The increasing frequency of these attacks represents a significant challenge for organizations, demanding ever greater investments in cybersecurity measures.

Artificial intelligence (AI) will unleash the next wave of efficiency, experience and growth across industries by 2030. According to Deloitte, the AI-based cybersecurity market is expected to reach US$102.78 billion by 2032. Despite the benefits it offers to companies, this technology is also being exploited by cybercriminals to carry out evasive, unique and damaging attacks, which traditional cybersecurity solutions cannot detect. Palo Alto Networks identifies an average of 2.3 million new and unique threats daily and blocks an average of 11.3 billion online threats per day, highlighting the urgency of combating these risks.

Jamaica faces significant challenges in terms of cybersecurity. In February 2024, the Minister of National Security, Horace Chang, stated that despite the cyberattacks experienced in both the public and private sectors, the government is working to comply with the Data Protection Law, which has been in force since December 1st, 2023, and this law mandates companies to ensure proper handling and privacy of institutional and user information.

In this context, Palo Alto Networks, a global leader in cybersecurity, has introduced a series of new security solutions to help companies block attacks generated by artificial intelligence (AI) and effectively protect the use of AI by design, a human-centered approach to innovate with AI and machine learning (ML), with a focus on generating solutions that meet real user needs.

“Companies must quickly move beyond the use of isolated processes and solutions and recognize the benefits of adopting an integrated platform that represents more than just a technological stack, but a crucial business mechanism essential for achieving success,” said Nikesh Arora, president and CEO of Palo Alto Networks.

“Precision AI™ combines machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) with the accessibility of generative AI (GenAI) in real-time, offering AI-driven security to overcome malicious attacks and proactively protect networks and infrastructures. The platform represents the necessary approach, and, coupled with integrated solutions that can both protect and enable AI, are critical to achieving results. Palo Alto Networks’ Precision AI is the game-changer that will create a new paradigm in security — perhaps for the first time — where the defender is ahead of the adversary.”

The AI-driven approach is based on three pillars:

● AI combating AI: The most effective way to combat attacks generated by artificial intelligence is by using the technology itself to neutralize potential negative impacts or risks associated with its malicious use. The Precision AI Security Package offers Advanced Security Services, including Advanced URL Filtering, Advanced Threat Prevention, Advanced WildFire®, and Advanced DNS Security.

These services utilize inline AI, characterized by the direct integration of artificial intelligence systems into processes or workflows, operating without external interruption. This approach enables the prevention of sophisticated web-based threats, zero-day attacks, evasive command-and-control attempts, as well as DNS hijacking attacks.

● AI by design: Create a secure AI ecosystem that prioritizes the integrity of AI security frameworks, enhances compliance, and minimizes data exposure from early development stages to deployment. AI Access Security provides confidence to an organization’s team in using AI tools, ensuring comprehensive visibility, robust controls, data protection, and proactive threat prevention measures.

● Prisma Cloud’s AI Security Posture Manager (AI-SPM) protects the AI ecosystem by identifying vulnerabilities, prioritizing correct configurations, and enhancing compliance, while AI Runtime Security protects applications against real-time threats, such as prompt injections and denial-of-service (DoS) attacks on the model. Additionally, Cloud-Native capabilities include AI attack path analysis, impact scope, and targeted remediation to quickly identify and correct complex risks and potential breaches.

● Generative AI to simplify cybersecurity: Precision AI-powered co-pilots on Palo Alto Networks platforms help truly understand user intent, perform, and automate user actions, flag alerts and best practices, provide in-product support, and ticket workflow.

The benefits of Precision AI are realized through Palo Alto Networks´ platform approach to integrated capabilities and data accessibility. The idea is to eliminate the boundaries of scattered solutions to optimize security and improve operational efficiency. According to Frank Dickson, vice president of the IDC group, the key benefits of adopting a unified platform of security products are the ability to have intimately integrated network, cloud, and SOC environments.

