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The 2022 Caribbean Strategy Conference. Who is behind it?

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Who is Behind the Strategy Conference?

Hi,

Have you wondered who is behind the conference? You’d like to know more about the people behind the event but this may be the first time you are coming across a gathering of regional minds like this one. This brief introduction should help.

My name is Francis Wade and I am the founder of Framework Consulting, the company behind the conference. We’ve been around since 1993 and have been helping regional companies create strategic plans since 2001. I’m also the author of a bi-weekly strategy and productivity column for the Jamaica Sunday Gleaner’s business section.

Before ever leading my first planning retreat I spent part of my career with McKinsey & Co as a hired hand. My role? To help train new managers to become better coaches as part of Engagement Managers’ Basics. I also joined a few teams serving the firms’ clients on transformation projects.

During my decade of involvement, I saw the difficulty McKinsey had with their problem-solving approach which rarely involved giving clients “the secret sauce.” But the truth is, most companies can’t afford the fees of a top notch consulting firm. They need to do their planning on their own steam.

In that context, I came across the Strategy Mapping article by Robert Kaplan and David Norton just as it was published in 2001. It provided an important missing link for executives who needed to communicate complex ideas to employees who weren’t used to thinking in strategic terms. I trialed the idea with a few willing clients and a new approach was born using this new tool as part of our arsenal.

Two decades later, we still facilitate strategic planning sessions. Our job is to help leadership teams make the most difficult decisions about the future of their companies…even with limited data. Today we also deliver facilitate online meetings, but the challenge remains.

As we in the Caribbean struggle to shake off the effects of Covid, a recession and a new period of armed conflict, we want to think beyond these distractions. The business landscape for the world’s companies has changed more in the past two years than in the prior 20 years. Or 30.

As such, the purpose of this conference is to equip you as a Caribbean leader with the tools needed to craft strategic plans that produce a game changing effect. Why? Getting past the chaos and uncertainty that has reigned supreme takes more than mere defense.

It requires a smart offense.

Our region’s organizations have the raw material i.e. brainpower to produce breakthroughs. However, this takes courage and confidence, in addition to the ideas we’ll share at the conference. Together, we’re sure to make the most of this downturn and become the ones who instigate disruption in our industries worldwide.

Decisive measures make the biggest difference in dark times.

Join me and the rest of my team in three days intended to really move the needle on our ambitions.

The 2022 Caribbean Strategy Conference.

Francis Wade founder of Framework Consulting

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Businessuite Markets

Main Event Entertainment Records $9.4M Net Loss For April 2025 Quarter

As part of its long-term strategy to reduce revenue volatility and deepen brand equity, the company has begun investing in its proprietary events. The performance of these initiatives is expected to materialise in the upcoming quarters.

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Solomon Sharpe Chief Executive Officer For Main Event Entertainment Group Limited Has Released The Following Unaudited Results For Six Months Ended April 30, 2025

The second quarter of the financial year unfolded within a still recovering economic environment. Jamaica experienced two consecutive quarters of economic contraction prior to this period, with the latest data from the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) indicating a return to modest growth.

As a business closely tied to consumer activity and discretionary spending, MEEG’s performance is inevitably influenced by prevailing economic conditions. In times of reduced disposable income, demand for entertainment, events, and promotional services often comes under pressure. This context has framed many of the challenges and opportunities we faced during the quarter.

The company generated revenue of $306.368 million for the second quarter ended April 30, 2025. This represents a decline of $112.207 million or 27% compared to the second quarter of 2024. For the half-year, the company earned revenue of $891.395 million, reflecting a reduction of $94.932 million or 10% relative to the corresponding period last year. This contraction in revenue is primarily attributable to continued softness in core event categories, most notably Entertainment & Promotions and M-Style Decor. Performance was impacted by a combination of lower client marketing spend, fewer large-scale productions, and the nonrecurrence of several high-value projects that contributed materially to the prior year’s second quarter. Despite the general slowdown, the period saw several new and re-engaged clients contribute positively to revenue performance.

As part of its long-term strategy to reduce revenue volatility and deepen brand equity, the company has begun investing in its proprietary events. The performance of these initiatives is expected to materialise in the upcoming quarters.

Gross profit for the quarter was $165.818 million, compared to $198.064 million in the second quarter of 2024 — a decline of $32.246 million or 16%. Gross profit for the six months amounted to $467.485 million, down $46.402 million or 9% relative to the same period last year.

The company’s gross margin remained relatively stable at 54% for the quarter, a slight improvement from the 53% reported in the prior year. This increase reflects stronger project cost control and enhancements in resource planning, even amidst a softer revenue performance.

