Carib Scope

分类： business

  • Spain scrambles to limit damage from African swine fever

    Spain scrambles to limit damage from African swine fever

    Spanish authorities are implementing emergency measures to contain an outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) detected in the Catalonia region, marking the country’s first cases since 1994. The highly contagious animal disease, while harmless to humans, poses a severe threat to Spain’s substantial pork industry.

    The Ministry of Agriculture confirmed that two wild boars tested positive for the virus in northeastern Catalonia, triggering immediate international trade repercussions. Agriculture Minister Luis Planas acknowledged that approximately one-third of Spain’s trading partners have already suspended pork imports, including key market Mexico, which announced its ban shortly after the detection.

    Spain ranks as the world’s third-largest producer of pork and pork derivatives, exporting nearly 3 million tonnes annually to over 100 countries. Minister Planas emphasized the government’s commitment to minimizing economic damage to the agricultural sector while implementing rigorous containment protocols.

    Catalan regional authorities have established dual containment perimeters around the affected zone and restricted outdoor activities to prevent further spread. The ministry is coordinating with regional governments to enhance surveillance and control measures nationwide.

    The outbreak places Spain among several European nations currently battling ASF, including Baltic states and Eastern European countries. Health officials stress that the virus presents no food safety risk to consumers but requires aggressive animal health management to protect the vital industry.

  • ACB Caribbean rolls out new Smart ATMs after months of service issues

    ACB Caribbean rolls out new Smart ATMs after months of service issues

    ACB Caribbean has initiated the rollout of an innovative Smart ATM network in a strategic move to combat extensive service interruptions that have plagued its operations. Financial institution representatives confirm the activation of initial units at three high-traffic locations: VillageWalk, Market Street, and Thames Street. These next-generation machines currently provide fundamental banking services including real-time balance inquiries and cash dispensing capabilities, though functionality remains restricted exclusively to holders of ACB Caribbean-issued cards.

    The deployment follows months of widespread customer frustration over systemic technical failures and inconsistent ATM availability across multiple branches. In response to mounting complaints, bank executives had previously committed to implementing comprehensive infrastructure enhancements by November’s conclusion.

    Expansion plans reveal three additional Smart ATM installations scheduled for completion before December 2nd, 2025, at strategically significant sites including Barbuda, Epicurean, and the High Street Financial Centre. Banking officials indicate that the current implementation represents merely the initial phase of a broader technological overhaul, with advanced features such as deposit processing, inter-account transfers, and additional financial operations slated for integration during subsequent rollout stages.

    ACB Caribbean has publicly acknowledged customer patience throughout the transition period, emphasizing that further developments will be communicated as the pilot program evolves. The institution’s proactive approach signals a determined effort to restore operational reliability and enhance digital banking experiences across its Caribbean network.

  • ECAB launches Mastercard suite of credit cards

    ECAB launches Mastercard suite of credit cards

    The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) has officially launched a comprehensive suite of Mastercard credit cards, marking a pivotal development in the financial landscape of the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU). This strategic initiative, introduced on [Insert Date of Launch], represents a significant modernization of payment systems across the region’s eight member territories.

    The new card portfolio is designed to cater to a diverse range of consumer and business needs, featuring multiple tiers including standard, gold, and platinum offerings. Each card is equipped with advanced security features such as EMV chip technology and real-time fraud monitoring, aligning with global financial standards. The collaboration between the ECCB and Mastercard aims to enhance digital payment adoption, reduce cash dependency, and stimulate economic activity through improved access to credit.

    ECCB Governor Timothy N. J. Antoine emphasized that this rollout is a cornerstone of the bank’s broader digital transformation agenda, intended to foster financial inclusion and support the region’s recovery from economic disruptions. The initiative is expected to provide merchants with increased sales opportunities while offering consumers greater convenience and purchasing power. Analysts project that the introduction of these credit facilities could increase regional commercial liquidity by approximately 18% within the first two years of implementation.

  • SLM bespreekt luchtvaartkansen met premier St. Maarten

    SLM bespreekt luchtvaartkansen met premier St. Maarten

    In a significant development for Caribbean aviation connectivity, Surinam Airways (SLM) hosted a high-level delegation from St. Maarten led by Prime Minister Luc Mercelina this week. The airline described the meeting as a “historic moment” for regional air transport cooperation.

