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Businessuite Top Caribbean Entrepreneurial Success Stories

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The Caribbean, known for its idyllic beaches and vibrant cultures, is also a breeding ground for some of the world’s most innovative entrepreneurs. From fintech visionaries to ecommerce pioneers, these individuals have taken their diverse backgrounds and turned them into global success stories.

Let’s dive into the tales of ambition, resilience, and success that characterize the entrepreneurial spirit of the Caribbean.

Martin Hanna – Penny Pinch Inc.
Martin Hanna is a testament to the fintech revolution brewing in the Caribbean. As the CEO and Founder of Penny Pinch Inc., Hanna has redefined what it means to provide value through technology. His company caters to a growing demand for digital financial solutions, demonstrating the vast potential of fintech outside traditional tech hubs. Hanna’s success story is not just about innovation; it’s about understanding and meeting the unique needs of his market.

In a region where access to financial services can be limited, Penny Pinch Inc. stands as a beacon of hope. By focusing on user-friendly products, Hanna has ensured that technology serves as a tool for empowerment. His approach blends local insights with global trends, making Penny Pinch a standout example of how fintech can bridge gaps in the financial landscape.

Hanna’s journey is notable for its focus on sustainable growth and community impact. He believes in leveraging technology to create a more inclusive economy, a vision that has earned him respect and admiration both within and beyond the Caribbean. As Penny Pinch continues to expand, Hanna’s leadership reflects a commitment to innovation that serves all.

 

Nicholas A. Rees – Kanoo Pays
Nicholas A. Rees, a former Olympian turned FinTech visionary, stands at the helm of Kanoo Pays. His remarkable transition from sports to business captures the essence of adaptability and determination. As the Chairman and Co-founder, Rees has steered Kanoo Pays to become a pioneering licensed Payment Institution in the Caribbean.

Under his guidance, Kanoo Pays serves as a platform for financial inclusion, connecting individuals and businesses across the region. Rees’s approach combines a deep understanding of finance with a passion for technology, making banking more accessible and empowering for Caribbean communities.

Rees’s background as a Chartered Certified Accountant, coupled with his MBA from the University of Miami, provides a solid foundation for his entrepreneurial ventures. His vision for Kanoo Pays includes not just financial success but also a significant impact on society, highlighting the role of businesses in driving social change.

His story is a reminder that entrepreneurship can emerge from any backdrop. Rees leverages his diverse experiences to build a company that not only profits but profoundly impacts lives. Kanoo Pays exemplifies how innovative business models can transform the financial landscape in the Caribbean and beyond.

 

Elevating Ecommerce: Kadion Preston and Caribshopper
Kadion Preston, co-founder and CEO of Caribshopper, has carved a niche in the booming ecommerce sector. Through Caribshopper, Preston facilitates global sales for Caribbean merchants, enabling them to reach audiences far beyond their geographical confines. This venture not only showcases the rich diversity of Caribbean products but also boosts local economies by opening new markets.

Preston’s tech background, combined with a keen business acumen, has allowed him to navigate the complex challenges of ecommerce. His platform stands as a testament to the power of digital transformation to foster economic growth and regional integration.

With Caribshopper, Preston has built a bridge connecting Caribbean creativity and craftsmanship with the world. His work has not only elevated the profiles of local artisans and businesses but also inspired a new generation of entrepreneurs in the region to look beyond traditional markets.

Preston’s entrepreneurial journey is a masterclass in harnessing technology for social and economic development. By leveraging ecommerce, he has created opportunities for growth and innovation that transcend geographical limitations, making him a pivotal figure in the Caribbean’s entrepreneurial landscape.

Conclusion
The stories of Martin Hanna, Nicholas A. Rees, and Kadion Preston highlight just a sliver of the entrepreneurial talent flourishing in the Caribbean. These individuals exemplify the region’s capacity for innovation, resilience, and global impact. Their ventures have not only transformed their respective industries but also offered valuable lessons:

Adaptability and resilience are key to overcoming challenges. Innovation should be driven by a desire to meet the specific needs of one’s community. Entrepreneurship can be a powerful tool for economic and social empowerment. Global success is achievable, regardless of one’s geographical starting point. As the Caribbean continues to make its mark on the global stage, these entrepreneurs serve as beacons of hope and inspiration, showing that with vision, hard work, and a commitment to impact, anything is possible.

