros.

  • No piecemeal work

    No piecemeal work

    Jamaican authorities are adopting a meticulously planned, science-based strategy for the restoration of Black River and other coastal communities ravaged by Hurricane Melissa. Floyd Green, Government Minister and Member of Parliament for St Elizabeth South Western, has outlined a dual-phase approach that prioritizes both immediate stabilization and long-term, sustainable redevelopment.

    The immediate short-term response, slated for the next three months, focuses on extensive cleaning operations and the provisional re-establishment of critical services. This includes deploying a field hospital to the site of the severely damaged Black River Hospital, with plans to restore the main ward by January to significantly increase treatment capacity. Temporary structures for essential government entities like the municipal corporation and tax office are also being prioritized to restore basic administrative functions.

    However, the cornerstone of the government’s strategy is a comprehensive, data-driven study to guide the permanent reconstruction. The recently announced National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority (NARA) will spearhead this process, conducting expert analyses to determine the most resilient and sustainable future for these vulnerable towns. Minister Green emphasized that rebuilding will not be ‘anecdotal’ or ‘piecemeal.’ Key government buildings—including the destroyed courthouse, municipal corporation, and tax office—may be permanently relocated to safer areas based on the study’s findings.

    Beyond infrastructure, the vision for Black River includes a cultural renaissance that leverages its rich heritage. Green expressed a desire to transform the town into a cultural destination, with the restoration of historical buildings—such as those from the era when it was the first town with electricity—into interactive spaces that immerse visitors in its unique history.

    Economic recovery is already underway, with successful clean-up efforts allowing businesses like pharmacies, supermarkets, and a KFC to reopen, a critical step in restoring employment for thousands of residents. The second phase of cleaning, managed by the Urban Development Corporation, will involve the complete removal and proper disposal of debris from the town. Expressing unwavering optimism, Green concluded that Black River will ultimately ’emerge better’ from this catastrophe, rebuilt as a more resilient and vibrant community.

  • Road patching begins in Kingston under GO programme

    Road patching begins in Kingston under GO programme

    The Jamaican Ministry of Works has officially initiated its comprehensive GO Road Rehabilitation Programme, commencing critical road patching operations across key Kingston corridors. This targeted intervention aims to address immediate infrastructure deterioration and improve overall road safety conditions for motorists.

    Initial construction activities are currently focused on high-priority thoroughfares including Waterloo Road, East Kings House Road, and Mandela Highway, with additional roads in Kingston and St. Andrew receiving urgent attention. The ministry’s technical teams are specifically addressing severe road surface failures, including dangerous potholes, scouring damage, and general pavement degradation that has compromised driving conditions.

    Robert Nesta Morgan, Minister with Responsibility for Works, confirmed the programme will adopt a phased geographical approach. “The GO Programme will expand beyond Kingston and move into other parishes in the coming days,” Morgan stated, emphasizing the government’s structured rollout strategy designed to restore vital transportation routes nationwide. The initiative directly supports Jamaica’s economic activity by facilitating safer daily commuting, commercial transportation, and public transit operations.

    The ministry has issued advisories urging motorists to exercise heightened caution when approaching active work zones, obey all posted traffic instructions, and anticipate intermittent delays during construction hours. Regular updates regarding the programme’s expansion schedule and subsequent target areas will be communicated to the public as rehabilitation work progresses across the island.

  • Cornwall College, Clarendon College set up Ben Francis Cup final clash

    Cornwall College, Clarendon College set up Ben Francis Cup final clash

    Two Jamaican scholastic football powerhouses, Cornwall College and Clarendon College, have successfully navigated their semi-final matches to secure a highly anticipated championship clash in the ISSA Ben Francis Cup competition. The decisive matches unfolded on Thursday, setting the stage for a final confrontation scheduled for Saturday at the National Stadium.

    At Drax Hall, Cornwall College delivered a commanding performance against McGrath High, securing a 2-0 victory. This triumph marked their second win over the St Catherine-based school within a fortnight, following a previous victory in the daCosta Cup quarter-finals in Montego Bay. The match was decisively shaped by Shakeen Gibson’s exceptional performance, with the player netting both goals. Gibson broke the deadlock in the 38th minute with a powerful strike from inside the 18-yard box. He later sealed the victory in the 81st minute, expertly finishing a setup from teammate Kavontae Gooden by slotting the ball past goalkeeper Orlando Griffiths.

    Simultaneously, a dramatic semi-final unfolded at the St Elizabeth Technical Sports Complex in Santa Cruz. Clarendon College and Mannings’ School were locked in a 1-1 stalemate after regulation time, necessitating a penalty shootout. Clarendon College ultimately emerged victorious with a 4-1 win on penalties. Anthony Reid had initially put Clarendon in the lead with a goal in the 12th minute. However, Mannings’ School fought back, with Jordan Turner equalizing in the 53rd minute, ultimately forcing the nail-biting shootout. This hard-fought victory earns Clarendon College a consecutive appearance in the Ben Francis Cup final.

  • Boost for bars

    Boost for bars

    In a landmark private sector collaboration, Jamaica’s premier beverage manufacturers Red Stripe and J Wray & Nephew Limited have formed a strategic alliance to accelerate recovery of community bars devastated by Hurricane Melissa. The joint initiative, formally launched in St Elizabeth this Wednesday, specifically targets bar proprietors in the most severely impacted parishes whose operations were crippled by the Category 5 storm.

    The comprehensive support program provides eligible establishments with specially curated ‘restart packs’ containing both alcoholic and non-alcoholic products from the companies’ portfolios. These emergency supply packages enable bar owners to rapidly restock inventory and participate in the crucial Christmas trading season, offering vital relief to those who suffered substantial product losses during the hurricane.

    Daniel Caron, Managing Director for Jamaica and the Caribbean at J Wray & Nephew Limited, articulated the broader vision behind the partnership: ‘Hurricane Melissa’s destruction transcends corporate interests—it has devastated families, livelihoods, and communities throughout Jamaica. This collaboration embodies renewed community spirit and constitutes an integral component of our national recovery commitment. By facilitating the reopening of community bars, we’re empowering small entrepreneurs during this critical juncture.’

    Caron revealed this initiative represents merely the initial phase of a long-term commitment: ‘Through our Community Bar Network, we will continue exploring additional support mechanisms for bar operators. In early 2026, we plan to collaborate with stakeholders to reconstruct iconic community bars and deliver further assistance to an industry that forms an essential part of Jamaica’s informal entertainment and economic ecosystem.’

    Red Stripe’s Managing Director Daaf van Tilburg emphasized the multifaceted significance of community bars across the island: ‘These establishments represent Jamaica’s most extensive network of small businesses—they’re social hubs where communities connect, celebrate milestones, and provide mutual support during challenging times. They also serve as economic anchors, sustaining employment for bar staff, suppliers, farmers, vendors, and numerous other micro-enterprises.’

    Tilburg stressed the human-centric approach to recovery: ‘This partnership’s significance lies in restoring not merely commercial inventory but the socioeconomic heartbeat of affected parishes. Reopening these spaces means revitalizing employment, cultural institutions, and normalcy for thousands of Jamaicans. This unified effort demonstrates our proud commitment to national recovery.’

    With approximately 10,000 community bars nationwide—each directly employing three to five individuals while indirectly supporting extensive micro-enterprise networks—their recovery constitutes a crucial component in restoring economic activity and social cohesion in Melissa-affected regions. This pioneering collaboration establishes a powerful precedent for private sector involvement in national disaster recovery efforts, focusing on the grassroots establishments that form the fabric of Jamaican social and economic life.