Barbados is intensifying its efforts to attract British investment in renewable energy, space technology, and the creative industries, aiming to establish itself as a hub for emerging sectors amid shifting global economic dynamics. Speaking at the sixth annual UK Trade Mission to Barbados Business Forum, Minister of Economic Affairs and Investment Kay McConney highlighted the growing interest from UK investors, which now extends beyond traditional sectors like tourism and financial services. McConney emphasized the need to adapt to evolving global realities, citing World Bank data that predicts a doubling of energy investment demand in developing countries by 2035. Barbados’ economy has shown robust growth, with 17 consecutive quarters of expansion, as reported by the Central Bank in September 2025. To foster a business-friendly environment, Bridgetown has modernized public systems, digitized services, and implemented reforms to enhance efficiency and transparency. McConney stressed the mutual benefits of UK-Barbados partnerships, including job creation, skills transfer, and access to new market opportunities. British interest spans diverse industries such as financial services, ICT, agro-processing, renewable energy, construction, and manufacturing. Emerging opportunities in education, the blue economy, and innovation-driven fields like space technology and film were also highlighted. British High Commissioner Simon Mustard underscored the importance of strengthening trade and investment links amid global challenges, including geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties. He encouraged collaboration in renewable energy, digital transformation, and small business development. UK-Barbados trade grew by 9% in the past year, reaching over $1.59 billion, with the UK targeting high-growth sectors like clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and creative industries. Mustard projected a 2.7% growth rate for Barbados in 2025, driven by tourism, construction, renewable energy, and digital transformation. He praised Barbados’ skilled workforce, strong legal framework, and commitment to innovation, positioning it as an ideal partner for the UK in building future industries.
分类： business
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Barbados ‘making significant progress’ in tax compliance
Barbados has reiterated its unwavering dedication to international tax transparency and compliance standards during a pivotal meeting of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Global Forum. The event, held at the Hilton Barbados Resort, focused on assessing the island nation’s adherence to global tax obligations. Ryan Straughn, Minister in the Ministry of Finance, emphasized Barbados’ significant strides in aligning with international tax frameworks and its resolve to uphold these standards. Straughn highlighted the critical role of tax transparency and information exchange in fostering investment and economic growth, particularly for small states like Barbados. He detailed extensive reforms undertaken to meet global requirements, enhance governance, and bolster investor confidence, which have contributed to 17 consecutive quarters of economic growth. Straughn also addressed the evolution of Barbados’ corporate tax policy, noting the reduction of corporation taxes to 5.5% in 2018 and the subsequent adjustments necessitated by the OECD’s global minimum tax of 15%, effective in 2024. He underscored the importance of tax certainty for investors, stating that Barbados is no longer a low-tax jurisdiction. Additionally, Straughn outlined ongoing efforts to modernize the business environment, including digitization initiatives by the Barbados Revenue Authority (BRA) and the Central Bank’s plans for digital payments. Revenue Commissioner Jason King reaffirmed Barbados’ commitment to international standards, highlighting the BRA’s strengthened legislative and technical capacity and its readiness to implement the Common Reporting Standard 2.0 and the crypto asset reporting framework.
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Antigua and Barbuda Showcases Debt Reform Model at COP30
At the High-Level Panel on Debt Sustainability and Resilient Infrastructure during COP30, Antigua and Barbuda showcased its innovative Debt Sustainability Support Service (DSSS) as a groundbreaking approach to harmonizing debt reform, climate resilience, and sustainable finance. The event, hosted at the Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (DRI) Pavilion, highlighted the urgent need for integrated solutions in Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Her Excellency Ruleta Camacho Thomas, Ambassador for Climate Change, emphasized the intertwined crises of debt and climate vulnerability in SIDS, stating, ‘Every hurricane, drought, and flood destroys infrastructure and public revenue, forcing countries to borrow more just to rebuild. This creates a debt trap that hinders investment in resilience.’ Under the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS), the DSSS was developed to help vulnerable economies combine debt reform, climate finance, and resilience planning. The service integrates mechanisms such as debt-for-climate swaps, climate-contingent clauses, resilience-linked bonds, and insurance-backed instruments into a unified framework. ‘The DSSS ensures that finance supports resilience, not undermines it,’ Ambassador Camacho Thomas explained. ‘It aligns fiscal policy, infrastructure investment, and climate adaptation, ensuring every dollar spent on recovery also builds long-term security.’ Antigua and Barbuda is collaborating with partners like the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) to advance debt sustainability and infrastructure resilience simultaneously. The Ambassador also highlighted the role of data analytics in attracting investment, noting that while spatial and financial data can demonstrate the return on investment (ROI) of resilience, they are often misused to label SIDS as ‘high-risk.’ She called for integrating data on adaptation outcomes into financial modeling to prove the economic viability of investing in SIDS. ‘Resilience must be recognized as a financial model, not a moral appeal,’ she concluded. Antigua and Barbuda continues to lead global efforts to enhance access to sustainable finance for vulnerable economies, promoting integrated approaches that link debt management, infrastructure resilience, and sustainable growth.
