The Scientific Research Council (SRC) will partner with the Sustainable Youth Employment in Digital and Animation Industries (YEDAI) Project for Jamaica to execute three Science and Technology Fairs over the period, 2018 – 2020. The first National Science and Technology Fair was held this year showcasing a range of projects –  from primary school students producing cleaning products made of  local plants to high school students creating water distillers. In keeping with the aim, the fair gave various students the opportunity to identify, produce and commercialize products and services geared at improving national growth and development.

There has been much talk about the importance of entrepreneurship being introduced to students at an early age in addition to the usual academic agenda. The fair has found a unique balance between the two in allowing students to use scientific principles and processes to develop or improve products and services. However, the fair did not only offer students a chance to compete as regional ideation sessions and workshops were held previously. It helped students and teachers across the island at the primary, secondary and tertiary level identify feasible business ideas, develop working prototypes and create start-ups with an aim to address local problems.

Over thirty six projects were on display at the Spanish Court Hotel in Kingston for the event. Students from twenty schools showcased their scientific solutions in areas such as education, agriculture, food and agro-processing, energy, ICT and electronics, health & safety as well as sports / athletics. The event also featured thirty local companies and activities such as drone and solar cooking demonstrations, as well as a tech entrepreneurship session.

Awards were given for the best idea at the primary, secondary and tertiary level as well as the most environmentally friendly, most innovative, best commercial application and the best use of technology presented in the projects. Awards were also given for the first, second and third place schools overall. Lastly, the fair allowed students to move from a theoretical idea to making a business by selecting nine projects to receive business and technical support to effectively help them move towards commercialization.

Partners and sponsors of the Fair were: YEDAI Project, Ministry of Science, Energy & Technology, Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, Coldax Mart, Collins Books and More, Kingston Bookshop, Adam & Eve Day Spa, Wisynco Group Limited, Lifespan Spring Water, Radioshack Jamaica and Facey Group.

Your news in a nutshell

1. Shocked into silence
2. Alleged cop killers surrender
3. Use tech to boost Ja’s tourism
4. Missed death by centimetres
5. No dengue outbreak, says health ministry
6. Violence, robberies prompt meeting of principals

1. Shocked into silence

At just 17 years old, the world was just about to open up in all its majesty for Shawn’d Ferguson. He had big dreams of being a success but was taking his time deciding what career path to take. Then tragedy struck. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

2. Alleged cop killer surrenders

Barrington Whyte, the husband of the woman district constable who was killed in a domestic dispute on the weekend, has surrendered to the police. Top criminal defence attorney Peter Champagnie confirmed that he accompanied Whyte, 52, to the Police Commissioner’s office in St Andrew this morning. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

3. Use tech to boost Ja’s tourism

Junior Tourism Minister Bryanna Hylton wants young people to make full use of their access to technology, including smartphones and social media, as a means of boosting Jamaica’s tourism product and promoting the country to attract potential visitors. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

4. Missed death by centimetres

Two of the survivors of the vehicular crash in the vicinity of Heroes Circle, Kingston, last Friday night, which claimed the lives of two of their friends, say they too could have easily been killed if it weren’t for quick thinking. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

5. No dengue outbreak, says health ministry

With at least 192 suspected cases of dengue reported since the start of the year, principal medical officer and national epidemiologist Dr Karen Webster-Kerr at the Ministry of Health said based on most recent statistics, there is no outbreak of the disease. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

6. Violence, robberies prompt meeting of principals

A recent spate of robberies and violence against schoolchildren has prompted a meeting today of the heads of some Kingston high schools at St George’s College. The meeting will include representatives from schools in and around Central Kingston, such as Kingston College, St George’s, Clan Carty, Wolmer’s Boys and Girls. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

Your news in a nutshell

1. PEP Performance task exam pushed back
2. Grief too rough to bear
3. End assault on students
4. Spelling Bee: Taevion wins
5. Nigeria affirms bilateral cooperation with Ja
6. Can’t stay home and win -TT coach

1. PEP Performance Task exam pushed back

Following consultations with the Jamaica Teachers’ Association, the Ministry of Education has decided to make some adjustments to the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) examination. The Performance Task aspect of the exam, which was scheduled for December, has been pushed back to March 2019. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

