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Jeffrey Hall Is Set To Be One Of The Most Powerful Men In Corporate Jamaica And The Caribbean. So, Who Is He?

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Businessuite has not yet secured an interview with Jeffrey Hall, but we’re keeping our fingers crossed for early in the new year. But as one former school mate remarked to Businessuite, “Jeffrey was always a bit ahead of his time from high school days”

The big question now is what is Hall’s next move, how far will he go and what’s his end game.

As noted in an earlier article we suspect that Hall and Joanna A. Banks, who is set to become the youngest and most powerful woman in corporate Jamaica, will have their hands full for the next couple of years with Pan Jamaica Group. But who knows, who saw the Jamaica Producers Group Limited and PanJam Investment Limited deal coming. We think the story is just developing.

So, who is Jeffrey Hall?

Jeffrey Hall CD, BA, MPP, JD was appointed Group Managing Director of JP in 2007 after joining the Board in 2004 and JP in 2002. He currently serves on JP’s Audit, Executive and Corporate Governance Committees. Hall is also Chairman of Kingston Wharves Limited, Blue Power Group Limited, and Lumber Depot Limited, a director of Geest Line Limited, Scotia Jamaica Life Insurance Co. Limited, SAJE Logistics Infrastructure Limited, and Eppley Caribbean Property Fund Limited.

This will all change in the coming days.

Hall has served as Chairman of the Boards of Scotia Group Jamaica Limited, The Bank of Nova Scotia Jamaica Limited, Scotia Investments Jamaica Limited, and has served as a director on the Boards of the Jamaica Stock Exchange and the Bank of Jamaica.

He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Washington University, and his Master of Arts degree in Public Policy from Harvard University and his Juris Doctorate from Harvard Law School.

In 2022, he was awarded the Officer of Distinction in the rank of Commander by the Government of Jamaica.

His Sphere Of Power And Influence From Pan Jamaica Group

From all accounts Pan Jamaica Group represents the creation of the quintessential Jamaican conglomerate, a geographically and operationally diversified company focused on value creation for all stakeholders through investment in key sectors of the global economy.

With his final move Jeffrey Hall and Pan Jamaica Group will have JA$112 billion in combined assets and other resources at his disposal. What will he do with it, or better yet what can he do with it?

The transaction as an all-shares transaction, allowed Hall to leverage the JP shares in JP Global to acquire the equity position in PanJam. As a result of this JP will emerge as the largest shareholder with a 34.5 per cent stake in Pan Jamaica Group Limited.

Although Pan Jamaica Group will initially be chaired by Stephen Facey, Hall as executive vice-chairman and CEO combined with his shareholding wields far more power, influence and control on the board and company. He is further supported and strengthen with JP Chairman Charles Johnston, and Chief Financial Officer Alan Buckland who are both expected to join him on the Pan Jamaica Group board.

Note: The transaction will also see the amending of the Articles of Incorporation of PanJam to grant persons who qualify as having a Significant Shareholding the right to appoint three (3) directors to the Board of Directors and to remove and replace the directors so appointed without the approval of the directors or shareholders of the Company. At the Completion Date there will be two Significant Shareholdings entitled to appoint three (3) directors to the Board, JP and members of the Facey Family who are shareholders of PanJam.

Post Deal Jamaica Producers (JP)

Hall will still have oversight and control over JP, and as a separate entity JP will continue to operate outside the new group. The primary business of JP would become the investment management of its shares in, and proceeds from, the new Pan Jamaica Group. JP business model would change somewhat into an investment company that buys ownership stake in other companies without dealing with the day to day operation each business. As a result, JP is to designate a small team of professionals to manage its portfolio of investments and arrange for ongoing governance.

Post deal JP balance sheet will include the following Assets
• Investment Security 34.5% of PanJam
• Real Property (3 Jamaica and 1 UK)
• Agualta Vale Ltd (Land in St Mary)
• Cash and marketable securities ($1.4bil)
• Along with some liabilities that it will retain

It might be in the best interest of JP shareholders to remove Hall as head of JP so as to avoid potential conflict of interest.

To be updated.

How Jamaica Producers Group Has Been Organised To Generate Revenues From A Diverse Range Of Business Lines

 

Where Will Pan Jamaica Group Rank On The Businessuite Caribbean Top 100?

 

In A Classic Case of Global Gamesmanship Jeffrey Hall Reverse Engineered A Takeover Of PanJam To Create Pan Jamaica Group and Secure a 30% Stake In Sagicor Group Jamaica In One Move.

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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