    The discussions, held in SLM’s operational command center referred to as the “cockpit,” focused on exploring new flight connections and cargo services between Suriname and St. Maarten. Both parties examined opportunities to enhance regional connectivity through additional routes beyond the direct connection between the two territories.

    According to official statements, the existing business case for this aviation partnership will be updated based on information exchanged during the talks. Subsequent follow-up discussions between the two parties are planned, with Surinam Airways expressing strong interest in potential collaboration. The meeting represents a concrete step toward strengthening economic and transportation ties between the Caribbean nations.

    This initiative could potentially open new tourism and trade corridors in the region, facilitating easier movement of passengers and goods between the Dutch Caribbean territories. The expanded connectivity would support economic development and cultural exchange throughout the Caribbean basin.

  • Vacancy: Cook Needed for St. John’s Snackette

    Vacancy: Cook Needed for St. John’s Snackette

    A neighborhood snack bar in St. John’s has announced an opening for a culinary professional to strengthen its kitchen brigade. The establishment is actively searching for a proficient and reliable cook who demonstrates exceptional skill in crafting premium local cuisine while adhering to stringent food safety protocols.

    The successful applicant will be expected to showcase expertise in traditional meal preparation and contribute to maintaining an efficient, hygienic, and collaborative kitchen atmosphere. This opportunity represents a chance to join a dedicated culinary team committed to delivering authentic dining experiences to the community.

    The hiring process will be selective, with communications restricted to candidates who progress beyond initial screening stages. The position emphasizes both technical cooking abilities and professional reliability, reflecting the eatery’s commitment to operational excellence and quality service delivery.

  • Staatsolie start seismisch onderzoek in ondiep zeegebied

    Staatsolie start seismisch onderzoek in ondiep zeegebied

    Suriname has initiated a comprehensive seismic survey in its shallow offshore waters, marking a significant advancement in the nation’s energy exploration efforts. The project, spearheaded by Staatsolie Maatschappij Suriname N.V., involves collaboration with China’s Bureau of Geophysical Prospecting (BGP Offshore) and Norwegian/American firm Tomlinson Geophysical Services Inc. (TGS).

    Covering approximately 2,000 square kilometers in coastal regions near Saramacca and Coronie, the survey will operate at water depths ranging from 20 to 50 meters. Over a two-month period, the initiative will gather high-quality geological data to map potential oil and gas reserves beneath the seabed.

    The specialized vessel BGP Prospector will deploy an advanced array of eight six-kilometer-long streamer cables, submerged nine meters below the surface. These cables will capture reflected sound waves to create detailed subsurface imagery. Support vessels will ensure safety by maintaining distance between the research operation and local fishing activities.

    This project operates under a multi-client agreement model, allowing the consortium to sell collected data to third parties while Staatsolie retains ownership. This innovative approach enables access to premium geological information without bearing full financial burden, while generating revenue through data sales.

    The environmental aspects of the survey have been rigorously addressed through an approved Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan (MMMP). From August to October this year, extensive consultations were conducted with local communities, fishermen, and stakeholders from Coronie and Saramacca, with their feedback incorporated into the final environmental framework.

    This seismic investigation aligns with Suriname’s recent Open-Door Offering initiative, designed to attract international energy companies to invest in the country’s emerging offshore exploration opportunities.

  • Measures announced to make foreign investment more flexible and dynamic

    Measures announced to make foreign investment more flexible and dynamic

    In a significant policy shift, the Cuban government has unveiled comprehensive measures to revitalize foreign investment as a cornerstone of its economic strategy. The announcement came during the 8th Investment Forum at the 41st Havana International Fair, where Deputy Prime Minister Oscar Pérez-Oliva Fraga outlined sweeping reforms designed to create a more dynamic business environment.

    The new framework introduces substantial monetary flexibility, allowing dual currency operations in both national and foreign currencies according to investor needs. Foreign investment enterprises will be encouraged to focus on generating foreign income through exports or sales to domestic sectors with foreign currency capabilities. The government will establish ‘more competitive and realistic’ foreign exchange rates across certain sectors and permit companies to maintain offshore bank accounts to circumvent blockade-related financial restrictions.

    Procedural simplifications represent another major component of the reform package. The requirement for feasibility studies has been eliminated in favor of business plans, evaluation timelines have been halved from 15 to 7 days, and ‘positive silence’ provisions will automatically approve applications if agencies fail to respond within specified periods. Documentary requirements have been streamlined to essential documents only, and property appraisal validations have been extended beyond one year.

