Express Catering Limited (ECL), the operator of restaurants and bars inside Montego Bay’s Sangster International Airport, has posted stronger first-quarter results for fiscal 2026. The company achieved higher net profit and earnings per share (EPS) despite a marginal decline in passenger spending. Key Details For the August 2025 quarter, Express Catering recorded a net profit of over US $1.5 million , up from US $1.0 million a year earlier. Earnings per share rose to 0.092 US cents , up from 0.062 US cents , marking a 50 percent increase year-over-year. Revenue reached US $6.8 million , compared with US $6.5 million in the prior year’s quarter, representing a 4.78 percent increase. The average passenger spend rate , however, edged down slightly to US$9.64 , compared to US$9.70 in 2024. The company credited its profit improvement to tighter cost controls and better supplier contracts. Its cost-of-sales ratio improved by 4.3 percentage points , falling to 25.65 percent from 29....

KINGSTON, Jamaica The popular fried chicken chain Birdshack is set to close its Red Hills Road branch on Saturday, July 19, 2025—less than a year after its grand opening. The announcement was made via social media by Arya Resort Management Group, the franchise operators. CEO Wayne Cummings thanked patrons for their support and assured them that the brand is actively searching for a new Kingston location. “To all our customers at this location, we thank you profusely for your support to date and apologise for the inconvenience the closure will cause,” said Cummings. The Red Hills Road outlet, which opened on August 1, 2024, was the company’s fifth and first Kingston location. However, its presence on a strip already saturated with fast-food competition—including KFC, Popeye’s, and pan chicken vendors—posed an uphill battle. Customers also raised issues such as limited parking and the lack of a drive-thru, which many cited as major drawbacks. Public Reaction The online announcemen...

  Wisynco Group Limited has entered into a major strategic partnership with Select Brands Limited through the acquisition of Ringtail Bottlers Limited, the manufacturing arm behind the popular Stone’s Ginger Wine. As part of the agreement, Wisynco will also take a 30 percent stake in Ringtail Holdings, the parent company of Select Brands, while assuming responsibility for the production of Stone’s Ginger Wine and other beverage brands locally and internationally. Key Details The partnership was officially announced on Monday, August 25, at the AC Marriott Hotel in New Kingston. Wisynco’s role: The company will now handle the production of Stone’s Ginger Wine for Jamaica, the wider Caribbean, and the United States. It will also oversee production of Ringtail Bottlers’ additional portfolio, which includes Irie Moss, Prestige Liqueurs, Bandolero, and Privateer. Select Brands’ role: The distributor will retain ownership of the brands and continue marketing and distribution, f...

Users of the North-South leg of Highway 2000 can now enjoy greater convenience, thanks to the launch of a new online Epass top-up platform by Jamaica North-South Highway Company Limited (JNSHC) . This digital upgrade allows drivers to manage toll payments online via mobile app or web portal, reducing reliance on physical toll booths. The initiative follows collaboration between JNSHC and the Government of Jamaica through the National Road Operating and Constructing Company Limited (NROCC) . A Step Toward Smarter Infrastructure Speaking on the launch, Minister Without Portfolio Robert Morgan highlighted that this move is part of a broader modernization effort . “JNSHC’s expansion into the digital space forms part of a broader national push to modernise Jamaica’s toll road infrastructure. The Government’s long-term goal is to implement Open Road Tolling across all toll roads, so users will not have to stop at a toll booth to pay tolls,” said Morgan. The online platform marks a majo...

  📍 KINGSTON, JAMAICA — JUNE 25, 2025 In a bold move to reshape Jamaica’s energy future , the Government has officially notified the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) that it will not renew the current all-island electricity licence when it expires in July 2027 . ⚖️ NO TO OLD TERMS — YES TO NEW DEALS Speaking at a press conference Tuesday, Energy Minister Daryl Vaz announced the decision, citing a need for more affordable electricity, energy security , and the inclusion of renewable energy . “It is not the intention of the Government of Jamaica to take charge of JPS operations,” said Vaz. “We intend to negotiate new licensing terms with potential investors — terms that are more favourable to the Jamaican people.” 📃 WHAT THIS MEANS The Government gave notice under Condition 27 of JPS’s licence. This clause allows the State to either acquire or end the licence at the 20-year mark. The current licence began in 2001 , with amendments under the PNP. JPS, currently ...