“In the current accelerated environment, to successfully adopt and implement AI, organizations must understand that the quality and quantity of data are crucial, investing in integrated solutions and systems that ensure robust data input is essential to achieve desired outcomes in AI,” commented Dickson.

About Palo Alto Networks
Palo Alto Networks is a global leader in cybersecurity. We innovate to overcome cyber threats so organizations can embrace technology with confidence. We provide cutting-edge cybersecurity to thousands of customers worldwide, across all sectors. Our industry-leading cybersecurity platforms and services are backed by sector- leading threat intelligence and powered by cutting-edge automation.

Whether it's deploying our products to enable a zero-trust enterprise, responding to a security incident, or partnering to deliver better security outcomes through a top-tier partner ecosystem, we are committed to helping ensure that each day is safer than the last. That's what makes us the preferred cybersecurity partner. At Palo Alto Networks, we are committed to bringing together the best people to serve our mission, which is why we are also proud to be the cybersecurity workplace of choice, recognized among Newsweek's Most Loved Workplaces (2022), Comparably Best Companies for Diversity (2021), and HRC Best Places for LGBTQ Equality (2022). For more information, visit www.paloaltonetworks.com.

John Mahfood Chief Executive Officer and Director Jamaican Teas Limited has released the following report for  the Second Quarter Results to March 2024

Jamaican Teas Limited is pleased to report growth of $218m in its adjusted profits before tax for the half year to 31 March 2024 from $13.4m a year ago to $231 million this year before deducting a nonrecurrent loss of $92.49 million from the sale of its Bell Road factory in March 2024.

Manufacturing Division | Manufacturing revenues increased 11 percent in the quarter and 8 percent for the half year driven principally by a strong performance in the domestic market where revenues grew by 8 percent in the quarter and 18 percent for the half year. This performance was strongly influenced by the appointment of Wisynco as our new distributer for Jamaica on November 1, 2023. Export sales grew by 5 percent in the quarter and 3 percent for the half year.

Real Estate Division | No real estate sales were booked in the year ago quarter or half year as construction work on our new studios at Belvedere Road, in Kingston was still underway up to March 2023. Construction of this complex finished in Sept 2023 and sales of 7 units have been completed in the year to date.

Retail Division | For this quarter, retail revenues increased 11 per cent. This reflects a continuation of the accelerated revenue growth we have seen in our store in recent months. Our retailing profits increased by approximately 8 percent for the half year.

Investment Division | During this quarter, there was a reversal of the declines in the prices of stocks listed on the Jamaica Stock Exchange. The prices of stocks listed on USA Stock Exchanges continued to increase in the quarter. This resulted in significant unrealised gains in our overseas investments without a repeat of the offsetting investment losses on the local portfolio experienced in the year ago period.

Following from this, QWI Investments Limited (QWI) reported a pre-tax profit of $74 million for the quarter, a $102m reversal from their year ago loss of $28m. This builds on the positive trend seen in the first quarter, and resulted in a $238 million increase in the group’s total investment income for the half year.

REVENUES

JTL’s total revenues for the quarter increased by $134 million or 20 per cent overall from $666 million a year ago to $800 million this quarter. $86m of this increase reflected the absence of real estate revenues in the year ago period, as noted above. The half year revenues reflected a similar trend.
The increases shown in Investment Income mainly reflect the realized and unrealized overseas investment gains of QWI, partially offset by slightly lower dividend income and increased foreign exchange losses compared with the year ago period.

EXPENSES

Cost of sales moved from 78 percent of revenues a year ago to 80 percent this quarter. This apparently adverse trend is a reflection of low margin real estate sales this year versus no real estate sales a year ago. Adjusting for this year’s real estate sales, the gross profits of the manufacturing and retail divisions actually improved from 22.0 per cent to 22.5 percent in the quarter. The year to date gross profits showed a similar improvement.