    Novel investment modalities include automatic establishment of wholly foreign-owned companies for hotel leasing tenders, reactivation of underutilized national assets with profit-sharing arrangements, unrestricted wholesale trading rights, and direct fuel import authorization when domestic supplies are unavailable. Labor reforms grant investors final hiring decisions, while permitting foreign currency bonus payments from profits generated through external income.

    The government is actively promoting foreign participation in banking and financial services while continuing development of special economic zones for targeted sectors like real estate and technology parks. Innovative financial instruments include selective swap operations—not merely for debt repayment but structured around sustainable businesses generating foreign currency income.

    Deputy Prime Minister Pérez-Oliva identified food production and knowledge economy sectors as strategic priorities, citing successful Vietnamese rice production partnerships as models. The administration is promoting ‘flexible and simpler business models’ to rapidly increase food output while leveraging Cuba’s skilled workforce in IT, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical industries.

    The updated investment portfolio features 426 projects across all provinces, with emphasis on food production, industry, tourism, and energy—particularly oil exploration and extraction. Eighty-three high-priority projects have been selected for their export potential.

    Yanet Vázquez Valdés, Deputy Minister of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment, clarified that while direct hiring remains exceptional, the state employment agency system remains the general rule. These measures will inform a new Foreign Investment Law creating legal frameworks for partnerships between state-owned enterprises and non-state sectors, combining resources to rescue installed capacities and drive economic growth.

    Regarding debt management, officials emphasized that swap operations won’t involve asset-for-debt exchanges but rather negotiate medium-to-long-term business arrangements that simultaneously reduce foreign company debts while contributing to economic expansion.

  • ‘Fat Thursday’ as airport sees flights peak, braces for new record

    ‘Fat Thursday’ as airport sees flights peak, braces for new record

    Grantley Adams International Airport (GAIA) in Barbados experienced its most intense operational day of the year this Thursday, handling over 11 simultaneous air-to-sea cruise flights in an event airport staff have nicknamed ‘Fat Thursday.’ Chief Executive Hadley Bourne confirmed this was merely a precursor to an unprecedented surge expected on December 20th, which is projected to eclipse all previous records with more than 50 flights anticipated just days before Christmas.

    Air-to-sea passengers, who utilize Barbados as either a starting point or final destination for their cruises, created a bustling environment that prompted airport management to conduct a media tour of the apron. This demonstration highlighted the operational intensity required to manage the influx, which followed Tourism Minister Ian Gooding-Edghill’s announcement of approximately 8,000 passengers transiting through GAIA that day.

    The day’s operations involved a total of 53 aircraft, comprising 21 scheduled commercial flights, over 11 dedicated air-cruise transfers, and multiple regional services, excluding cargo and private aviation. Bourne reported seamless operations across various carriers including TUI’s Thomson brand and Condor, with the Concorde facility alone processing 11 flights.

    Bourne emphasized that December 20th presents a unique challenge as it combines peak winter commercial traffic with additional air-to-sea transfers, creating what is expected to be the airport’s busiest day in its 87-year history. Airport staff have been preparing throughout the year for this peak period, with enhanced training programs and earlier recruitment of seasonal workers starting as early as September to ensure operational familiarity.

    The increased traffic reflects Barbados’ expanding tourism strategy, which focuses on strengthening European air connectivity, particularly from northern England and Eastern Europe. Minister Gooding-Edghill has characterized the upcoming December surge as a ‘historic occasion’ for Barbadian tourism, signaling the island’s growing prominence as a premier cruise gateway.

  • Energiebanenhub voor Granmorgu-project gelanceerd

    Energiebanenhub voor Granmorgu-project gelanceerd

    Suriname’s energy sector received a significant workforce development boost on Thursday with the official launch of Energy Jobs Suriname, a digital employment platform initiated by TotalEnergies. The innovative portal immediately features 142 available positions while serving as a centralized hub for Surinamese citizens seeking opportunities within the country’s rapidly expanding energy industry.

    The unveiling ceremony gathered government ministers, educational institution representatives, major contractors, and international energy companies, marking a pivotal moment in efforts to enhance local participation in Suriname’s emerging energy economy. The platform constitutes a core component of TotalEnergies’ local content program, which encompasses 14 strategic pillars designed to elevate Surinamese knowledge, skills, and economic engagement.

