Grenada Electricity Services Ltd (Grenlec), the sole electricity distributor in Grenada, has announced its financial performance for 2024, revealing a mixed outcome. Despite maintaining profitability, the company experienced a significant decline in operating profit, which dropped by more than 50% from $43.11 million in 2023 to $20.7 million in 2024. Net profit also fell sharply to $7.6 million, down from $21.29 million the previous year. The company attributed the increased operating costs, excluding fuel, to heightened generation maintenance and the rental of emergency units, which rose from $74.67 million in 2023 to $90.86 million in 2024. However, Grenlec achieved a record non-fuel dollar sales growth of 10.52%, increasing from $99.26 million in 2023 to $109.70 million in 2024. Chairman James Pitt highlighted this growth in the 2024 Annual Report, stating that it helped offset the higher operational expenses. Despite the sales growth, the board reduced dividends from 40¢ per share to 32¢ per share due to the profit decline. Retained earnings saw a modest increase to EC$64.8 million, up from EC$63.30 million in 2023, reflecting the company’s prudent financial management during a challenging year. The 2024 performance contrasts sharply with the company’s strong 2023 results, where it outperformed previous years with a 4.82% increase in kWh sold and a 26.07% revenue boost, driven by commercial and domestic sales growth.
作者： admin
-
Grenada recognised with Condé Nast Traveler and Michelin Guide Honours
Grenada has solidified its position as a world-class luxury destination, with several of its premier resorts receiving top honors from Condé Nast Traveler and the MICHELIN Guide in 2025. This dual recognition highlights the island’s commitment to excellence, authenticity, and unparalleled hospitality. Silversands Beach House claimed the title of #1 Caribbean Hotel in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, while Grenada itself was ranked among the Top 10 Best Islands in the Caribbean and Atlantic. Additionally, three of Grenada’s properties were celebrated in the 2025 MICHELIN Guide, with Calabash Grenada earning 2 MICHELIN Keys—the highest distinction among Caribbean recipients—and Spice Island Beach Resort and Six Senses La Sagesse each receiving One MICHELIN Key. The MICHELIN Key program, a new initiative for hotels, recognizes properties that deliver extraordinary guest experiences, setting benchmarks in service, design, and authenticity. Stacey Liburd, CEO of the Grenada Tourism Authority, emphasized that these accolades reflect the island’s growing influence as a luxury destination. Dennis de Groot of Silversands Beach House and Adele Garbutt-Decaul of Calabash Grenada expressed pride in their teams’ dedication and the island’s unique charm. Janelle Hopkin of Spice Island Beach Resort and George Vlachopoulos of Six Senses La Sagesse also highlighted their commitment to sustainability and transformative guest experiences. These awards not only celebrate Grenada’s hospitality industry but also reinforce its status as a Caribbean gem where luxury meets genuine warmth.
-
Storm Melissa triggers red alert in several provinces
In response to the severe weather conditions brought by Tropical Storm Melissa, Dominican authorities have declared a red alert across several provinces. The affected regions include Greater Santo Domingo, encompassing the National District, as well as San Cristóbal, Peravia, Azua, Barahona, Pedernales, San José de Ocoa, and San Juan de la Maguana. The storm has unleashed torrential rains, raising concerns over potential flooding and other related hazards. As a preventive measure, educational institutions in the impacted areas have suspended classes, and government employees have been instructed to conclude their workday by 1:00 p.m. Officials are urging residents to remain vigilant and adhere strictly to the directives issued by emergency and civil defense agencies to ensure safety and minimize risks during this critical period.
-
U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo closes due to Tropical Storm Melissa
The U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo has announced its temporary closure on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, in response to the severe weather conditions caused by Tropical Storm Melissa. The storm continues to batter the Dominican Republic with torrential rains and powerful winds, prompting widespread safety concerns. In an official statement, the embassy confirmed the suspension of all consular services, including visa and passport processing, affecting both U.S. citizens and Dominican nationals. Affected individuals will receive detailed instructions via email on rescheduling their appointments in the coming days. For urgent assistance, U.S. citizens are advised to contact the embassy’s emergency line at 809-567-7775. The closure aligns with preventive measures enacted by Dominican authorities, who have issued a red alert for Greater Santo Domingo and several southern provinces as the storm persists. The embassy emphasized the importance of prioritizing safety during this hazardous weather event.