2. Grief too rough to bear

Tears flowed down Candice Chambers’ cheeks yesterday and with a weak wave of the hand, she signalled to the Gleaner team to talk to her mother at their home in Oliver Gardens, May Pen, Clarendon. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

3. End assault on students

Terrified students who attend schools within the Kingston Central region can soon breathe easier, as the relevant authorities are moving quickly to protect them from robberies, as well as sexual and physical assaults on the streets. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

4. Spelling Bee: Taevion wins

Taevion on winning: “I feel very happy. I felt that I could win the competition and I did.” See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

5. Nigeria affirms bilateral cooperation with Ja

Nigerian High Commissioner to Jamaica Janet Omoleegho Olisa has called for both countries to galvanise their long-standing bilateral cooperation to increase trade between the two nations. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

6. Can’t stay home and win -TT coach

Jamaica’s female table tennis players need overseas exposure if they are to keep pace with their rivals in the region. That’s the observation of Matthew Dawson, who was national women’s team coach during the recently concluded 60th Caribbean Table Tennis Championships in Kingston. Dawson noted that players from other islands play overseas and believes Jamaica must do the same. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

Your news in a nutshell

1. Pushback for PEP
2. Wheatley assistant was NESol signing officer
3. Bog Walk gorge closed
4. Chucky Brown trial: Top cop to be subpoenaed
5. New life for ‘Frog City’
6. Big boost for Ocho Rios

1. Pushback for PEP

The decision by the education ministry to push back the Performance Task component of the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) examination until March 2019 is being praised by both parents and teachers. It was originally scheduled to be done in December. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

2. Wheatley assistant was NeSOL signing officer

Sophia Deer, an assistant to former Energy, Science and Technology Minister Andrew Wheatley, and a director on the board of National Energy Solutions Limited (NESol), was a signatory for cheques to contractors for work done on behalf of the agency. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

3. Bog Walk gorge closed

The Bog Walk Gorge in St Catherine has been closed. The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management says it made the decision to close the gorge for public safety reasons as rainfall continues in the hilly sections of St Catherine causing water levels in the Rio Cobre to rise. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

4. Chucky Brown trial: Top cop to be subpoenaed

Justice Vivienne Harris, who is presiding at the trial for police constable Collis ‘Chucky’ Brown, today indicated she will be ordering that a subpoena is issued for the head of the Clarendon Police, Senior Superintendent Vendolyn Cameron-Powell, to appear in court. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

5. New life for ‘Frog City’

The long wait for the construction of housing units in Maxfield Park, St Andrew on lands known as ‘Frog City’ is over as Prime Minister Andrew Holness along with Member of Parliament for East Central St Andrew Dr Peter Phillips today broke ground for the initial infrastructural work to facilitate the 210 housing solutions. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

6. Big boost for Ocho Rios

After four years of operating in Jamaica, the Mexican entity Palace Resorts is to spend US$270 million to expand its footprint in the island. The hotel brand will design and construct a new property with an additional 750 rooms following the purchase of the Rooms on the Beach property in Ocho Rios, St Ann. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

Your news in a nutshell

1. Commish backs Chang
2. Ja diaspora upset about crime
3. More Corporate Areas to be dug up
4. More J’can women doing double mastectomy
5. Soldier held with illegal gun
6. 5.2 quake rocks Haiti

1. Commish backs Chang

National Security Minister Dr Horace Chang has been backed by Police Commissioner Major Antony Anderson, who, too, is adamant that change must come to the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) if the issues of crime and violence are to be brought under control. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

2. Ja diaspora upset about crime

A leading voice in the Jamaican diaspora has fired back at government Senator Kerensia Morrison, pointing out that the shipment of guns and ammunition found at the wharf in Kingston last week is not a reflection of all Jamaicans living overseas. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

3. More Corporate Area to be dug up

Motorists in the Corporate Area should expect to face more inconveniences as the National Water Commission (NWC) says that more roads are to be dug up to lay pipes in furtherance of the state company’s Non-Revenue Water Reduction (NRW) Project. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

