Carib Scope

分类： business

  • Air traffic slow in February

    Air traffic slow in February

    Jamaica’s aviation sector continues to navigate post-hurricane challenges as both Sangster International Airport (SIA) and Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) reported significant passenger traffic declines in February. According to recent operational data released by concession operator Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico (GAP), the combined airports processed approximately 274,500 passengers during the period, representing a substantial 31.4% decrease compared to the 400,100 passengers recorded in February 2025.

    The statistical trend reveals a consistent pattern of reduced travel activity, with January 2026 recording 284,200 passengers and December 2025 seeing 262,600 passengers processed through these facilities. While SIA bore the brunt of the decline, NMIA experienced a more moderate 2.1% reduction, handling 119,400 passengers compared to 121,900 during the same period last year.

    The operational challenges extended beyond Jamaican borders, with GAP reporting reduced air traffic at 12 of its 14 managed airports across Mexico and Jamaica. Particularly affected were Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta International Airports, which faced substantial flight cancellations due to security concerns in Mexico’s Jalisco state. This regional disruption compounded the ongoing recovery efforts from Hurricane Melissa, creating a complex operational environment for aviation authorities and travelers alike.

  • Lasco executive moves to AS Bryden

    Lasco executive moves to AS Bryden

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — AS Bryden Sons & Holdings Limited (ASBH) has announced the appointment of John De Silva as its new Group Chief Executive Officer, effective April 1. This strategic leadership change comes during a period of significant corporate restructuring for the Trinidad-based conglomerate.

    De Silva brings over three decades of executive experience to the role, most recently serving as Managing Director of Lasco Distributors Limited until his resignation on March 13. His extensive background includes a three-year tenure as Managing Director of Unilever Caribbean Limited and previous executive positions with global food giant Nestlé.

    The Trinidadian executive succeeds Richard Pandohie, who has led ASBH since June 2022 when Jamaican manufacturing and distribution company Seprod acquired a 60 percent stake in the Trinidadian firm. Pandohie continues as CEO of Seprod, which recently increased its ownership in ASBH from 50 percent to 80 percent through a share swap transaction completed in July 2025.

    This leadership appointment coincides with both publicly listed companies implementing strategic measures to strengthen their financial positions. ASBH has utilized debt financing to acquire a majority interest in Caribbean Producers (Jamaica) Limited between July 2024 and February 2025, while Seprod has divested International Biscuits Limited to sharpen its operational focus and optimize its regional distribution network.

    The companies are actively working to reduce debt levels on their respective balance sheets while positioning themselves for sustained growth across the Caribbean region.

  • Visual Vibe and Knutsford Express to launch digital advertising network

    Visual Vibe and Knutsford Express to launch digital advertising network

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s advertising landscape is undergoing a significant transformation through a strategic alliance between digital media innovator Visual Vibe Limited and transportation leader Knutsford Express Services Limited. The groundbreaking partnership will establish an extensive network of indoor digital advertising displays across 19 strategic Knutsford Express terminals throughout the island nation.

    This collaborative venture, formally announced in a joint corporate statement on Tuesday, represents a dual-purpose initiative: creating a cutting-edge digital advertising medium for brands while simultaneously elevating the passenger experience within Jamaica’s premier transportation and courier service network. The implementation will position digital screens in high-visibility areas within terminals, offering brands unprecedented access to captive audiences in high-traffic transit environments.

    The comprehensive installation project is scheduled for completion within an ambitious thirty-day timeframe, marking one of Jamaica’s most rapid digital infrastructure deployments in recent years. This accelerated timeline is made possible through substantial financial backing from Portland Holdings, which has committed US$500,000 in strategic funding to Visual Vibe specifically for expanding its digital media infrastructure capabilities.

    Industry analysts note this partnership reflects growing trends in location-based digital advertising, particularly within the transportation sector where passenger dwell times create valuable engagement opportunities. The Knutsford Express network, known for its extensive island coverage and frequent service routes, provides an ideal platform for targeted advertising campaigns reaching both urban and rural demographics across Jamaica.

    The digital network will enable dynamic content management, allowing advertisers to update messaging in real-time and tailor campaigns to specific geographic markets, time of day, or passenger demographics. This technological advancement represents a significant upgrade from traditional static advertising mediums previously available in Jamaica’s transportation sector.

