Scotia DBG also reported lower earnings in the first quarter. The group recorded a 14% decline in net profit to $467Mn ($1.10). Of note, the comparative quarter reflected pre JDX earnings and as such, the significant decline in yields on the securities portfolio since then has weighed on the company’s performance. Net interest income fell 27% to $730Mn. SDBG however continues to reap the benefits of growth in non interest revenue through it’s off balance sheet products and the trend should continue over the subsequent quarters. Furthermore, the group saw a reduction in costs during the quarter reflecting lower staff costs along with a general decrease in other operating expenses.

Scotia Group Jamaica (SGJ) recorded a 4.2% decline in net profit for the first quarter. The group recorded Net profit of $2.6Bn (EPS: $0.83) compared to $2.8Bn (EPS: $0.86) in the same quarter last year. The decline in earnings was triggered by the decline in net interest margin as yields on the loan and securities portfolio were lower. The group’s Retail Banking arm was the star performer during the quarter reporting a 138% increase in operating profit. However, the Corporate Banking, Treasury and Investment Management segments recorded declines of 62%, 24% and 13% respectively.

The Board of Directors of Sagicor Life Jamaica Limited has declared in interim dividend of $0.34 per share payable on April 7, 2011 to shareholders on record as at March 23, 2011. The ex-dividend date is March 21, 2011.

The annual NCB Capital Markets Sporting Clays Open will this year be held over two days in an effort to observe international shooting tournament standards. Slated for Saturday, March 12 and Sunday, March 13 at the Caymanas Golf Club; the afternoon tournament will attract over 100 shooters and promises to be yet another exciting staging.

The Board of Directors of GraceKennedy Limited (GK) has declared a dividend of $0.55 per share payable on May 27, 2011 to stockholders on record as at May 2, 2011. The ex-dividend date is April 28, 2011. GK has appointed Mr. Michael Ranglin to the Board of GK and as CEO of GK Foods Division effective March 1, 2011. The Annual General Meeting of GK will be held on Thursday, May 26, 2011 at 4:00p.m. at 73 Harbour Street, Kingston, Jamaica.

The Board of Directors of Scotia DBG Investments Limited has declared a dividend of $0.33 per share payable on April 11, 2011 to stockholders on record as at March 21, 2011. The ex-dividend date is March 17, 2011.

The Board of Directors of Scotia Group Jamaica Limited has declared a dividend of $0.37 per share payable on April 11, 2011 to stockholders on record as at March 21, 2011. The ex-dividend date is March 17, 2011.

The Annual General Meetings of Capital & Credit Financial Group Limited and Capital & Credit Merchant Bank Limited will be held on Wednesday, April 27, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. and11:30a.m. respectively. The meetings will be held at the Terra Nova All Suite Hotel, located at 17 Waterloo Road, Kingston 10.

The Board of Directors of First Jamaica Investments Limited has declared a dividend of $0.30 per share payable on March 25, 2011 to stockholders on record as at March 16, 2011. The ex-dividend date is March 14, 2011.

The Board of Directors of Pan Jamaican Investment Limited has declared a dividend of $0.32 per share payable on March 31, 2011 to stockholders on record as at March 16, 2011. The ex-dividend date is March 14, 2011.