Carib Scope

分类： business

  • Rosebel eert 30 jaar trouwe medewerkers

    Rosebel eert 30 jaar trouwe medewerkers

    PARAMARIBO – In a significant celebration of workforce dedication, Zijin Rosebel Gold Mines recognized 162 employees reaching career milestones during a special ceremony held Saturday in Brokopondo. The event spotlighted personnel with service periods ranging from 5 to 30 years at the prominent gold mining operation.

    The anniversary gala, hosted at Roeli’s Event Venue in Wanica, transformed into an evening of appreciation through live musical entertainment and comedic performances by Glenn Huisden. Each honored employee received a commemorative award, official certificate, and monetary bonus in recognition of their service contributions.

    Country Director Stephanie Lobbrecht emphasized the human capital foundation of the company’s operations: “We celebrate our people because they form the very heart of Rosebel. Without their consistent efforts, the achievements we deliver daily for both the company and nation would remain unattainable.”

    This year’s recognition ceremony encompassed 436 milestone achievers across multiple service tiers: 328 employees marking five years of service, 5 reaching ten years, 28 achieving fifteen years, and 73 celebrating twenty years of employment. Notably, one employee commemorated a quarter-century with the organization, while another achieved the exceptional milestone of thirty years’ service.

    Lobbrecht confirmed the company currently employs approximately 1,700 workers while highlighting Rosebel’s organizational priorities: “Safety remains our absolute top priority. Nothing is more devastating than when individuals leave home and fail to return safely. Beyond this fundamental commitment, team spirit remains indispensable. It is precisely through our strong collaborative dynamics that we have maintained production excellence throughout so many years.”

  • Caribbean Manufacturers’ Association boss laments humbugs to regional trade

    Caribbean Manufacturers’ Association boss laments humbugs to regional trade

    Georgetown, Guyana – Caribbean manufacturers are confronting significant structural obstacles to regional trade integration, with harmonization issues and protectionist policies undermining economic cooperation efforts. Ramsey Ali, President of the Caribbean Manufacturers’ Association (CMA), voiced these concerns during a recent trade forum organized by World Trade Centre Georgetown.

    The absence of standardized food import regulations across CARICOM member states remains a persistent challenge. Ali highlighted how varying requirements force exporters to navigate disparate inspection protocols, creating unnecessary delays and increased operational costs. “The distinct different requirements, including the need for inspectors from intended buying countries, point to the absence of a common set of rules,” Ali stated, noting this non-tariff barrier has persisted for years without resolution.

    A particularly contentious issue involves the Common External Tariff (CET) waiver process. Ali criticized member states for routinely blocking waiver requests despite demonstrated inability to supply certain products regionally. The objection process through CARICOM’s Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) proves excessively time-consuming and costly for businesses awaiting essential raw materials.

    Furthermore, Ali accused several CARICOM governments of systematically violating CET provisions by permitting extra-regional imports without applying protective tariffs. This practice undermines local manufacturers who have invested substantially in production capabilities. “There are hundreds of pending court cases about that violation across the region,” revealed Ali, whose own company faces ten such legal challenges.

    The debate revealed divergent perspectives on CARICOM’s institutional effectiveness. Former Guyana Foreign Minister Carl Greenidge defended the organization’s technical staff while acknowledging COTED’s limitations as “the least effective of all ministerial bodies.” Greenidge attributed implementation failures to member states prioritizing sovereignty over collective commitments.

    Contrasting this view, CARICOM Single Market expert Neville Bissember maintained that the COTED mechanism provides adequate space for negotiating medium-to-long term exemptions, asserting that “the thing is working.” Belize’s High Commissioner to Guyana, Gale Miller-Garnett, emphasized the CET’s importance for protecting domestic industries and strengthening CARICOM’s external negotiating position.

    The forum underscored the tension between regional integration aspirations and national economic interests, highlighting the urgent need for institutional reforms to facilitate smoother trade operations across the Caribbean community.