  • Byles to headline Caribbean CFO Summit

    Byles to headline Caribbean CFO Summit

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The inaugural Caribbean Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Summit commences virtually on Tuesday, featuring Bank of Jamaica (BOJ) Governor Richard Byles as the opening keynote speaker. The two-day conference, organized by Signature Creed & Associates, aims to address the evolving role of financial leadership across the region.

    Governor Byles is set to deliver critical macroeconomic analysis focusing on monetary stability, contemporary financial leadership, and policy modernization within the Caribbean context. He will be joined by World Bank Group Vice President Dr. Samuel Munzele Maimbo as a fellow keynote presenter, highlighting the event’s significant caliber.

    The summit emerges against the backdrop of recent financial disruptions caused by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica, which has prompted a regional reassessment of economic resilience and disaster risk mitigation strategies. Denzil Whyte, partner at Signature Creed & Associates, noted that the hurricane symbolizes broader organizational and national challenges, emphasizing the necessity for robust risk assessment and strategic planning.

    While specifically targeting CFOs, the conference agenda encompasses a comprehensive spectrum of finance sectors, with expert speakers from insurance, investment banking, microfinance, law, and economics. Kevon McIntosh, co-founder of the event, stated that the modern finance executive’s role has expanded beyond traditional reporting and compliance to include strategic influence, technological integration, and enterprise value preservation.

    The event will be hosted by Kalilah Reynolds, with moderation handled by McIntosh, Gavin N Bennett, and Renate McDonald. Participating professionals have the opportunity to earn up to 13 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours. Further details regarding registration and the full agenda are available at the official summit website: https://caribbeancfosummit.com/.

  • Guyana still in discussions with US bulk fuel supplier despite court battle

    Guyana still in discussions with US bulk fuel supplier despite court battle

    GEORGETOWN, Guyana — The Guyanese government has confirmed that negotiations remain ongoing with US-based energy infrastructure firm Curlew Midstream regarding a proposed bulk fuel storage facility, a project that has already missed its initial deadline for completion by the end of 2025.

    President Irfaan Ali addressed reporters, stating, “We are in discussion with the legal team. They’re handling those negotiations. I’m not going to comment on where those negotiations are but they have a proposal in and we’re looking at that.” This confirmation comes amid emerging legal challenges and apparent last-minute changes to the previously agreed terms.

    Court documents from a separate litigation filed in February 2026 reveal that Curlew Midstream’s board had met with high-level Guyanese officials to finalize remaining commercial points, providing due diligence materials and financial documents with expectations that execution of the Fuel Exchange Agreement was imminent. According to filings, President Ali himself met with company representatives on January 10, 2026, confirming that Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat would execute the agreement within two days.

    However, the arrangement encountered significant obstacles when the Guyanese government subsequently presented a “signable agreement” that unexpectedly incorporated terms from a new consultant not previously involved in negotiations. These eleventh-hour modifications introduced substantial changes to key commercial points that were inconsistent with terms previously agreed upon in October 2025, when both parties had reached consensus on crude pricing, refined product pricing, terminal construction in Georgetown and Lethem, and prepayment arrangements.

    President Ali, without specifically referencing Curlew Midstream, emphasized the strategic importance of such storage infrastructure amid rising global oil prices fueled by Middle East conflicts. “Just imagine if we had a massive storage facility in Guyana under these challenges—the role Guyana could have played,” he stated, adding that several Middle Eastern nations were evaluating countries for investment opportunities to guarantee long-term energy security.

    The proposed $300 million facility would store 750,000 barrels of various fuel products and was expected to refine at least 30,000 barrels of crude daily for domestic consumption. Curlew Midstream had projected that its terminal would enable price-advantaged trading, dramatically reducing wholesale and retail fuel prices while potentially positioning Guyana as an exporter of high-quality fuels to Caribbean Community (CARICOM) nations.

    When questioned about two US court cases concerning alleged intellectual property theft and their potential impact on the approval process, President Ali stated he was unaware of such litigation, noting that involved parties would need to resolve those matters separately.