A loss before deferred tax of $92.49 million was recorded on the sale of the Bell Road factory in March 2024. This is a non-recurrent expense and compares with the net revaluation surplus of $257.25 million recorded in prior financial years on the revaluation of this building between its acquisition and it’s disposal in March 2024. This surplus was forms part of the revaluation reserves in the company’s equity capital.

During the quarter, overhead costs increased slightly. For the year to date, the increase in overhead costs largely reflected increased costs for insurance and professional fees. The increase in interest expense during the quarter resulted from higher interest rates as well as increased short term borrowings by Jamaican Teas.

NET PROFIT

Net profit attributable to Jamaican Teas for the quarter after adjusting for the loss on the sale of the Bell Road factory was $73 million, a sharp increase from the $59 million profit in the same quarter of the previous year. Adjusted net earnings per share was 3.39 cents (2022/23 – earnings of 2.7 cents). The unadjusted net loss attributable to Jamaican Teas for the quarter was $18.99 million or 0.9 cents per share.

For the year to date, net profit attributable to Jamaican Teas after adjusting for the loss on the sale of the Bell Road factory was $114 million, a sharp increase from the $86 million profit in the previous year.

Adjusted earnings per share was 5.3 cents (2022/23 – earnings of 4.0 cents). The unadjusted Net profit attributable to Jamaican Teas for the year to date was $21.67 million or 0.9 cents per share.

FINANCIAL POSITION

The net decrease in fixed assets of $162 million since September 2023 is due mainly to the sale of the Bell Road factory building in March 2024 offset, in part, by the purchase of, and capital improvements and machinery purchases at, the Temple Hall factory.

The company moved its spice and dry pack production from leased premises at Montgomery Avenue to our Temple Hall factory in Feb 2024 and the tea division will be relocated during the third quarter of this financial year reuniting all the manufacturing activities into one facility.

The reduction in Investment properties since September 2023 reflects the sale of one of our buildings at Harbour Street, Kingston during the period. Efforts are continuing to sell the two remaining buildings at Harbour Street along with two other investment properties.

Housing inventories fell by $173 million due to the sale of the first seven units at Belvedere, while other inventories and receivables increased during the half year reflecting the increased scale of operations in our manufacturing activities.

OUTLOOK

In the half year to March 31 2024, the group has:
-purchased a new factory at Temple Hall and sold its Bell Road facility (subject to a short term lease back)
-transferred its manufacturing activities from Jamaican Teas Limited to Caribbean Dreams Foods Ltd, its wholly owned subsidiary
-installed two new co-General Managers at its manufacturing Division
-acquired new spice packing machinery that will facilitate a tripling of Saizon production adding up to $80 million in annual gross profit
-begun the process of exiting its real estate activities

In the next 6 months the group will complete its transfer from Bell Road to Temple Hall and continue the divestment of its real estate holdings. This is expected to make the group more cost efficient, better focused and more profitable. While many of the geopolitical developments taking place around the world are discouraging, the group is optimistic about its future.

For More Information CLICK HERE

Wigton Windfarm Limited (“WIG” or the “Company”) has announced the following organisational changes and appointments effective May 6, 2024:

The position of Chief Executive Officer will be established, and Mr. Gary Barrow will be appointed thereto as the executive head of the Company.
The position of Deputy Chief Executive Officer will be established, and Miss Michelle Chin Lenn will be appointed thereto. The position of Head of Energy which was held by Miss Michelle Chin Lenn will be dispensed with.
The Board of Directors of WIG is of the view that the aforementioned changes, and specifically the appointment of Mr. Gary Barrow following a successful recruitment process, will further allow the Company to fully realize its vision of being a profitable, regional conglomerate with successful clean energy and other investments. Mr. Barrow also takes the lead at an exciting time for WIG, leading the charge for new investments to deliver a more diversified energy portfolio and growth agenda. Mr. Barrow has demonstrated exceptional leadership for over thirty (30) years in highly relevant c-suite roles in telecommunications and electricity in the region. In addition to his industry know-how and business experience, his multi-disciplinary background in Engineering, Finance, Technology, Innovation, Business Transformation, Process Re-Engineering, Governance and People Management will allow him to hit the ground running at WIG. In his last appointment at the Jamaica Public Service Company Limited, as the Chief Operating Officer, he led enterprise-wide strategic planning and he executed some of the game-changing projects in their digital transformation and other business innovations. His past successes included smart meters and grid modernization projects. Mr. Barrow holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, a Master of Business Administration and has completed global leadership development programmes with INSEAD in France, United Kingdom, China, Spain and USA.

