Carib Scope

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  • Tourism in Belize Dips Slightly in October Amid U.S. Shutdown

    Tourism in Belize Dips Slightly in October Amid U.S. Shutdown

    Belize’s tourism sector witnessed a moderate contraction in visitor arrivals during October 2025, with official data revealing a 5.1% decrease compared to the same period last year. According to statistics released by the Belize Tourism Board (BTB), the country received approximately 25,600 overnight visitors—representing a reduction of roughly 1,368 tourists.

    The primary factor behind this downturn has been attributed to the temporary U.S. federal government shutdown in October, which created uncertainty and disrupted travel arrangements for potential visitors. Evan Tillett, Director of the BTB, addressed these findings during a late November press briefing, contextualizing the monthly results within broader annual trends.

    Tillett characterized 2025 as ‘highly volatile’ in terms of tourist inflow, noting that several months—including January, February, April, July, and August—achieved unprecedented arrival numbers, establishing new performance benchmarks. He emphasized that September and October traditionally represent a seasonal lull in Belize’s tourism calendar.

    Industry prospects appear favorable despite the October slump, particularly with the resolution of the U.S. government shutdown two weeks prior to Thanksgiving. This timing coincides with the commencement of Belize’s peak tourism season, positioning the industry for a robust year-end performance.

    To mitigate seasonal fluctuations, the BTB continues to deploy its green season marketing strategy, which encompasses the Belizean Travel Marketing Program. The board is also collaborating with private sector stakeholders to develop attractive promotional packages aimed at sustaining international visitor interest during traditionally slower periods.

  • Policeman faces life imprisonment, flogging if convicted on firearm charge

    Policeman faces life imprisonment, flogging if convicted on firearm charge

    A law enforcement officer from Guyana’s Region One (Barima-Waini) police division is confronting potentially extreme judicial consequences following formal accusations under the nation’s stringent firearm legislation. Constable Daniel Henry appeared before Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh on Thursday, December 4, 2025, to answer charges of possessing a firearm with demonstrated intent to inflict harm.

    The specific allegation indicates that Mr. Henry illegally possessed a weapon with the purpose of endangering human life or causing serious damage to property, an offense categorized as a felony under Section 37 of Guyana’s Firearm Offences Act Chapter 16:05. During the initial hearing, the defendant was not permitted to enter a plea. The court denied bail and ordered the accused remanded into custody until his subsequent scheduled appearance on January 14, 2026.

    This legal development emerges shortly after the political organization We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) circulated a video recording on social media. The footage depicted an individual, allegedly Mr. Henry, openly brandishing and discharging an AK-47 assault rifle while issuing threats toward another person in the Port Kaituma area. The judicial process will determine whether the individual in the video is indeed the accused officer.

    Guyanese law mandates severe punishment for such violations. If convicted, Constable Henry could receive a life imprisonment sentence coupled with corporal punishment, specifically whipping or flogging, regardless of whether the intended injury or property damage ultimately occurred. The case has attracted significant public attention, highlighting serious concerns about firearm misuse and accountability within law enforcement institutions.

  • Massy Gas Products offers to help crack down on unsafe cooking gas bottle gadgets

    Massy Gas Products offers to help crack down on unsafe cooking gas bottle gadgets

    In a significant move toward enhancing public safety, Massy Gas Products (Guyana) Limited has formally committed to collaborating with Guyanese authorities to eliminate hazardous cooking gas bottle gadgets from the market. The announcement was delivered by Chief Executive Officer Augustus Harris during his address at the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association’s (GMSA) awards ceremony on Wednesday.

    Harris emphasized the company’s dedication to working alongside the Guyana National Bureau of Standards and policymakers to address regulatory gaps that permit substandard Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) products and other dangerous goods to enter consumer markets. ‘Massy stands ready to continue working collaboratively with regulatory bodies to help close these dangerous gaps,’ Harris stated before an audience that included Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh, Minister of Labour Keoma Griffith, and Public Works Minister Juan Edghill.

    The executive outlined how Massy Gas Products would contribute its technical resources, industry expertise, and regional experience to support national safety initiatives. This commitment comes against a troubling backdrop of multiple fatalities and injuries resulting from gas cylinder explosions in recent years.

