Citigroup selling its Japan retail bank business

TOKYO, Japan (AFP) – Citigroup said Thursday it was selling its century-old Japanese retail banking operations to major lender Sumitomo Mitsui as part of an effort to shrink its consumer business globally.

Financial details were not released, but Japanese news reports estimated the deal to be worth about 40 billion yen ($333 million).

Under the agreement, Sumitomo unit SMBC Trust Bank would acquire Citibank Japan’s operations including 32 retail branches, 740,000 customers, 1,600 employees, and deposits worth 2.5 trillion yen.

The transaction is expected to be completed in late 2015.

“The sale represents another step in Citi’s strategy of further streamlining its Global Consumer Bank,” the US company said in a statement, adding that it would keep its profitable Japanese commercial banking operations.

The US firm entered the Japanese market in 1902, one of the first foreign lenders to operate in the country.

Since the US bank brought in a new chief in late 2012, it has been cutting retail operations in a host of countries, including Honduras, Turkey, Romania, and Uruguay. 

In Japan, low interest rates, following years of economic slump, have squeezed retail businesses.

Two years ago British giant HSBC withdrew from retail banking in Japan and there are relatively few foreign lenders offering such services in the country.

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Citigroup selling its Japan retail bank business

JBDC to implement Small Business Development Centre next month

BY KARENA BENNETT Business Observer bennettk@jamaicaobserver

Wednesday, December 31, 2014    

The Jamaica Business Development Centre (JBDC) believes that by adapting the United States Small Business Development Centre (SBDC) model Jamaica could see improvement in productivity and growth of the local business sector.

SBDC, which is the main source of technical assistance for small businesses in the US, has retained over 158,000 jobs, established 24,500 new businesses and generated fiscal revenue of over US$539 million ($60.9 billion) in that country. This has prompted the JBDC to have a model of the development centre implemented locally by the end of next month.

“We are not in a position to say when this will be officially implemented or launched, but await specific directives from the minister of industry who will announce its launch in short order,” chief executive officer of the JBDC Valerie Veira told the Jamaica Observer.

The centre will focus on three key areas that cover the needs of start-ups as well as established businesses. The programme will include free one-on-one confidential and long-term technical assistance for small businesses, group training focused on subjects of interest to small businesses and market research specifically tailored to meet clients’ needs.

The services should improve the productivity of small businesses, while generating economic impact that creates new jobs, increases revenues, strengthens and diversifies the formal economy and promotes stability and growth, according to the JBDC.

“The JBDC mandate currently focuses on providing business development support for MSMEs and it is the vision of our ministry to move to the SBDC model, which focuses on the growth of SMEs through the strengthening of their management systems,” Veira told the Business Observer.

“We will therefore broaden our core services to include the three key areas that cover the needs of start-ups and established businesses as outlined in the SBDC Model,” she added.

In 2012, the intervention of the small business development centre in the US resulted in the average business increasing its sales from 4.3 per cent to 18.9 per cent year over year. Similarly, small businesses also obtained US$3.4 billion in new financing, while benefiting from assistance in exporting their products or services.

Once the businesses started to see improvements in revenue and productivity, employment levels increased from 1.2 per cent to 13.6 per cent yearly, according to statistics presented by the JBDC.

The programme will require the general public, academics and the private sector to jointly invest efforts and funds in order to guarantee the sustainability of the programme, eliminate inefficiencies and work duplication. Additionally, model supervisors will evaluate the economic impact of the development centre on each business client to monitor its effect on local businesses.

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JBDC to implement Small Business Development Centre next month

Business sector forecasts slow slide to J$115 = US$1

Businesses expect the local currency to slide towards $115 to US$1 by August 2015, a slower pace than previously expected, according to a Bank of Jamaica (BOJ) report.

It signals growing stability in the financial sector which, up to mid-year, suffered from faster depreciation.

The expected depreciation would result in 3.8 per cent decline over the review period against its US counterpart. In June, respondents expected the dollar to lose 5.8 per cent of its value over 12 months.

“Relative to the survey in June 2014, respondents expected a slower pace of depreciation in the domestic currency for the three-month, six-month and 12-month period beyond the survey date,” stated the BOJ Inflation Expectation Survey prepared by the bank’s Research Services Department and which contained data from 292 respondents.

