Music: Tranquil rides the smooth waves

At an early age Vivian Thomas, Ian as he is popularly called (right), developed a love for music.

Growing up in the central community of Kendal, Manchester, the community became his audience, backed by his father's sound system and rivals in the form of his uncles. They would take turns on the microphone free styling and building rhythms.

His early performances includes  schools and community concerts and his most recent appearance on TVJ Smile Jamaica (Roll out) where he was given 10/10 by the judges placing him first. He eventually adopted the stage name Tranquil, a symbol of his calm, generally unruffled demeanour.

Tranquil says his mission is to create music for all age groups to enjoy while spreading a message of equal opportunity and positivism.  The 27 year old singer/songwriter who also holds a Bachelor’s degree,  believes in upliftment through education. He currently balances his burgeoning entertainment career with work as a financial professional.

His first hit recording, "Beg Yuh A Buss" was recorded in 2015 . Since then, his passion and drive to fill every home with his music escalated. Tranquil continues to write and produce reggae music with positive messages and an infectious beat. The first release from Tranquil Productions, "Crazy Love", features international artist Wild Wassi and Jamaican up-and-comer Artiste Desire.

Tranquil

 whatsapp:4087437
Instagram:@ditranquil1
Twitter:@ditranquil1

Brands: LASCO Dials up Huawei

Just in time for the "gifting" season, of course, consumer products and rising financial services giant LASCO Financial has linked into mobile phone/devises maker Huawei to offer the full line of Huawei phones and devices to Jamaicans, with t terms available for those who wish to tighten up on their cash.

The latest models were placed in the capabable hands (the legs, torsos and hips were fine too, just saying) of errrr.....the latest models, for the guests to view, but were also available for closer inspection and light demo to the back of the room.

At the Liguanea Club last week,  the principals of both firms stepped up to speak of the wonders of the new partnership and to encourage patrons to avail themselves of the newest shiny things. There was live entertainment from singer Mario Evon, accompanied by Djenne Greaves on keys, and, once the spirits had soaked in, some serious throwback 90s dancehall, to keep feet happy.

Business:To Bank, or Not to Bank? the island's two mortgage giants go different ways

The two shareholder annual meetings had markedly different tenors. At the Pegasus, the main ballroom had an expectant air, the air of a giant in transition. There, Earl Jarrett, General Manger (more on that later) of the Jamaica National Building Society, comfortably the nation's largest mortgage lender, and a firm rapidly on the move both geographically and service-wise over the last decade, announced that a "no objection" letter had been received from the Central Bank (Bank of Jamaica) to JN's long-standing proposal to establish a commercial bank.

This was a crucial development in the regulatory process, but, as Jarrett pointed , by no means the ultimate step. Pressed for a more specific timeline, he cautioned that the new entity would definitely NOT  be operational before the end of the 1st quarter of 2016. When it does come on stream, he said, it would significantly boost JN's operational capacity, and - ultimately - revenue and profit position. the banking sector has seen some heat in recent months, with insurance/financial giant Sagicor operationalizing its purchase of the former Royal Bank of Canada and with market number two, bank of Nova Scotia undergoing a region-wide rationalization of branches.

No such mood over at the Knutsford Court just days after, where number two mortgage lender Victoria Mutual, which has also expanded its reach into other financial services but has no plans, at leas in the foreseeable future, to return to the banking arena (it had operated, in tandem with insurer Island Life, the groundbreaking Island Victoria Bank in the 90s, before the FINSAC scythe). Chairman Michael McMorris did state to members that the company was looking for opportunities to expand its ATM network, which it has grown on the back of an aggressive "no or low fees" strategy and the more expected home sweepstakes promotion.

Both organizations are well run and known for the kind of prudent yet occasionally aggressive management that spawned deep shareholder (member) loyalty and goodwill, with one notable JN member seeking to put a motion to the meeting that Jarrett's title be "upgraded" to President, rather than GM, to reflect the scope of the portfolio

Business and Finance: Diversify, and Plan well before you Die

The cost(s) of living we all know; not that many know the manifold costs of dying, which those left behind must bear. Aside from the obvious funeral expenses, there are myriad transfer taxes, stamp duties and legal and other fees, depending on the asset value of the deceased.

This was among the unwelcome yet useful bits of info that emerged from a Scotia seminar on estate Planning held jointly by the investment and insurance arms of the financial giant at its Liguanea Branch
Noted Estate  attorney and part-time Lecturer at the Norman Manley Law School, Denise Henry-James spoke of the process that ensues once a loved one has departed for the beyond, including the inevitable payment of transfer tax, stamp duty, and legal and other requisite fees, depending on the value of the estate (as determined by the Government)

Hugh Reid, head of Scotia Insurance, who outlined some of the trends affecting the industry, spoke of a respite from taxes, at least for the companies - in the form of the abolition of premium income tax and investment income tax that should at least leave a greater portion of the insured's funds undisturbed by the tax man.

Trendiness may not be what one goes for in picking stocks, according to VP Treasury and trading (and unabashed Warren Buffet devotee) Gregory Samuels

Branch manager Michael Lee overdaw the proceedings, while Senior VP Sales and Service Courtney Sylvester  reminded the capacity audience of the bank's commitment to improving the financial well-being of its clients.