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Businessuite Markets

The Strategic Importance of Investor Communication and Recommendations for Caribbean Listed Companies

By embracing these practices, Caribbean listed companies can foster stronger relationships with investors, enhance market perceptions, and potentially realize higher valuations that reflect their true intrinsic value.

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Effective communication with investors is not merely a compliance exercise; it’s a strategic imperative that influences a company’s market valuation and access to capital.

Key benefits include:

Enhanced Market Valuation: Transparent and consistent communication reduces information asymmetry, leading to improved investor confidence and potentially higher stock valuations.

Improved Liquidity: Engaged investors are more likely to trade shares, increasing liquidity and reducing volatility.

Broader Investor Base: Proactive communication attracts a diverse range of investors, including retail investors who can provide stability and advocacy for the company.

Resilience During Crises: Companies that maintain open lines of communication are better positioned to navigate challenges and retain investor trust during turbulent times.

Global Trends in Investor Relations
Internationally, companies are adopting innovative strategies to engage with investors:

1. Digital Engagement Platforms
Companies are leveraging digital tools to provide real-time updates and interactive content:
Investor Portals: Secure platforms offering access to financial reports, updates, and company news.
Webinars and Virtual Events: Facilitating direct interaction between management and investors.
Social Media: Utilizing platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube to disseminate information and engage with a broader audience.

2. Personalized Communication
Tailoring messages to specific investor segments enhances relevance and engagement:

Segmented Reporting: Providing information tailored to the interests of different investor groups.
Interactive Content: Using videos, infographics, and interactive reports to make complex information more accessible.

3. Emphasis on ESG Reporting
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors are increasingly influencing investment decisions:

Transparent ESG Disclosures: Providing comprehensive reports on ESG initiatives and performance.

Integrated Reporting: Combining financial and non-financial information to present a holistic view of the company’s performance and strategy.

Recommendations for  Caribbean Listed Companies
To bridge the communication gap and unlock shareholder value, Caribbean listed companies should consider the following strategies:

Establish Robust Investor Relations Programs: Develop dedicated IR teams or functions responsible for managing investor communications and relationships.

Leverage Digital Channels: Utilize websites, social media, and email newsletters to provide timely and accessible information to investors.

Host Regular Investor Events: Organize webinars, virtual town halls, and Q&A sessions to engage directly with investors and address their concerns.

Enhance Transparency and Disclosure: Provide clear, comprehensive, and timely information on financial performance, strategic initiatives, and ESG efforts.

Solicit and Act on Investor Feedback: Implement mechanisms to gather investor input and demonstrate responsiveness to their concerns and suggestions.

Adopt Integrated Reporting Practices: Combine financial and non-financial reporting to present a cohesive narrative of the company’s value creation strategy.

By embracing these practices, Caribbean listed companies can foster stronger relationships with investors, enhance market perceptions, and potentially realize higher valuations that reflect their true intrinsic value.

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GOV’T Remains Committed to Facilitating an Enabling Investment Environment

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GOV’T Remains Committed to Facilitating an Enabling Investment Environment
Photo: Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness right) speaks with designer, Vintage Chic, Shanna Campbell about her handmade pieces, during the opening ceremony for Expo Jamaica 2025 at the National Indoor Sports Centre in St. Andrew on April 3.

 

GOV’T Remains Committed to Facilitating an Enabling Investment Environment
Photo: Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness left), samples a coffee carrot ginger brew from Beyond 5 Beverages given to him Managing Director of the company, Damain Drummond right) during the opening ceremony for Expo Jamaica 2025, at the National Indoor Sports Centre in St. Andrew on April 3.

 

Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness has committed to ensuring that the policies and initiatives of the Government remain aligned with entrepreneurs, thereby creating an enabling environment that fosters investment. “To our manufacturers and exporters… your effort represents the heart of our economic progress, your resilience, innovation, and entrepreneurial courage has carried Brand Jamaica to every corner of the globe.