The currency lost 14.4 per cent of its value in 2013 and an additional five per cent since January. Since June 2014, the slide tapered off based on an influx of foreign currency linked to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan agreement. At the time, the BOJ and the IMF separately indicated that the currency gained competitiveness against the greenback.

In the survey, businesses stated that they expect inflation to dip slightly towards 10.4 per cent for the 2014 calendar year, down from 10.7 per cent expected in the previous survey.

“The results of the August 2014 survey reflected an improvement in businesses’ perception of inflation control by the authorities when compared to the previous survey. Specifically, the index of inflation control increased to 156.6 from 149.9 in the June 2014 survey. This improvement mainly reflected an increase in the number of respondents who were ‘satisfied’ with the authorities’ control of inflation,” stated the BOJ.

The survey captured the perceptions of chief executive officers, managing directors and financial controllers about the future movement of prices, current and future business conditions and the expected rate of increase in wages/salaries. The BOJ said that these responses assist it in charting future policy decisions.

– Steven Jackson

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Business sector forecasts slow slide to J$115 = US$1

Growth in business confidence continues

Businesses continue to show confidence in the Jamaican economy.
According to the third quarter business and consumer confidence indices released on Wednesday, firms viewed prospects for the economy more favourably than any time since the start of  2012.
The results suggest that businesses believe that the Government’s economic policies are having a favourable impact. More firms are also willing to increase exports and expand production to reduce imports.
On the other hand,  consumer confidence continues to decline as persons have become increasingly concerned about their job and income prospects.
The survey however revealed that consumers recognize that the economy has begun to improve, although their personal gains have been small.
When asked about satisfaction with the quality of  their lives, Jamaicans indicated that they were satisfied.

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Growth in business confidence continues

Growth in business confidence continues

Businesses continue to show confidence in the Jamaican economy.
According to the third quarter business and consumer confidence indices released on Wednesday, firms viewed prospects for the economy more favourably than any time since the start of  2012.
The results suggest that businesses believe that the Government’s economic policies are having a favourable impact. More firms are also willing to increase exports and expand production to reduce imports.
On the other hand,  consumer confidence continues to decline as persons have become increasingly concerned about their job and income prospects.
The survey however revealed that consumers recognize that the economy has begun to improve, although their personal gains have been small.
When asked about satisfaction with the quality of  their lives, Jamaicans indicated that they were satisfied.

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Growth in business confidence continues

Build business, build community

Dr Neva Alexander, founder of the New York-based National Educational Venture Alliance, believes many people leave high school and university with a host of skills they can utilise to create not just employment for themselves, but for others as well. With this in mind, she returned to Jamaica less than one year ago and started her own SAT, GRE, GMAT and LSAT training centre at Ardenne Road in Kingston.

Having hosted a free SAT information session and four free SAT mock exams over the summer, Dr Alexander began her first SAT class in July and is now recruiting both students and instructors for her November intake.

She is seeking to employ part-time SAT math and English instructors who would be able to assist with teaching her growing SAT classes. She is also seeking a student adviser to guide students through the college admissions process and assist with sourcing financial aid, and an admissions representative to assist with recruiting students.

“This is more than just a job for me,” said the adjunct assistant professor at the City of New York University. “In some small way, I have always wanted to give back and make my small mark in this country. It finally hit me that instead of looking for a job even for myself, I should start my own business so I can generate employment and give others the opportunity to be gainfully employed.”

Interested

Persons interested in applying to be an SAT math or English instructor, a student adviser, an admissions representative or students interested in enrolling in the November 3, 2014 class are encouraged to visit Dr Alexander’s website at http://www.nevalliance.com/ or call 978-2700.

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Build business, build community

PHOTO: OPEN FOR BUSINESS!

Dr Arusha Campbell-Chambers (third left), founder of Skin, Mind and Body Clinic and Institute by Dermatology Solutions, assists Dr Angela Samuels-Harris to cut the ribbon to officially declare open the facility, which is located in the Sagicor Shopping Complex in Montego Bay, last Saturday. Sharing in the moment are (from left) Dr Joy Callender, Campbell-Chambers’ husband Duane and Dr Charlotte Bedasse. The facility not only provides treatment for a wide range of skin, hair and nail disorders, but is offering training in a number of areas, including chemical peels and microdermabrasion, introduction to dermatology, wellness, weight management, nutrition in various chronic illnesses, diabetes, thyroid disease and cancer education, make-up artistry and massage

technology. (PHOTO: ACEION CUNNINGHAM)

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PHOTO: OPEN FOR BUSINESS!

