Blingz wants to increase buzz

Blingz

Portmore-based dancehall artiste Blingz says he is intensifying his promotional efforts for the singles ‘Follow Instruction’ and ‘Feel Fi Get Drunk’. The singles, which have been creating a bit of a stir overseas, are said to be high energy and are expected to generate much excitement on the Jamaican dance floors.

As such, the artiste has launched a street and radio promotional campaign locally in order to increase their popularity. Blingz has so far visited Syvah, Uptown Mondays, and Weddy Weddy Wednesdays, among others. Signed to Enemy Line production, Blingz recently released the video for Follow Instruction and will release new videos in the coming weeks.

“We decided to do a lot of videos because I find that people want to see images along with the vocals. With the videos, you can tell where your fan base is, and I know I have been doing something great. I have been getting hundreds of thousands of views. Everybody can relate to my music because I try to please reggae lovers as well,” he said.

Blingz has performed at several shows in England because of his Internet marketing technique. Locally, the artiste recently performed at events at Sun City and Ken’s Wild Flower in Portmore and at another event in Trelawny.

The deejay is also making the rounds on radio and television stations, doing interviews. In addition, he will be releasing songs on various compilations in 2015.

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Blingz wants to increase buzz

Sandals to increase sponsorship in St JFA

MONTEGO BAY, St James – SPONSORS Sandals/ATL are set to increase their stake in the St James Football Association’s Senior League as well as take over the sponsorship of the Division One, Jamaica Observer West understands.

Information reaching Observer West is that the sponsors are expected to significantly increase the sponsorship of the Senior League which they have sponsored for the past two years when it kicks off later this month.

The start of the league was held up, St James FA president Gregory Daley had told Jamaica Observer West last year, as organisers did not want to have to break it during the staging of the CONCACAF Men’s Under-20 championships that starts here on Saturday and runs through to the 24th.

It is also understood that Sandals/ATL will assume sponsorship of the Division One that was sponsored the last two years in honour of late Seba United executives Dennis Barton and Weston King.

Sandals Resorts, also sponsors the St James FA summer youth competitions, the Under-17 and Under-20 leagues.

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Sandals to increase sponsorship in St JFA

BGLC reports 60% increase in illegal gaming prosecutions

Wednesday, December 17, 2014 | 5:56 PM    

KINGSTON, Jamaica  — The Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Commission (BGLC) is reporting a 60 per cent increase in the prosecution of people involved in illegal gaming, since entering into an agreement with the Organised Crime Investigation Division (OCID) about two months ago.

Chairman of the BGLC, Gary Peart, made the disclosure as he gave an update on the progress of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by the entities early October, at the recent opening of the new Hagley Park Road offices of the BGLC and the Jamaica Racing Commission (JRC).

Under the agreement, OCID will provide the BGLC with additional personnel as well as investigative, surveillance, technical and specialist support to aid in the prosecution of crimes detected under the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Act.

Peart said that with the added resources, he expects that more arrests will be made to stem illegal activities that rob the industry of an estimated $10 billion annually, and also foster other criminal activities.

Meanwhile, he said the operation of the BGLC and the JRC from one location, down from five, will result in savings of over $300 million, and “if we sell redundant assets, it will be in excess of half a billion dollars.”

“This building stands, not only as a new functional workspace that will allow us to get the job done, but also as a symbol of how far the BGLC has come, and its bright future,” he noted.

In a move to foster greater stakeholder understanding and compliance, the BGLC will, in the last three months of the fiscal year, host five town hall meetings, where directors and other personnel from the entity will dialogue with gaming operators.

The meetings, Peart said out, will show that the agency is not only interested in prosecuting when regulations are breached.

“We are interested in their (gaming operators) well-being. The more money they make is the more fees we get, and the more revenue for the national coffers,” he noted.

Peart added that the BGLC would be expanding its support to the addiction support group, RISE Life Management, as another indication of its community and social outreach.

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BGLC reports 60% increase in illegal gaming prosecutions

Caribbean must continue to increase share of global tourism market – CTO

Ernie Seon

CASTRIES, St. Lucia, Monday September 15, 2014, CMC – The Secretary General of the Barbados-based Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), Hugh Riley, says while the Caribbean is forecasting another increase in arrivals for 2014, it is equally vital that it continues to increase its share of the global tourism market.

Speaking to the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) ahead of the September 17-19 State of the Industry conference (SOCIT) in the United States Virgin Islands, Riley said the CTO was heartened at the fact that arrivals to the region continue to grow and the prognosis for the industry remains good.

