In a significant move to revitalize Haiti’s economy, the Bank of the Republic of Haiti (BRH) unveiled its latest initiative, ‘Booster PME III,’ during the 11th Entrepreneurship Forum in Cap-Haïtien on December 4th, 2025. BRH Governor Ronald Gabriel underscored the critical role of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) as \”one of the most powerful levers for revitalizing the Haitian economy,\\” highlighting their contribution to approximately 25% of the nation’s GDP and their vital function in job creation.\n\nExecutive Riphard Sérent detailed the program’s ambitious scope, which targets support for 300 businesses across three distinct regions of Haiti. The initiative will focus on a diverse range of sectors deemed essential for economic growth, including agriculture, agribusiness, tourism, crafts, and the emerging digital services industry.\n\nThe comprehensive support framework of Booster PME III is built on multiple strategic pillars designed to foster sustainable business development. These include financial empowerment through facilitated access to capital, intensive training and technical mentorship for project leaders, and a strong emphasis on improving financial literacy in alignment with the National Education and Training Plan (PNEF). The program also prioritizes enhancing governance standards within SMEs and specifically champions businesses established or managed by women, addressing gender disparities in entrepreneurship.\n\nFurthermore, the initiative strengthens Haiti’s financial inclusion objectives under the National Financial Inclusion Strategy (SNIF) initiated in 2014, while also working to improve SME accessibility to formal financial markets. This third phase represents the culmination of a sustained effort by the BRH, which has been intensifying its support for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) for over four years through training, financing, and sector-specific research.\n\nWith the successful deployment of all three Booster PME phases, the central bank projects that it will have supported nearly 500 MSMEs by the conclusion of the 2025-2026 fiscal year, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to delivering concrete solutions that stimulate local growth and contribute to Haiti’s broader socio-economic transformation.
分类： business
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Chevron investeert US$ 19 miljard in 2026; sterke focus op VS en Guyana
Energy giant Chevron has announced a comprehensive capital expenditure plan of $18 to $19 billion for 2026, positioning the company for strategic growth while maintaining financial discipline. The investment blueprint reveals a clear prioritization of upstream oil and gas production, particularly within United States shale operations and recently acquired offshore assets in Guyana.
The announced spending range falls at the lower end of Chevron’s previously projected $18-21 billion annual investment guidance through 2030. This disciplined approach aligns with the company’s broader strategy to reduce operational costs, enhance efficiency, and deliver superior returns to shareholders amidst evolving energy market conditions.
Chevron CEO Mike Wirth emphasized the strategic rationale behind the budget allocation: “Our 2026 capital budget targets the highest-return investments while maintaining discipline and efficiency. This approach enables us to further strengthen cash flow and profitability while positioning the company for sustainable long-term growth.”
Approximately $17 billion of the total budget is dedicated to upstream activities, with $9 billion earmarked for United States operations. This includes a substantial $6 billion investment in shale development projects. The company projects it will maintain production exceeding 2 million barrels of oil equivalent per day from its US assets throughout 2026.
Offshore developments receive significant attention with approximately $7 billion allocated to key projects including the prolific Stabroek Block offshore Guyana, Eastern Mediterranean operations, and production facilities in the Gulf of Mexico.
The downstream division is expected to receive approximately $1 billion in funding, representing a slight decrease compared to current year allocations.
Chevron’s strategic focus on Guyana follows its landmark $55 billion acquisition of Hess Corporation finalized in July. This transformative deal provided Chevron with a 30% stake in the highly productive Stabroek Block offshore Guyana, while simultaneously adding valuable assets in North Dakota’s Bakken shale formation to its portfolio.
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Ghanaian company to sign oil exploration agreement with Guyana
In a significant development for Guyana’s burgeoning energy sector, Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat announced Friday that Ghana-based Cybele Energy Ltd will formally sign an oil exploration agreement for Block S7 next Tuesday. The agreement grants exploration rights to Cybele Energy in a substantial 2,000 square kilometer shallow water concession.