  • Locally-made products now on sale on GMSA-sponsored website

    Locally-made products now on sale on GMSA-sponsored website

    In a significant move to bolster domestic commerce, the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) has officially relaunched its upgraded e-commerce platform, the UncappeD Marketplace. This digital hub now features a wide array of locally processed agricultural goods and manufactured products, offering nationwide free delivery services to consumers.

    The initiative, supported by at least 30 businesses currently operating on the platform, represents a strategic effort to empower local producers and expand their market reach. According to GMSA Communications Officer Nikeshia Castello, this development marks a pivotal advancement in enabling Guyanese entrepreneurs to scale their operations and establish direct connections with customers across the country.

    This project emerges from a collaborative memorandum of understanding between GMSA and the International Trade Centre (ITC), funded by the European Union. The partnership aims to enhance nutritious food production, reinforce food security, and develop sustainable value chains throughout the Caribbean region.

    GMSA Executive Member Ramsey Ali emphasized the timely nature of the website’s relaunch, urging citizens to support local entrepreneurs. He highlighted the substantial improvements in product labeling and packaging over the past decade, noting that these small businesses have demonstrated remarkable progress and now offer convenient shopping experiences.

    The association has announced forthcoming developments including a dedicated mobile application and expanded payment options through Mobile Money Guyana (MMG) and bank transfer facilities.

    GMSA President Rafeek Khan issued a compelling call for patriotic consumerism, stressing that supporting local brands is essential for national economic development. He affirmed that quality and standards continue to improve significantly, making local products increasingly competitive.

    In a related development, Khan revealed that the 62-year-old association plans to invest GY$250 million in establishing a private business incubator for companies of all sizes, demonstrating the private sector’s commitment to fostering economic growth independent of government initiatives.

  • Ready for rush

    Ready for rush

    Despite the devastating impact of Category 5 Hurricane Melissa, western Jamaica’s freight forwarding sector demonstrates remarkable resilience with sustained shipping volumes and record-breaking Black Friday performance. Major logistics providers and customs authorities report operational stability amid Christmas season demands, signaling economic recovery in the hardest-hit regions.

    ipCourier CEO Gavin Lindsay reveals unprecedented Black Friday shipment numbers from western parishes, indicating a rapid return to pre-hurricane consumer patterns. Meanwhile, AirDrop Shipping maintains shipment volumes comparable to last year despite infrastructure challenges, with minimal delivery delays reported across their St. James and Westmoreland operations.

    The Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) confirms operational readiness for seasonal demands, implementing extended working hours and staff reinforcements at western facilities. While acknowledging occasional clearance delays due to external factors like vessel scheduling and documentation errors, JCA emphasizes maintained processing efficiency for properly submitted goods.

    Post-hurricane shipping trends reveal significant shifts in consumer behavior, with substantial increases in generator imports and solar equipment following government tax waivers for recovery items. AirDrop’s customer service supervisor Ramiella Griffiths notes persistent e-commerce activity despite logistical constraints, with Christmas decorations and event-related shipments continuing alongside recovery-focused purchases.

    Logistics companies have adapted operations through data-driven capacity expansion and flexible storage policies, accommodating customers requiring extended collection deadlines due to displacement or communication challenges. The industry’s adaptive measures include temporary authorization protocol adjustments and promoted relief initiatives that have contributed to shipping volume recovery.

    While infrastructure limitations create space constraints for oversized items like generators, companies report innovative solutions through overseas warehouse coordination and prioritized air freight. The sustained online shopping trend reflects both necessity-driven purchasing and returning consumer confidence, with western Jamaican customers increasingly relying on doorstep delivery services where local retail options remain limited.

