Carib Scope

分类： business

  • Western Air chief warns of air fare increase as 40% fuel spike expected

    Western Air chief warns of air fare increase as 40% fuel spike expected

    A perfect storm of geopolitical conflict and regional policy challenges is converging on The Bahamas’ tourism economy, with airline executives and resort owners warning of significant economic repercussions. Western Air, a major Bahamian carrier, has received formal notification of an immediate 40 percent surge in jet fuel costs directly linked to Middle East tensions, with further increases anticipated. Sherrexcia ‘Rexy’ Rolle, the airline’s president and CEO, confirmed that this development will inevitably force ticket price increases across the industry, potentially affecting travel accessibility to the island nation at a critical moment for tourism recovery.

    The fuel crisis emerges alongside existing challenges in the Family Islands’ hospitality sector. Emanuel Alexiou, president of the Bahama Out Island Promotion Board, reported dramatic occupancy declines of nearly 50 percent in January and 27 percent in February at his Abaco Beach Resort property, with similar trends affecting other members. This downturn stems from two primary factors: the collapse of Silver Airways in June 2025, which drastically reduced air connectivity to Abaco, Exuma and other destinations, and controversial new boating fees that have deterred short-stay visitors.

    While March has shown promising recovery signs with occupancy levels matching previous years, industry leaders express deep concern about the compounding effect of fuel prices on an already fragile market. Alexiou acknowledged that a protracted Middle East conflict would have ‘a big impact’ on both the Bahamian and global economies, particularly if fuel costs remain elevated through the critical summer season.

    The boating industry faces particular vulnerability. Peter Maury, president of the Association of Bahamas Marinas, projected that marine fuel costs could increase 30-40 percent, creating what he termed ‘one more expense that a lot of boaters are probably not going to want to pay.’ This comes amid ongoing uncertainty about the government’s promised new cruising permit categories, which were announced in the mid-year Budget presentation but remain undetailed just weeks before the crucial Palm Beach Boat Show.

    Political responses are emerging as the crisis develops. Senator Darren Henfield, Opposition leader in the Senate, has urged the government to implement emergency measures including a VAT cap on gasoline and an increased VAT-free threshold for electricity bills to mitigate the impact of rising oil prices on Bahamian families. These proposals mirror approaches successfully implemented in Barbados during previous oil price spikes.

    The convergence of these factors—aviation fuel costs, reduced air connectivity, controversial marine fees, and now geopolitical instability affecting energy markets—creates unprecedented challenges for The Bahamas’ tourism-dependent economy just as it seeks to recover from a difficult start to 2026.

  • New initiative AgriConnect Brasil launched at IICA headquarters to strengthen connectivity and digital inclusion for rural family farms

    New initiative AgriConnect Brasil launched at IICA headquarters to strengthen connectivity and digital inclusion for rural family farms

    BRASÍLIA – A major agricultural digitalization initiative, AgriConnect Brasil, has been formally launched at the headquarters of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA). With substantial financial and strategic backing from the World Bank Group (WBG), the program targets profound enhancements in rural connectivity and digital inclusion for Brazil’s vast network of family farmers.

    The ambitious program sets its sights on directly supporting over one million family farming operations across Brazil by the year 2030. This support will be channeled through improved access to cutting-edge agricultural technologies, expanded financial services, specialized knowledge platforms, and a suite of digital tools. The primary objectives are a significant increase in farmer incomes, the generation of new employment opportunities throughout the agrifood value chain, and a marked improvement in national food security, all contributing to more sustainable and inclusive rural economic development.

    AgriConnect Brasil is a critical national component of the World Bank Group’s broader global strategy to revolutionize the agri-food sector. This worldwide initiative has an ambitious target: to assist up to 300 million smallholder farmers in transitioning from subsistence-based operations to productive, market-integrated agricultural enterprises within the same timeframe.

    The global effort is underpinned by an estimated annual investment of $9 billion, with the potential to mobilize an additional $5 billion in co-financing. This substantial funding is earmarked to drive innovation, develop tailored financial products, and build robust service ecosystems specifically designed for the agricultural sector.

    In the Latin American context, the program’s implementation is a collaborative endeavor. Key partners include IICA, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the Latin American Association for the Development of Agricultural Insurance (ALASA). The coalition also actively incorporates financial institutions, private sector companies, philanthropic foundations, and academic partners.

    The program’s focus on Brazil is strategically crucial. The country is home to approximately 3.9 million family farms, which represent about 75% of all rural properties. These operations employ nearly 10 million people and form the backbone of the nation’s domestic food supply.

