Consequent upon the reorganization of the Mayberry Group of Companies, this letter serves to advise of the Directors and Company Secretary of Mayberry Group Ltd. Note that Mayberry Group Ltd, a company incorporated under the laws of Saint Lucia, was listed on the Jamaica Stock Exchange on December 13, 2023.

The current Listing of Directors, appointed on September 6, 2023, are as follows:

1. Christopher Berry

2. Konrad Berry

3. Gary Peart

4. Richard Surage

5. Gladstone Lewars

6. Alok Jain

7. Erwin Angus

8. Walter Scott

The Corporate Secretary of Mayberry Group Ltd is FinSec Limited, appointed on November 15, 2022.

Justin Nam has resigned as Eppley’s General Manager to pursue other interests after nearly a decade at the company. His resignation is effective May 31, 2024, and he will coordinate with Raymond and Jeffrey to facilitate a smooth transition.

Raymond Donaldson to join Eppley as CEO

Raymond Donaldson will serve as the Chief Executive Officer of Eppley Limited (Eppley) effective May 3, 2024.

“Raymond has extensive leadership experience in financial markets across the Caribbean and a track record of scaling regional businesses. He has consistently demonstrated the ability to lead high performing teams and deliver results. We are delighted that Raymond will be joining Eppley.” said P.B. Scott, Chairman of Eppley.

Jeffrey Brown will also join Eppley on May 3, 2024, as Chief Investment Officer and will work closely with Denise Gallimore, VP of Real Estate and Samantha Summerbell, AVP Credit to grow and expand Eppley’s investment efforts.

Justin Nam has resigned as Eppley’s General Manager to pursue other interests after nearly a decade at the company. His resignation is effective May 31, 2024, and he will coordinate with Raymond and Jeffrey to facilitate a smooth transition.

“Justin has been an integral part of developing Eppley into the leading regional investment firm it is today contributing to the growth of our credit, mezzanine, infrastructure and real estate portfolios across the Caribbean. As an Eppley alumnus, we wish him well in his future endeavours.” said Nicholas Scott, Vice Chairman of Eppley. “I’ve worked closely for many years with both Raymond and Jeffrey. I know they share Eppley’s investment philosophy and I’m confident that they will continue our proud track record and build our business.”

“Eppley is a pioneer in private market investing in the Caribbean and one of the most respected investment firms in our region known for the caliber of its team, its financial performance and its integrity. I plan to lead Eppley guided by its founding principles for benefit of our team, our clients and our shareholders.” said Raymond Donaldson, Eppley’s incoming Chief Executive Officer.

Raymond Donaldson has a 20-year career in banking and finance in Jamaica, the Bahamas and the wider Caribbean. Most recently, Mr. Donaldson was Vice President Corporate and Commercial Banking at National Commercial Bank. Prior to that Mr. Donaldson served as Director of Corporate and Investment Banking in the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos at CIBC FirstCaribbean.

Jeffrey Brown has held executive roles in banking in Jamaica and Barbados, mostly recently as Head of Loan Structuring and Syndications at National Commercial Bank and previously at CIBC FirstCaribbean, Scotiabank and PricewaterhouseCoopers.

The Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE) has advised that the Board of the Jamaica Stock Exchange, at its Board Meeting held on March 27, 2024 appointed Mr. Steven Gooden as an Independent Director effective March 27, 2024.

Sagicor Real Estate X Fund Limited (SREF) has advised that Mr. Howard Mitchell has been appointed as Chairman of the Board of Directors of SREF effective March 1, 2024.

NCB Financial Group Limited is pleased to announce the appointment of Howard L. Shearer to the Board of Directors effective March 13, 2024. Mr. Shearer currently serves as the Chief Executive of Hitachi Canada and brings to the Board expertise in strategy, corporate governance, regulatory compliance, emerging technologies and enterprise risk management across multiple business domains. Mr. Shearer holds a Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) degree, a Global Professional Master of Laws (GPLLM) degree and is a distinguished Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering (FCAE).

Productive Business Solutions Limited wish to inform you that at a meeting of the Board of Directors held on February 28, 2024, Mr. Brian Wynter was appointed as Chairman of the Audit Committee.

Wigton Windfarm Limited (WIG) has advised that Mr. Earlington Barrett, Managing Director of WIG, will be demitting office effective March 31, 2024. The Board of Directors of WIG thanks Mr. Barrett for his stewardship of the Company and his contribution to its successful operations over the years.