Minimum Business Tax yields less revenue than projected

The Government of Jamaica has collected less revenue than it expected from the recently introduced Minimum Business Tax.

The total collected so far is $278 million, instead of the $300 million dollars projected.

The Minimum Business Tax, which took effect on April 1 this year, applies to certain companies and individuals.

They include entities registered in Jamaica, individuals operating a trade, profession, vocation or business; and who satisfy a gross revenue threshold.

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Minimum Business Tax yields less revenue than projected

Minimum Business Tax yields less revenue than projected

The Government of Jamaica has collected less revenue than it expected from the recently introduced Minimum Business Tax.

The total collected so far is $278 million, instead of the $300 million dollars projected.

The Minimum Business Tax, which took effect on April 1 this year, applies to certain companies and individuals.

They include entities registered in Jamaica, individuals operating a trade, profession, vocation or business; and who satisfy a gross revenue threshold.

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Minimum Business Tax yields less revenue than projected

Caribbean finance delegates attend event examining doing business with China

WASHINGTON D.C., United States, Friday September 12, 2014, CMC – Representatives from Caribbean financial institutions are attending the first China Insights Programme focusing on the economic, financial and cultural reality of China.

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) said that the Caribbean delegates are among 11 senior representatives of trade finance and international commerce departments of financial institutions from Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) attending the event.

The IDB, which is organizing the programme, said it is to help banks from Latin America and the Caribbean improve the commercial and financial ties between their client firms and companies from China.

The China Insights Programme will cover key aspects of the Chinese financial and commercial regulation, including current important trends such as the internationalization of the Renminbi.

“We know that the potential of the Chinese market is huge and yet, still quite unknown to the financial intermediaries of Latin America and the Caribbean,” said Gema Sacristan, Chief of the IDB’s Financial Markets Division.

“For that reason, a deeper knowledge of the Chinese financial system will help reinforce the commercial relations between both sides of the Pacific.”

The programme includes expert panels, networking events for the LAC bankers and their Asian counterparts and visits to the financial authorities, the People’s Bank of China and the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade.

“China is the first stop of the Insights Programme, expected to be replicated in other countries in order to help other banks from the region in their support of the internationalization of companies from Latin America and the Caribbean,” the IDB added.

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Caribbean finance delegates attend event examining doing business with China

Business leaders expect pace of devaluation to slow

The nation’s business leaders are expecting the pace of depreciation of the local currency to slow in the months ahead.
The business leaders expect the currency to lose a further 2 percent between July and September.
Over the longer period July this year to June next year they are expecting the currency to lose less than 6 percent of its value.
The responses were given in a survey carried out by the Bank of Jamaica in June.

In the meantime, the business leaders say business conditions are improving. 

They say the perception is that present and future business conditions are getting better.
Despite the improvement seen in business conditions, the indices used to measure the perceptions remain below record levels in 2011.

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Business leaders expect pace of devaluation to slow

Seize business opportunities from North-South Highway - Davies

Transport Minister Dr. Omar Davies is urging Jamaican investors to exploit the potential for additional business opportunities that are emerging with increasing ease of traversing the island.

Dr. Davies, speaking recently at the unveiling of a new Fly Jamaica aircraft in Kingston,  pointed to the soon to be opened Moneague leg of  Highway 2000 and said it presents opportunities for marketing Kingston to tourists who visit Ocho Rios

“Kingston will now be just over an hour away from Ocho Rios, in terms of the possibility of a cruise ship passenger in Ocho Rios having a day in Kingston as part of the package which is presented.”

The Moneague leg of  Highway 2000 will open in August and the entire North-South link of the highway is projected to be completed  in 2016.

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Seize business opportunities from North-South Highway - Davies

Policy makers urged to close gender gap in regional trade, business

Regional trade policymakers called for further sensitisation and education on “gender mainstreaming” in their respective territories, as they came to the end of Day 2 of the Caribbean Development Bank’s seminar on Gender Mainstreaming in Caribbean Trade Policies and Programmes, in Barbados.

