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Hey Reader,

Here's What's Hot on the business scene right now 🔥🔥🔥

Investing in Jamaica Just Got Easier

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Jamaica finally has a trading platform for government bonds.

So, the Jamaica Stock Exchange recently launched its fixed income trading platform for Government of Jamaica bonds.

Finance Minister Fayval Williams made the announcement in her budget presentation in March. And it’s already up and running.

The platform is a joint project with the Bank of Jamaica. The idea is to create a more transparent, real-time marketplace for GOJ securities instead of the old fragmented system where most of the trades happened through dealers.

Now if you hear “fixed income trading platform” and your eyes start to glaze over, here’s what it really means.

It is basically...

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Polymer banknote fraud

Yikes

The Bank of Jamaica says it has noticed an uptick in the number of fake polymer banknotes.

The central bank said it detected 69 counterfeit polymer notes in 2025, up from just 19 the year before. While the figures remain relatively low, the increase suggests fraudsters are beginning to target the newer plastic bills.

However, cotton-based notes still accounted for the majority of counterfeits detected. The BOJ maintains that polymer notes offer stronger security features, though it says it is still too early to fully assess their long-term performance.

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📊POLL QUESTION

What area of your life have you seen the biggest price increases in the last month? Groceries Gas/transportation Utilities Other (Leave a comment)

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Jamaica and China strengthen ties

Closer

Jamaica and China have signed a new development cooperation agreement valued at roughly $2.3 billion.

The deal supports technical and economic projects between both countries and builds on more than 50 years of diplomatic relations. It also sets the framework for future joint initiatives.

Foreign Affairs Minister Kamina Johnson-Smith says Jamaica is looking to deepen cooperation across key priority areas.

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JBG selling part of its US operations

Fresh start

Jamaica Broilers is moving ahead with the sale of its chicken processing plant in South Carolina.

The company says the decision follows ongoing operational challenges and weak performance in the broiler meat segment. The facility was acquired in 2019 as part of its US expansion.

The move comes as the group continues restructuring its US operations after a forensic audit uncovered financial irregularities. This pushed the company into negative equity at the end of its 2025 financial year.

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European Oil Shortage?

Crisis?

European officials and the International Energy Agency are at odds over the state of jet fuel supply.

According to the IEA, due to the ongoing conflict affecting the Strait of Hormuz, Europe has only about six weeks of jet fuel. However, the European Commission said while the market might be tight, there isn’t a shortage.

However, the IEA is warning that flight disruptions will continue if conditions persist.

Jet fuel prices have surged by 95% following military conflict involving Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

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Watch Taking Stock

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Catch What's Hot every week in Taking Stock with Kalilah Reynolds! New episodes live every Tuesday at 8pm on YouTube and your favourite podcast platforms.

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