    Harris further elaborated on safety as a core cultural value across all Massy operations, noting that even a single non-compliant component could compromise engineering excellence and endanger families, businesses, and entire communities. He also highlighted the economic impact of substandard goods, explaining that responsible manufacturers who invest significantly in meeting safety standards face unfair competition from inferior products.

    While stopping short of directly criticizing enforcement practices, Harris implicitly called for consistent application of product standard regulations across the board. His vision envisions a marketplace where safety is guaranteed rather than variable, and where ‘Made in Guyana’ and ‘Service in Guyana’ become synonymous with quality, integrity, and excellence.

  • Agricultural research experts in Caribbean and Latin America reflect on Manuel Otero’s tenure as head of IICA

    Agricultural research experts in Caribbean and Latin America reflect on Manuel Otero’s tenure as head of IICA

    Agricultural research leaders from across Latin America and the Caribbean have unanimously celebrated the impactful tenure of Manuel Otero as Director General of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), whose term concludes on January 15. Under Otero’s leadership since January 2018, IICA has undergone significant transformation, particularly through strengthened alliances with FONTAGRO, the region’s premier agricultural innovation platform.

    Otero’s strategic vision focused on enhancing the competitiveness of agrifood systems, poverty reduction, and promoting sustainable natural resource management. His administration supported 212 active agricultural innovation projects engaging over 8,000 researchers throughout the region.

    Regional agricultural directors highlighted various aspects of Otero’s legacy. Nicolás Bronzovich of Argentina’s INTA stated that Otero’s vision ‘transformed agricultural cooperation in our region,’ while Peru’s INIA Executive President Jorge Ganoza Roncal acknowledged his ‘steadfast support for capacity-building efforts.’

    Chile’s INIA Food Sector Head María Teresa Pino emphasized that ‘Otero’s commitment to innovation and research has been key to improving our capabilities,’ a sentiment echoed by Colombia’s AGROSAVIA Executive Director Miguel Serrano López, who praised Otero’s ability to ‘unite diverse nations behind a common goal.’

    Costa Rica’s INTA Executive Director José Roberto Camacho Montero noted that ‘Otero’s dedication to food security has been an example to us all,’ and Ecuador’s INIAP Director Raúl Jaramillo commended his efforts to address evolving agricultural challenges.

    Panama’s IDIAP acting head Alexandra Rodríguez recognized Otero’s crucial role in fostering agricultural innovation, while Uruguay’s INIA President Miguel Sierra praised his ‘tireless efforts to unite the agricultural community of Latin America.’

    FONTAGRO Executive Secretary Eugenia Saini highlighted the strategic partnership between IICA and the innovation fund, recalling that ‘Manuel Otero opened the doors of IICA to us at a difficult time.’ She noted that his leadership ‘put us back on the map’ in international dialogues.

    Otero will be succeeded by Guyanese agronomist Muhammad Ibrahim, who assumes the Director General position on January 15.

  • Port Cargo Volume Up 9%, Gov’t Says, Signalling Strong Consumer Spending

    Port Cargo Volume Up 9%, Gov’t Says, Signalling Strong Consumer Spending

    Newly released government data indicates a significant upswing in national economic activity, with port cargo volumes climbing by a robust 9% year-on-year. This notable increase serves as a powerful barometer of the nation’s economic health, strongly suggesting that consumer spending remains vigorous despite broader global economic headwinds.

    The surge in imported goods, particularly consumer electronics, apparel, and household merchandise, points to sustained household confidence and disposable income levels. Analysts are interpreting this data as a clear indicator that domestic demand is providing a solid foundation for economic growth. The movement of goods through major national ports is often regarded as a leading economic indicator, reflecting real-time shifts in supply chains and end-consumer appetites.

    This positive trend is attributed to a combination of stable employment figures, rising wages, and easing inflationary pressures, which together have bolstered consumer purchasing power. The government report highlights that both retail and wholesale sectors are experiencing heightened activity, with logistics networks operating at near-capacity levels to meet demand. The data provides policymakers with encouraging signs that the economy is navigating potential challenges effectively, with strong internal drivers compensating for external uncertainties in the global trade landscape.

