The commencement of construction for a concrete recreational platform outside Stabroek Market has caused significant disruptions to local vendors and vehicular parking in the area. The project, initiated by the Local Government Ministry, involves the erection of a plywood wall enclosing a large section of the market’s frontage. This has forced phone card and beverage vendors, as well as bus operators on the Lodge, Guyhoc, and South Ruimveldt routes, to seek alternative arrangements. Delivery trucks, which typically supply vendors until 8 a.m., were redirected to the taxi parking area outside Demico, though police indicated this was only a temporary solution. Local Government Minister Priya Manickchand acknowledged the contractor’s failure to effectively communicate with those affected but assured that there are no immediate plans to relocate street vendors. The project, expected to last up to two weeks, aims to construct a raised stage with surrounding pavement to accommodate vendors. While only two vendors are temporarily displaced, the broader impact includes increased traffic congestion, prompting some truckers to suggest delaying the project until after the Christmas season. The initiative is part of ongoing efforts to upgrade Georgetown, with Minister Manickchand emphasizing that change often comes with resistance.
分类： business
-
Abinader breaks ground on US$700M City Center project
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic – President Luis Abinader has officially inaugurated construction of City Center by Lady Lee, a landmark $700 million mixed-use development poised to redefine the urban and commercial dynamics of Santo Domingo East. This transformative initiative stands as a powerful testament to the nation’s robust economic trajectory and flourishing investment environment, with projections indicating the creation of over 6,000 direct employment opportunities and a substantial multiplier effect generating thousands more indirect jobs.
During the groundbreaking ceremony, President Abinader positioned the megaproject as a direct reflection of the Dominican Republic’s sustained economic momentum. He underscored the profound significance of Lady Lee Corporation’s decision to invest, interpreting it as a robust vote of confidence in the nation’s political and economic stability. Strategically situated along the Autopista de las Américas corridor, merely minutes from Las Américas International Airport, the complex is designed to holistically integrate retail, residential, tourism, and service sectors within a forward-thinking, sustainable ‘city center’ framework. The development will incorporate advanced energy-efficient technologies and environmentally responsible systems.
Rachid Maalouf, President of Lady Lee Corporation, characterized City Center as a world-class endeavor destined to reshape the urban fabric of the eastern capital district. The ambitious blueprint includes over 400 curated commercial spaces, a diverse array of dining and entertainment venues, comprehensive health and financial service facilities, alongside modern hotel accommodations, residential towers, and premium office spaces. Beyond its architectural footprint, the project commits to extensive urban enhancements aimed at significantly upgrading public mobility and regional connectivity infrastructure, setting a new benchmark for large-scale urban development in the Caribbean.
-
A strategic enclave for your Investment in Cuba
Positioned as Cuba’s premier industrial and logistics center, the Mariel Special Development Zone (ZED Mariel) is demonstrating remarkable resilience and competitive advantages for international investors. Following Hurricane Rafael’s impact in late 2024, the zone showcased exceptional recovery capabilities, restoring full operations within one month—a testament to its robust infrastructure designed for operational continuity during extreme weather events.
At the recent 41st Havana International Fair, Zone Director Ana Teresa Igarza Martínez highlighted the innovative Single Window system that provides comprehensive investor support throughout the business lifecycle. This streamlined approach facilitates everything from initial documentation to ongoing operational requirements.
The development zone currently offers 35 strategic projects across multiple sectors including food processing (dairy, pasta, processed meats), biotechnology (pharmaceutical production, protein exports), chemical manufacturing, logistics services, and construction materials. A distinctive feature emphasized by officials is that all goods produced and marketed within ZED Mariel are 100% Cuban-made, providing both national production strengthening and market competitive advantages.
Recent enhancements include updated financial, tax, labor, and commercial incentives designed to maximize profitability for established companies. The zone’s deep-water port and integrated logistics platform enable companies to import components, conduct assembly and packaging operations, and redistribute products throughout the region leveraging Cuba’s trade agreements.
An upcoming milestone includes a modern glass container production plant that will eliminate costly imports while fostering collaboration among local producers. Current investors report positive experiences, with Vietnamese company Thai Binh expanding to two operational factories and a photovoltaic panel park after six years of production. Similarly, Nescor S.A. Deputy General Manager Alexei Pica Páramo confirmed the zone’s development potential, urging prospective investors to verify opportunities directly rather than relying on potentially distorted information.