  • Air Peace Chairman Says He Has Not Been Served Any Papers in Reported Tax Lawsuit

    Air Peace Chairman Says He Has Not Been Served Any Papers in Reported Tax Lawsuit

    Air Peace management has issued a formal response to circulating media reports alleging that its Chairman/CEO, Dr. Allen Ifechukwu Onyema, and Vice Chairman, Mrs. Alice Ojochide Onyema, face tax litigation from the Lagos State Government.

    The airline categorically states that neither the executives nor the corporation has received any official court summons or formal notification regarding the alleged legal proceedings. The organization expressed astonishment at claims that such proceedings have been ongoing since February without proper service or communication.

    In a statement released on March 23, 2026, Air Peace emphasized its commitment to full tax compliance, asserting that all personal and corporate tax obligations have been consistently met in accordance with applicable laws and regulatory requirements. The company nevertheless expressed willingness to engage with Lagos State authorities should any computational discrepancies exist, pledging to review and reconcile any potential shortfalls in the spirit of transparency and due process.

    The statement highlighted the Onyemas’ and Air Peace’s longstanding dedication to advancing Nigeria’s aviation sector, citing their demonstrated integrity, resilience, and patriotic commitment. The management reaffirmed its focus on maintaining the highest professional standards while continuing to serve the flying public without distraction.

  • LETTER: I Pulled My Savings from Local Banks — Here’s Why

    LETTER: I Pulled My Savings from Local Banks — Here’s Why

    A longstanding client of Antigua’s two primary banking institutions has publicly severed ties, transferring substantial savings abroad in a striking indictment of the sector’s operational inertia. The individual, who maintained accounts since 2012 with monthly deposits reaching $20,000-$30,000, cited systemic complacency, technological backwardness, and poor customer service as driving factors behind the decision.

    The client’s banking journey reveals a stark contrast between domestic and international financial service providers. While foreign banks in Panama, Jamaica, and the United States proactively offered customized financial products—including a $150,000 mortgage offer to a non-citizen, premium credit cards with favorable terms, and unsolicited personal loans—the local institutions failed to respond to basic inquiries about credit facilities and mortgages.

    Technological deficiencies emerged as a critical point of contention. Unlike their international counterparts that enabled account opening and investment management through seamless mobile applications within minutes, Antiguan banks reportedly lack even basic modern payment integrations like Apple Pay. The client characterized the local banking experience as existing in ‘technological dark ages,’ with cumbersome processes requiring excessive documentation despite long-standing relationships.

    Beyond customer experience issues, the critique extended to leadership failings within Antigua’s financial sector. The commentary questioned whether banking executives possess sufficient understanding of evolving financial technologies or modern competitive strategies. With no apparent competition driving innovation or service improvements, these institutions appear content to collect routine transaction fees without investing in customer retention or technological advancement.

    The client’s final admonishment—’DO BETTER!’—serves as both warning and challenge to Antiguan banks to embrace innovation, improve customer engagement, and modernize their technological infrastructure before more customers seek financial services elsewhere.

  • What changes after St. Kitts and Nevis secures landmark US regulatory clearance

    What changes after St. Kitts and Nevis secures landmark US regulatory clearance

    In a decisive regulatory triumph, the United States Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) has formally rescinded its 2014 advisory against St. Kitts and Nevis’s Citizenship by Investment Programme. This landmark decision, effective February 2026, concludes a decade of heightened international scrutiny and represents the most significant regulatory challenge overcome in the programme’s history.

    The rescission follows comprehensive structural and procedural reforms implemented by the federation’s Citizenship Unit. Executive Chairman Calvin St. Juste characterized the development as a reaffirmation of global confidence in the programme’s restructured governance framework. “Moving forward, we will continue to strengthen our processes and maintain the governance standards that led to the removal of the advisory,” St. Juste affirmed.

    Substantive transformations underpinning this regulatory clearance include the Citizenship Unit’s reconstitution as an fully independent statutory body governed by a Board of Governors, effectively removing it from direct political influence. This institutional independence establishes a foundation of regulatory credibility through transparent oversight mechanisms.