    Globally, the agri-food sector is recognized as a cornerstone of economic and social stability. Beyond its fundamental role in ensuring food security, it is a major source of employment, a catalyst for local economic growth, and the primary livelihood for hundreds of millions in rural communities worldwide. In this framework, digitalization and enhanced rural connectivity are now widely viewed as indispensable levers for unlocking economic potential, elevating productivity, and fortifying agricultural systems against the dual threats of climate change and market volatility.

    To achieve its multifaceted goals, AgriConnect will concentrate its efforts on three strategic pillars:
    1. Mitigating agricultural risks through the strengthening of climate adaptation and market risk management frameworks.
    2. Enhancing value chains and logistics infrastructure to seamlessly connect producers with domestic and international commercial opportunities.
    3. Accelerating digital transformation via the widespread deployment of digital tools, knowledge-sharing platforms, and technological solutions for efficient production management.

    IICA emphasized that the program’s vision extends beyond mere technology adoption. A core mission is to create compelling economic opportunities for rural populations, particularly the youth, incentivizing them to remain in rural areas by engaging in innovative, productive activities that are linked to high-value global markets.

    Initiatives of this scale and design are projected to be a powerful accelerant for the digital transformation of agriculture in the Americas. They are expected to drive productive inclusion, enhance the sector’s overall competitiveness, and pave the way for a new era of sustainable rural development.

  • Grenadian businesses at Commonwealth Investment Network Summit

    Grenadian businesses at Commonwealth Investment Network Summit

    Three pioneering enterprises from Grenada have emerged as standout participants in the inaugural Commonwealth Investment Network (CIN) Accelerator Programme, marking a significant milestone for Caribbean innovation on the global stage. Green Feeds, SarGas, and Belmont Estate represented the island nation during the intensive London summit from March 9-13, where they joined just four other selected businesses from Pacific Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in presenting sustainable solutions to international investors.

    The competitive selection process saw 135 applications from across Commonwealth SIDS, with only seven companies chosen for the groundbreaking initiative. The Grenadian contingent demonstrated exceptional innovation in circular economy practices: Green Feeds transforms waste streams into energy and agricultural products; SarGas converts sargassum seaweed into renewable energy; while Belmont Estate operates as both an organic cocoa producer and agritourism destination preserving Grenada’s farming heritage.

    Implemented through a collaboration between the Commonwealth Secretariat, UK Government, and Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance, the CIN programme provided three months of rigorous preparation including workshops, advisory sessions, and business model refinement. The London showcase culminated in presentations to international investors, policymakers, and development partners, with participants notably engaging with His Majesty King Charles III during Sustainable Markets Initiative discussions.

    Grenada’s participation was facilitated through the Grenada Investment Development Corporation (GIDC) and Commonwealth Resident Representative Victor Clarke, who helped connect local entrepreneurs with global opportunities. Earlier reconnaissance visits by CIN representatives to Grenada ensured the programme was tailored to the specific needs of island-based businesses facing unique environmental and economic challenges.

    Company representatives emphasized the programme’s transformative impact. Frank Cawkwell of Green Feeds noted how it ‘places small island solutions on an international platform,’ while Benjamin Nestorovic of SarGas highlighted the value of cross-island collaboration. Shadel Nyack Compton of Belmont Estate observed that the experience demonstrated how ‘sustainable agriculture and rural enterprises can be both impactful and commercially viable.’

    The cohort has committed to maintaining connections beyond the programme, recognizing that collective progress will enhance individual success. Ongoing support through the CIN network will continue to advance these sustainable ventures, showcasing Grenada’s growing leadership in climate-focused business innovation within the Commonwealth community.

  • Centrale banken heroverwegen renteverlagingen vrees voor nieuwe inflatie

    Centrale banken heroverwegen renteverlagingen vrees voor nieuwe inflatie

    Central banks worldwide are reassessing their monetary easing strategies as mounting geopolitical tensions and surging energy prices threaten to reignite inflationary pressures. The recent spike in oil costs, driven primarily by Middle Eastern instability, has created new challenges for policymakers who had anticipated gradual interest rate reductions this year.

    Energy price increases typically trigger immediate effects on transportation expenses, manufacturing outputs, and ultimately consumer pricing structures. This development potentially undermines the recent moderate disinflation progress achieved across numerous economies. Financial analysts indicate that monetary authorities are now compelled to reevaluate their approach, potentially maintaining elevated interest rates for extended periods to contain price growth.

    Investors are closely monitoring upcoming policy meetings at major central banks, including the Federal Reserve and European Central Bank, whose decisions may significantly influence global economic trajectories in coming months. Extended higher borrowing costs could dampen corporate investments and consumer spending while authorities attempt to prevent inflation from becoming entrenched within economic systems.