-
Location matters: Find a home in Dominican Republic that works for you
The Dominican Republic is rapidly gaining recognition as an ideal retirement haven, attracting growing numbers of international buyers seeking both future residences and income-generating properties. This Caribbean nation offers unique opportunities for investors to acquire real estate that can potentially fund itself through short-term rental operations while serving as a long-term retirement asset.
Strategic location selection forms the cornerstone of successful property investment. Prime locations combine beach proximity, tourist attractions, and essential amenities with robust infrastructure connections. Safety, neighborhood activity, and upcoming development projects significantly influence property valuation and rental appeal. Critical accessibility factors include walkability, road networks, and airport convenience alongside essential services such as supermarkets, pharmacies, and medical facilities.
Comprehensive market research begins with understanding regional cultural nuances and community dynamics. Prospective investors should engage with local Facebook groups and expat communities for authentic insights into safety records, construction quality, and living costs. Social media monitoring provides real-time updates on development projects and tourism trends, while visual platforms like YouTube offer virtual neighborhood tours. Google Maps facilitates practical distance measurements, though physical site visits remain invaluable for assessing day and night atmosphere.
Property type selection directly impacts maintenance requirements and revenue potential. Condominiums typically offer lower maintenance burdens and rental-friendly policies, while single-family villas provide greater privacy and higher nightly rates at the cost of increased upkeep. Vacant land purchases suit long-term construction plans but generate no immediate income.
Short-term rental success hinges on specific property features that appeal to vacationers. Beach proximity, modern interiors with reliable internet, outdoor living spaces, and guest-friendly amenities significantly enhance rental competitiveness. Market demand analysis through platforms like AirDNA, Airbnb, and local tourism portals provides crucial data for investment decisions.
Legal considerations require professional assistance throughout the acquisition process. Qualified real estate attorneys conduct essential due diligence including title verification, lien searches, and zoning regulation reviews. Knowledgeable real estate agents facilitate connections with mortgage brokers and legal professionals while providing critical market data and documentation support. This comprehensive approach ensures investors make informed decisions aligned with their financial objectives and lifestyle goals.
-
Maandinflatie loopt opnieuw op: prijzen stijgen verder in oktober
In October, consumer prices in Suriname experienced another upward surge, according to the latest data from the General Bureau of Statistics (ABS). The Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the month reached approximately 214 points, marking an increase compared to September. This rise reflects a 1.7% month-on-month inflation rate, while year-on-year inflation from October 2024 to October 2025 stood at a significant 11.9%. Although the pace of price increases has moderated compared to previous years, inflationary pressures remain a persistent challenge for households. Key drivers of this trend include higher costs for food and beverages, rising transportation expenses, slight increases in energy and utility prices, and more expensive services. The October CPI surpassed all previous months, indicating that life has become more costly, inflation shows no signs of leveling off, and households continue to feel the strain despite stable exchange rates. Structural vulnerabilities, such as heavy reliance on imports, fluctuating fuel prices, limited local production, exchange rate pressures, and uncertain international markets, keep Suriname susceptible to price volatility. As monthly inflation persists, the risk of further short-term price hikes remains a pressing concern.
-
Government launches bidding process for Amber Highway
The Dominican Republic has initiated a significant public bidding process for a crucial infrastructure project that will enhance transportation connectivity between major northern regions. Through the RD-Vial Trust, the Ministry of Public Works and Communications (MOPC) is seeking qualified contractors for the design and construction of a new roadway linking Santiago’s Northern Bypass with the existing Puerto Plata-Sosúa highway.
This strategic infrastructure development represents a critical segment of the broader Amber Highway initiative, aimed at improving regional transportation networks and stimulating economic growth. The procurement process commenced officially on Thursday, with comprehensive bidding documentation now available through multiple channels.
Prospective bidders may obtain the detailed Terms and Conditions either through physical collection at the RD-Vial Trust’s Purchasing and Contracting Department during standard business hours (8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday-Friday) or via digital download from the institution’s official online portal.
