Oil Shock Could Hit Caribbean Wallets Again
Oil Shock Could Hit Caribbean Wallets Again The Caribbean does not need to produce oil to feel an oil crisis. Rising crude prices driven by escalating conflict in the Middle East could quickly increase the cost of fuel, electricity, transportation and imported goods across the region. Brent crude has climbed toward US$90 a barrel, raising […]
How Did US$2.5 Million Move Without Approval? BVI Probes Delta Capital Investment
A government should have stronger controls over public money than a household has over a debit card. Yet the British Virgin Islands is investigating how US$2.5 million in public funds was invested in 2025 with Jamaica-linked Delta Capital Partners without the approvals required from the Minister of Finance or the Financial Secretary. The investigation is […]
Jamaica Says Invest Now. Trust, but Verify.
Jamaica is telling local and diaspora investors that now is the time to invest, pointing to lower public debt, stronger foreign exchange reserves, improved infrastructure and a growing pipeline of opportunities in tourism, logistics, manufacturing and business services. These are encouraging signs, but a stronger economy does not guarantee a successful investment. While Jamaica’s improving […]
Jamaica’s Tourism Tax Hike Could Backfire
Jamaica wants more revenue from tourism at the exact moment the industry says it has less room to give. That is the debate surrounding the Government’s plan to increase the General Consumption Tax (GCT) on specified tourism services from 10% to 15% beginning April 1, 2027. The Government expects the increase to generate J$11.4 billion […]
Middle East Conflict Puts Bank of Jamaica’s Financial Resilience to the Test
The renewed conflict in the Middle East could make life more expensive for Jamaicans by driving up oil, shipping and insurance costs. Jamaica imports most of its fuel and many everyday goods, so higher global costs could lead to more expensive petrol, electricity, transportation, food and imported products. Inflation already rose to 6.7 per cent […]
Bailey Wealth Group Expands Access to Private Real Estate Investments
Bailey Wealth Group is increasing its focus on private market investments as more qualified investors look for opportunities outside of traditional stocks and bonds. The company plans to give eligible clients greater access to investments linked to real assets, starting with real estate. Private market investments have historically been available mainly to large financial institutions, […]
Taxi Fares and Food Prices Push Jamaica’s Inflation to 29-Month High
Jamaica’s annual inflation rate climbed to 6.7 per cent in June, the highest level since January 2024 and above the Bank of Jamaica’s target range of four to six per cent. The increase means the cost of everyday necessities is rising faster, placing additional pressure on household budgets. Higher transportation costs were one of the […]
Barita Expands into Digital Banking
Barita Financial Group is expanding beyond investment services as it prepares to pilot Bric by Barita, a digital-first banking platform designed to make payments and financial services easier to access. The company is transforming from a securities dealer into a broader financial group. It now operates Barita Merchant Bank and Barita Fund Manager, following its […]
Jamaica Is Ending Paper Cheques by 2028
Paper cheques are being phased out in Jamaica, with banks expected to stop issuing and accepting them by March 1, 2028. The transition begins in September 2026, when Scotiabank and First Global Bank will stop processing cheques valued at $1 million or more. The limit will fall to $500,000 in March 2027 and $100,000 in […]
Iran-US Fighting Threatens Oil Prices and Higher Costs for Consumers
Tensions between the United States and Iran are rising again as both sides fight for control of the Strait of Hormuz, a major shipping route for oil and other goods. Iran claims it has closed the strait, while US President Donald Trump says American forces are keeping it open. Shipping traffic is reportedly continuing, but […]