“In the Caribbean, arrivals continue to grow and thankfully we are now seeing the relationship between actual arrivals and revenue from those arrivals beginning to climb once again.

“So we see incomes starting to increase, so that earnings to spend is going up. So the prognosis is good from that point of view,” he noted.

However the Secretary General cautioned that it was vital that the Caribbean focuses on staying “ahead of the curve”, and on how the rest of the world is performing.

“For while we want our numbers to continue to increase with the Caribbean crossing the 25 million mark at the end of last year, and we are forecasting that we will again see an increase on that by the end of 2014, certainly if you look at the increase so far this year, there is every reason to believe that, all things being equal we will see another increase in arrival by the end of 2014,” he said.

But Riley asserts that this was not the only metric, noting that the Caribbean needed to ensure it was gaining market share and that while the rest of the world was getting involved in the tourism business, this region was increase its share of the pie.

“So while the prognosis is good, there is an absolute need for us to come to places where there is information on what’s happening around the world, places where we can consider solutions to our problems and where information is available about our best practices and inspire creative thought.

“We must be able to leave the conference feeling charged up to go out and do something different, go out and change something for the better in the business that we belong,” he noted.

Caribbean and global tourism stakeholders gather in St. Thomas to discuss and devise strategies to position Caribbean tourism for major change.
SOTIC is being organised in collaboration with the USVI’s department of tourism.

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Caribbean must continue to increase share of global tourism market – CTO

Ministry of Labour seeking to increase number of NIS contributors

The Ministry of  Labour is to embark on a major drive to increase the number of persons who contribute to the National Insurance Scheme, NIS.
Under the law, all working persons are required to contribute to the NIS.
However, Labour Minister Derrick Kellier says of  the estimated 1.2 million employed persons, a little over 400,000 are contributors to the NIS.
Mr. Kellier says the Ministry will go on an aggressive public relations campaign over the next few months, to encourage all working persons to contribute to the NIS, and to inform them of  the benefits.

In the meantime, Mr. Kellier says given the increase in the population over the last two decades, accompanied by the rise in life expectancy, the Government has paid out huge sums from the NIS.
Payments currently stand at J$14b versus J$11b in contributions.
Mr. Kellier says if  there is an increase in contributors the J$3b shortfall can be filled.
This will also reduce the need to tap into the National Insurance Fund to fill the gap.
The Fund now stands at nearly J$70b.

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Ministry of Labour seeking to increase number of NIS contributors

Stock Exchange revenue increase by 15%

An increase in fees and other income helped to boost the financial performance of  the Jamaica Stock Exchange, JSE, during the April to June quarter.The Stock Exchange’s revenue rose by 15 percent or eleven percent to 83 million dollars when compared to the corresponding period in 2013. The improvement in income also helped the JSE lower its losses from 10 million dollars last year to one million dollars during the three months.In the meantime, the JSE is banking on the improved economy to help boost stock trading. The Stock Exchange says while trading has been subdued, improved economic results and outlook will have a positive impact on listed companies and the equities market.The JSE also expects increased marketing and income diversification to pay off  in the medium to long term as it seeks growth through new and existing markets as well as new product development.

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Stock Exchange revenue increase by 15%

Stock Exchange revenue increase by 15%

An increase in fees and other income helped to boost the financial performance of  the Jamaica Stock Exchange, JSE, during the April to June quarter.The Stock Exchange’s revenue rose by 15 percent or eleven percent to 83 million dollars when compared to the corresponding period in 2013. The improvement in income also helped the JSE lower its losses from 10 million dollars last year to one million dollars during the three months.In the meantime, the JSE is banking on the improved economy to help boost stock trading. The Stock Exchange says while trading has been subdued, improved economic results and outlook will have a positive impact on listed companies and the equities market.The JSE also expects increased marketing and income diversification to pay off  in the medium to long term as it seeks growth through new and existing markets as well as new product development.

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Stock Exchange revenue increase by 15%

Jamaica sees increase in visitor arrivals

Jamaica’s tourism sector has recorded an uptick in arrivals for summer. Tourism Minister Dr. Wykeham McNeil says figures have increased over last year.

“This month we are doing well and the forecast into the Summer is positive,” Dr. McNeil told RJR News.

He added that while it was too early predict how the sector will perform during the Fall months, “we are pacing ahead, across the board.”