The ministerial confirmation came during a press briefing primarily organized to announce preparations for Guyana’s 5th Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo, scheduled for February 17-20, 2026. Minister Bharrat revealed that negotiations with Cybele Energy had reached advanced stages, with the company successfully finalizing all agreement terms with the Guyanese government.
Notably, the fiscal framework remains consistent with Guyana’s established petroleum terms: 10% royalty payments, 10% corporate tax rate, 65% cost recovery provisions, and an equal 17.5% profit oil distribution between the government and venture partners. The minister indicated that while the core fiscal structure remains unchanged, certain administrative matters were subject to final negotiations, with full details to be disclosed during next week’s signing ceremony.
This agreement marks Guyana’s second shallow water block signing within recent months, following last month’s agreement with a consortium comprising TotalEnergies, Malaysia’s Petronas, and Qatar Energy. Cybele Energy, established in 2012 under the leadership of founder and CEO Beatrice Mensah-Tayui, now enters Guyana’s competitive energy landscape as an emerging international player.
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Guyana to Supply Cheaper Food to Antigua in 2026, PM Says
In a strategic move to combat rising living costs, the Antiguan government has announced a significant expansion of its agricultural trade partnership with Guyana starting in 2026. Prime Minister Gaston Browne revealed the initiative during Thursday’s parliamentary budget presentation, positioning it as a dual solution to immediate price stabilization and long-term food security challenges.
The enhanced collaboration will leverage Guyana’s position as a regional agricultural powerhouse, providing Antigua and Barbuda with increased access to competitively priced staple foods. Browne emphasized that this partnership represents a pragmatic approach to addressing global market volatility that has disrupted supply chains and driven up shipping costs in recent years.
‘Our strengthened relationship with Guyanese partners will enable us to import more affordable essential food items directly to Antiguan consumers,’ Browne stated before Parliament. The initiative directly supports the government’s recent suspension of the 42 percent Common External Tariff on selected food imports, which is already anticipated to reduce retail prices within coming weeks.
The partnership will specifically target price-sensitive staples that constitute substantial portions of household grocery expenditures, including grains, vegetables, and ground provisions. This focused approach aims to mitigate the dramatic price spikes experienced during pandemic-related supply disruptions.
Notably, the arrangement complements rather than contradicts the government’s parallel efforts to boost domestic agricultural production. Browne framed the regional partnership as part of a comprehensive strategy that includes encouraging citizens to ‘buy local’ while simultaneously developing more resilient import networks within the Caribbean community.
The Prime Minister concluded that combining enhanced regional trade relationships with strengthened domestic production capabilities would provide economic cushioning against future global market shocks. Parliamentary debate on the 2026 national budget is scheduled to continue next week.
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Free GST Weekend Starts Tomorrow!
The Belizean government has announced the implementation of two distinct General Sales Tax (GST) holiday weekends, commencing December 6th-7th and repeating December 20th-21st. This initiative temporarily suspends the standard 12.5% sales tax on retail goods, providing financial relief to consumers during the holiday season.
Financial Secretary Joseph Waight confirmed the policy while offering a candid assessment of its fiscal implications. He acknowledged the government’s intent to assist families with cost-of-living expenses while emphasizing that the measure carries significant revenue consequences for the national treasury. The official projected approximately $5 million in lost government revenue based on comparable tax holiday events held during the previous Christmas period.
Waight provided nuanced insight into the economic calculus behind tax suspensions, noting that increased consumer spending activity partially compensates for direct revenue losses. The waiver applies comprehensively to standard goods sold through local retail channels, creating a broad-based incentive for consumer participation. This marks the continuation of a established policy approach aimed at stimulating commercial activity during peak shopping periods while delivering tangible savings to households.
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Mexico Raises Wages, Proposes Shorter Workweeks; Could Belize be Next?