Delegates from across the region, looked at recent statistics, challenges and best practices relating to gender equality and mainstreaming in trade and commerce. The day’s presentations allowed the trade experts to assess the situation in their respective territories, in respect of gender mainstreaming, and to identify possible needs and next steps in the way forward.

ITC challenge

Meg Jones, Senior Officer, Millenium Development Goals at the International Trade Centre (ITC), who was lead facilitator for the discussions, charged the participants to use the information they receive during the CDB seminar, to guide their work and decisions going forward in the area of trade in their respective countries.

Jones emphasised the importance of implementing Gender-Sensitive Value Chain Analyses as one way of ensuring gender mainstreaming in trade policy development. This method includes an examination of gender roles at each step required to bring a product/service from conception to consumption. This approach is expected to effectively identify where there are gender inequalities and where investment in training is really needed in the given process.

On the cusp

Denise Noel-De Bique, Gender Equality Advisor at the CDB, said the region is on the cusp of change linked to global debates to inform a new sustainable development agenda. She told the delegates, “This workshop is a signal moment in advancing CDB’s work in building awareness and positioning policy makers for integrating gender in the context of trade.  We look forward to continuing to build on this at the national level to further this transformative process.”

The workshop examined research data provided by Professor Miguel Carillo of the Arthur Lok Jack Graduate School of Business in Trinidad and Tobago.

Trade/business gender gap

Using the Global Enterpeneurship Monitor (GEM), Professor Carillo disclosed that the most recent international data confirms that there is still a gender gap worldwide in the area of trade and business. He explained that women entrepeneurs struggle at the point of transforming their businesses from the early stages into established companies.

Professor Carillo told the participants that, while women are more inclined to start a business as a means of providing for their families, they showed less confidence than men in their capacity to succeed in business.

The Caribbean Policy Development Centre (CPDC) also called for greater input from a wide range of stakeholders in coming up with effective trade policy.

Shantal Munro-Knight, CPDC’s representative at the seminar,  said certain groups in society are still not given the space for effective participation in stakeholder engagement and as a result, the importance of the gender perspective is not always fully understood. According to her, there is lack of coherence between trade and economic policy and social development policy in the region.

“Trade policy cannot be simply (decided and) announced by governments. Policy must be a clear and thought-out process,” Munro Knight said.

Ugandan Model

Using the Ugandan model, the ITC’s Jeanette Sutherland then discussed critical factors needed to ensure a gender-sensitive export strategy.

The four-day seminar, co-hosted by the CDB and ITC, was designed to increase awareness of the value of mainstreaming gender into the Caribbean’s trade and economic development agenda, and to improve participants’ gender mainstreaming skills. The event targeted senior policy makers from the Ministry of Trade and operational staff from other trade support institutions and agencies within CARIFORUM Member States.

The seminar, which started on June 16, was scheduled to end on Thursday.

SOURCE: Caribbean Development Bank

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Policy makers urged to close gender gap in regional trade, business

UDC to increase office, business space in downtown Kingston

The Urban Development Corporation (UDC), has declared its intention to continue acquiring historic and derelict buildings in downtown Kingston and restore them.

According to Desmond Malcolm, General Manager of the UDC, the plan is to refurbish these buildings as part of a drive to develop more office space to attract businesses and government offices. 

Malcolm, speaking at a recent JIS “Think Tank,” explained that the UDC will either refurbish the buildings or seek developers to rehabilitate them. This strategy, he said, should also take advantage of the low real estate prices now prevailing in the market.

He also said the UDC’s initiatives support the work of Kingston Restoration Company (KRC), which is an urban regeneration agency, that has spearheaded the restoration of several historic buildings in the city.

Cultural Centre

The UDC recently received the Jamaica Architects’ Award for Excellence in remodelling/refurbishing, for its work on the Simon Bolivar Cultural Centre at North Parade and Church Street in downtown Kingston.

The Corporation acted as project manager, by preparing architectural drawings; obtaining the necessary approvals; and overseeing the construction of the centre.

“It is a spectacular building and will certainly add a lot of benefit to the Parade area,” Mr. Malcolm declared.

The historic Ward Theatre in downtown Kingston, which is located next to the Simon Bolivar Cultural Centre, is also receiving technical support from the UDC.

Mr. Malcolm said although the Corporation does not have responsibility for the Ward Theatre, it will provide support.

“So, the plan is to upgrade Love Lane… so that the entire corridor will be rehabilitated,” he said.