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Communicators risk being left behind by rapid AI changes – IABC president
The rapid progression of artificial intelligence (AI) poses a significant threat to communications professionals, who risk being marginalized unless they enhance their professional standards and unify their collective voice, warned Dr. Pamala Proverbs, President of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Barbados Chapter. Speaking at a workshop titled *Human-Driven AI: Powering Communication Excellence*, Dr. Proverbs highlighted the critical challenges facing the industry.
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Belize Delegation Visits Belgium to Study Energy Storage
Belize is taking significant strides toward its clean energy objectives as a delegation of senior officials from the Ministries of Finance, Public Utilities, and Energy recently concluded a high-level training program in Belgium. The five-day initiative, organized by the World Bank and its Energy Storage Partnership, focused on cutting-edge energy storage technologies, grid flexibility, and renewable energy integration. These advancements are pivotal for building a more resilient and sustainable power sector. Dr. Leroy Almendarez, Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Public Utilities, Energy, and Logistics, emphasized the importance of the training, stating that energy storage is a cornerstone of Belize’s energy transition strategy and cost-saving measures. The delegation engaged with global experts to gain insights into best practices and technical processes, particularly in battery energy storage systems. Dr. Almendarez highlighted the potential benefits of such systems, explaining that storing cheaper imported power during off-peak hours could significantly reduce energy costs during peak times. He also underscored the necessity of storage solutions for renewable energy sources like solar power to prevent wastage and maximize efficiency. This visit marks a critical step in Belize’s journey toward a sustainable energy future.
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Abinader announces US$700 million investment to modernize Dominican airports
Santo Domingo – In a significant move to bolster its aviation sector, the Dominican Republic has unveiled a $700 million investment plan aimed at upgrading its airport infrastructure. President Luis Abinader confirmed that the initiative will span from late 2025 through 2026, with the Cabo Rojo International Airport in Pedernales set to commence operations by June 2026. This project is a cornerstone of the government’s strategy to modernize the nation’s air transport network. Víctor Pichardo, Executive Director of the Airport Department, detailed the allocation of funds across key airports. Punta Cana International Airport will see expansions to its logistics center and the opening of Terminal B, while Cibao International Airport is slated to receive $300 million for a new terminal and runway extension capable of handling wide-body aircraft, thereby enhancing connectivity with Europe. Additionally, Las Américas International Airport (AILA) will benefit from a $110 million investment in 2026, with $70 million earmarked for a new terminal. Pichardo emphasized that the Cabo Rojo project adheres to international environmental standards, reflecting the government’s commitment to sustainable development. ‘These investments are transforming the Dominican Republic’s airport system, ensuring state-of-the-art infrastructure, improved connectivity, and enhanced passenger experiences,’ Pichardo stated.
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Belize Could Soon Be Storing Sunshine… Literally
Belize is taking significant strides toward energy independence and sustainability with the introduction of large-scale battery storage systems designed to harness solar power. The Ministry of Energy, led by Chief Executive Officer Dr. Leroy Almendarez, announced plans to store excess solar energy generated during the day for use at night, a move expected to reduce electricity costs and decrease reliance on imported energy. Currently, Belize imports up to 50% of its power from Mexico, but this initiative aims to change that. A key component of the project is a 40-megawatt battery storage system funded by the World Bank, which will allow Belize to purchase cheaper energy during off-peak hours and distribute it during peak times, potentially lowering consumer bills. Dr. Almendarez emphasized the importance of proper maintenance for these systems, comparing them to vehicle batteries that degrade without care. Belize’s renewable energy transition is already in progress, with plans to install 135 megawatts of solar capacity and 60 megawatts of battery storage by 2031. The first batteries are expected to be operational by the end of 2026, and the ministry aims to generate 75% of the country’s energy from renewable sources by 2030. This initiative marks a critical step in Belize’s journey toward a greener and more self-sufficient energy future.
