GRACEKENNEDY is among seven applicants to have so far sought authorisation to become electronic retail payment service providers.The conglomerate, which owns a bank and the largest remittance business in Jamaica, aims to be a first mover with technology, such as mobile money, which is expected to revolutionise the financial sector.“First Global in collaboration with Grace [...]

EVICTING a tenant is probably one of the most difficult tasks faced by landlords of properties governed by the Rent Restriction Act (hereafter referred to as “the Act”). Quite often, a landlord may find himself on the ‘wrong side’ of the law by engaging in acts such as changing the locks on the doors, taking [...]

By Julian Richardson Assistant Business Co-ordinator richardsonj@jamaicaobserver.com Slowing migration and increased re-settlement through renewed public confidence has helped to drive the Colombian economy, says the country’s investment promotion agency.Proexport Colombia last week hosted an economic conference in Miami that showcased the South American country as a vibrant emerging market with exports and foreign direct investments [...]

THE Jamaica Public Service (JPS) and appliance giants Appliance Traders Limited (ATL) have partnered to provide energy-saving products and services to customers.The partnership, which was sealed in a Memorandum of Understanding yesterday, will see ATL extending its distribution of alternative and energy-efficient products through the JPS’s eStore.JPS customers will also benefit from a wider range [...]

Most general insurance companies managed to generate profit from their core business last year, although incomes were squeezed.And even though they have been weaning themselves off government bonds, which have been giving declining returns, the industry as a whole relied more on other income than underwriting profit.Combined underwriting profit — earnings made from underwriting insurance [...]

MONIQUE Richards* isn’t the typical high-heeled young professional.She is one of the growing numbers of people who are employed from home by companies seeking to lower their overhead costs.These workers are ideal for small businesses that are in the growth stage, said Javette Nixon, president and chief executive officer of Point Global Marketing Limited.“There’s a [...]

Do you always get exactly what you want regardless of the consequences to others involved? If the answer is ‘yes’ then you must have very strong powers of persuasion. You will also fall into one of two human categories: baby or psychopath. Babies and psychopaths have that one thing in common: they are excellent at [...]

One of the occasional tasks that I find tedious and inconvenient is filling out forms or questionnaires. Whether I’m required to carry out a survey, complete documents for a financial institution or even submit contact information online, I usually have to overcome my initial resistance to the process.I know I’m not alone in my aversion [...]

NEW YORK, USA – Home Depot’s first-quarter net income rose 18 per cent, thanks to the ongoing housing recovery, despite a chilly and wet spring.Its quarterly results topped Wall Street expectations, and the world’s biggest home improvement chain boosted its full-year earnings and revenue forecasts yesterday. Shares rose nearly two per cent in midday trading.Home [...]

HAVANA, Cuba – The meeting on a sunny Havana square was a little bit revolutionary for Cuba’s revolution. And for US diplomacy as well.Dozens of young bloggers and tweeters gathered to talk about their place in a socialist society whose leaders have referred to the Internet as “a wild colt” to be tamed and make [...]