nov-2017c

2 3 Ministry of Finance & The Public Service 30 National Heroes Cir., Kingston 4, Jamaica Tel: 922-8600 • www.mof.gov.jm In its “Island Economies of the Future” report released on June 12, 2017, Financial Times’ investment publication has recognized Jamaica as the top performing island economy globally in business friendliness, and top ten in connectivity, human capital and lifestyle. Site Selection Magazine also acknowledged the country last month in its Global Best to Invest, Caribbean & Latin American Rankings, where Jamaica placed top ten in total number of investment projects in the LAC region. The achievements come after UNCTAD ranked Jamaica as the leading host economy in the English-speaking Caribbean and Small Island Developing States group in its World Investment Report. The assessment team visited Jamaica in 2016 and the period of assessment covered 2013-2014; 2014-2015 and 2015-2016. The overall results show that Jamaica’s public financial management system is strong. Key areas of improvement which contributed to the government’s overall improved rating are: • Implementation of a Budget Preparation and Management System (BPMS) which has been procured and is now being configured and tested so that medium term results based budgeting can be developed to sustain the results of the reform program. • Full implementation of new revenue administration systems at both the TAJ (RAiS) and JCA (ASYCUDA) and Launch of an e-tendering system. To enhance transparency, a procurement page was introduced in public media to provide procurement opportunities to potential suppliers. • Establishment of a new Chart of Accounts (CoA), as well as the new Commitment and Purchase Order Modules and an Establishment of the Revenue Appeals Division (RAD) with an organizational structure, business processes and automation (now integrated as part of the RAiS system). A Corner View Ahhhh! Business Viewers, can you smell that? Yeah, that’s the smell of a fresh new start to a bright and won- derful economic future in the Carib- bean. It’s always so interesting how devastating circumstances can bring about the most amazing defining of character and strength in people, countries, regions, and planets. On this planet, we have circumstances of nature that bring about disasters that are outside of our control. Earth- quakes, hurricanes, tornados, tsuna- mis, floods, landslides, avalanches, blizzards, hail storms, thunderstorms, etc. And while many of these disas- ters occur, we get a full dose of the catastrophe and damage it causes; the pain, sorrow, and devastation that it inflicts. We get the stories, and woeful tales of those that were most fearful, or most affected by the disaster. But, very rarely do we get to wit- ness the heroic hearts of those who immediately roll up their sleeves, and begin the work of resuming nor- malcy. We see the roofs of buildings ripped off, due to the hurricanes and storms, but we do not get to see the craftsmanship of the roof once it has been repaired, or the efficiency that was adopted to complete it. We see the lack of water, food, and supplies necessary to function early on, and the long lines that having such a deficiency produces. However, once those lines have diminished, and as soon as the water, food, and neces- sary supplies have been replenished and become, once again, bountiful, we don’t see the organizations, and manpower that went into creating that prominence. Somehow, some- way, and often sooner than you could ever imagine, the people and places where these disasters occur, get back to operating as they once did. This happens so swiftly in most cases that we don’t get to thank the superhe- roes, and amazing communities, and associations that rise to the occasion to bring about the lifestyle that was once taken for granted, but immedi- ately become an item of luxury. Those who have ever had to ration water will never look at water in the same way. But you should also take a moment to appreciate those responsible for why you have the benefit of using, and imbibing that clean, fresh water. I have come to see an abundance of heroism, and amazing community efforts in bringing about a social and economic norm to many areas that were damaged and devastated by the recent hurricanes. I’m speaking with hospitals, resorts, and power compa- nies that are back to doing business as normal as ever. We’re seeing whole neighborhoods that were devastated, already back up and beautiful. We’re seeing the faces of those that had businesses and homes devastated, with smiles back on their faces, and having their issues resolved to the point of things being back to where they once were, and in some cases, even better than before. The Caribbe- an is reinvigorated. It is restored with a sense of purpose and pride like nev- er before. It’s not the first rodeo that the Caribbean has been to, and it will not be the last, but I never thought that I would smell the scent of a new, bright, fresh, and amazing renewal, as soon as I have. I am in awe of the tenacity and optimism of the region, and I boldly announce what many of the Caribbean Country’s leaders are currently announcing; “The Caribbean is Open For Business!” Until next time, plan, build, and continue to prosper. Andre Barefield NOV./DEC. 2017 Contents 2 CORNER VIEW 4 OPENING LINES 18 EXECUTIVE VIEW TRAVEL & TOURISM 30 THE CAYUGA COLLECTION Sustainable luxury BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 44 MERCHANTS MARKET GROUP Serving the islands since 1967 52 THE RG GROUP OF COMPANIES A leader in St. Lucia 58 UNICOMER GROUP - JAMAICA Adding value every day 66 JAMAICA PRE-MIX & JAMAICA AGGREGATES Serving the Jamaican construction industry 72 THE CARIBBEAN CEMENT COMPANY Number one in Jamaica 78 A CONVERSATION WITH DAVID BURT Premier of Bermuda 88 THE CCS GROUP From cloud to keyboard Editor-in-Chief Al Krulick Associate Editor Lorie Steiner Director of Advertising Lauren Blackwell Research Directors Paul Payne Brendan McElroy Josh Conklin Lisa Curry Joanna Whitney Digital Strategist Scott Mosquera Creative Director Dana Long Vice President of Business Development Erin O’Donoghue Vice President of Production Aimy McGrew Vice President of Publishing Andre Barefield CGO Alexander Wynne-Jones COO Brian Andersen Executive Publisher / CEO Marcus VandenBrink USA Canada Caribbean Oceania Email for all inquiries: info@businessviewmagazine.com WWW.BUSINESSVIEWMAGAZINE.COM 12559 New Brittany Blvd Fort Myers, 33907 239.220.5554 CONTACT US 72