The company recorded a net loss of $9.337 million for the quarter, compared to a net profit of $20.016 million in Q2 2024. For the six-month period, net profit stood at $64.329 million, a decrease of $55.942 million or 47% from the $120.271 million earned in the comparative period. This swing was primarily driven by the reduction in revenue and other operating income, which was not fully offset by cost reductions.

Administrative and general expenses for the quarter totalled $143.244 million, an increase of $15.757 million or 12% compared to $127.487 million in the prior year.

Selling and promotional expenses also rose to $7.177 million, up 62% year over year, driven by increased brand-building efforts.

Depreciation expense declined by approximately $6.718 million or 20% compared to the prior quarter and by $9.764 million year-over-year, reflecting the completion of previous capital cycles. Conversely, amortisation charges increased, largely due to the refinancing of existing leases and the addition of new ones. These movements are aligned with the company’s strategy to invest in equipment and assets that enhance operational capacity and service delivery.

Total operating expenses for the quarter were $186.794 million, compared to $178.886 million in Q2 2024, an increase of 4%. On a year-to-date basis, total operating expenses amounted to $405.514 million, up $20.279 million or 5% over the $385.235 million recorded in the prior year.

Finance costs were marginally higher at $2.959 million, while taxation for the quarter reflected a credit of $1.876 million, corresponding to the pre-tax loss position.

The company reported a loss per share of $0.03 for the second quarter, compared to earnings per share of $0.07 in the prior year. For the six-month period, EPS was $0.21, down from $0.40 in 2024.
As at April 30, 2025, total assets stood at $1,219.275 million, broadly in line with $1,219.929 million recorded at the end of the second quarter of 2024.

Cash and bank balances amounted to $141.700 million, with short-term deposits increasing to $252.598 million, together reflecting a stable liquidity position.

Receivables closed at $299.718 million, slightly below the $309.556 million reported in the prior year.

For More Information CLICK HERE

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Artificial Intelligence

CARIBIZTECH 2025 “Harnessing Generative AI: Revolutionizing Logistics, Fulfillment, Ecommerce and Transportation Across the Caribbean’s Digital Future”

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A Silicon Mountain Project – Artificial Intelligence Summit 2025, Silicon Mountain Mandeville Manchester Jamaica. October 1-3 2025.

2025 Event Theme: “Harnessing Generative AI: Revolutionizing Logistics, Fulfillment, Ecommerce and Transportation Across the Caribbean’s Digital Future.”

Event Structure: • Duration: 2 days   • Format: In-person   • Sessions: 4 thematic segments, each featuring a keynote presentation followed by two panel discussions

Key Features of CARIBIZTECH:

Expert Keynotes & Panels: Industry leaders from across the Caribbean and beyond will share insights on AI and its impact on, Logistics, Fulfillment, and Transportation, Fintech Innovations and Mobile Payments, E-commerce, Voice Commerce, and Social Commerce cybersecurity, cloud computing, and other emerging technologies.

Startup Ecosystem & Pitch Competitions: CARIBIZTECH will feature a showcase for startups to pitch their ideas, enabling entrepreneurs to connect with venture capitalists and investors.

Workshops & Training: Participants will engage in hands-on sessions aimed at upskilling in areas like blockchain, data science, and AI.

Networking & Collaboration Hubs: CARIBIZTECH will create spaces for participants to build partnerships, echoing the community-building focus of the event.

Celebration of Regional Talent: A special emphasis will be placed on spotlighting Caribbean-born innovators and fostering collaboration between local and international stakeholders.

Impact Goals:

  1. Foster a thriving tech ecosystem in Mandeville Central Jamaica.
  2. Attract global attention and investment to Silicon Mountain.
  3. Cultivate a culture of innovation and collaboration across the region.

Day 1:

Session 1: Revolutionizing Logistics, Fulfillment, and Transportation with Generative AI

• Keynote Presentation: “AI-Driven Logistics: Navigating the Future of Caribbean Transportation” Overview: Examine how Generative AI is optimizing supply chains, enhancing delivery systems, and transforming transportation networks in the Caribbean.

• Panel Discussion 1: “Smart Ports and AI: Enhancing Maritime Logistics” Overview: Explore the integration of AI in port operations to improve efficiency and security.

• Panel Discussion 2: “AI in Urban Mobility: Redefining Public Transportation” Overview: Discuss AI applications in public transit systems to enhance commuter experiences.

Session 2: The Evolution of Commerce: E-commerce, Voice Commerce, and Social Commerce in the Age of AI

• Keynote Presentation: “Voice-Activated Shopping: The Next Frontier in Caribbean Retail” Overview: Delve into how AI-powered voice commerce is reshaping consumer interactions and purchasing behaviours.