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Jamaica sees increase in visitor arrivals

Ciboney's losses increase

Ciboney’s Losses Increase | RJR News – Jamaican News Online

business Home News Local Regional Arts & Entertainment Archive Sports Business Opinions Videos Classifieds Auto Employment Memorials Obituaries Residential Sale Land Sale Commercial Lease Residential Rental Commercial Rental Commercial Sale Residential Lease Other Sports Foundation (function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = “//connect.facebook.net/en_US/all.js#xfbml=1″; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); }(document, ‘script’, ‘facebook-jssdk’));Ciboney’s losses increase7:54 am, Mon July 14, 2014

Ciboney Group racked up higher losses during its financial year ended May 31.
   
The struggling hotel operator suffered an $8.7 million loss, up from a $3.2 million loss a year ago.
   
During the twelve months, Ciboney earned income of $584,000, versus $1.1 million in 2013.
                                                  

Tweet!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=”https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js”;fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,”script”,”twitter-wjs”); comments powered by Disqus More stories more »Investors in Norman Manley Airport privatisation given end of month deadline7:07 am, Tue July 15, 2014

Jamaica Broilers vows to maintain current prices, for now8:23 am, Mon July 14, 2014

BOJ losses increase9:14 pm, Sun July 13, 2014

CAL narrows its losses12:52 pm, Fri July 11, 2014

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Ciboney"s losses increase

Transport group calls for delay in toll increase

Within the next seven days, the Transport Operators Development Sustainable Service, (TODSS), will submit a petition to the Prime Minister,  calling for a one year suspension of  the toll increase on Highway 2000.

In a news release this afternoon, the group said it’s doing so, with a view to re-visit the contract between the operators of  Highway 2000 and the Government. A copy of the petition will also be sent to Transport Minister, Dr. Omar Davies.

The petition will be signed by transport operators who use the Highway.

TODSS says, it will not rule out increasing fares and added that a meeting will be held in Portmore on Wednesday with members to announce what  action will be taken.

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Transport group calls for delay in toll increase

Remittance inflows on the increase

Bank of  Jamaica data show in March net remittances increased by nearly US$11m  or 6.7% to US$171.5m.This reflected an increase in gross remittance inflows which was augmented by a marginal decline in remittance outflows.Gross remittance inflows for the month were US$187.8m, an increase of  US$9.4m or 5%  relative to the corresponding period last year. The inflows were above the average of  US$173m for the previous five corresponding periods.And during the first quarter of  2014 remittances were also up. Net remittances for the three months were US$461m, an increase of  US$29m  or nearly7%  when compared to 2013. The outturn for the review period reflected an increase in gross remittance inflows and a contraction in outflows.Total remittance inflows were US$514, an increase of  US$21.8m or 4%. The inflows were above the average of  US$468m for the previous five corresponding periods. Remittance inflows for the year to-date were marginally above the corresponding pre-crisis out-turn for 2008.

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Remittance inflows on the increase

Remittance inflows on the increase

Bank of  Jamaica data show in March net remittances increased by nearly US$11m  or 6.7% to US$171.5m.This reflected an increase in gross remittance inflows which was augmented by a marginal decline in remittance outflows.Gross remittance inflows for the month were US$187.8m, an increase of  US$9.4m or 5%  relative to the corresponding period last year. The inflows were above the average of  US$173m for the previous five corresponding periods.And during the first quarter of  2014 remittances were also up. Net remittances for the three months were US$461m, an increase of  US$29m  or nearly7%  when compared to 2013. The outturn for the review period reflected an increase in gross remittance inflows and a contraction in outflows.Total remittance inflows were US$514, an increase of  US$21.8m or 4%. The inflows were above the average of  US$468m for the previous five corresponding periods. Remittance inflows for the year to-date were marginally above the corresponding pre-crisis out-turn for 2008.

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Remittance inflows on the increase

Five year plan to increase level of physical fitness presented

The National Plan for the Prevention and Control of  Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in Jamaica was tabled in the House of  Representatives yesterday.  

The five-year strategic plan is aimed at tackling the prevalence of  NCD’s in Jamaica and addresses the four major conditions causing death and illness among Jamaicans: cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and chronic respiratory disease. 

One of  the main goals of  the plan is to increase physical activity among Jamaicans by 10 percent by 2025.
Discussions are also taking place with the Ministry of  Education to reintroduce compulsory physical education in schools. According to the Health Minister, obesity is the number one health problem in Jamaica from which many NCDs develop, including diabetes and as much as 90 percent of  cancers.

