标签： Jamaica

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s consumer prices surged by 0.8 per cent in September, according to the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN). This increase, driven by escalating costs in food, housing, and education, has elevated the annual point-to-point inflation rate to 2.1 per cent for the period spanning September 2024 to September 2025. The education sector witnessed the most pronounced monthly price hike, soaring by 5.6 per cent, primarily due to higher tuition fees at private primary schools as the new academic term commenced. The housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels category also saw a 1.0 per cent rise, reflecting increased electricity rates and rental expenses. Food and non-alcoholic beverage prices climbed 0.9 per cent, largely influenced by higher costs for agricultural produce such as sweet potatoes, tomatoes, carrots, and cabbages. Over the twelve months leading to September 2025, the housing division and restaurant and accommodation services were the primary contributors to the 2.1 per cent inflation rate, with increases of 4.8 per cent and 4.1 per cent, respectively. Food and non-alcoholic beverages experienced a more modest annual rise of 0.7 per cent. Regional disparities in inflation were evident, with the Greater Kingston Metropolitan Area recording the highest monthly increase at 1.0 per cent, compared to 0.8 per cent in other urban centres and 0.6 per cent in rural areas. Additional sectors facing upward pressure included transport, which rose 0.3 per cent due to higher petrol prices and toll fees, and personal care goods and services, which increased by 0.5 per cent. These rises were partially mitigated by stability or deflation in other categories. The information and communication division remained unchanged for the month but declined by 5.8 per cent year-on-year, while insurance and financial services showed no monthly or annual variation. The Consumer Price Index (CPI), which tracks changes in the general level of prices for goods and services purchased by households, underscores the ongoing economic challenges faced by Jamaican consumers.

A high-profile Canadian business delegation has arrived in Georgetown, Guyana, for a four-day visit aimed at bolstering trade and investment ties between the two nations. The delegation, comprising representatives from Bionetix International, Sprig Learning Inc., 4Pay Inc., FreeBalance Inc., and E-Magic Solutions, spans diverse sectors including financial technology (FinTech), information and communications technology (ICT), infrastructure, education, and sanitation. Organized by the High Commission of Canada, the visit is part of a broader strategy to enhance commercial cooperation with Guyana and the wider Caribbean region. The delegation’s agenda includes market knowledge sessions, high-level meetings with government officials, and a business-to-business (B2B) program designed to connect Canadian firms with local enterprises. A key feature of the visit will be on-the-ground site tours, offering participants firsthand insights into Guyana’s rapidly evolving infrastructure and investment landscape. These visits aim to bridge the gap between theoretical discussions and practical understanding of opportunities and challenges across various sectors. Canada’s High Commissioner to Guyana, Sebastien Sigouin, emphasized the initiative’s focus on aligning Canadian innovation with Guyanese opportunities. He highlighted the long-standing relationship between the two countries, rooted in trust, cooperation, and mutual respect. The visit underscores Canada’s commitment to supporting Guyana’s development priorities through partnerships that promote innovation, knowledge transfer, and sustainable growth. The High Commission also noted that the mission is not solely about advancing Canadian business interests but also about fostering inclusive, long-term benefits for both nations. The delegation’s presence reflects Canada’s confidence in Guyana’s economic trajectory and the value of building transparent, sustainable, and mutually prosperous partnerships. This visit marks a significant step in strengthening Canada-Guyana commercial relations and unlocking shared opportunities for a resilient and innovative future.

In a significant move to uphold fair competition, the European Union has levied fines totaling over €157 million ($182 million) against luxury fashion giants Gucci, Chloe, and Loewe for engaging in resale price-fixing practices. The European Commission, following surprise raids in April 2023 and a formal antitrust investigation launched in July 2024, found that the brands had restricted independent retailers from setting their own prices both online and in physical stores. This anticompetitive behavior, according to the EU, not only inflated prices but also limited consumer choice.