• Panel Discussion 1: “Social Commerce Strategies: Leveraging AI for Business Growth” Overview: Discuss how businesses can utilize AI to enhance social media-driven sales.

 Panel Discussion 2: “AI Personalization in E-commerce: Enhancing Customer Experience” Overview: Examine AI’s role in creating personalized shopping experiences to boost customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Day 2:

Session 3: Fintech Innovations: Redefining Mobile Payments with Generative AI

• Keynote Presentation: “AI-Powered Fintech: Revolutionizing Mobile Payments in the Caribbean” Overview: Explore how Generative AI is enhancing security, efficiency, and accessibility in mobile payment solutions.

 Panel Discussion 1: “Blockchain and AI: Securing the Future of Digital Transactions” Overview: Discuss the convergence of AI and blockchain technologies in creating secure payment ecosystems.

• Panel Discussion 2: “Financial Inclusion through AI: Expanding Access to Banking Services” Overview: Examine how AI-driven mobile payment solutions are promoting financial inclusion in underserved communities.

Session 4: Generative AI: Shaping the Future of Technology and Business

• Keynote Presentation: “The Creative Machine: Unleashing the Potential of Generative AI” Overview: Provide an in-depth understanding of Generative AI and its broad applications across various industries.

 Panel Discussion 1: “Ethical Considerations in AI: Balancing Innovation and Responsibility” Overview: Discuss the ethical implications of AI development and deployment, emphasizing responsible innovation.

 Panel Discussion 2: “AI and the Future Workforce: Preparing for Emerging Opportunities” Overview: Explore how AI is transforming job markets and the skills required for future employment.

Day 3: Additional Features to Enhance Appeal (Optional)

Caribiztech 2025 aims to provide a comprehensive and engaging experience that addresses the latest trends and opportunities in Generative AI, tailored to the Caribbean context.

Startup Showcase: An Exhibition area where emerging tech startups can present their AI-driven solutions, fostering networking and investment opportunities.   Workshops and Masterclasses: Interactive sessions providing hands-on experience with AI tools and technologies, tailored for different expertise levels.  Networking Events: Organized meetups, including a welcome reception and closing gala, to facilitate connections among attendees.

Diversity and Inclusion Panels: Discussions focused on promoting inclusivity within the tech industry, ensuring diverse perspectives in AI development.

Knights$Angels Investor Pitch Sessions:

Opportunities for entrepreneurs to pitch their AI-based business ideas to potential investors, encouraging funding and collaboration.   “Knights$Angels” is an exciting, high-stakes 60-minute made-for-TV program that brings the world of investment to life by providing exclusive insight into the real-world decision-making processes of investors and how entrepreneurs pitch their ideas.   The show aims to transform how investment is perceived in the Caribbean, focusing on providing a clear understanding of how deals are made and what it truly takes to secure investment.   The programme will specifically focus on Technology and Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), covering emerging areas like Voice Commerce, Transportation and Logistics, and related tech trends that are shaping the future. Entrepreneurs with innovative ideas in these fields will have the unique opportunity to pitch to investors who are ready to commit capital to fuel the growth of these high-potential ventures.

01 Presentation Opportunities :

For more information on presentation opportunies please email thesiliconmountainproject@gmail.com with the reference “Presentations”  or call  (876) 630 2216 (O) (876) 542 3719 (M) siliconmountainproject.com

02 Sponsorship Opportunities

For more information on Sponsorship Opportunies please email thesiliconmountainproject@gmail.com with the reference “Sponsorship”  or call  (876) 630 2216 (O) (876) 542 3719 (M) siliconmountainproject.com

03 Exhibition Opportunities

For more information on Exhibition Opportunies please email thesiliconmountainproject@gmail.com with the reference “Exhibitions” or call  (876) 630 2216 (O) (876) 542 3719 (M) siliconmountainproject.com

 

 Official Event Organisers : 360 Signature Events is an AMK Communications Limited Company. Operating from “Silicon Mountain – The Business Technology and Innovation Hub of the Caribbean” Mandeville Manchester Jamaica. 360 Signature Events, specializes in organizing Exhibitions, Conventions, Conferences, Seminars, Sporting and Hospitality Events, Road Shows, Brand Promotions, Product Launches, Incentive Programs, and other Special Events. Let us help you make your next event extraordinary. To learn more, check the following link: www.amkcom.com, 360signatureevents@gmail.com

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Business Events

The Global Business Leader Charity Golf Tournament – Jamaica November 2025

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The Global Business Leader Charity Golf Tournament is set to elevate the intersection of business and sport like never before. Golf has rapidly become a favorite pastime among executives, and this event marks the first of its kind in this unique format, debuting in Jamaica in November 2025, with plans to expand globally.