  • Finance Minister says budgets focussing on long term objectives

    Finance Minister says budgets focussing on long term objectives

    In a significant address to the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association’s annual awards ceremony, Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh articulated the government’s steadfast commitment to prioritizing long-term economic objectives over short-term populist measures. The minister revealed that Guyana’s Natural Resources Fund now holds surplus capital exceeding the nation’s entire external debt, creating a rare fiscal position among global economies.

    Dr. Singh detailed a strategic reorientation of national budgets away from government consumption toward substantial investments in economic infrastructure. This shift has dramatically transformed the composition of public spending: while public investment constituted less than 25% of the total budget in 2019, it has now surpassed 50% as of 2024. The minister characterized this transformation as a series of ‘hard choices’ necessary to ensure long-term competitiveness and prosperity, even when such decisions lack immediate popular appeal.

    The address came amid mounting public anticipation regarding potential universal cash grants, following campaign hints from President Irfaan Ali and reassurances from Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo. Opposition parties have intensified calls for the administration to fulfill these apparent electoral promises.

    Dr. Singh firmly rejected any approach that would compromise long-term economic health for short-term gains, emphasizing the government’s balanced strategy of prudent debt management and fiscal sustainability. Despite declining oil prices—with 2025 crude projections at $68 per barrel, below the initial $71.9 forecast—the minister declined to specify whether expenditure cuts would feature in the 2026 budget.

    Highlighting Guyana’s remarkable economic turnaround, Dr. Singh noted the debt-to-GDP ratio has plummeted from over 600% in 1990 to 24.3% in 2024, positioning Guyana among the world’s least indebted nations. Official figures confirm the Natural Resources Fund holds approximately US$3.64 billion, surpassing the projected 2025 external debt of US$3.77 billion—a rare achievement that enables simultaneous accelerated public investment and substantial sovereign savings.

  • Over 54,000 People Employed in Antigua and Barbuda, Jobless Rate Falls Below 5%

    Over 54,000 People Employed in Antigua and Barbuda, Jobless Rate Falls Below 5%

    The twin-island nation of Antigua and Barbuda has reached an unprecedented employment milestone, with Prime Minister Gaston Browne announcing that workforce participation has hit its highest level in modern history. During Thursday’s parliamentary presentation of the 2026 national budget, Browne revealed that over 54,000 citizens are now gainfully employed, pushing the national unemployment rate below the 5 percent threshold—a figure the administration characterizes as reaching ‘full-employment levels.’

    This remarkable turnaround represents a dramatic improvement from a decade ago, when unemployment lingered in double digits. Prime Minister Browne attributed this economic transformation to his government’s aggressive investment-driven development model and strategic policy interventions. Multiple sectors have contributed to this employment surge, with construction activity reaching a record $900 million, tourism arrivals rebounding strongly, and service industries expanding steadily.

    The administration’s capital investment programs have played a crucial role in both immediate job creation and long-term economic development. Major infrastructure initiatives—including housing developments, water system upgrades, and road rehabilitation projects—have generated substantial employment opportunities while building foundational assets for future growth.

    These employment gains coincide with other positive economic indicators: a projected 5 percent growth rate for 2026, nearly $7 billion in expected national output, and a primary fiscal surplus of $254.9 million. Looking forward, the government plans to continue its workforce development initiatives through educational investments including tuition-free access to the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus after scheduled upgrades, full payment of CSEC examination fees starting in 2026, and expanded skills training programs.

    Parliamentary debate on the 2026 budget, which outlines these economic achievements and future plans, will continue next week.

  • Local football leagues get Licensing Tips

    Local football leagues get Licensing Tips

    Saint Lucia’s football landscape is undergoing significant transformation as the nation moves toward full professionalization of the sport. On December 3, 2025, the Saint Lucia Football Association (SLFA) hosted a comprehensive Club Licensing Workshop at its La Clery headquarters, drawing over 25 administrators from across the island’s football community.

    The strategic session, facilitated by Concacaf Professional Football Administrator Leanne Lopez and Trinidad & Tobago Football Association’s Club Licensing Manager Amara Felix Toussaint, focused on implementing international standards within the Saint Lucia Semi-Professional Football League. The workshop emphasized critical operational areas including player registration protocols, transfer procedures, and sustainable development frameworks designed to elevate local clubs to global compliance standards.