    Economists emphasize the situation remains highly contingent on geopolitical developments and energy market dynamics. Persistent turbulence in energy markets could amplify worldwide inflationary pressures, prompting more cautious monetary approaches. Current indications suggest central banks may delay rapid rate cuts until greater certainty emerges regarding inflation patterns, prioritizing price stability over economic stimulation.

  • LVV traint beginners in pluimveehouderij om productie in Suriname te verhogen

    LVV traint beginners in pluimveehouderij om productie in Suriname te verhogen

    The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries (LVV) in Suriname has successfully concluded its inaugural training program for novice poultry farmers, marking a significant step toward enhancing domestic poultry production and decreasing the nation’s dependence on imported goods. This comprehensive initiative received overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants who gained both theoretical knowledge and practical experience in various aspects of poultry farming.

    The training curriculum covered essential components including housing construction, nutritional requirements, animal care practices, poultry anatomy, common disease management, and fundamental administrative skills. Beyond classroom instruction, the program incorporated hands-on activities and field visits, enabling participants to immediately apply their newly acquired knowledge in real-world settings.

    Acting Director of Livestock Gerald Tjon A San emphasized the critical role of knowledge transfer in sectoral development, stating that the primary objective is to expand Suriname’s poultry industry to reduce reliance on imported products. Participants confirmed the practical value of the training, with attendee Orlando Cairo specifically noting enhanced understanding of coop construction and disease prevention through proper hygiene practices. Cairo expressed intentions to pursue poultry farming collaboratively with fellow graduates.

    Another participant, Ingrid Jandini, highlighted how the program established a solid foundation for aspiring sector entrants, noting that LVV provided valuable tools for entrepreneurial development and contribution to local food production. The ministry plans to expand these training initiatives across all districts and regions, with Minister Mike Noersalim particularly encouraging youth and interested individuals to leverage these educational opportunities.

    Minister Noersalim emphasized the significant opportunities poultry farming presents for agricultural entrepreneurs, stating that increased participation in production will contribute to a strengthened agricultural sector and more sustainable food security for Suriname.

  • Sky High Dominicana launches direct flights to Suriname

    Sky High Dominicana launches direct flights to Suriname

    SANTO DOMINGO – In a significant expansion of Caribbean aviation networks, Sky High Dominicana has unveiled plans to establish a new direct air corridor connecting Santo Domingo with Paramaribo, Suriname. Scheduled to commence operations on April 16, 2026, this pioneering route will link Las Américas International Airport (SDQ) with Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport (PBM), marking the first direct connection between these two nations.

    The strategic initiative represents a calculated expansion of the airline’s regional footprint, designed to enhance mobility throughout the Caribbean and South American regions. Suriname, renowned for its pristine rainforests and multicultural heritage, stands to gain substantial economic benefits through accelerated tourism inflows and strengthened commercial partnerships with the Dominican Republic.

    Beyond this commercial aviation development, Sky High Dominicana continues to diversify its aviation portfolio. The carrier reported robust growth across multiple business segments, including a 33% year-over-year increase in cargo operations through its subsidiary Sky High Aviation Services Corp., which transported over 8,000 tons of freight in 2025. Simultaneously, the airline is expanding its premium private charter services utilizing the long-range Gulfstream GV aircraft, capable of accommodating up to 17 passengers on intercontinental executive flights.

    With fifteen years of operational experience and certifications from both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), the airline maintains an extensive network throughout the Americas. Company executives emphasized that the Suriname route alignment supports broader objectives of fostering economic development, tourism expansion, and enhanced regional integration for the Dominican Republic.

  • ABHTA Hosts Kitchen Management Essentials Training to Strengthen Operational Excellence in Professional Kitchens

    ABHTA Hosts Kitchen Management Essentials Training to Strengthen Operational Excellence in Professional Kitchens

    The Antigua & Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA) has successfully concluded an intensive professional development program focused on elevating kitchen management standards within the nation’s hospitality sector. The two-day workshop, ‘Kitchen Management Essentials: People, Systems & Service,’ took place March 11-12, 2026, at the Muriel O’Mard Campus, bringing together culinary professionals from across the industry.

    Under the expert guidance of Chef Olvanah Richardson, Executive Sous Chef at Blue Waters Resort and Spa with over 25 years of industry expertise, participants engaged in comprehensive training designed to bridge culinary artistry with operational leadership. The curriculum addressed critical components of kitchen management including workflow optimization, structured employee onboarding protocols, inventory control systems, and effective team leadership strategies.