-
Does Japan’s First Female Prime Minister Signal Real Change for Women?
Japan has made history with the appointment of Sanae Takaichi as its first female prime minister, marking a significant milestone in a nation where political leadership has traditionally been male-dominated. While her ascent to power is celebrated by some as a breakthrough for women’s representation, it has also sparked debate over whether her leadership genuinely advances gender equality. Critics highlight Takaichi’s conservative stance on issues such as same-sex marriage, separate surnames for married couples, and female succession in the imperial family, arguing that her policies reinforce traditional norms rather than challenge them. A 21-year-old Japanese citizen remarked, ‘Everyone’s saying this is a great opportunity for women’s empowerment, but I think that’s a very naive interpretation. She perpetuates the patriarchal system.’ Japan’s struggle with gender equality remains evident, as it ranks 118th out of 148 nations in the World Economic Forum’s 2025 Gender Gap Index, with women holding only 15.7% of parliamentary seats. Despite these concerns, some view Takaichi’s appointment as a symbolic victory. Naomi Koshi, Japan’s youngest-ever female mayor, stated, ‘There is great significance in Ms. Takaichi becoming prime minister. It lowers psychological barriers for women and girls to see leadership as normal.’ However, skeptics argue that her policies align closely with those of her male predecessors, raising questions about the depth of change her leadership represents.
-
Tussen mist en muur: Onze uitdaging in de Chinese bergen
On a chilly autumn day, a diverse group of journalists from the China International Press Communication Center 2025 Program embarked on an unforgettable adventure to the Great Wall of China. Despite the biting cold and unexpected rain, the group, hailing from the Asia-Pacific region, the Caribbean, the Arab world, and former Soviet states, set out with determination to conquer one of the world’s most iconic landmarks. Clad in layers of warm clothing, they braved the elements, their spirits undeterred by the challenging weather. The journey began with a two-hour bus ride, during which the majestic mountains, shrouded in mist, came into view, setting the stage for the day’s adventure. Arriving at Juyongguan, a strategic pass of the Great Wall located 60 kilometers from Beijing, the group was greeted by a breathtaking landscape that seemed straight out of a fairy tale. The steep, winding path of the Wall, combined with the Yuntai Cloud Platform—a masterpiece from the Yuan Dynasty—offered both a physical and mental challenge. As they began their ascent, the group quickly realized the climb would test their endurance. The uneven, steep steps demanded focus and stamina, and while some struggled, others, like Filomeno from East Timor, seemed unfazed, even opting to climb barefoot. The camaraderie among the group was palpable, with everyone encouraging one another to push forward. Along the way, they paused to capture the stunning views and reflect on the Wall’s rich history, which dates back to the 7th century BC. Despite the physical toll, the group reached the highest point, their sense of accomplishment overshadowing their fatigue. The descent proved equally challenging, with the steep steps requiring careful navigation. By the end of the journey, the journalists, though exhausted, were filled with pride and a deeper appreciation for the Great Wall’s enduring legacy. The experience not only strengthened their bonds but also left them with lasting memories of a day spent conquering one of the world’s greatest wonders.
-
Trump Claims Middle East Allies Ready to Move Into Gaza if Ceasefire Fails
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Hamas, asserting that Middle Eastern allies are prepared to deploy military forces into Gaza should the group breach the current ceasefire agreement. While Trump refrained from specifying the nations involved, he publicly acknowledged Indonesia for its regional backing. In a post on Truth Social, Trump emphasized his directive to both these allies and Israel to hold off on immediate action, expressing cautious optimism that Hamas would adhere to its commitments. “I told these countries, and Israel, ‘NOT YET!’ There is still hope that Hamas will do what is right,” he stated, adding that any violation would trigger a response that is “FAST, FURIOUS, & BRUTAL!”. Concurrently, U.S. Vice President JD Vance, during his visit to Israel, conveyed measured confidence in the ceasefire’s sustainability. “We’re in a very good place,” Vance remarked to reporters, though he acknowledged the complexities of Hamas disarmament and the prolonged efforts to recover Israeli hostages trapped under rubble. Vance also unveiled plans for a U.S.-led Civilian Military Cooperation Centre in Israel, aimed at coordinating humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts. The facility will house 200 American troops, though none will be deployed into Gaza.