    SLFA President Lyndon Cooper delivered a compelling address underscoring the urgency of adoption, stating: ‘Small countries like ours face a stark reality – implement these regulations or risk exclusion from regional and international competitions. The club licensing system isn’t optional; it’s mandatory for any club aspiring to compete beyond our shores.’

    Cooper announced the establishment of a pioneering club licensing board that will collaborate with the SLFA appeals committee to ensure transparent and equitable license distribution. This governance structure will maintain fairness regardless of club size or resources, creating a level competitive landscape.

    Concacaf’s representative Lopez emphasized the organization’s commitment to Saint Lucia’s development, noting: ‘The talent potential here is tremendous. Club licensing serves as a catalyst for professionalization, and we’re enthusiastic about supporting this progression through continued dialogue and resource allocation.’

    The workshop also highlighted critical international calendar deadlines for player registration and transfers, emphasizing the importance of temporal compliance for global participation. This initiative marks a foundational step in Saint Lucia’s journey toward football excellence, positioning the nation for enhanced regional competitiveness and international recognition.

  • Construction Sector Triples to $900M, PM Says, Marking a Decade of Unprecedented Expansion

    Construction Sector Triples to $900M, PM Says, Marking a Decade of Unprecedented Expansion

    Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced a landmark achievement for Antigua and Barbuda’s economy, revealing that the nation’s construction industry has expanded dramatically to reach a valuation of $900 million. This figure represents a threefold increase, underscoring a period of exceptional growth over the past ten years.

    The announcement, made during a national address, highlights the sector’s transformation into a critical pillar of the country’s economic framework. The Prime Minister attributed this unprecedented expansion to a combination of strategic public infrastructure projects, a surge in private foreign direct investment, and a robust residential housing market driven by the Citizenship by Investment Program (CIP).

    This sustained boom has yielded significant socioeconomic benefits, including substantial job creation across various skill levels and a notable boost to ancillary industries such as manufacturing, quarrying, and retail. The government’s policy of fostering an investor-friendly environment is cited as a key catalyst for this growth, encouraging large-scale developments in tourism, commercial real estate, and luxury housing.

    The sector’s performance is widely regarded as a bellwether for the nation’s overall economic health, with its success creating a positive multiplier effect throughout the local economy. This decade of expansion not only demonstrates resilience but also positions the construction industry as a fundamental driver of Antigua and Barbuda’s continued development and prosperity.

  • Budget 2026 Promises ‘Most People-Centred’ Agenda in Nation’s History, PM Says

    Budget 2026 Promises ‘Most People-Centred’ Agenda in Nation’s History, PM Says

    Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced a transformative fiscal blueprint for 2026, characterizing it as the most socially conscious budget in Antigua and Barbuda’s history. The comprehensive economic plan, presented under the banner “People-Centered Growth and Development,” represents a strategic shift from economic stabilization to widespread social prosperity.

    Addressing Parliament on Thursday, Browne revealed impressive economic indicators supporting this ambitious agenda. The nation anticipates 5% economic growth in 2026, with gross domestic product approaching $7 billion. Fiscal metrics show remarkable improvement: a primary surplus of $254.9 million, overall surplus of $116.3 million, and debt-to-GDP ratio declining to 61.4%—nearing the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union’s 60% target for the first time.

    The administration’s economic transformation narrative highlights a journey from survival borrowing to surplus generation enabling substantial public investment. Strategic developments in tourism infrastructure, construction projects, housing initiatives, water systems, and port modernization have created broad-based economic momentum.

    Social program enhancements form the budget’s cornerstone. Commitments include fully subsidized university education at the upgraded University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus, government-covered secondary education examination fees starting 2026, and expanded affordable housing options. The measures further incorporate wage and pension increases alongside continued subsidies for essential commodities including fuel, electricity, and staple food items.

    Healthcare receives significant attention with allocated funding for a new $10 million renal treatment center and the revitalization of cancer care facilities. Infrastructure development focuses on road network improvements, enhanced water production capabilities, and climate-resilient construction to address hurricane vulnerabilities.

    While acknowledging persistent global economic challenges, Browne emphasized national resilience achieved through strategic planning and disciplined fiscal management. The Prime Minister urged continued stability, noting that sustained progress requires consistent commitment rather than occurring automatically.

    Ministers will provide detailed departmental breakdowns when parliamentary budget debates commence next week.