“As Prime Minister, I commit to ensuring our policies and initiatives remain aligned with your ambitions, creating an enabling environment that fosters investment, innovation and global competitiveness. Together we will strengthen our local economy and solidify Jamaica’s position on the international stage,” Dr. Holness said.

The Prime Minister was speaking during the opening ceremony for Expo Jamaica 2025 at the National Indoor Sports Centre in St. Andrew on April 3.

Dr. Holness said Expo Jamaica is a vivid showcase of Jamaica’s boundless potential, “so as we advance global partnerships and create impactful local results, let us reaffirm our collective determination to build a prosperous, productive Jamaica that leaves no one behind”.

“Expo Jamaica exemplifies how far Jamaica has come. Over 250 exhibitors showcasing more than 5000 products and services alongside 884 registered local and international buyers from 25 countries. This clearly reflects Jamaica’s growing global influence and appeal,” he said.

He added that the event has grown tremendously, now standing as the largest trade exhibition in the English-speaking Caribbean.

Meanwhile, Dr. Holness said Jamaica today boasts its strongest economy since independence.

“Whether you measure Jamaica’s economic performance and stability by the unemployment rate, the inflation rate, the debt-to-GDP (gross domestic product) ratio or Net International Reserves (NIR), by every critical metric, our economy undeniable demonstrates economic stability and resilience,” he said.

He added that growth is another central pillar to economic stability and resilience.

“For Jamaica to realise its fullest potential, our growth rate must accelerate from one to two percent towards a more ambitious target of four to five per cent. Central to achieving this are initiatives which this Government has launched, and we call them ASPIRE, that is our comprehensive growth strategy,” he said.

ASPIRE stands for: Access to Economic Opportunity for All (Inclusive Growth); Safety and Security; People (Human Capital Development); Infrastructure Development; Reform of the Bureaucracy (Ease, Speed, and Cost of Doing Business); Economic Diversification/New Industries.

He further added that inclusivity and equity are paramount to the Government’s growth agenda.

Meanwhile, Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Senator the Hon. Aubyn Hill said the administration continues to position Jamaica as an investment destination for financial services, logistics, skilled labour, high value services and premium products.

“This expo is Jamaica’s open invitation to the world… The Andrew Holness administration has made it our mission to make Jamaica a very attractive place in this region in which to do business. Our macroeconomic numbers tell a clear story,” he said

Other speakers at the function included President, Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO), Shullette Cox, and Chairman, Expo Jamaica, Aswad Morgan.

This year’s event is being held from Thursday (April 3) to Sunday (April 6) at the National Arena and the National Indoor Sports Centre in Kingston.

The four-day tradeshow, under the theme ‘Global Partnership, Local Impact: Advancing Jamaica’s Reach’, is organised by the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association Limited (JMEA) and JAMPRO.

By: CHRIS PATTERSON, JIS

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GCT Exemption Threshold for MSMEs Increased to JA$15 Million

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The Government of Jamaica has announced an increase in the General Consumption Tax (GCT) exemption threshold from $10 million to $15 million for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Hon. Fayval Williams, in opening the 2025/26 Budget Debate in the House of Representatives on March 11, said the change is aimed at supporting the growth and development of small businesses.

Mrs. Williams said the latest figures from the Small Business Association of Jamaica (SBAJ) show that there are an estimated 422,000 registered small businesses in Jamaica, generating 80 per cent of the jobs in the Jamaican economy.

“This means 1,136,240 persons in our workforce are employed by MSMEs,” the Finance Minister noted.

In addition, the Minister said the Government has allocated $2 billion to support MSMEs.

“[The sum of] $2 billion is in the Budget for the Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ) to allow them to continue to facilitate sustainable growth of start-ups and MSMEs, and to continue to support women-led initiatives, entrepreneurship training, including digital skills bootcamp,” she outlined.

The DBJ is a public body in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation that channels financing to MSMEs, as well as large projects, to facilitate economic growth and development.

“It will continue to pursue innovative means of mobilising funding and leveraging private-sector investment and expertise through its venture capital programme, as well as public-private partnerships and privatisation transactions,” Mrs. Williams said.