-
Lawmakers Get Days to Read Coastal Bill
In a race against time to meet Belize’s Blue Bond commitments, the Senate has tentatively approved a new coastal management bill, though concerns over its rushed process and lack of stakeholder feedback have sparked debate. The legislation, designed to modernize Belize’s approach to coastal and ocean conservation, aims to align with international best practices and replace the outdated 1998 Coastal Zone Management Act. However, environmental groups and opposition senators have expressed frustration over the limited time given to review the bill. Senator Janelle Chanona highlighted that the final draft was shared just days before the Senate debate, despite over a year of consultations. Opposition Senator Patrick Faber praised the bill’s intent but criticized its execution, calling the rushed parliamentary process concerning. Senator Eamon Courtenay, Leader of Government Business, initially defended the extensive consultation process, citing 50 meetings with 400 participants across 17 coastal communities. However, after acknowledging the concerns raised, Courtenay agreed to a committee review of proposed amendments before final passage. The bill must be passed by November 4, 2025, to meet critical international milestones.
-
FLASH : Storm Mélissa threatens Haiti, 5 departments on yellow alert
Haiti is bracing for the potential impact of Tropical Storm Mélissa, as the General Directorate of Civil Protection and the Permanent Secretariat for Disaster Risk Management issued a hurricane watch for the southern peninsula on October 21, 2025. The storm, which has not yet reached hurricane status, could bring hurricane conditions to the region within the next 48 hours. The departments of Ouest, Grande’Anse, Nippes, South, and South-East are currently on yellow alert, following confirmation by Haiti’s Hydrometeorological Unit of Mélissa’s trajectory. The storm is expected to bring heavy rains, strong winds, thunderstorms, and large swells, with the Great South of Haiti being the most vulnerable area. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported that Tropical Storm Mélissa was located near 14.3 degrees North latitude and 73.5 degrees West longitude, moving west-northwest at 11 km/h. Maximum sustained winds are near 85 km/h, with gradual strengthening anticipated. The storm is expected to approach Jamaica and southwestern Haiti later this week, potentially bringing 125 to 250 mm of rain to southern Haiti through Saturday, with risks of severe flash flooding and landslides. The Departmental Directorate of Civil Protection has urged residents in affected areas to remain vigilant, avoid crossing rivers, and take precautions to protect themselves and their property. The public is advised to stay informed through reliable sources and remain calm during this critical period.
-
Former Gold Board Chairman says US Embassy provided names of suspected gold smugglers
In a recent revelation, Gabriel Lall, the former Chairman of the Guyana Gold Board (GGB), disclosed that the United States Embassy had provided a dossier containing names and photographs of individuals suspected of gold smuggling and other criminal activities. Lall, an American citizen who returned to Guyana, stated that he received the file during his tenure and promptly shared it with then Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman. The dossier reportedly included around 40 names, none of which were identified as Azruddin Mohamed or his father Nazar ‘Shell’ Mohamed, prominent figures in Guyana’s gold industry. Lall emphasized that the information was shared confidentially and did not contain definitive evidence of gold smuggling, which is why the police were not involved. He also noted that the GGB lacked specific intelligence on gold smuggling operations, relying instead on rumors and speculation. Lall expressed support for a comprehensive investigation into alleged gold smuggling, urging the involvement of the US Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) to ensure credibility. He also criticized Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo for singling him out for potential investigation, calling it political persecution. The Mohameds were previously sanctioned by the US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) in June 2024 for allegedly evading over $50 million in taxes on gold exports. Lall’s revelations shed light on the complexities of gold smuggling in Guyana and the challenges faced by authorities in addressing it.