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Five year plan to increase level of physical fitness presented

Increase in secured loans predicted for June quarter

Financial institutions expect figures to show an increase in demand for secured loans for the June quarter.   
According to the Bank of  Jamaica’s Quarterly Credit Conditions  Survey Report, interest rate changes and loan promotion activities are expected to drive the anticipated increase in credit demand.  
It is believed that credit conditions in the market for secured and unsecured loans will have a positive impact on credit demand.  
Lenders expect an extension in the maximum repayment period on secured and unsecured loans as well as higher credit card limits.

However, an anticipated increase in the required minimum repayment amount and the expectation for higher fees will temper credit demand.

The report also shows that at the end of  March, the stock of  credit in the banking system was $473.6 billion. This reflected a 1.2% increase relative to December 2013.    
The BOJ’s Quarterly Credit Conditions Survey suggests that 58 per cent of loans was distributed to households and 42 per cent to businesses across all firm sizes.    
This reflects a change in the distribution relative to the December 2013 quarter when 63 per cent of the stock of credit was allocated to households and 37 per cent to businesses.

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Increase in secured loans predicted for June quarter

Jamaica pursuing biofuels research to increase energy options

In a bid to diversify the country’s energy options, the Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica (PCJ) has announced that it is collaborating with the Ministry of Agriculture on biofuels research.

This project is aimed at identifying plants that can be cultivated locally and converted into fuels, according to Julian Robinson, Minister of State in the Ministry of Science, Technology, Energy & Mining.

“This would have positive implications for our farmers, who would have new income earning opportunities, and for players in our transport sector, who would have a more affordable alternative to imported fuel,” Robinson said, while delivering the opening address on Monday at a two-day PCJ  Alternative Energy Expo,  at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, in New Kingston.

Incentives

Robinson reiterated that, in 2012 the Government, in its quest to promote alternative energy, removed General Consumption Tax (GCT) from renewable energy systems, and in 2013, it suspended the Common External Tariff on selected pieces of machinery and equipment commonly used in the sector.

“The role of energy in Jamaica’s social development and economic progression cannot be overstated, so where there is competition, let us ensure that there is collaboration. If there is disagreement, let us ensure there is resolution, because our common future depend on our ability to adequately address the issue of energy security,” he said.

The expo provides exposure for local and international alternative energy providers to demonstrate the latest and emerging energy efficiency products designed to reduce energy usage. It is open to the public free of cost.

SOURCE: JIS

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Jamaica pursuing biofuels research to increase energy options

Gas prices set for increase

Petrojam has announced that gasolene prices are to go up by $1.56 this week.A litre of E10-87 gasolene is to sell for $128.10, while E10-90 is to sell for $129.75.The prices of all other petroleum products are also to go up.

A litre of automotive diesel oil is to sell for $129.17 per litre, following a $2.20 increase.The price of kerosene will go up by $2.80 to $130.92 per litre.

In the meantime, a litre of propane cooking gas will go up by $1.61 and will sell for $53.38. The price of butane will move up by $1.71 with to $60.19.

Retailers will add their mark-ups to the announced prices.

A litre of E10-87 gasolene is to sell for $128.10, while E10-90 is to sell for $129.75.

The prices of all other petroleum products are also to go up.

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Gas prices set for increase

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

Gas prices increase again

Latest News

Wednesday, August 28, 2013 | 3:04 PM

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Petrojam Limited has increased the ex-refinery prices of all categories of fuel effective tomorrow, Thursday, August 29.The prices of 87 and 90-octane gasoline have been increased by 95 cents and will be sold for $116.98 and $118.63 per litre, respectively.Automotive diesel oil will be sold for $119.08 per litre, after an increase of $1.39.Ultra low sulpher diesel is up by 50 cents; it will be sold for $126.43 per litre.Kerosene oil has been increased by $1.48 and will now be sold for $120.85 per litre.Propane liquid petroleum and Butane liquid petroleum are priced at $48.64 and $54.94 per litre respectively, after increases of 89 cents and $1.02.Marketing companies and retailers will add their respective mark up.Like our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/jamaicaobserverFollow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/JamaicaObserver