4. More J’can women doing double mastectomy

More Jamaican women are opting to undergo a double mastectomy as a precautionary measure against breast cancer, a growing trend as a result of the ‘Angelina Jolie Effect’, one local expert has suggested. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

5. Soldier held with illegal gun

A Jamaica Defence Force soldier was arrested yesterday after he was allegedly held with an illegal firearm and several rounds of ammunition. The Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Corporate Communications Unit (CCU) has confirmed the incident, which reportedly occurred in Spanish Town, St Catherine. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

6. 5.2 quake rocks Haiti

The US Geological Survey (USGS) says a 5.2 magnitude aftershock rattled northern Haiti, a day after a 5.9 magnitude earthquake left at least 12 dead and 188 injured at the same location. The USGS says the aftershock’s epicentre was located 15.8 kilometres (9.8 miles) north-northwest of Port-de-Paix and had a depth of 10 kilometres. It struck at about 3 p.m. local time on Sunday. See full story on The Gleaner’s website

Your news in a nutshell

1. Too early to tell Ja Moves success
2. Gleaner ombudsman want to hear from readers
3. Health Ministry strong on sugary drinks message
4. Second cohort of HPV vaccines being administered
5. Chucky Brown trial continues
6. Guns issued in breach of FLA protocol still out there

1. Too early to tell Ja Moves success

Indicating that it was too early to determine the success of the popular Jamaica Moves Campaign, Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton believes the message has reached most if not all Jamaicans. The ministry has been taking the message of the importance of physical activity around the island, through its Jamaica Moves Campaign, in a bid to tackle non-communicable diseases. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

2. Gleaner ombudsman wants to hear from readers

Retired High Court judge, Justice Roy Anderson, who serves as The Gleaner‘s Ombudsman, has indicated that only a few people have so far utilised the avenue made possible for them to have a voice in keeping the publication on its toes since he assumed the role in April. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

3. Health Ministry strong on sugary drinks message

Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton is refusing to tweak the message in his ministry’s current campaign, which strongly discourages citizens from consuming excess sugar. Last week, Professor Errol Morrison, honorary president of the Diabetes Association, questioned the clarity of the message during an interview on RJR’s ‘Beyond the Headlines’.  See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

4. Second cohort of HPV vaccines being administered

The second cohort of grade seven girls is now benefiting from the Ministry of Health’s Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination programme. The move is a proactive measure by the Government to protect girls against cervical cancer, which takes the lives of hundreds of women in the country per year and hundreds of thousands more worldwide. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

5. Chucky Brown trial continues

A high-ranking official at the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) this morning testified that murder accused police Constable Collis ‘Chucky’ Brown admitted to him that he was a part of a ‘special’ police squad. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

6. Guns issued in breach of FLA protocol still out there

The Firearm Licensing Authority (FLA) has indicated that more than 100 guns for which licences were issued in breach of protocols remain in the hands of individuals. And Chief Executive Officer Shane Dalling said the number is going up as assessments continue. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

On October 10th of each year, World Mental Health Day is celebrated. This year’s theme is ‘Young People and Mental Health in A Changing World’.

World Mental Health Day allows stakeholders to come together and decide on ways to mitigate the effects of mental health illnesses. The topic has been gaining traction recently as there has been an influx of articles in local publications around youth mental health such as Dr Christopher Tufton | Time To Commit To Mental Health, Mental Meltdown: Youth Under Siege, and J’cans Don’t Kill Themselves’ – Hickling Downplays U-Report Poll In Which More Than 500 Jamaican Youths Said That They Have Considered Suicide.

Here is an excerpt from the World Health Organization’s website explaining why the theme was chosen for this year:

“Adolescence and the early years of adulthood are a time of life when many changes occur, for example changing schools, leaving home, and starting university or a new job. For many, these are exciting times. They can also be times of stress and apprehension however. In some cases, if not recognized and managed, these feelings can lead to mental illness. The expanding use of online technologies, while undoubtedly bringing many benefits, can also bring additional pressures, as connectivity to virtual networks at any time of the day and night grows. Many adolescents are also living in areas affected by humanitarian emergencies such as conflicts, natural disasters and epidemics. Young people living in situations such as these are particularly vulnerable to mental distress and illness.”