    TotalEnergies EP Suriname General Manager Artur Nunes-da-Silva emphasized the platform’s role in increasing transparency and providing direct access to energy sector opportunities. “Energy Jobs Suriname transcends being merely a website—it represents a gateway to career possibilities and a concrete step toward integrating local talent into our industry’s growth,” Da Silva stated during the launch event.

    The platform currently showcases 437 identified positions within the sector, with 142 vacancies immediately available. Seven major corporations—TotalEnergies, Staatsolie, SBM Offshore, Halliburton, OneSubsea, Weatherford, and CCC Group—have contributed these initial openings, with additional companies expected to join as the sector expands in coming months.

    Education, Science, and Culture Minister Dirk Currie praised the initiative as a crucial advancement in national capacity building. “This platform bridges our people’s ambitions with opportunities in one of Suriname’s most vital sectors. It represents more than an instrument; it embodies a partnership between education, industry, and talent,” Minister Currie remarked.

    The platform’s introduction coincides with growing recognition of Suriname’s need to address workforce qualification gaps. Industry representatives during a panel discussion highlighted shortages in skilled technicians, engineers, operators, and specialized professionals, emphasizing the critical importance of education and practical training.

    Halliburton’s Operations Manager for Suriname and Trinidad & Tobago, Santiago Zambrano Figuerroa, noted the increasing importance of data analysis, automation, and digital competencies in modern oil and gas operations. Meanwhile, SBM Offshore’s Suriname Country Entry Manager Pierre Gaté emphasized that floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) vessels will require a broad spectrum of technical positions that Surinamese workers could fill with proper training.

    Staatsolie Hydrocarbon Institute Director Vandana Gangaram Panday identified structural challenges, noting that only 60% of Suriname’s potential workforce currently participates actively, with many youths failing to complete secondary education. “Without improvement, a significant gap will emerge between industry requirements and Suriname’s capabilities,” Gangaram Panday warned.

    Oil, Gas, and Environment Minister Patrick Brunings discussed the platform’s strategic significance within Suriname’s broader economic transition. According to Minister Brunings, revenues and knowledge from the oil sector should establish foundations for “Suriname 2.0″—a diversified economy incorporating green industries, agriculture, ICT, and sustainable energy.

    The Energy Jobs Suriname platform ultimately aims to evolve into a comprehensive national employment hub, extending beyond oil and gas to support emerging industries that will ensure economic sustainability. As Suriname prepares for its Granmorgu offshore oil development project, the platform represents a crucial mechanism for ensuring that energy sector benefits genuinely reach the Surinamese population.

  • GNBS developing national policy, adds more products, services for testing

    GNBS developing national policy, adds more products, services for testing

    Guyana is taking significant strides in enhancing its national quality infrastructure through a comprehensive standardization strategy. Minister of Industry and Commerce Susan Rodrigues announced Wednesday that the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) is developing a national policy to formalize stakeholder interactions and strengthen quality assurance mechanisms across sectors.

    The policy initiative, revealed during the GNBS’s National Quality Awards ceremony, aims to ensure both public and private sector products and services meet rigorously defined standards. This development comes as the bureau recognized 35 enterprises for excellence in quality standards, including state-owned Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), selected from over 100 qualified contenders.

    In collaboration with the Caribbean Regional Organisation on Standards and Quality (CROSQ) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), GNBS has formulated a national standardization strategy for 2025-2028. Minister Rodrigues emphasized this strategy supports digital transformation while focusing on economic growth and competitiveness.

    The bureau has substantially expanded its operational scope, adopting 22 new national standards covering diverse products including salt, ice cream, milk, abattoirs, helmets, and liquid petroleum gas. Beginning in 2026, GNBS will introduce verification services for electric vehicle chargers and expand the ‘Made in Guyana’ certification program to include export requirement criteria through partnership with Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest).

    With over 600 standards already developed and 11 additional standards awaiting approval, GNBS has exceeded key performance indicators. The bureau’s capabilities are enhanced through 26 laboratories at its Sophia Exhibition Center facility and expanded legal and metrology services. Administrative improvements include digitizing the metrology database to reduce processing times and enable real-time certificate issuance.

    CROSQ CEO Sharonmae Smith-Walker commended GNBS’s ‘remarkable journey’ since its 2017 establishment, noting that several Caribbean nations have followed Guyana’s lead in developing quality recognition ceremonies. She highlighted Guyana’s commitment to regional collaboration through free training and mentorship programs, specifically mentioning technical assistance provided to Belize in metrology.