The tender mandates a dual-proposal submission system requiring both Technical (Envelope A) and Economic (Envelope B) proposals. Submission modalities include digital delivery through the Dominican State’s SECP platform or physical delivery in sealed envelopes. The deadline for physical proposal submissions is set for 12:00 p.m. on March 20, 2026, at the RD-Vial Trust Meeting Room, with technical proposal openings scheduled according to the tender’s Specific Conditions timeline.
A critical prerequisite for participation requires all bidding entities to maintain active registration within the State Supplier Registry (RPE), administered by the General Directorate of Public Procurement (DGCP), ensuring compliance with national procurement regulations and bid validity.
-
Cruise Arrivals Lag as Belize Eyes New Port
Belize is grappling with underwhelming cruise arrivals, but tourism authorities remain optimistic about future prospects. Evan Tillett, the Director of Tourism, acknowledges that while current numbers are still low, they are showing improvement compared to 2024. A significant hurdle has been the absence of a mainland docking facility, which forces larger cruise ships to bypass Belize entirely. However, this issue is being addressed with a port development project currently underway. Additionally, the cruise industry is shifting toward smaller, high-value ships, which could further enhance Belize’s appeal. Tillett emphasized that these changes are expected to boost cruise tourism in the coming years. Meanwhile, the government is also cracking down on unregistered Airbnb properties to ensure fair contributions to tourism development. Tillett highlighted that increased revenue from these efforts will be reinvested in infrastructure, product development, and marketing, ultimately attracting more visitors to the destination.
-
Media and Tourism Industry Bridge the Gap
In a significant move to address recent concerns, the Belize Tourism Board (B.T.B.) and the Belize Hotel Association have taken proactive steps to mend the perceived rift between the media and the tourism sector. At a recent meeting with journalists, key industry leaders emphasized the importance of transparency and collaboration, pledging to maintain open communication channels even when addressing challenging issues. Reynaldo Malik, President of the Belize Hotel Association, acknowledged the perception of a disconnect, stating, ‘Perception is nine-tenths of reality. If the media believes there is a separation, we must take it seriously and work to bridge that gap.’ Malik expressed optimism about the event, viewing it as a commitment to a full partnership with the media. Evan Tillett, Director of Tourism, echoed this sentiment, thanking the media for their candid conversation and emphasizing the necessity of mutual respect and accessibility. ‘We must work together and maintain transparency,’ Tillett remarked, highlighting the shared goal of fostering a thriving tourism industry in Belize. This initiative marks a pivotal moment in strengthening the relationship between the media and the tourism sector, ensuring a collaborative approach to future challenges and opportunities.
-
Belize Fund and UB Renew Collaboration Commitments with MOU
On November 26, 2025, the University of Belize (UB) and the Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future (BFSF) solidified their partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This agreement aims to enhance collaboration in areas such as community capacity building, research, and training, leveraging UB’s longstanding involvement as a board member and early beneficiary of the fund. Dr. Leandra Cho-Ricketts, Executive Director of the BFSF, emphasized the strategic importance of this alliance in advancing conservation efforts across Belize. She highlighted UB’s pivotal role in data collection, analysis, and training, particularly in marine protected area management. The university will also develop targeted programs to address governance gaps in small businesses, fishing associations, and women’s groups, fostering cohesive decision-making and operational efficiency. This partnership underscores a shared commitment to sustainable development and institutional empowerment in Belize.
-
Social Security Board Weighs BEL Investment
In a significant development for Belize’s economy, the Briceño administration’s acquisition of Fortis Belize’s hydro assets and a 33% stake in Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) for $110 million Belize dollars has opened new investment opportunities. The deal, finalized in October 2025, has sparked extensive discussions in both the House and Senate, focusing on environmental concerns and long-term energy security. Prime Minister John Briceño hinted during negotiations that local investors, including the Social Security Board (SSB), were keen to participate. SSB CEO Jerome Palma recently addressed the potential investment, emphasizing the need for thorough due diligence. Palma stated that while the opportunity is promising, the SSB must evaluate the costs, returns, and overall feasibility before committing Belizeans’ retirement savings to the energy sector. He also highlighted the importance of growing reserves and exploring other secure investment avenues, such as municipal bonds and development projects, to ensure consistent returns for the fund. As Belize’s economy expands, the SSB remains committed to identifying practical, secure, and profitable investment opportunities.