Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Hon. Fayval Williams, says auditors will be using more artificial intelligence (AI) tools to carry out their duties.

“The Government will accelerate its deployment of technology in auditing by leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to improve efficiency, accuracy and insights into the organisational, financial and operational landscape,” Mrs. Williams said.

She was speaking during the annual Audit Committees’ Conference at The Summit in Kingston, on Thursday (November 7).

Minister Williams shared some of the ways in which she expects the technology to be used.

“It can be used to be predictive; it can identify trends and patterns in financial data that may signal potential risks or fraud. AI can be used to identify unusual transactions or deviations from established financial patterns, flagging them for review before they lead to significant issues. It can be used to automate the analysis of large volumes of financial and operational data, thus allowing you to perform deeper reviews without requiring intensive manual work,” she said.

Mrs. Wiliams added that, “AI tools can help to model various financial scenarios based on historical data and market trends, allowing Audit Committees to better understand the potential risks and impact on future financial health.”

The Minister emphasised that in a rapidly changing technological landscape, the Government must ensure that all the Audit Committees stay at the forefront of innovation, so that they can better anticipate and help to mitigate emerging threats, while enhancing the efficiency and transparency of the public purse.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Williams mandated the Audit Committees to include an environmental, social and governance (ESG) component in their reports.

She highlighted that reporting on ESG is the global trend, noting that it serves as an indicator that the Government is taking a wholistic approach to development.

“I’ve seen audit and financial reports from private sector companies, and they have a couple of pages talking about their environmental, social and governance audit that has been done, and it’s going to become real for us in the years ahead. So, I want to alert you to it,” Mrs. Williams stated.

An ESG Audit is a comprehensive evaluation of a company’s practices in relation to environmental, social and governance criteria.

It evaluates how a business manages and reports on sustainability and impact across the three key areas.

By: Andrew Laidley, JIS

Operators of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) are being encouraged to play their part in shaping Jamaica’s digital future.

The call came from Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC), Harold Davis, who recently participated in the JIS TV programme, ‘Get the Facts’.

“Digital transformation is no longer a nice thing to have; it’s a need to have,” Mr. Davis said, as he outlined the transformative potential of the Digital Jamaica Project, which is set to enhance the country’s digital landscape.

He also emphasised the urgency of digital literacy, availability, and accessibility, noting that to compete globally, Jamaica must embrace a digital future.

“Digital literacy, availability and accessibility are major issues, and basically, the world has become a digital space, so for Jamaica to participate in the global economy, we have to move to have our country digitally enabled,” the Acting CEO said.

A recent JBDC survey revealed that only 33 per cent of MSMEs are actively utilising digital tools and recognising the benefits of digitalisation.

“We did a survey to assess the existing situation in our economy for all MSMEs and what we found was that there were varying levels of readiness of our MSMEs,” Mr. Davis noted.

While the figure is a start, he described it as “modest”, as the JBDC aims to raise it to at least 80 per cent.

Mr. Davis further explained that while many MSMEs are present on social media, they often lack comprehensive digital solutions that could enhance their operational processes.

“We also found that not a lot of them use digital solutions to really transform the belly of the organisation in terms of their processes, supply chain management and financial transactions, so we have a little way to go,” he said.

Having analysed the data, the JBDC is committed to increasing the number of MSMEs that leverage digital tools to their advantage.

“The JBDC is about general transformation of your business, making sure that your business moves into this space of being globally competitive. So, the first thing that we do is a robust 360 assessment of your business, as no one size fits all,” Mr. Davis explained.

This assessment involves the JBDC conducting thorough evaluations of businesses to determine whether a viable business model exists, and to ensure that companies are delivering on their value propositions.

If a business is not fulfilling that value proposition, further assessments are conducted to identify unique circumstances and opportunities for digitisation, digitalisation, and overall transformation.

MSMEs are also encouraged to view their digital journey in three phases – digitisation, which focuses on converting analog processes to digital formats; digitalisation, which utilises appropriate tools for e-commerce, supply chain, and human resource management; and digital transformation, which involves a comprehensive overhaul of business models to integrate digital solutions.

“I often say that digital transformation is not so much about the digital but about the transformation of your business,” Mr. Davis reiterated.

By: Sherika Williams, JIS

In the fast-growing world of social media influencers, the challenges of negotiating brand deals and securing fair compensation are becoming increasingly evident. Jamie Hamilton’s experience as a style influencer is a case in point. Like many new creators, she negotiated her first big brand deal alone, believing she had secured a good rate. However, she later discovered a fellow influencer on the same campaign, with similar follower numbers, was paid significantly more. The difference? Her colleague had professional representation, while Hamilton did not.

As the influencer marketing industry is projected to hit $24 billion by the end of 2024, with further growth expected in the coming years, the question of whether influencers should hire agents or negotiate independently has gained prominence. While some creators navigate this landscape on their own, others rely on professionals to secure deals, leading to a wide disparity in earnings and opportunities.