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UDC to increase office, business space in downtown Kingston

JSE looking to Jamaican Diaspora in Canada to grow business

The Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE) will be targeting Canadian investors, especially those from the diaspora, to invest in companies listed on the exchange.    

Marlene Street Forrest, General Manager of the JSE announced on Thursday that the opportunity arose from the fact that the JSE was recently approved by Canada’s Finance Minister, Joe Oliver, as a designated stock exchange.

“What it means is that persons in the Diaspora purchasing equities on our market, the gain on those will not be subject to tax,” she explained.

Accordingly, she said, the Jamaican exchange “will try to make inroads into that particular achievement so as to continue to grow the market.”

Street Forrest also announced that the JSE is expecting as much as six new listings on the Junior Market this year. Those will follow five listings last year.

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JSE looking to Jamaican Diaspora in Canada to grow business

Parliament back in business Tuesday

PARLIAMENT resumes sitting on Tuesday, following a near six-week-long summer break, with signs of a robust and challenging pre-Christmas session in the making.

The main issues will continue to be related to the economy, particularly the medium term economic outlook and the Government’s efforts to ensure long term gains from its fiscal consolidation efforts over the past 3-4 months under the Extended Fund Facility agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).The Government is expected to focus on the so-called “key elements” of an updated economic programme, which should establish a conceptual framework for fiscal rule to help lock in the gains from the fiscal consolidation over the longer term.The programme includes the adoption of fundamental tax reform before the next fiscal year, designed to broaden the tax base, simplify the tax system, reduce tax rates and lower economic distortions and support growth.Tax reform is programmed to commence with the Omnibus Incentive Tax Act and a Charities Bill, to be tabled before the end of September.Minister of Finance, Dr Peter Phillips, told the House of Representatives just before the start of the summer break, that he would table details on the omnibus incentive regulations as soon as it reconvenes.The tax incentives legislation is expected to replace and streamline the many existing sectoral incentive schemes with a rules-based regime for limited tax incentives.The Government is also expected to focus on a strategy to increase growth, by improving the business environment and pursuing strategic investments, as well as: further actions to make the financial sector more resilient, through enhanced supervision and monitoring, and with phased reforms of the securities dealers sector; and strengthening the social protection framework, with enhanced efforts to move recipients from welfare to work, and the recent increase in PATH benefits are among the priorities to be pursued under the economic programme this session.However, there are a number of issues less directly related to the EFF, which will be of great significance to members during this session. These include: energy matters, such as the 360-megawatt Project; the PetroCaribe agreement; Jamaica’s trade imbalance with Caricom, especially with Trinidad and Tobago; the logistics hub and the controversial Goat Islands development project; pre-winter tourism prospects; and the completion of the Jamaica Development Infrastructure Programme (JDIP) and delayed start to its successor, the Major Investment Development Programme (MIDP).The Public Administration and Appropriations Committee (PAAC) will meet on Wednesday, and the current issue is whether Chinese firm China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) will take up an invitation from the committee to make an appearance, to help clear up a number of issues related to JDIP.There are a number of issues pertaining to JDIP, which the PAAC says it needs to address with the assistance of CHEC. However, the question is whether the committee has the power to summon the presence of private firms, like CHEC?Among the issues CHEC’s presence could help to resolve are:A debt of over $700 million owed to Jamaican contractors for several months;The slow processing of work certificates by the China Ex Im Bank in Beijing, and the resulting holding up of several projects;The question of whether CHEC can advance payments to local contractors pending payments from China Exim Bank;And whether Government’s use of JDIP funds for Jamaica Emergency Employment Programme (JEEP), and its failure to complete JDIP projects by end of 2012, are factors contributing to the problems affecting the completion of JDIP.In July, former Minister of Transport and Works Mike Henry raised the issue of whether the Government has been channeling JDIP funds into JEEP projects. There was US$50 million (J$5 billion) left at the start of 2013/14 for the completion of the projects, many of which are stalled close to completion.Minister of Transport, Works and Housing Dr Omar Davies responded in a statement to Parliament on July 16, denying Henry’s claim and laying the blame squarely on the shoulders of the Chinese interests — CHEC and China Exim Bank. But, Opposition spokesman on Transport and Works, Karl Samuda, has insisted that the Government is to be blamed.In terms of other impending issues, the Human Resource and Social Development Committee, headed by Opposition MP, Rudy Spencer, is expected to review the regulations under which tobacco smoking was banned by the Government just prior to the break.Two very important Joint Select Committees, those reviewing the so-called Anti-Gang legislation and that reviewing the first three years’ performance of the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) will also resume sittings this session.