  • Legislation being drafted against price-gouging

    Legislation being drafted against price-gouging

    Trinidad and Tobago’s Consumer Affairs Division currently lacks legal authority to penalize businesses engaging in price-gouging practices, though comprehensive consumer protection legislation is now in development. This critical gap in enforcement capabilities emerged during a December 5 Joint Select Committee on Finance and Legal Affairs meeting, where officials addressed the nation’s escalating food security challenges and mounting import expenses.

    Committee Chair Dr. Marlene Attzs, alongside members Brian Manning and Vishnu Dhanpaul, confronted trade ministry representatives about persistently high grocery prices that continue to burden consumers. When questioned whether tax and duty removals on imported food actually resulted in retail price reductions, Trade Facilitation Director Neville Alexander acknowledged the ministry’s monitoring efforts but confirmed they could only provide guidance rather than enforcement.

    “We monitor prices before and after implementation of measures,” Alexander explained. “We inform the public about expected savings from government actions, but ultimately advise consumers to avoid retailers who fail to pass on these benefits—this represents our current approach.”

    The absence of legal penalties leaves consumers vulnerable, a concern underscored by Attzs during the proceedings. Candice Hicks, Director of the Legal Unit, revealed that consumer protection legislation featuring a penalty framework is now prioritized at the bill stage. “We’ve placed it at the top of our legislative agenda,” Hicks stated, while noting the ministry cannot control parliamentary timing. The target for completing ministerial preparations is the first quarter of 2026.

    Permanent Secretary Abigail Bynoe indicated that implementing enforcement capabilities would necessitate additional staffing and potential restructuring of the division to handle investigations. Meanwhile, agriculture officials provided context for why tax removals don’t always translate to consumer savings. Acting Chief Technical Officer Dr. Ian Mohammed noted importers frequently cite external cost pressures to justify maintaining high prices.

    Bynoe presented significant economic data, revealing Trinidad and Tobago’s food import bill stands at US$1.08 billion against exports of approximately US$500 million. She emphasized that many imports constitute essential raw materials for local production, supporting higher value-added manufacturing and foreign exchange earnings through exports. The poultry industry exemplifies this dynamic, where imports of hatching eggs and feed enable both domestic market satisfaction and substantial export value.

    The government has established ambitious targets: reducing the food import bill by US$2 billion while increasing exports by US$1 billion. Achieving these goals will require modernizing farming practices, investing in critical infrastructure, improving water management, addressing agricultural crime, and revitalizing strategic agricultural industries through expanded value-added production.

  • Paramount counters Netflix with cash bid for Warner Bros Discovery

    Paramount counters Netflix with cash bid for Warner Bros Discovery

    In a dramatic escalation of entertainment industry consolidation, Paramount Global has initiated an unsolicited all-cash acquisition bid for Warner Bros. Discovery, offering $30 per share in a move that directly challenges Netflix’s previously announced agreement with WBD.

    The tender offer, announced Monday from Paramount’s Washington headquarters, values the entertainment conglomerate at approximately $108.4 billion. This represents a substantial 139% premium over Warner Bros. Discovery’s September stock price of $12.54, signaling Paramount’s aggressive pursuit of the acquisition.

    Paramount leadership explicitly characterized Netflix’s competing proposal as “inferior and uncertain” in their official statement. David Ellison, Chairman and CEO of Paramount, emphasized shareholder interests, stating: “WBD shareholders deserve an opportunity to consider our superior all-cash offer that provides immediate value and certainty.”

    The proposed merger would create one of the largest media entities globally, combining Paramount’s extensive film library and streaming platform with Warner Bros. Discovery’s vast content portfolio including HBO, Warner Bros. studios, and Discovery networks. This consolidation would significantly alter the competitive landscape of the entertainment industry, potentially creating a content powerhouse capable of challenging established streaming giants.

    Industry analysts note the bid comes at a time of unprecedented transformation in media, as traditional entertainment companies seek scale to compete in the increasingly crowded streaming marketplace. The all-cash nature of Paramount’s offer provides shareholders with immediate liquidity, contrasting with stock-based alternatives that carry market volatility risks.