Read more about Mental Health here: https://www.moh.gov.jm/divisions-agencies/divisions/mental-health-unit/

“The film industry brings people together, and so does technology. I see them as similar platforms.”
– Ashton Kutcher

Computer science (and technology in general) can be mixed with most if not all fields of interest. The entire world is moving towards technological advancements and integrations. One such mixed field is that of film and computer science. How do they relate you may ask? Here’s how!

Editing Suites
An essential part of any film is the editing done in post production. One has to use software to perfect video transitions, colour balance, lighting etc. This is a crucial part of making any camera work look exactly as intended and visually compelling. Post production software is developed and created by software engineers. What better way to create software fitted for cinematographers than to be a cinematographer yourself? This would also extend to photo editing software.

DSLR Camera Operating Systems
Though most may not realize, a camera is basically a mini – computer. It has its own firmware, ROM, processor, input, output, secondary storage devices etc. For any good computer to work it must have a solid operating system that can manage the various tasks required of the device in an efficient manner. Therefore, the camera will demand the same type of software. Again, software engineers would be more than welcomed here.

Facial Recognition
Think of a spy movie or real life crime cases: a bandit was in an area caught on camera and the police need to identify him. What do they draw for? Cameras and facial recognition software! This software can also implemented on a more small scale like unlocking a phone with bio-metrics but once again, software engineers are needed to help use photographic material (input) to create the desired output or inform decision making processes. Film and tech goes hand in hand once more!

There are many more examples such as 3D Printing and Image sensors but this should shed some light on the cross section between camera related fields such as film and technology.

diG Jamaica sat down with Raquel Seville, the CEO of B.I. Brainz (Caribbean), to get more insight into what Business Intelligence is. This is a growing field in Jamaica heavily utilized by companies like Digicel.

“Business Intelligence takes the guess work out of decision making. BETTER DECISIONS = BETTER QUALITY PRODUCTS AND SERVICES.” – Raquel Seville

It’s a fancy way of referring to the goal of getting actionable insights from company data. Essentially, the data should support some kind of decision making in the end. This type of intelligence helps persons to make decisions that are supported by fact and not fiction. Would you rather make an informed decision based on hard figures or one that is based on feeling?

Making decisions based on actual findings would effectively allow manufacturers to improve their marketing agendas and make better more useful and cost effective products. A company of note mentioned by Raquel was Digicel.

“A lot of the initiatives that companies are able to push is due to analysis of customer trends and target customers. This impacts how you market to them and how to appeal to a certain demographic.” – Raquel Seville

Business Intelligence tools vary widely and as such have a very broad spectrum. There are data specific tools , process specific tools , database repository tools and finally presentation tools. Presentation tools remain the most popular aspect of business intelligence. This may be due to it being used to explain trends to stakeholders.

Examples of BI Tools:

• Data Specific Tools – This uses extraction transformed load tools (ETL) Informatica
• Database Tools – Microsoft, Oracle, MySQL & Hadoo (which is designed for big data, more unstructured).
• Presentation Tools – PowerBI, TaBleau , SAP BI tools, Qlik

Youth Can Do IT diminishes doubt in your creative self, opens a world of creativity and belief in ventures which you didn’t know you possessed. – Amanda Johnson, mentee

Since it’s establishment in 2016 by Jamaican Lianne McNaughton, Youth Can Do IT has accomplished a considerable amount of work. The organization seeks to use technology and strengths based initiatives to empower Jamaica’s youth as it is said to be “born out of the desire to use technology and self-actualization as the catalyst for capacity building among youth“.

YCDI has started a few programs to develop young Jamaicans ranging from serving over 200 youth in workshops to their one year pilot – Women In IT Mentorship Program. This program commenced on International Girls in ICT Day and saw thirty one girls from over ten schools paired with thirty one prominent women in IT for the duration of the year.