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Parliament back in business Tuesday

Business House Football finals on today

Defending champion Petrojam will go for a record fourth straight Division One football title when they meet arch-rivals Scotiabank Group in the final of the 2013 Western Sports-sponsored KSA Business House Football Competition today at Emmett Park, St George’s College at 3:30 pm.

In the Division Two final at 1:30 pm, first-time entrant Metrodade Protection and Security will meet Jamaica Fire Brigade. Petrojam, who are undefeated in all competitions since 2011, are favourites to get the better of Scotiabank again, as both teams met in last year’s final when Petrojam came out victorious in a penalty shoot-out.When both teams met in the preliminary round last month, Scotiabank led 2-0, but Petrojam rallied to tie the match 2-2 and should have won it in the dying minutes.Coach Ainsworth Ennis is very confident of victory after they defeated Wisynco 4-0 in the semi-final and he will be looking to Damian Campbell, captain Jothan Watson, new Arnett Gardens National Premier League players Kimarlee Brissett, Jarron Richards, formerly of Harbour View, Fabian Reid, Robert Williams, from Tivoli Gardens, Ricardo Munroe, Aphas Bernard, and Andrew Christie of Portmore United, to ensure that they carry home the title.Coach of Scotiabank Neville ‘Bertis’ Bell is also oozing confidence that his team can go all the way this season. They defeated Jamaica Customs 2-0 in their semi-final last Sunday and he is expecting his team to come out victorious. He will be looking to the Tivoli Gardens National Premier League trio of captain Damion Gordon, Ranike Anderson, and Jamoy Sibbles, as well as goalkeeper Damion Crooks, who plays for Humble Lion, Rivoli United’s new signing Raymond Williamson, Donovan Hibbert, Richard West, Dravian Williams, and Anthony Greenland for victory.In the Division Two final, the undefeated Metrodade Protection and Security are overwhelming favourites to get the better of Jamaica Fire Brigade again, as they defeated them 4-0 in their only meeting in July. The Calvert Fitzgerald-coached Metrodade team, which consists of mostly Rivoli United National Premier League players, will be looking to Paul Francis, Kemar Bedford, Corey Burke, Liston James, Jermaine Henry, Kemar Smith, and goalkeeper Shannon Bartley to lift their first Business House title.Their only loss for the season was in the Knockout final against Petrojam two week ago. They have won nine league matches and drew only two.Morris Todd, the coach of Jamaica Fire Brigade, knows that his players will have their hands full in defeating Metrodade, but he thinks that his team can defeat them, as when they played earlier in the season, four of his top players were missing. He will rely on Gue Daley, who will be playing for August Town in this season’s National Premier League, Richard Miller, Kevin Henzil, Vincent Barnes, Leroy Orr, Venton Flectleton, and Esdars Tinglin for their first tile, after playing in the competition for four years.Damion Gordon (left) of Scotiabank gets ready to tackle David Stultz of Petrojam during an earlier game. (PHOTO: JOYCE FLETCHER)

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Business House Football finals on today

Beaches Ocho Rios drub Golden Eye 8-1 to eye Sandals Business House semis

Sport

Saturday, September 07, 2013

BEACHES Ocho Rios drubbed Golden Eye Resort 8-1 on Thursday to give themselves a glorious chance of qualifying for the semi-finals of the Sandals St Ann/St Mary Business House Football Competition.The family resort team is now in third place in Zone A on 10 points, behind defending champions and early qualifiers Couples Sans Souci (16), and Couples Tower Isle (13). Beaches, however, have a match in hand and with a superior goal difference, a win would see them through to the semi-finals ahead of Couples Tower Isle.Beaches will clash with Sunset Jamaica Grande tomorrow at 4:00 pm in the feature match of a double header at Drax Hall, and a win will guarantee them a place in the semi-finals.In the opening match at 2:00 pm, Sandals Grande Riviera will do battle against Jewels Runaway Bay.Lennox Green, manager of the Beaches Ocho Rios team, said his charges were ready for the tough battle ahead against a strong Sunset Jamaica Grande team. “We know that they are a very good team and we will not be taking them lightly. We will put our best foot forward and hope for a victory. We expect a hard fought contest.”Meanwhile, Gran Bahia Principe and RIU Ocho Rios captured the semi-final spots in Zone B. RIU Ocho Rios scored an emphatic 9-2 victory over Margaritaville on Wednesday to force a dramatic three-way tie at the top of the zone with Gran Bahia and SADCO. RIU and Bahia, however, advanced on better goal difference.President of the St Ann Business House Football Association Danny Beckford said the matches tomorrow should be worth travelling miles to see.“We have a great double-header and I am encouraging supporters to turn out in their numbers and support the teams, ” Beckford said.GREEN… we will put our best foot forward and hope for a victory