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Gas prices increase again

Clarendon reacts to bus fare increase

News

A Dat Wi Seh… Sunday, August 25, 2013

JAMAICANS in Clarendon last Thursday expressed concern over the increase in bus fares on Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) buses starting today. Some took issue with the announcement of the fare increase at the start of the new school year.1. GRACE MITCHELLI think the transport people need the fare increase. They need it. But it will not be good for the parents. Parents are not getting a raise so how are we going to afford increased bus fares? I think it is fair for the transport people but it will be hard on the parents.2. SANDRA WILLIAMSI don’t think they should consider a raise for them (transport operators). We are in ‘tamarind season’ and it is hard on us all. What they (Government) must do is consider this fare increase two ways — for the busmen and for the commuters. If they do not do that it is going to be chaos. Some people just don’t have the money to pay.3. KENISHA ROGERSIt will impact us a lot because it cost a lot for fare. I have to pay $250 a day for bus fare. It makes me feel really bad. I don’t think that it is a good move at this time because we are already having problems. It will only cause more problems for commuters.4. ALICIA OSBOURNEI cannot feel good about the fare increase because poor people will have it very hard to send their children to school. There is no word in the world to describe how I feel. I don’t think that a fare increase right now is justified.5. FLORIZEL THOMPSONThe fare increase is not justified right now. Parents are not getting any more money. And if you are getting less, how can you be asked to pay more? That cannot be. I think they should just freeze the fare increase until the economy start to grow and people are able to make more money. You can’t ask more from the tree if the tree is not bearing.6. LORINE COUSINSIn my view, I don’t think that a fare increase right now is appropriate considering the high cost of everything that parents have to buy already. Parents are already having trouble trying to afford the necessities. And the thing with the Vere area is that the taxi men won’t regulate the fare. They are not going to put on the set amount; they are going to round it off and charge more.7. KYMANI SEYMOURThis increase will affect all of us across the board negatively. Almost 80 per cent of Jamaican families are in poverty. With this increase it will put persons way out of their budgets. So I think that a fare increase right now will only impact the country negatively.8. EPHRAIN COLLINSA fare increase right now is cruel because it is already rough for us. And at the start of the new school year, too, it is only going to be rougher on the parents. It will impact us greatly. We live in Lancaster, Longville and it’s $90 for the student bus fare. With a 20 per cent increase it was hard in the beginning and now it is going to be even harder.INTERVIEWER: COREY ROBINSONPHOTOGRAPHER: KARL MCLARTYKYMANI SEYMOUR & EPHRAIN COLLINSFLORIZEL THOMPSON & LORINE COUSINSKENISHA ROGERS & ALICIA OSBOURNEGRACE MITCHELL & SANDRA WILLIAMS

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Clarendon reacts to bus fare increase

Gov"t confirms no pay increase granted to parliamentarians, civil servants

THE Government confirmed in the Senate on Friday that no pay increase had been granted to parliamentarians or civil servants since 2009.

“Consistent with the strategy employed under the Memorandum of Economic and Financial Policies (MEFP), the government has not granted any wage increase to any public sector worker since April, 2009,” said Leader of Opposition Business in the Senate, A J Nicholson.He was responding to a number of questions tabled in June by opposition senator, Robert Montague, suggesting that the government had given itself, its advisors and consultants, pay increases since January 2012.As expected, Senator Nicholson denied that any pay increase had been received by either the Government, or its staff and advisors. However, he confirmed that three tranches in outstanding retroactive payments from a seven per cent pay increase owed to the public sector since 2009/10 were paid between May, 2012 and May 2013. Two more tranches are due in October 2013 and May 2014 to complete the payments.Following the Government’s agreement with public sector trade unions on a two-year contract, 2008/9-2009/10, which included provisions for a 15 per cent pay rise in the first year and a seven per cent increase in the second year, the second year’s increase was not paid following an agreement with the IMF. However, the Government eventually agreed to implement the increase in 2011, and pay the retroactive portions in five tranches, to end in May 2014.“This is the agreement we are still honouring,” Nicholson told the Senate on Friday.In response to other questions raised by Montague, he explained that 24 groups, representing 85 per cent of the public sector, have already signed on to the Heads of Agreement, which include a wage restraint provision for the period 2012/13 to 2015/16.However, he admitted that there are nine groups which have not agreed- five police groups; the Nurses Association of Jamaica; the Jamaica Medical Doctors Association; the Association of Government Medical Consultants; and the Academic Staff Association of the University of Technology. The Government currently has an outstanding wage dispute with the Jamaica Air Traffic Controllers Association, but this was not included in the list.Senator Nicholson admitted that the wage freeze is applicable to all public sector workers, including those who have not yet signed.Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Finance and Planning Horace Dalley told the House recently that an offer would be made soon to the police groups.

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Gov"t confirms no pay increase granted to parliamentarians, civil servants