The process of recruiting a new Managing Director is underway. Interim measures for the continued leadership and operational oversight of the business have been implemented and Miss Michelle Chin Lenn, the current Head of Energy of WIG, will serve as Acting Managing Director until the aforementioned recruitment process is completed.

The Board of One on One Educational Services Limited wishes to advise that at a Board of Directors meeting held on February 29, 2024 Miss Atasha Bernard was appointed as a Director of the Board. Miss Bernard was also appointed to the Audit Committee of the Board and will be the Chairperson for that committee.

The Board of One on One Educational Services Limited wishes to advise that Dr. Carol Grantson-Corcho resigned as Audit Chairperson from the Audit Committee and will continue to serve as a board member of the Committee.

The Board of Productive Business Solutions Limited wishes to advise that at a Board of Directors meeting held on March 7, 2024 Mr. Nicholas Scott was appointed as a Director of the Board.

Caribbean Assurance Brokers Limited wishes to advise that Mr. Damion White has joined us in the position of Senior Manager, General Insurance effective March 1, 2024. Caribbean Assurance Brokers Limited would like to take this opportunity to wish Mr. White all the best in his capacity within our organization.

JMMB GL wishes to advise that Mrs. Nerisha Farquharson will be appointed to the board of directors of JMMB Group Limited, effective April 2, 2024. Mrs. Farquharson is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with extensive experience and knowledge in private markets, financial risk, trading, portfolio and treasury management, investment and corporate strategy formulation and value chain optimization.

Guardian Holdings Limited (“GHL”) wishes to advise that Ms. Keesha Sahadeo accepted the appointment as Group Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) of GHL on 25th February, 2024, which shall become effective on 1st May, 2024. The incumbent Group CFO, Ms. Samanta Saugh, will transition to the role of President of Guardian Life of The Caribbean Limited effective 1st June, 2024. We are pleased to welcome Ms. Sahadeo to Guardian Holdings Limited.

Bridging the Gap Between Education and Real-World Experience

In today’s competitive job market, the value of practical experience cannot be overstated. Recognizing this need, USAGE Group has pioneered an innovative approach to talent development through its structured Internship Programs, offering university and college-level students unparalleled opportunities to gain hands-on experience while completing their academic requirements.

Empowering the Next Generation:

At USAGE Group, internships are more than just a temporary stint; they are a gateway to professional growth and career advancement. Through carefully crafted programs, students are immersed in real-world projects and mentored by industry experts, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their chosen fields.

A Dual Purpose:

The internship programs at USAGE Group serve a dual purpose, benefiting both students and the company itself. For students, these programs provide invaluable exposure to the inner workings of a dynamic business environment, allowing them to apply theoretical concepts learned in the classroom to practical, real-life situations. Additionally, students accrue hours of hands-on work experience, fulfilling requirements for their academic programs while laying the foundation for future career success.

Opportunities for Growth:

Interns at USAGE Group are not merely bystanders; they are active participants in the company’s mission to deliver top-tier support services to Caribbean SMEs. From assisting with client projects to contributing to strategic initiatives, interns are given meaningful responsibilities that challenge and inspire them to reach new heights. Moreover, they have the opportunity to work alongside seasoned professionals, gaining insights and mentorship that are invaluable to their professional development.

Building a Talent Pipeline:

By investing in internship programs, USAGE Group is not only nurturing the next generation of talent but also building a pipeline of skilled professionals who may eventually join the company on a full-time basis. Through internships, USAGE Group identifies promising individuals who embody the company’s values and ethos, laying the groundwork for future recruitment and retention efforts.

Testimonials from Interns:

“The internship program at USAGE Group has been a transformative experience for me. Not only have I gained practical skills that will serve me well in my career, but I’ve also had the opportunity to work alongside some of the brightest minds in the industry.” – Sarah, Business Administration Student

“I never imagined that an internship could be this impactful. At USAGE Group, I’ve been given real responsibilities and treated as a valued member of the team. It’s been an eye-opening experience that has solidified my career aspirations.” – John, Computer Science Student

Join the Journey:

For university and college-level students seeking to gain practical experience and jumpstart their careers, USAGE Group’s Internship Programs offer a pathway to success. Whether you’re studying finance, marketing, IT, or any other field, there’s a place for you to thrive at USAGE Group.

Contact USAGE Group Today:

To learn more about internship opportunities at USAGE Group and how you can become a part of our dynamic team, contact us today.

