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Jamaica in Focus:
Where the World Meets the Island
BRANDED CONTENT
Jamaica's Insurance Sector Embraces Smart Data
Y Smart Data unveiled its innovative geotagged address database for Jamaica at an Insurance Association of Jamaica (IAJ) Business Conference in Kingston. CEO Ray St. Michael Williams showcased how this technology can revolutionize the insurance industry by enhancing underwriting accuracy, reducing fraud, and enabling tailored services. The company's four-year effort to build a comprehensive, geotagged address database aims to provide the financial sector with reliable insights. This initiative aligns with the Jamaica Data Privacy Act and international best practices in risk assessment. Y Smart Data's technology allows insurers to accurately assess risks such as flooding, crime, and natural disasters, setting premiums accordingly. This shift towards location intelligence is expected to transform Jamaica's insurance sector, offering more competitive risk management and improved customer experiences through accurate pricing and faster claims processing.
September 19, 2024
BirdShack Spreads Wings
BirdShack Fried Chicken, a fast-growing favorite in Jamaica, has opened its fifth store in Kingston. The new location at 18 1/2 Red Hills Road signifies the company's confidence in the Jamaican economy and ease of doing business. CEO Wayne Cummings attributes the expansion to a positive economic climate, encouraging BirdShack to make this significant investment sooner than anticipated. The Kingston store was opened on August 1st, adding 35 new jobs to the local community. This 2,500-square-foot location, with dine-in facilities, marks the beginning of BirdShack's strategic plan to establish multiple outlets in the capital city. With five stores now operational across Jamaica, BirdShack has invested over $200 million and employs nearly 200 people. The company is poised for further growth, spreading its wings across the island and contributing to the Jamaican economy.
Upgrade for postal service
The Postal Corporation of Jamaica (PostCorp) is set to embark on a significant modernization initiative in the 2024-2025 fiscal year, focusing on enhancing client service delivery across the island. This ambitious plan aims to expand and improve several key postal services that Jamaicans rely on daily. At the forefront of this modernization drive is the expansion of PostCorp's popular services: Klick 'n' Ship, Zip Mail, and FastTrack international courier. These services, which have already proven their value to customers, will extend their reach to even more locations. Specifically, Klick 'n' Ship and FastTrack will each be deployed to an additional 12 sites, while Zip Mail is slated for technological upgrades to reduce processing times. PostCorp is also planning to introduce bill payment services at select locations to diversify its offerings. The corporation is committed to bridging the digital divide by providing reliable internet service to 30 more post offices across Jamaica. A key component of this modernization effort is the Counter Automated Software Project. This initiative, which has been developing since 2016, is expected to revolutionize postal operations by replacing manual processes with efficient, automated systems.
August 26, 2024
August 26, 2024
Customs Agency Embraces Digital Innovation
The Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) is leaping into the future with its Contactless Clearance Process (CCP), a groundbreaking initiative designed to streamline import procedures. The CCP revolutionizes customs inspections by eliminating clients needing to be physically present during examinations. Instead, freight forwarders act as representatives, initiating requests on behalf of importers. This system prioritizes processing and addresses concerns about privacy and efficiency. While some express reservations about remote inspections, Winston Gray, Supervisor for Marine Operations at the JCA, emphasized the robust security measures in place. "Examinations occur in a controlled environment under constant surveillance, with officers wearing body cameras," he explained. This digital transformation aligns with the JCA's mission to facilitate international trade, ensure regulatory compliance, and protect Jamaica's borders. The agency aims to foster economic growth and simplify trade procedures by embracing technology. As Jamaica positions itself at the forefront of customs innovation, the CCP represents a significant step towards a more efficient, transparent, and business-friendly import process.