The Wild West of Influencer Marketing
Influencer marketing, despite its maturity, remains highly unstructured. Creators act as independent contractors, with no official market rate for content creation or promotion. Pay secrecy is widespread, and there is little transparency in how brands assign value to influencers. This lack of standardization has resulted in significant pay disparities, particularly among marginalized groups.

For example, reports show that plus-size and Black influencers often receive lower compensation than their peers despite similar audience sizes and engagement rates. Hamilton’s experience with pay inequality is echoed by numerous influencers, revealing a consistent pattern of underpayment for creators who do not fit a brand’s traditional image.

The lack of formal structures means that influencers often operate without the legal protections or support systems typical in other industries. Creators frequently face rapid rises and falls in their careers, with little recourse if brands decide to pull back from campaigns or cut budgets. Additionally, child influencers — some of the youngest in the field — face precarious working conditions, with only two U.S. states requiring parents to set aside a portion of their earnings.

The Role of Agents in Leveling the Playing Field
Given these challenges, many influencers are turning to agents and managers to represent their interests and navigate the complexities of brand partnerships. Agencies and management firms provide several advantages, including:

Negotiation Expertise: Agents bring a deep understanding of industry standards, brand expectations, and market rates, allowing influencers to secure more lucrative deals. They can effectively push back on low offers and demand fair compensation for their clients’ work.

Brand Connections: Agents often have established relationships with brands, PR agencies, and marketing firms, which can lead to higher-quality partnerships and more consistent deal flow.

Contract and Legal Protections: With formal representation, influencers can ensure their contracts include clauses that protect their intellectual property, likeness, and creative control. These professionals also help navigate potential legal pitfalls.

Leveling Disparities: For influencers from marginalized communities, agents can help address pay gaps by advocating for equitable compensation based on reach, engagement, and audience influence — rather than appearance or background.

Some agencies, such as Gleam Futures and Digital Brand Architects, have built reputations for representing top-tier influencers and securing multi-million-dollar deals for their clients. These agencies act as intermediaries, positioning influencers for long-term success while handling the complexities of contracts, fees, and negotiation.

Best Case Examples
A notable case involves Chiara Ferragni, a fashion influencer with over 29 million Instagram followers. Ferragni, who is now considered one of the most successful influencers globally, has representation through a top-tier management firm that helped her grow her brand into a multi-million-dollar business, complete with her own fashion line and global endorsement deals. Ferragni’s success is a clear testament to the power of having expert negotiators who can leverage influence for greater financial gain.

Another example is Jackie Aina, a beauty influencer and advocate for diversity in the beauty industry. Aina has consistently used her platform to push for inclusion, and through her representation, she has managed to negotiate higher-paying, more meaningful partnerships that align with her values. Aina’s success in securing deals with top beauty brands demonstrates how professional management can help influencers amplify their impact while ensuring fair compensation.

The Argument Against Agents
Despite these benefits, not all influencers see the need for agents. Some creators prefer to maintain control over their brand and business, fearing that agents might dilute their creative voice or charge hefty fees. While top influencers may find it easier to secure representation, smaller creators might struggle to justify the cost of hiring an agent, especially in the early stages of their careers when cash flow is uncertain.

Additionally, some influencers have successfully built their businesses through direct relationships with brands. For instance, Emma Chamberlain, a YouTube sensation, initially negotiated many of her deals on her own before eventually bringing in professional representation as her career expanded.

The Future of Influencer Marketing
As influencer marketing continues to grow, the debate over professional representation is likely to intensify. With the industry projected to contribute significantly to the U.S. economy by 2027, creators will face mounting pressure to formalize their operations, especially around issues of compensation and intellectual property. As Alicia Clanton pointed out in her extensive report on the industry, influencers are now key players in shaping public opinion, consumer behavior, and even political outcomes. This level of influence demands more structure and accountability.

For now, creators must decide whether to go it alone or seek professional representation. While hiring an agent might not be feasible for everyone, the benefits of having experienced negotiators at the table cannot be ignored — especially in an industry where pay disparities are rampant, and deals can be as unpredictable as they are profitable.

Ultimately, the choice may come down to the influencer’s long-term goals: Do they want to maximize short-term profits, or are they focused on building a sustainable, lasting brand? For many, the answer could well involve an agent’s helping hand.

Traveling across Jamaica has just been elevated to a new level of comfort, convenience, and safety with the introduction of JUTA Express powered by InterMetroOne. This premium bus and coach service, available through the InterMetroOne app, is set to revolutionize travel for both visitors to the island and locals alike, offering a seamless and luxurious way to navigate Jamaica’s main towns.

A Legacy of Excellence

The Jamaica Union of Travellers Association (J.U.T.A.) has been a cornerstone of Jamaican transportation since its inception in 1974. With chapters in major locations such as Mandeville, Portland, Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Falmouth, Negril, and Lucea, J.U.T.A. boasts a fleet of over 6,500 vehicles, making it the largest transportation company in the Caribbean. Known for its superior customer service, safe and courteous operators, and exceptional staff, J.U.T.A. has set the standard in public transportation. Their commitment to excellence has earned them numerous awards and a sterling reputation among tourists, locals, and corporate clients alike.