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Beaches Ocho Rios drub Golden Eye 8-1 to eye Sandals Business House semis

KSA Business House football semis on today

Sport

Sunday, September 01, 2013

DEFENDING champions Petrojam meet Wisynco in the opening game of the Division One semi-finals of the 2013 Western Sports-sponsored KSA Business House Football Competition today at the Red Stripe football field starting at 1:30 pm, while 2012 beaten finalist Scotiabank will oppose Jamaica Customs in the feature game at 3:30 pm.All fours teams will have over 20 current National Premier League players in their line-ups. Petrojam have not lost a match since 2011 in this competition and they are seeking to win their fourth straight Division One title.Coach Ainsworth Ennis will be looking to Damian Campbell, captain Jothan Watson, Fabian Reid, Robert Williams, Ricardo Munroe, Aphas Burnard, and Andrew Christie to make it to another final. The Marcel ‘Fuzzy’ Gayle-coached Wisynco team will not be a pushover and they will be trying to avenge their 1-0 defeat to their opponents in the preliminary round.They will look to the Division One leading goalscorer Girvon Brown, as well as Calbert Coke, Kemar Thomas, Adrian King, goalkeeper Kelso Cousins, Norman Bailey, and Jermaine ‘Moussy’ Taylor for victory.Coach of Scotiabank, Neville ‘Bertis’ Bell is confident that his team can go all the way this season. They defeated Jamaica Customs 2-1 in June in their first match of the season, but lost to them 4-3 in penalty shoot-out in the Knock-Out quarter-final three weeks ago. He will be looking to captain Damion Gordon, Ranike Anderson, Jamoy Sibbles, goalkeeper Damion Crooks, Rivoli United’s new signing Raymond Williamson, Donovan Hibbert, and Anthony Greenland for victory. Courtney McLean and Wayne Campbell, the coaches of Jamaica Customs, have been doing well with their team since winning Division Two in 2011. They will rely on Terrence Allen, Oda n Simpson, Rasheede Clarke, goalkeeper Horatio Nelson, Jason Forbes, and Ricardo Stern for their second victory over Scotiabank.The finals for both divisions will be played next Sunday at Emmet Park, St George’s College.Petrojam’s Fabian Reid dribbles past Metrodade defender Jermaine Henry in the KO final at Red Stripe Football Field recently. PHOTO: JOYCE FLETCHER)

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KSA Business House football semis on today

P30 Get down to business!

Entertainment

BY CECELIA CAMPBELLLIVINGSTON Observer staff reporterFriday, August 30, 2013

CHRISTOPHER Palmer, better known as Mr Lexx, is advising young artistes to learn the business side of the music industry. If not, they are in danger of being exploited.Speaking at a Jamaica Association of Composers, Authors and Publishers (JACAP) forum on Wednesday at the Knutsford Court Hotel in Kingston, Mr Lexx said: “As a newcomer I signed away my life without knowing it.”“Our biggest problem is literacy,” said the deejay, who called for the business of publishing and copyright to be taught in secondary schools.Mr Lexx claims the record label he signed to, when he started out, controlled his publishing and he ended up with little to show when they split.He said it is critical young artistes sign on to organisations like JACAP, which specialises in matters of copyright and publishing.“We need to keep more of these forums so we can reach more young artistes,” he said.Jamaican artistes have complained for decades that they have been victimised by shady music producers and companies.Many of those artistes had their heyday in the 1960s and 1970s, but have now fallen on hard times.MR LEXX… as a newcomer I signed away my life without knowing it

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P30 Get down to business!