Another Regional News Organisation Shuts Down

The Caribbean media industry is undergoing another change, with the closure of a long-standing digital outlet in the Cayman Islands and a major corporate restructuring in Jamaica.

Independent online publication IEyeNews in the Cayman Islands has shut down after nearly 14 years of operation. Founder Colin Wilson announced the closure on January 18, citing the inability of hosting provider Rackspace Technology to extend further credit. Wilson warned that without a buyer or partner, the outlet’s archive of nearly 14 years of content could be lost. He is currently seeking a buyer willing to acquire the operation for as little as $15,000.

Meanwhile in Jamaica, Radio Jamaica Limited (RJL) has received approval to proceed with a corporate restructuring that will merge several subsidiaries into a single entity. The plan will consolidate Multimedia Jamaica Limited, Independent Radio Company Limited, Gleaner Online Limited, Reggae Entertainment Television Limited, and Jamaica News Network Limited under RJL. RJL has also requested the temporary suspension of broadcast licences and spectrum for Power 106 FM and HITZ 92 FM as it addresses transmission issues and repairs infrastructure damaged by Hurricane Melissa. During this period, the company plans to focus on strengthening coverage at its main stations, Radio Jamaica 94FM and FAME 95FM, while reviewing the long-term future of the other two stations, including the possibility of divestment.

Last year, telecommunications company Digicel shut down its digital news platform Loop News and regional sports broadcaster SportsMax.

Meanwhile, in Guyana, Stabroek News has announced it will cease printing operations on March 15, 2026. The newspaper, founded in the 1960s, described the decision as “extraordinarily difficult and painful.”

The move follows the recent shutdown of Trinidad and Tobago Newsday, which ended operations last month after 32 years in circulation.

Regional news companies continue to face challenges, including rising operating costs, declining advertising revenues, and competition from global technology platforms such as Google and Facebook.