Management changes at VM Investments Limited & VM Wealth Management Limited: In our continued drive to deliver customer-focused experiences to our clients, VM Investments Limited (VMIL) introduced the role of Vice President – Operations. This role will oversee Corporate Planning, Corporate Governance, the Research Unit, Internal Controls, Business Transformation and Core Operations. Allison Mais joined the team in this capacity in February and will work to plan, direct, coordinate, and oversee operational activities of VM Wealth Management (VMWM)/VMIL and ensure the development and implementation of efficient operations and cost-effective systems. Allison previously worked at GraceKennedy as Head, Strategic Planning where she was responsible for the Group’s Strategic Plan and the monitoring of the Group’s areas of focus and KPIs, leading the Corporate Planning Unit and executing retreats and investor briefings. Prior to this, Allison was the Head, Digital Strategy, GraceKennedy Financial Group and Assistant Vice President, Strategy and Project Management Office, First Global Bank. She holds a Master of Science in Manufacturing, Management & Information Systems from Cranfield University, UK and a Bachelor of Science in Computing and Information Technology from the University of Technology. VMIL also wishes to advise that Mr Jason Bailey, who held the post of Manager, Risk and Compliance, of VMIL and VM Wealth Management Limited resigned from the company effective January 22, 2024. We thank Jason for his service and contribution to the VMIL Group and wish him great success in his future endeavours.

At the Radio Jamaica Limited Board of Directors meeting of April 25,2024, the Board passed a resolution to appoint Dr. David McBean as a director of the company, effective 25 April, 2024.

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.

Tropical Battery Company Limited (TROPICAL) has renamed certain posts within the organisation. The Company hereby notifies that the members of the management team, including recent changes and senior management of subsidiaries, are as follows:

Alexander Melville Chief Executive Officer

Alexander Melville, who held the post of Managing Director, has been appointed as CEO effective March 1, 2024. He remains a Director on the. Board of Directors. He has been with Tropical Battery since April 1, 1996 including as Managing Director and has more than 26 years of industry work experience in the Automotive/Battery Business. The experience ranges from warehouse hand, receivables clerk, finance director, to his current role. The highlights during this time would be the transition to real-time sales accounting for all of our retail stores, restructuring shareholder equity with significant investment from our parent company, and helping to put the right people in the right seats, then inspiring and motivating them to achieve growth rates significantly above our industry growth rates. Alexander, also sits on the Board of Eppley Limited, a finance and investment company listed on the JSE, and is on the Audit and Remuneration Committees of that company. Additionally, on Chukka Group Boards; Diverze Assets Inc., Diverze Properties, and as the Treasury Director of Chukka Caribbean Adventures Ltd (a regional Nature Adventure Tour Company).

Daniel Melville Chief Operating Officer

Daniel Melville, who held the post of Deputy Managing Director, has been appointed as Chief Operating Officer effective March 1, 2024. On May 19, 2004, Daniel took-up the role as the VP Sales & Marketing at Tropical Battery, where his skills allowed him to lead the sales Team and execute successful customer service strategies. Since taking over this role the sales have grown by more than 15% annually on average. He teams up with all department heads to brainstorm, motivate and inspire our fellow employees, while overseeing business operations. In June 2021 he was promoted to Deputy Managing Director. Daniel is also a board member, and his mandate is to ensure that Tropical Battery is constantly moving towards fulfilment of its short-term and long-term goals and does not diverge from its strategic plan. Before Tropical Battery, he worked for over 14 years at the Chukka Group. Both on the operating side and the marketing team. Prior to joining same, he worked with Carnival Cruise Lines which helped him to gain a unique understanding of visitors’ vacation preferences and needs.