Contact Information: Email: usagejamaica@gmail.com

USAGE Business Support Services Group Internship Program Application Form – 2024

As USAGE Group continues to lead the way in revolutionizing business support services in the Caribbean, its commitment to nurturing talent and empowering the next generation remains unwavering. Through internship programs that prioritize hands-on learning and professional growth, USAGE Group is shaping the future of the region’s workforce, one student at a time.

Proud Member and Partner of The Silicon Mountain Project
Operating from “Silicon Mountain – The Business Technology and Innovation Hub of the Caribbean”
Mandeville Manchester Jamaica

Kimala Bennett Chief Executive Officer for Limners and Bards Limited (The LAB) has released the following unaudited financial statements for the three months ended January 31, 2024, which have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). The consolidated results include the subsidiary Scope Caribbean Limited (Scope) whose principal business is the scouting, placement and management of talent while expanding and maintaining a database of quality talent.

The LAB achieved higher net profits when compared to the corresponding period last year. This was based on the strong focus on the Agency Segment of the business for this quarter, as the company continued to build brands. The Agency Segment provides the highest profit margin and as such bolstered the results for the period. The company also implemented cost containment measures, which resulted in a 19.2% reduction in administrative expenses when compared to prior period. We continue to maintain a strong balance sheet and our cash position grew stronger over the period. Our asset base increased, as we reinvested in the business through further upgrading film studio facilities.

Revenue for the three months ended January 31, 2023, was $219.4 million, down 11.4% relative to the prior period. This decline was primarily attributable to a reduction in production during the period due to its cyclical nature. Notwithstanding this, the Agency segment outperformed the comparable period. The revenue achieved was derived from the company’s core business lines: Media totalling $118.3 million, followed by Production with $29.3 million and Agency with $71.6 million.

The company remains fully focused on executing its strategy of diversifying its income, through engaging new clients and the introduction of new service lines. These strategic endeavours are aligned with our company’s expansion strategy into emerging markets, all aimed at fostering sustainable growth, increased revenues, enhanced profitability; while proactively anticipating the evolving needs of our valued clients and enhancing shareholders’ value.

Gross Profit for the three months was $88.9 million, down 3.3% when compared to the corresponding period. Net Profit achieved was $26.2 million, up 295.7% relative to the comparable period. due to higher gross profits from the agency segment and lower administrative expenses. Administrative expenses decreased by $16.3 million or 19.2% in comparison to the corresponding period last year. These decreases are primarily due to reduction in contractor and staff cost.

The consolidated Balance Sheet saw total assets increasing by $119 million or 15.1% to $909.3 million compared to $790.2 million in the corresponding period. This increase in assets is driven by building and film studio facilities improvement and purchases of new production equipment to facilitate future growth.

Current Assets amounted to $731.7 million, increasing by $107.6 million over the prior year, primarily due to a 43.6% increase in cash and cash equivalent. Management continues to maintain tight monitoring and control over receivables. Cash and cash equivalent increased by $142.4 million over the corresponding period last year. Shareholders’ equity grew to $624 million, up from $548.1 million or 13.9% over the corresponding period last year.

The LAB is pleased to report significant progress in our strategic initiatives. We have successfully completed the pilots for two TV/web series, “SEEN” and “Jenna In Law,” as outlined at our last Annual General Meeting (AGM). Additionally, Pre-production for our first feature film, “Love Offside,” is currently underway, with production scheduled to commence in June 2024.

In line with our strategic objectives, we are actively engaging with international networks and digital streaming platforms to secure distribution opportunities for our content upon production completion. This proactive approach ensures that our creative endeavours have a suitable platform to reach global audiences.

For More Information CLICK HERE

Nvidia is turning into a casino for the YOLO trading crowd, with some traders on Monday placing bets the the world’s third-largest company could double in value this week. While the trade is insignificant next to wagers on single-digit moves in the stock and there’s pretty much no chance Nvidia will close remotely close to the level of those options, it does bring back memories of 2021’s meme-stock mania.

Traders could in theory sell the contracts for profit if Nvidia rallies this week, but the early signs aren’t too promising. The stock is flat in pre-market trading after Chief Executive Officer Jensen Huang’s highly anticipated speech in California Monday — in which he unveiled new Blackwell chips aimed at extending his company’s dominance of artificial intelligence — proved more of a boon for the shares of the company’s customers and partners than Nvidia itself.

Source Bloomberg