Unmatched Comfort and Safety

At JUTA Express, powered by InterMetroOne, your safety and satisfaction are our top priorities. By partnering with J.U.T.A. we ensure that every journey is handled by professional and dedicated operators who are committed to your well-being. From the moment you board until you reach your destination, you can rest assured that we have your comfort and security covered.

Comprehensive Services

JUTA Express offers a broad range of services designed to meet the diverse needs of travelers. Whether you are commuting for work, heading to school, or embarking on a group tour, we have the perfect transportation solution for you. Our services include:

• Ground Transportation: Reliable and efficient travel across Jamaica’s main towns.
• Tourism Transportation: Seamless connections to and from major tourist destinations.
• Staff and Student Contracts: Dependable transport solutions for educational institutions and businesses.
• Group Tours and Fun Days: Enjoy organized and hassle-free excursions.
• Airport Transfers: Stress-free transport to and from Jamaica’s national airports.
• Conventions and Meetings: Coordinated travel for corporate events and large gatherings.
• Luxury Coach Buses: Accommodations for delayed flights and special occasions.

Book with Ease Using InterMetroOne

The InterMetroOne app makes booking your travel with JUTA Express simple and convenient. Available on both Google Play and the App Store, the app provides a user-friendly interface where you can plan and manage your trips with ease. With just a few taps, you can schedule rides, track your journey in real-time, and enjoy exclusive perks and rewards.

Why Choose JUTA Express Powered by InterMetroOne?

1. Professional Service: Experience the best in Jamaican transportation with J.U.T.A.’s highly trained and courteous operators.
2. Safety and Security: Travel with peace of mind, knowing that your well-being is our top priority.
3. Comfort and Convenience: Enjoy spacious, air-conditioned buses with complimentary snacks and drinks.
4. Seamless Integration: Book, track, and manage your trips effortlessly with the InterMetroOne app.
5. Trusted Legacy: Benefit from J.U.T.A.’s decades of experience and award-winning service.

Join Us on a Journey of Excellence

Whether you are a visitor exploring the vibrant culture of Jamaica or a local navigating your daily commute, JUTA Express powered by InterMetroOne is your ideal travel companion. Download the InterMetroOne app today and discover a new standard of transportation that combines the reliability of J.U.T.A. with the innovative technology of InterMetroOne.

Experience the Difference. Travel with JUTA Express Powered by InterMetroOne.   

JUTA’s transportation solution

In a landmark move set to redefine the advertising landscape, AMK Communications, through its subsidiary Click Digital Agency, is poised to launch Jamaica’s first AI-generated advertising campaign for the revolutionary InterMetroONE super app. This ground-breaking initiative not only marks a significant milestone for Jamaica but also positions AMK Communications as a leader in innovative marketing strategies within the Caribbean region.

A New Era of Advertising

The introduction of AI-generated advertising heralds a new era of creativity and efficiency in marketing. By leveraging advanced artificial intelligence, AMK Communications can produce highly targeted, data-driven campaigns that resonate deeply with diverse audiences. This technology enables the creation of personalized content at scale, ensuring that every message is relevant and engaging.

Unparalleled Benefits for Clients

For clients, the benefits of AI-generated advertising are manifold:

Enhanced Creativity: AI tools can analyse vast amounts of data to generate unique, creative concepts that might not emerge through traditional brainstorming sessions. This opens up new avenues for storytelling and brand expression.

Data-Driven Insights: AI provides valuable insights into consumer behavior and preferences, allowing for more precise targeting and message customization. This ensures that marketing efforts are not only creative but also strategically aligned with audience interests.

Efficiency and Scalability: AI can rapidly produce multiple variations of ads, testing and refining them in real-time to optimize performance. This reduces the time and cost associated with traditional ad creation and allows for quick adjustments based on market feedback.

Personalization at Scale: With AI, it’s possible to create highly personalized advertisements for large audiences, ensuring that each viewer receives a message that feels uniquely tailored to them. This enhances engagement and drives better results.

Setting Trends in the Caribbean

AMK Communications’ initiative is part of a broader trend towards the adoption of AI in advertising. Globally, AI is being used to create more dynamic, interactive, and personalized ad experiences. From chatbots and virtual assistants to AI-driven video content, the possibilities are endless. This move by AMK places Jamaica and the Caribbean at the forefront of these international developments, showcasing the region’s ability to innovate and lead in the digital age.

Looking Ahead

The AI-generated campaign for InterMetroONE will serve as a benchmark for future marketing efforts, demonstrating the power and potential of artificial intelligence in advertising. As AI continues to evolve, it will unlock even more opportunities for creativity and efficiency, helping brands to connect with their audiences in deeper, more meaningful ways.

AMK Communications Limited and Click Digital Agency are not just launching a campaign; they are setting a new standard for the industry, proving that the future of advertising is here and it is powered by AI. Clients can look forward to a new realm of possibilities, where technology and creativity come together to deliver exceptional results.