My experience so far in the program has been absolutely amazing! It is so wonderful to be able to see girls supporting each other. – Isheba cornwall, mentee

The program has exposed the girls to various technological concepts such as WordPress website creation, social media management and Google Analytics. The founder believes that the answer to the lack of women in the IT industry lies in giving girls role models, teaching them the requisite skills, encouraging them and then showing them how tech careers can help change the world for the better. “By 2030, women can, and will, be critical to leveraging this revolution to benefit our global society,” says Lianne McNaughton.

YCDI teaches youth to see themselves as content creators by equipping them with the right skills and tools to turn dreams into reality.

This is the first feature on Emerging Initiatives and Youth Leaders.

As the years go by volunteerism, summer camps and internship experiences become increasingly important for Jamaican youth.

Here are some programs that you can consider:

Advocacy
JYAN – Jamaica Youth Advocacy Network
Talk Up Yout
Girls Who Know
U-Report

Visual & Performing Arts
JANN – Jamaica Animation Nation Network
Kingston Toon Fest
JAFTA – Jamaica Film & Television Association
GATFFEST – Annual Film Festival
CPTC MTI (Classes)
ICreate (Classes)
Edna Manley – Summer Dance, Visual Arts & Drama Classes
National Art Gallery – Art Programs (Usually in January and Summer)

Engineering, Computer Science & Technology
SPISE = Student Program for Innovation in Science & Engineering
Pre-UWI Engineering Camp
Youth Can Do IT
Microsoft Digi Girlz High Tech Camp
Google Computer Science Summer Institute
Coders of The Caribbean Hackathon put on by Next Gen Creators
Women in ICT Hackathon
Diamond Challenge

Mixed Program – Dream Jamaica Summer Program (offers SAT prep & internships)

Outreach and Service
Outreach Outlet
Operation Help the People
Feeding of the 5000
Positive.org
Plant Jamaica

Volunteer Programmes
JSPCA – Jamaica Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Hope Zoo
SRC Science Fair
Hospitals – UWI, Apex, Medial Associates or Bustamante

Job Placement
National Youth Service
HEART Trust NTA

Writing
The Gleaner’s Youthlink
The Observer’s TeenAge
There are other magazines and publications if you research.

Online Courses
Harvard edX, Coursera or Alison
(Offer classes in a wide range of subjects from programming to leadership and critical thinking)

Special Tip: Though companies may have formal internship/volunteer programs, it doesn’t hurt to approach institutions independently asking to help.

Written by Danielle Mullings

Climate change has become a more pressing concern in the Caribbean and communities across Jamaica. One of our local television stations, TVJ has produced four features shedding light on the situation and the community response.

The features speak on the reality of climate change in the Caribbean evidenced by the coastal erosion of Hellshire and Hurricane Maria as well as the plans of community members in Manchester to use artificial reefs to decrease coastal erosion. The videos are below:

Written by Danielle Mullings

From the ‘point of contact’ in 1492, European cultural institutions have impacted Caribbean society and culture. The remains of colonization by major powers like the Dutch, British, Spanish and French continue to impact today’s Caribbean society. Today their impact continues mainly through trade, education and mass media.

Sports is a cornerstone of our day to day lives that has evolved from European origins. Sports from Europe include horse racing, cricket, football, tennis, rugby and netball. Slaves would have been introduced to and adopted these sports from Europeans during pre-independence but it is still predominant with the Caribbean society in post-independence. The majority of these sports are taught to Caribbean children from a very young age during physical education classes or socializing with friends. Many communities in Jamaica have the “Sunday ball game” in which the males of the community come together to play football. Additionally one can not downplay the popularity of horse racing and betting. Jamaica has built its own racing track called Caymanas and now has a solid industry in horse rearing in rural parishes like St. Elizabeth. Sports may also be popular in the Caribbean as there are more opportunities for scholarships, medalling, and earning money from the European sports internationally. These European sports also allow Caribbean people to participate in international events like the World Cup and the Olympics.

Written by Danielle Mullings

Representatives of the Jamaican Diaspora Leadership in the United States of America (USA) will be holding a three-day Leadership Summit, in Morrow, Georgia, to focus on the development of the organisation’s US-based leadership and strengthen its remit to Jamaica. The event will take place at the Morrow Center in Morrow, Georgia, November 16-18.