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Guyana among Amazon countries hoping to raise US$1 billion for infrastructure projects
In a landmark initiative, seven Amazonian countries—Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, and Suriname—have joined forces to establish the Amazonia Forever Facility for Cities and Resilient Infrastructure. This regional alliance, formalized through a joint declaration on November 11, 2025, aims to mobilize over $1 billion to bolster investments in water security, clean energy, and resilient urban infrastructure. The initiative is spearheaded by the Amazonia Network of Ministers of Finance and Planning, with robust support from the Inter-American Development Bank Group (IDB Group) and backing from multilateral climate funds, bilateral donors, and local leaders. The facility will employ innovative financial mechanisms, including blended financing, performance-based concessionality schemes, and credit-substitution guarantees, while providing technical assistance for infrastructure projects in urban and peri-urban areas. Brazil’s Planning and Budget Minister, Simone Tebet, emphasized the dual focus on forest preservation and urban development, highlighting that over 70% of the Amazonian population resides in cities facing critical gaps in water, sanitation, energy, and mobility. IDB Group President Ilan Goldfajn underscored the initiative’s role in fostering livelihoods and protecting the 60 million people who call the Amazon home. The facility has already garnered significant international support, with Denmark, Norway, and Sweden committing $800 million for clean-energy projects, and the Green Climate Fund and Climate Investment Funds contributing $162 million and $215 million, respectively, for resilient infrastructure and clean energy access. Additionally, the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation has pledged 6 million euros to enhance water and sanitation efforts in the region.
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TotalEnergies to shoot 3D seismic survey in Guyana shallow water block
TotalEnergies, in collaboration with a consortium including Qatar Energy and Petronas, has announced a significant investment of at least $20 million to conduct a 3D seismic survey in the S4 shallow water block offshore Guyana. The project, set to commence in late 2026, will span approximately 1,800 square kilometers and is expected to last at least six months. This initiative follows the signing of a five-year petroleum exploration agreement with the Guyanese government, marking a pivotal step in the region’s oil and gas exploration efforts.
Daniel Larranaga, TotalEnergies’ Vice President of Exploration in the Americas, emphasized the potential impact of the survey, stating that it could lead to significant discoveries and further exploration activities. The S4 block, located off the coast of Demerara, has been a focal point for TotalEnergies since its initial exploration efforts 35 years ago. Larranaga expressed optimism about the block’s geological prospects, noting that while it differs from deep-water plays, it holds considerable potential.
The consortium is awaiting final contractual arrangements and permits, which Larranaga anticipates will be expedited compared to industry standards. The selection of the company to conduct the seismic study remains undecided. Additionally, the project will be integrated with TotalEnergies’ ongoing offshore operations in Suriname’s GranMorgu production facility, currently under construction.
In line with local content provisions, the consortium has committed to engaging in social projects and hiring local contractors and personnel. The agreement also includes a $15 million signature bonus, exceeding the stipulated $10 million, which will be directly deposited into Guyana’s Natural Resources Fund. Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat highlighted the transparency of the agreement, which will be publicly accessible on the ministry’s website.
Guyana, currently producing over 900,000 barrels of oil per day, continues to attract significant investment in its burgeoning oil and gas sector, positioning itself as a key player in the global energy market.
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Grenada launches Caribbean’s first Blue Economy Action Lab
Grenada has taken a groundbreaking step in advancing its blue economy by hosting the first-ever Blue Economy Action Lab. This innovative event brought together entrepreneurs, policymakers, and investors to transform ideas into actionable projects within a 90-day timeframe. The initiative, spearheaded by Island Innovators, aimed to move beyond theoretical discussions and focus on tangible outcomes that address the Caribbean’s unique challenges. Participants, including marine entrepreneurs, tourism operators, and data scientists, collaborated on pilot projects centered around three key themes: waste-to-value solutions, circular blue tourism, and coastal resilience. The event culminated in the formation of ‘Doers’ Circles,’ cross-sector working groups committed to delivering High-Impact Action Declarations (HIADs) under each theme. Notable attendees included sustainability leaders such as Crystal Young, Chad Fraser, and Benjamin Nestorovic, who highlighted the potential of Grenada’s marine resources to drive economic growth, job creation, and environmental health. Island Innovators will support these teams through a 90-day pilot program, providing mentorship, technical guidance, and accountability via an Impact Dashboard. The success of this inaugural event has paved the way for future Action Labs across sectors like technology, health, and the creative economy, with a focus on emerging opportunities such as marine biotechnology and coastal data mapping. Dr. Angus Friday, Advisor to Island Innovators, described the event as the beginning of a movement, emphasizing the Caribbean’s ability to turn potential into probability through structured collaboration and support.