Reshando Mais Chief Financial Controller

Reshando Mais, who held the post of Financial Controller, has been appointed as Chief Financial Officer, effective March 1, 2024. Reshando joined Tropical Battery Company Limited on June 29, 2017, in the capacity of Financial Controller. He is responsible for the accounting and financial operations of the Company which includes, generating and reporting periodic financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards. He is a graduate of Northern Caribbean University and University of the Commonwealth Caribbean, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration with emphasis in Accounting and a Commonwealth Executive Master of Business Administration respectively. He has over 10 years of experience in accounting, external audit real estate industry and merchandising.

David Walton Chief Marketing Officer

David Walton, who held the post of Director of Sales and Marketing, has been appointed as Chief Marketing Officer effective March 1, 2024. David joined our Management Team on August 9, 2021 in the capacity of Director of Sales & Marketing. David is an innovative commercial leader with a background in both Sales & Marketing. With over 20 years of experience as a team lead for commercially successful brands, in the alcoholic beverage and FMCG industries, as well as entrepreneurial ventures in the Entertainment & Hospitality Industry, David has consistently built brands and delivered commercial results.

Stacy–Ann Spence Operations Manager

Stacy-Ann has been a part of the Tropical Battery family since November 9, 2015. Her portfolio includes direct oversight of our warehouse distribution, Battery Recycling & Export coordination, Occupational Health & Safety, Corporate Social Responsibility, Administration & Maintenance Management and overall general operations. Stacy-Ann graduated from the University of the West Indies with honors in 2012 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Labour & Employment Relations.

Sandra Russell Talent Manager

Sandra Russell, who held the post of Human Resource Manager, has been appointed as Talent Manager. Sandra joined our management team on January 14, 2019, in the capacity of Human Resource Manager. She studied at both local and overseas institutions where she now holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Resource Management from Madison University, USA., and a Diploma in Personnel Management & Industrial Relation from IMP. Mrs. Russell has twenty-four (24) years of management experience in the private sector namely Lasco Distributors Limited. She also served in the Banking and Public Sector as well.

Kamesha Robinson Corporate Governance Administrator

Kamesha Robinson has been appointed as Corporate Governance Administrator effective February 2, 2023. Kamesha joined the Tropical Battery family on March 1, 2010. She oversees the Administration Department and provides comprehensive support to the Board of Directors. With over 16 years’ experience in the telecommunications, retail and automotive industries, she comes with high-quality administrative skills and solid general business knowledge. Prior to Tropical Battery, she worked at Mossel Jamaica Ltd. (Digicel) in the areas of Customer Service and Site Acquisition. She graduated with honors from Kirkwood Community College, Cedar Rapids, Iowa in 2000 with an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Marketing and a Diploma in Business Administration.

Jeffrey Brown Information Technology Manager

Jeffrey Brown was appointed as Information Technology Manager in February 2023. He is a seasoned IT professional with over 18 years of experience in managing and maintaining complex network infrastructure, hardware, and software systems. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a strong ability to support and optimize operations for a variety of organizations in Jamaica. Jeffrey has been with Tropical Battery since February 27, 2023, he oversees the entire IT infrastructure, administers LAN and wireless (WAN) networks, and leads project management initiatives. Jeffrey’s career trajectory demonstrates a deep dedication to the IT field. He has consistently developed his skills and taken on increasingly complex roles, showcasing his ability to adapt and thrive in different environments. With his comprehensive knowledge, technical expertise, and leadership qualities, Jeffrey Brown is a valuable asset to any organization requiring a reliable and efficient IT manager.