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JA$2 Billion in Support to Jamaican MSMES

“Small business owners have said to me that opening a bank account for their business is difficult. They feel there’s no difference between the requirements for them as MSMEs, as opposed to a very large institution,” she noted.

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The Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ) has been allocated $2 billion in the 2025/26 Estimates of Expenditure to support funding to the micro, small and medium-sized enterprise (MSME) sector.

Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Hon. Fayval Williams, made the disclosure while delivering the opening presentation in the 2025/26 Budget Debate in the House of Representatives on Tuesday (March 11).

“It (the DBJ) will continue to pursue innovative means of mobilising funding and leveraging private-sector investment and expertise through its venture capital programme, as well as public-private partnerships and privatisation transactions,” she informed.

Mrs. Williams noted the Government’s commitment to the MSME sector, which includes an estimated 422,000 registered small businesses, generating 80 per cent of the jobs in the economy.

Approximately 1,136,240 persons are employed by MSMEs.

The Minister acknowledged that there are several issues facing the sector, including lack of equitable access to financing, high interest rates and cumbersome requirements for opening bank accounts.

“Small business owners have said to me that opening a bank account for their business is difficult. They feel there’s no difference between the requirements for them as MSMEs, as opposed to a very large institution,” she noted.

She pledged to work with Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Senator the Hon. Aubyn Hill, to reduce the requirements for the entities to open bank accounts.

The Finance Minister noted, further, that Government will be increasing the General Consumption Tax (GCT) exemption for small businesses from $10 million to $15 million.

By: Donique Weston JIS

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Jamaica Open For High-Value Agricultural Investments – Minister Green

“Now is the time for high-value agricultural investment, right here in Jamaica. Things that we produce in Jamaica are sought after all over the world. As such, we do believe there are significant opportunities now in agro processing,” Mr. Green said.

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Jamaica is being touted as a prime destination for high-value agricultural investments.

Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Hon. Floyd Green, highlighted that the country is at a pivotal stage in its transformation, pointing out that the Ministry’s key objectives are to drive investment, expand trade, and strengthen food security.

“To achieve this objective, the nation must collaborate with its international partners,” he told members of the Diplomatic Corps on Wednesday (March 12).

Minister Green said Jamaica, having seen a declining debt-to-GDP ratio and myriad other positive economic outcomes in recent years, is well positioned to take advantage of global opportunities.

He was speaking during a Ministerial Briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade in downtown Kingston, which formed part of activities marking Diplomatic Week 2025.

Mr. Green said while Jamaica currently benefits from several trade arrangements with its regional partners, the Government wants to expand the global footprint in trade and investment.

“What we want to see from my Ministry’s perspective [is] how we can leverage these arrangements to do much more. As such, we want to work with you (the diplomatic corps) to drive trade expansion, to reduce market barriers and to facilitate direct connections with importers and distributors so that we can expand our exports,” the Minister outlined.

He added that there are significant investment opportunities and win-win proposals for Jamaica and its partners.

“Now is the time for high-value agricultural investment, right here in Jamaica. Things that we produce in Jamaica are sought after all over the world. As such, we do believe there are significant opportunities now in agro processing,” Mr. Green said.

The Minister emphasised that one area now ripe for investments is orchard crop farming.

“We do have land available for investment in orchard crops. In fact, we’ve developed our first ever mango orchard, or mango agro park, where we invite private-sector investors to come in and establish 50-acre blocks of mango farms. That is going well. In fact, we’ve already established about 200 acres. We want to establish another 300 acres in this financial year,” the Minister outlined.

Mr. Green also touted opportunities in livestock farming and the dairy industry, noting that Jamaica is looking to leverage partnerships in this area.

“We want to facilitate greater bilateral discussions between you and your home countries with Jamaica’s agricultural sector around investment… around connecting investors with local projects that can accelerate economic growth,” he told the diplomats.

Mr. Green pointed out that Jamaica’s collaboration with its international partners has been instrumental in advancing the nation’s economic agenda.

By: Donique Weston, JIS

Photo: Yhomo Hutchinson

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