In a significant overhaul of its labor policies, Mexico has announced a dual-pronged approach to worker compensation and work-life balance. The administration of President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed a substantial 13% increase to the national minimum wage, set to take effect in January 2026. This adjustment will elevate daily earnings to 315.04 pesos ($17.27 USD), with a higher rate of 440.87 pesos ($24.27 USD) established for the northern border zone to address economic disparities.
Concurrently, the government has put forward a groundbreaking legislative proposal to reduce the standard workweek. The plan outlines a gradual transition from the current 48-hour benchmark down to 40 hours, with a target completion date of 2030. This initiative represents one of the most progressive shifts in working conditions in the region’s recent history.
President Sheinbaum defended these economic policies against traditional criticisms, highlighting that minimum wage rates have surged by 154% since 2018 without deterring foreign investment. “Contrary to long-held economic doctrines that warned against wage increases, we are experiencing record levels of foreign investment,” Sheinbaum stated during her weekly press briefing.
These developments emerge against a backdrop of recent economic contraction, with Mexico’s GDP reporting a 0.3% decline in the last quarter. Meanwhile, neighboring Belize appears to be observing these changes with interest. Prime Minister John Briceño announced in September plans to raise the national minimum wage to $6 BZD per hour ($3 USD) in the coming year, potentially signaling a broader regional trend toward enhanced worker compensation standards.
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Russia opens two drone production plants in the Middle East
Russian technology consortium Futurelab has announced a significant expansion of its strategic operations in the Middle East with the establishment of two comprehensive unmanned aerial systems (UAS) facilities. According to Deputy Director Ilya Shevelev’s statements to Sputnik news agency, these newly inaugurated centers represent a major advancement in the region’s drone technology landscape.
The facilities, located in two unspecified Middle Eastern nations, will serve dual purposes as both advanced training academies for drone operators and serial production hubs for light and medium-class unmanned aircraft. Shevelev characterized this development as foundational to creating ‘a complete ecosystem for unmanned technologies’ in the region, emphasizing the company’s commitment to fostering long-term technological partnerships.
Beyond their educational and manufacturing functions, the centers feature exhibition spaces showcasing current drone models, enabling potential clients to evaluate technical specifications and operational capabilities firsthand. Each facility also houses dedicated sales offices responsible for contract negotiations and export coordination, creating an integrated business environment for regional partners.
Shevelev highlighted that these comprehensive centers represent a strategic milestone in global market penetration for Russian drone technology while simultaneously accelerating the development of the Middle East’s domestic drone industry. This expansion reflects growing international demand for civilian UAS applications and Russia’s increasing role as a technology exporter to emerging markets.
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Stella Global Realty to host ‘Sip and See’ event this Saturday
Stella Global Realty (SGR) is set to bridge the gap between ambition and acquisition for Jamaica’s business community with an exclusive Commercial Investment ‘Sip and See’ event this Saturday. The gathering, tailored for entrepreneurs, investors, and industry professionals, will unfold from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the firm’s Kingston office located at 11-1/2 Connolley Avenue, Kingston 4.
The event’s innovative format is designed to fuse practical property exploration with essential financial literacy. Attendees will be granted a first-look tour of two premium commercial properties exclusively listed by Stella Global Realty, providing a tangible sense of available opportunities.
Moving beyond the showcase, the core of the event lies in its specialized educational workshops. These sessions are dedicated to deconstructing the intricate process of commercial financing. Key topics will include actionable strategies for securing loan approval, with direct advice on the necessary documentation and financial prerequisites. A significant focus will be placed on effective Loan-to-Value (LTV) offsetting strategies, offering businesses crucial tips on securing additional funding to make large-scale commercial purchases more accessible.
Tiffany Gray, Founder and CEO of Stella Global Realty, emphasized the mission: ‘In today’s market, ownership is the ultimate tool for wealth building. Leveraging our international resources and experience across Jamaica and 13 U.S. states, we are uniquely positioned to teach entrepreneurs how to use real estate to build generational wealth.’