    The tender offer initiates what could become a protracted bidding war for Warner Bros. Discovery, with market observers anticipating potential counteroffers from Netflix or other interested parties in the evolving media landscape.

  • JMMB Money gives clients opportunity to win $2 million with ‘Share the Love’ promotion

    JMMB Money gives clients opportunity to win $2 million with ‘Share the Love’ promotion

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant post-hurricane recovery initiative, Jamaica Money Market Brokers (JMMB) Money Transfer has unveiled its ‘Share the Love’ promotional campaign, offering clients the opportunity to win substantial cash prizes totaling $2 million during the festive season.

    The comprehensive promotion, active from December 5, 2025, through January 31, 2026, will culminate in a prize draw on February 9, 2026, where twenty fortunate winners will each receive $100,000. This corporate social responsibility effort specifically acknowledges the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa on local communities and aims to support those providing financial assistance to loved ones during the recovery period.

    Eligibility for participation extends to all JMMB Money Transfer clients in Jamaica who are at least 18 years of age. Participants can enter the drawing through two primary methods: receiving inbound remittances via JMMB Money Transfer services, with each transaction qualifying for one entry, or by utilizing the JMMB Money Transfer Visa Prepaid Card, where every $5,000 spent generates an additional entry opportunity.

    Sharon Gibson, Chief Executive Officer of JMMB Money Transfer, emphasized the philosophical foundation behind the initiative: “Within our organization, we recognize that each financial transaction embodies profound elements of love, care, and personal sacrifice. This campaign represents our commitment to empowering Jamaican families, fortifying community resilience, and demonstrating that even during periods of adversity, acts of generosity can create meaningful positive change. We take immense pride in supporting our clients through this substantial giveback program.”

    The promotion operates in full compliance with Jamaican regulatory frameworks, specifically adhering to Section 58(3) of the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Act, with complete terms and conditions available to all participants.

  • Petrojam reopens Montego Bay fuel terminal after hurricane repairs

    Petrojam reopens Montego Bay fuel terminal after hurricane repairs

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Petrojam Limited, Jamaica’s state-owned oil refinery, announced Monday the successful restoration of fuel distribution operations from its Montego Bay terminal. This critical supply line to the nation’s western parishes had been inoperative for four weeks following Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact in late October.

    The company’s industrial loading facility in St. James parish, severely affected by the late October storm, has now resumed full operations after extensive rehabilitation efforts. Throughout November, the western region relied exclusively on fuel supplies transported from Petrojam’s primary terminal in Kingston, creating logistical challenges and extended delivery times.

    Brian Case, Acting Reliability and Maintenance Manager at Petrojam, expressed satisfaction with the restoration progress: “We are delighted to have been able to reopen over the past few days. Our dedicated teams worked tirelessly around the clock to complete these essential repairs under challenging circumstances.”

    The reactivated terminal has restored complete daily distribution capabilities for multiple fuel products, including 87 and 90-octane gasoline grades, ultra-low sulphur diesel, and specialized aviation fuel. Comprehensive rehabilitation work encompassed enhancements to delivery infrastructure, structural reinforcement of storage tanks and fuel pipelines, extensive debris clearance, and security perimeter repairs.

    During the disruption period, Petrojam implemented innovative communication strategies, utilizing social media platforms to assist motorists in locating operational service stations through regular Fuel Station Finder updates. The company further emphasized that fuel quality standards remained uncompromised throughout the recovery period, maintained through their ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratory facilities in Kingston.

    As Jamaica’s sole petroleum refining entity, Petrojam’s operational restoration signifies a crucial milestone in the nation’s post-hurricane recovery efforts, ensuring stabilized energy supply chains to affected western regions.