“The main purpose of the Summit will be to formulate a cohesive Jamaican Diaspora Development Plan, which will rationalise the work of the Diaspora network across the USA,” said Wayne Golding, Southeast Diaspora Advisory Board Representative, who worked in concert with the two other Advisory Board Members, Dr. Rupert Francis (West/Mid-West) and Mrs. Akelia Lawrence-Maitland (Northeast), to design the underlying principles for the summit. “Therefore, our objective is to stimulate our USA-based network to become a structured entity, with focused leadership and a structured plan, to enhance our contributions to Jamaica,” Mr. Golding outlined. He also indicated that, “the Summit’s “Purpose Document” will focus on strengthening the organisation in the Diaspora, to mitigate fragmentation and bring together diverse leadership to implement a plan for growth and development.”

Dr. Rupert Francis noted, “after months of discussion, the leaders from the three Diaspora Advisory Groups in the USA accept that we were operating as individual responders and focusing on development in Jamaica, rather than consolidating our USA-based operations, to enable everyone to appreciate what we aim to achieve collectively, based on measurable, timed objectives.”

“I, therefore, welcome this summit,” Dr. Francis declared, “It will be a context in which our current and emerging leaders can meet and arrive at a consensus about the elements and timing of our plans, to better serve our mutual objectives.” He pointed out that the Atlanta Jamaica Association’s (AJA) Cultural and Education Fund is the official non-profit partner for the summit; and the organisation has the support of The Jamaica National Group, a legacy partner of the biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference and presenting sponsor for the summit.

Chief Executive Officer of The Jamaica National Group, Honourable Earl Jarrett,
commended the work of the Jamaican Diaspora network across the USA and pointed
out that, “strategic partnerships and alliances are critical going forward, hence, the need for individual Jamaican Diaspora groups to determine their respective missions, build capacity, and formulate an effective network to deliver specific projects.”

“We, therefore, look forward to the November summit, to be held in Morrow, Georgia; and encourage those of Jamaican heritage residing in the United States to participate,” Mr. Jarrett stated.
Individuals and entities wishing to participate are asked to visit https://jdusaleadershipsummit.eventbrite.com or email info@jdneusa.org

Scotiabank announced an agreement to sell its banking operations in nine non-core markets in the Caribbean to Trinidad-based Republic Financial Holdings Limited.

The countries included Anguilla, Antigua, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Maarten, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, according to a Scotiabank release.

Republic Financial indicated that it will spend a total of US$123 million for the acquisition.

“The purchase price represents a US$25 million consideration for the total shareholding of Scotiabank Anguilla Limited, and a premium of US$98 million over net asset value for operations in the remaining eight countries,” stated Republic Financial, adding that the purchase price does not include any amounts required to capitalize the businesses.

“These transactions are not financially material to Scotiabank,” said the bank in the release geared at its Canada investors.

The agreement is subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. Already  Prime Minister, Gaston Browne of Antigua & Barbuda has expressed disappointment at the planned deal.

The deal should increase Scotiabank’s common equity tier 1 capital ratio by some 10 basis points upon closing. Tier one common capital ratio is a measurement of a bank’s core equity capital compared with its total risk-weighted assets that signifies its financial strength. Tier 1 common capital excludes any preferred shares or non-controlling interests.

“Due to increasing regulatory complexity and the need for continued investment in technology to support our regulatory requirements, we made the decision to focus the Bank’s efforts on those markets with significant scale in which we can make the greatest difference for our customers,” said Ignacio Deschamps, group head, international banking at Scotiabank in the release.

“Scotiabank is committed to the Caribbean as demonstrated by the Bank’s ongoing investment in products, services and processes to provide an enhanced banking experience to customers across the region,” he added.

Republic Financial is a leading financial group based in Trinidad & Tobago with operations across the Caribbean and Ghana. As part of the proposed deal, Scotiabank employees in the nine countries will join the Republic Group.

Scotiabank’s global banking and markets division acted as exclusive financial advisor to Scotiabank on the transaction. Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP acted as Scotiabank’s legal advisor.

Scotiabank, based in Canada, operates a chain of banks in 50 countries with more than 25 million customers.

– steven.jackson@gleanerjm.com