Bringing together top executives from around the world (with special focus on Africa, Asia, Europe and Caribbean), this prestigious tournament will see them compete across three world-class courses over five thrilling days, all vying for the coveted title of “Best Global Business Leader Golfer.” With global bragging rights on the line, this is more than just a game—it’s a chance for companies, employees, and fans to rally behind their business leaders in a high-stakes competition.

Get ready to witness business leadership meet competitive golf on a global stage in November 2025!

For More Information please email info@asterixtourism.com or contact

Roy Page for Player Registration, Accommodation,  charter flights and logistics – 876-781-7588

Peter Lindo for Competition execution and management – 876-8159700

Aldo Antonio Muir for Marketing, Promotions and Sponsorship -876-542-3719

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Business Events

Jamaica Stock Exchange Regional Conference “Guyana’s Capital Markets: Wealth Creation and Retention”.

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This conference will be held on October 8 – 9, 2024, at the Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre, Seawall Road, Kingston – Georgetown, Guyana.

Guyana’s Conference will be centred on the theme, “Guyana’s Capital Markets: Wealth Creation and Retention”. The President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali is expected to open the Conference. He will be joined by visiting government dignitaries from Jamaica, other Caribbean Regions, and the rest of the Diaspora.

For More Information CLICK HERE

 

Walkbout Global Adventures
“Explore The World, Live The Culture, Go Beyond The Destination”

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Business Insights

Who is Kingsley Cooper, CD, Founder and CEO of Pulse Investments Ltd.?

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Early Life and Education
Kingsley Cooper, CD, is a prominent Jamaican entrepreneur, attorney, and the founder and CEO of Pulse Investments Ltd. Born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica, Cooper attended Kingston College, where he excelled academically and athletically. His educational journey continued at the University of the West Indies, where he earned a degree in law, laying the foundation for his dual career in law and business.

Founding Pulse Investments Ltd.
In 1980, Kingsley Cooper co-founded Pulse Investments Ltd. with Hilary Phillips. Starting with a modest capital of $2,000 and operating from his small law office, Cooper envisioned creating a platform that could showcase Caribbean talent on the global stage. This vision quickly materialized into a pioneering company in the fashion, modeling, and entertainment industries in the Caribbean.

Contributions to Fashion and Entertainment
Under Cooper’s leadership, Pulse Investments Ltd. has become a cornerstone of the Caribbean fashion and entertainment landscape. The company has launched several significant initiatives, including the Caribbean Model Search, Caribbean FashionWeek, and various television programs like “Caribbean Fashion Weekly” and “The Search for the Caribbean’s Next Supermodel.” These platforms have been instrumental in discovering and promoting Caribbean talent, including internationally renowned models like Lois Samuels, Nadine Willis, and Althea Laing​.

Business Acumen and Expansion
Cooper’s strategic leadership has seen Pulse Investments Ltd. expand beyond its initial focus on modeling and entertainment. The company is listed on the Jamaica Stock Exchange and has diversified into real estate and media. Notable projects include the development of the Villa Ronai lifestyle community, which emphasizes leisure and lifestyle living​ (Pulse World 360)​​ (Home – Jamaica Observer)​. Cooper’s innovative approach has not only sustained the company’s growth but also ensured its resilience through various economic challenges, including the high-interest rates of the 1990s and the recent COVID-19 pandemic​​.

Recognition and Legacy
Kingsley Cooper’s contributions to the Caribbean fashion industry have earned him international recognition. His work has been highlighted by major media outlets like Vogue, the BBC, and Fashion Television. In addition to his role at Pulse, Cooper has been actively involved in national and regional organizations focused on entertainment and creative business development​.

Personal Insights
Outside of his professional achievements, Cooper is deeply committed to his family. He spends considerable time with his daughter, Safia Cooper, who also plays a pivotal role in Pulse Investments Ltd., and his partner, Romae Gordon. His personal philosophy centers on perseverance, innovation, and maintaining a clear vision, which have been crucial to his enduring success..

Kingsley Cooper, CD, stands as a testament to the power of vision and determination. Through Pulse Investments Ltd., he has significantly impacted the Caribbean’s fashion and entertainment industries, creating opportunities for countless talents and setting a high standard for entrepreneurial excellence in the region.

A CEO to Watch “Kingsley Cooper Keeping the Pulse Alive”

 

 

#2 Kingsley Cooper Executive Chairman – Pulse Investments Limited

 

#10 Kingsley Cooper – Pulse Investments Limited

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