Adding considerable weight to the financial discourse, CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank, alongside other major financial institutions, will lead conversations. This provides attendees with direct expert insight into the current lending landscape and a rare opportunity to network with key decision-makers capable of financing their next acquisition.
The overarching aim is to empower the local business community by providing the knowledge and resources necessary to transition from leasing to powerfully owning commercial real estate. Attendance is limited and requires registration via the official Eventbrite page.
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WATCH: ‘My Maison’ debuts with handpicked lifestyle and skincare brands
KINGSTON, Jamaica — A new retail establishment has emerged in the Corporate Area, transforming the local shopping scene for home décor, fashion, and specialty gifts. My Maison, a lifestyle boutique founded by the entrepreneurial in-law duo Alexa Bicknell and Krista Bicknell, represents the culmination of a shared vision between the two partners.
Strategically positioned at Shop #8 within McMaster Plaza, the boutique presents an extensive array of meticulously selected merchandise. The inventory spans children’s items and toys to contemporary clothing lines, beauty essentials, and an assortment of distinctive gifts. The founders have placed significant emphasis on curating products that meet specific quality and aesthetic standards, distinguishing their offering in the local market.
In a detailed commentary on their product philosophy, the founders highlighted their commitment to creating a retail environment that harmonizes style with substance. Krista Bicknell provided specific insight into their beauty selections, noting, ‘These formulations are ideal for individuals with highly sensitive skin, as they prevent irritation. Specifically engineered for Jamaica’s tropical climate, the products deliver a soft, gentle sensation without any residual heaviness.’
Early market reception has been markedly positive. An eager customer shared, ‘The arrival of such a store has been long anticipated. Its charm is undeniable, and the product range is comprehensively appealing.’
The founding partners conveyed profound enthusiasm regarding their launch and issued a warm invitation to the community: ‘We are thrilled to open our doors and invite everyone to experience My Maison firsthand.’
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Flow issues rebates to over 230,000 customers affected by Hurricane Melissa
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In response to widespread service disruptions caused by Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact on telecommunications infrastructure, provider Flow Jamaica has unveiled comprehensive relief measures including automatic rebates for over 230,000 fixed-line customers affected by extended outages.
The hurricane particularly devastated western Jamaica regions, where communication infrastructure suffered severe damage resulting in prolonged service interruptions. The company’s rebate program forms part of a multi-tiered customer support strategy implemented throughout the hurricane crisis.
Preemptive measures taken before Melissa’s arrival included providing all mobile customers with complimentary 1GB data packages and guaranteeing no service disconnections regardless of outstanding balances, ensuring Jamaicans could maintain vital communications during the emergency.
Following the hurricane’s passage, Flow deployed emergency response teams to severely affected communities, distributing free SIM cards, mobile devices, and data plans to facilitate reconnection during recovery operations.
Nyree Coke, Flow’s Customer Experience Director, emphasized the company’s customer-centric approach: “Our communities have endured tremendous hardship, and we recognize communication’s critical role in crisis situations. These rebates demonstrate our steadfast commitment to supporting customers through recovery. We maintain our focus on compassionate service, transparent communication, and sustained support during island-wide restoration.”
The automated rebate system will credit affected fixed-line customers from October 29th until their service restoration date, with continuing monthly credits until full service resumes. Customers will receive electronic notifications via email and SMS for each credit application.
Billing implementation will see November credits reflected on December statements, with subsequent rebates for November 21-December 8 and December 9-23 periods appearing on January 2026 bills. Flow advises customers with active services to maintain regular payment schedules to ensure seamless credit applications and avoid disconnections related to pre-November arrears.
The company confirmed technical teams are collaborating with national emergency services and utility partners to accelerate restoration, deploying technicians immediately as commercial power returns to affected areas.
Customers requiring additional support can contact Flow’s customer experience team through email at customerfirst@cwc.com or WhatsApp 876-620-2200.