Orane Gray Consultant IT

Effective February 2023, Orane Gray is no longer part of the senior management team but remains a consultant to the Company for information technology. Orane Gray perviously served as Information Technology Manager.

Oliver Hill CEO, Tropical Renewable Energy, Tropical Mobility and Tropical Finance

Oliver Hill is CEO of Tropical Renewable Energy, Tropical Mobility and Tropical Finance, majority-owned subsidiaries established in 2022. Oliver joined Tropical Battery on October 4, 2021. The subsidiaries aims to facilitate the transition to sustainable energy and transport. Oliver brings nearly two decades of experience in mergers and acquisitions intelligence and consulting across Latin America and the Caribbean. Prior to joining Tropical Battery, he worked as a consultant with the Inter-American Development Bank, where he supported the energy, water, and state modernization portfolios. Oliver holds a Bachelor of Science from Cornell University and a Master of Science from Columbia University.

Karina Chez CEO, Kaya Energy Group

Mrs. Karina Chez brings extensive business management and international trade experience to the KAYA team. Karina has been a part of the team since April 1, 2019. She is a strategic visionary driving the company’s growth into the future. Karina is a sought-after international speaker who has presented on topics including solar energy, entrepreneurship, women’s leadership, and climate change. She has a broad business network relevant to KAYA’s growth, including serving as the founding President of ASOFER, the Dominican Republic’s renewable energy association; a former president and board member Entrepreneurs’ Organization; a former Board Member of AIRD; and the Chapter Director of Startup Grind. Prior to KAYA, Karina founded The Chess Group, a digital marketing firm based in Dubai and New York, and served as a marketing executive in the Middle East and North America for JumpTV. Karina received an MBA from Pace University and a Master of International Affairs from Columbia University.

Andrew Cramer COO, Kaya Energy Group

Mr. Andrew Cramer is a cofounder and COO of KAYA and oversees project development and implementation processes. He is a frequent speaker at regional energy and technology conferences – including the MIT Technology Review’s EmTech and the Caribbean Renewable Energy Forum – on topics including the role disruptive technologies like machine learning will play in the renewable energy industry. Prior to KAYA, Andrew worked with the United Nations as a post-conflict electoral consultant in countries including Timor-Leste, Nepal, Sudan, Comoros, Afghanistan and Libya. In 2017, Andrew was selected to be among 90 thought leaders from around the world to participate in a program – funded by Google and based on the NASA Ames Research Facility in Silicon Valley – to examine how exponential technologies can be leveraged to address the negative impacts of climate change. Andrew has a degree in Environmental Sciences from Loyola University Chicago and a Master of International Affairs from Columbia University.

Chris Wunderlich Chief Executive Officer, Rose Electronics Distributing Co.

Chris Wunderlich was appointed the CEO of Rose Electronics Distributing effective January 30, 2024. Chris possesses a solid background in operations and engineering. His tenure in previous roles has been distinguished by significant enhancements in manufacturing processes and operational efficiency. Emphasizing talent development and continuous improvement in his leadership style, Chris aligns well with Tropical Battery’s vision for the company. His strategic approach in empowering teams to solve complex challenges and his commitment to refining operational systems position him as a key leader, ready to drive Rose Electronics towards a future of innovation and success.

Tim Gray Director of Business Intelligence & Accounting, Rose Electronics Distributing Co.

Tim Gray continues bringing a rich tapestry of experience that blends military discipline with business acumen. His nine-year tenure in the US Marine Corps, marked by leadership in high-pressure environments, laid a foundation for his subsequent success in the business world. With a Bachelor’s in Managerial Economics from UC Davis, Tim has rapidly ascended in the finance and accounting sectors, demonstrating a profound ability to navigate complex challenges and implement strategic solutions. As Director of Business Intelligence and Accounting, Tim’s forward-thinking approach and commitment to excellence will be instrumental in driving Rose’s growth and innovation in the evolving landscape of battery technology.

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.

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