    The programme has implemented enhanced due diligence protocols through partnerships with leading international vetting firms, leveraging proprietary global databases and financial crime intelligence networks. Mandatory applicant interviews now supplement deepened background checks and more rigorous financial screening, representing a philosophical shift from document processing to substantive individual evaluation.

    Biometric data collection—including fingerprints and facial recognition—aligns the programme with identity verification standards employed by US, EU, and UK border agencies. Formalized information-sharing arrangements with international law enforcement agencies and completed independent external audits provide third-party validation of these substantive reforms.

    The forthcoming 2026 genuine-link requirement will further elevate the programme by mandating demonstrated ongoing connections to the federation, distinguishing it from transactional passport models that draw regulatory criticism globally.

    For Middle Eastern high-net-worth individuals evaluating alternative citizenship options, FinCEN’s clearance substantially alters the risk calculus, positioning St. Kitts and Nevis as an internationally recognized and secure pathway to alternative citizenship.

  • ADLA announces airfare hikes due to rising jet fuel prices

    ADLA announces airfare hikes due to rising jet fuel prices

    Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic – The Dominican aviation industry is implementing across-the-board fare increases in response to a significant jump in jet fuel costs, according to an announcement from Omar Chahín, President of the Dominican Association of Airlines. The decision comes after a 21-peso per-unit increase in aviation fuel prices, which represents one of the most substantial operational expenses for carriers operating in the region.

    Chahín detailed that the global energy market volatility, particularly influenced by ongoing geopolitical tensions involving Iran, has created unsustainable pressure on airline operating margins. The sector has reached a point where continued absorption of these repeated cost increases is no longer financially viable, necessitating immediate fare adjustments to ensure operational sustainability.

    Despite these economic challenges, the Dominican aviation sector demonstrates remarkable resilience and continued expansion. Multiple carriers including Air Century, Sky High Aviation Dominicana, RED Air, and Sunrise Airways Dominicana are actively broadening their route networks across the Caribbean, Central America, South America, and North America. This expansion supports both the growing tourism industry and enhances connectivity for the Dominican diaspora community.

    Industry executives have issued cautions that the current situation remains fluid. Should the global fuel market experience additional price escalations, further corrective measures may be required, potentially leading to subsequent fare increases in the upcoming months. The sector remains cautiously optimistic while monitoring international energy market developments closely.

  • BizConnect Caribbean launches regional franchising forum

    BizConnect Caribbean launches regional franchising forum

    The Caribbean business landscape witnessed a transformative gathering as entrepreneurs, students, and industry experts converged at the Finance Administrative Center in Point Seraphine for the groundbreaking Caribbean Franchising Summit 2026. Organized by BizConnect Caribbean—a Saint Lucia-based regional initiative dedicated to entrepreneurship and digital skills development—the three-day event from March 18-20 marked a significant milestone in regional economic education.

    The summit provided comprehensive insights into franchising as both an expansion methodology and exit strategy for business owners. Through a structured three-day program featuring education sessions, deep-dive analyses, and legal awareness workshops, participants gained multidimensional understanding of this proven business model.

    Michelle N. Samuel, Programme Lead and Founder of BizConnect Caribbean, identified critical knowledge gaps in regional understanding of franchising. “We consume brands daily but lack understanding of replication methodologies,” she explained. “This summit addressed that deficiency through strategic programming.”

    Notable Barbadian participation included Shawna Rollins, Founder and CEO of successful franchise Delicious Treats, who emphasized franchising’s role in creating sustainable business legacies. “This model provides entrepreneurs with structured exit strategies, ensuring their hard work translates into long-term financial security,” Rollins stated.

    Stephen Lashley, prominent lawyer and former government minister, highlighted regulatory considerations, noting: “While few Caribbean territories have specific franchise legislation, enormous opportunities exist for regional expansion and international market penetration.”

    The event particularly engaged emerging business talent through BizConnect Caribbean’s partnership with Sir Arthur Lewis Community College. Student attendee Phoebe Popo described the experience as “amazing, insightful, and fundamentally inspiring,” noting the value of direct access to industry experts.

    Organizers confirmed the summit’s inaugural success would establish an annual tradition, with future events rotating through different Caribbean islands to broaden regional impact. Several identified ‘franchise-ready’ businesses received personalized coaching sessions, signaling practical steps toward implementation.