  • Amazon launches low-cost shopping app in Jamaica

    Amazon launches low-cost shopping app in Jamaica

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – E-commerce behemoth Amazon.com Inc has officially introduced its dedicated budget shopping application, Amazon Bazaar, to the Jamaican market, marking the country as the 14th international location for the service. The announcement was made by the company on Monday.

    This new application forms a key component of Amazon’s worldwide ‘Haul’ project, which is specifically engineered to provide cost-effective merchandise across numerous consumer categories. The platform currently showcases an extensive inventory featuring hundreds of thousands of items spanning fashion apparel, home furnishings, and lifestyle products, with the vast majority being offered at prices under J$1,600.

    An Amazon representative stated, ‘We are thrilled to unveil Amazon Bazaar, a distinct standalone shopping application that is now accessible to consumers in Jamaica.’

    The corporation clarified that the ‘Bazaar’ branding is strategically employed in certain international markets as an alternative to the ‘Haul’ designation to more effectively resonate with regional language nuances and cultural contexts. Despite the difference in naming, both versions deliver an identical ultra-low-price retail experience.

    Existing Amazon account holders can seamlessly access the Bazaar platform, which incorporates comprehensive customer feedback mechanisms including written reviews and star-based ratings. The service guarantees free return options within a 15-day period following product receipt. Purchases that exceed J$5,000 in value qualify for complimentary delivery services, while smaller orders will be subject to standard shipping fees. Delivery timelines are typically within a two-week window.

    As part of its market entry strategy, Amazon will provide first-time users with a 50 percent discount on their initial order. The application additionally incorporates engaging promotional features such as social media-integrated lucky draw competitions.

    Multiple payment options are supported, including internationally recognized Visa, Mastercard, and American Express credit cards.

    The Amazon Bazaar application is currently available for download on both iOS and Android devices across fourteen markets: Hong Kong, the Philippines, Taiwan, Peru, Ecuador, Argentina, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Nigeria, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, and now Jamaica.

    Amazon has emphasized that all merchandise offered through the platform undergoes rigorous compliance verification procedures to ensure adherence to safety standards and corporate policy requirements.

  • Digicel to resume service disconnections Tuesday

    Digicel to resume service disconnections Tuesday

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Telecommunications giant Digicel has formally declared the conclusion of its customer relief initiative implemented after Hurricane Melissa, with standard billing operations and service interruption protocols for non-payment set to recommence on Tuesday, December 9.

    As a cornerstone of its post-hurricane support, the company had instituted a temporary moratorium on all service disconnections to alleviate financial pressure on its subscriber base. This grace period, officially communicated to customers via email, will be lifted on the specified date, marking a return to pre-disaster operational norms.

    In a gesture of continued support, Digicel will automatically issue account credits to clients who endured service outages during the hurricane. These financial adjustments will be itemized on the subsequent billing statement under the designation ‘Charges Waived or Written Off’ on page two, with bills due December 27 encompassing these corrections.

    Notwithstanding these credits, the provider issued a clear advisory regarding outstanding balances. Any arrears from the November 27 billing cycle that remain unsettled by December 9 may precipitate an interruption of services.

    To facilitate a smooth transition back to regular payment cycles, Digicel elaborated on a suite of payment channels:

    – SWIFT PAY: A novel service enabling third-party bill payments, with transactions processed within a 24-hour window.
    – MyDigicel App: A dedicated mobile application ensuring payments are reflected within one day.
    – Online Banking: Transactions conducted via affiliated local financial institutions, which may require up to 72 hours to process.
    – Third-Party Agencies: Including established outlets such as Paymaster, Bill Express, EVOLVE by SVL, and Prime Trust Cambio, all guaranteeing a 24-hour processing time.

    Furthermore, the company emphasized its flexibility by offering personalized payment extensions. Subscribers facing financial hurdles can engage with Customer Care to establish a structured ‘Promise-To-Pay’ arrangement. This announcement signifies a pivotal step in Jamaica’s broader economic normalization following the recent natural disaster.