    The program incorporated established operational frameworks such as the 5S methodology for kitchen organization and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) management systems. These approaches provide structured methods for reducing waste, enhancing safety protocols, and improving overall service efficiency in professional kitchen environments.

    Interactive sessions featured collaborative problem-solving exercises and discussions emphasizing the crucial role of communication, standardized procedures, and teamwork in achieving operational excellence. Chef Richardson highlighted the importance of aligning departmental objectives while maintaining clear operational guidelines to address challenges effectively.

    ‘Congratulations to all our industry professionals. I am truly encouraged by each participant’s dedication,’ stated Chef Richardson, who further emphasized the value of ongoing training initiatives and mentorship programs within Antigua and Barbuda’s hospitality landscape.

    Shantel Francis, Chef de Partie at Barbuda Ocean Club, shared her transformative learning experience: ‘The sessions provided invaluable insights into kitchen organization and staff development. My key takeaway was the significance of cultivating continuous improvement cultures through targeted training and constructive feedback mechanisms.’

    The program concluded with certificate presentations to participants who successfully completed the training, recognizing their commitment to professional advancement and operational excellence. ABHTA reaffirmed its dedication to workforce development through ongoing workshops, certification programs, and educational resources that support best practices across the tourism industry.

    As the collective voice of Antigua and Barbuda’s hospitality sector, ABHTA continues to advocate for industry growth through education, promotion, and strategic development initiatives that enhance both visitor experiences and economic benefits for the nation.

  • Airline CEO’s call on US congress to pay 50,000 unpaid TSA workers to prevent further flight disruptions

    Airline CEO’s call on US congress to pay 50,000 unpaid TSA workers to prevent further flight disruptions

    In an unprecedented industry-wide appeal, chief executives of America’s leading passenger and cargo airlines have demanded immediate congressional action to resolve the ongoing federal government shutdown, now entering its 29th day. The stalemate has left approximately 50,000 Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees working without pay, creating cascading disruptions across the national aviation system during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

    The partial government shutdown has triggered operational crises at airports nationwide as hundreds of TSA screeners have resigned due to financial hardship. This exodus has forced the closure of critical security screening lanes, significantly reduced processing capacity, and created extensive passenger wait times that threaten to overwhelm terminal facilities.

    Major carriers including American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, JetBlue Airways, and Alaska Airlines have united with cargo giants FedEx, UPS, and Atlas Air in warning that the situation threatens both passenger safety and economic stability. The aviation coalition emphasized that the shutdown’s timing during spring break—typically characterized by surging passenger volumes—has magnified its negative effects substantially.

    Airlines are now advising travelers to arrive at airports three to four hours before scheduled departures, build extra buffer time into connecting flight itineraries, and monitor flight status notifications continuously. Industry analysts project approximately 171 million passengers will pass through U.S. airports during this spring break season, representing a 4% increase over the same period in 2025 according to Guardian reports.

    The deteriorating airport conditions have already manifested in widespread flight delays, missed connections, extended security processing times, and rising operational costs that may ultimately impact ticket prices. Aviation executives warn that without immediate resolution, the situation could escalate into a full-blown aviation crisis with significant economic repercussions.

  • FROM THE GROUND UP

    FROM THE GROUND UP

    In a historic leadership transition, 32-year-old Gabrielle Gilpin-Hudson has been elected president of the Realtors Association of Jamaica (RAJ), becoming the youngest leader in the organization’s six-decade history. Her election marks a significant generational shift for Jamaica’s real estate sector.

    Gilpin-Hudson brings a unique combination of legal expertise and practical industry knowledge to her new role. A licensed real estate dealer since age 28 and founder of her own law firm, Grant, Henry & Rhooms, she has built an impressive professional footprint across Jamaica’s development landscape. Her background includes leading operations and marketing for a transformative 425-home development in Hanover that brought the parish its first traffic light.

    Her ascent to the presidency represents the culmination of a deliberate progression through the RAJ’s ranks, having served as volunteer, committee member, director, committee chair, and vice-president. This comprehensive experience has provided her with an intimate understanding of the association’s strengths, challenges, and evolution needs.

    Unlike stereotypical millennial attributes of haste and disruption, Gilpin-Hudson demonstrates measured, thoughtful leadership. She describes her approach as fundamentally grounded in discipline and duty—values instilled during her education at Immaculate Conception High School, The University of the West Indies, Mona, and Norman Manley Law School.

    Her connection to real estate began in childhood, spending weekends on construction sites with her grandfather. These experiences taught her that real estate transcends physical structures, encompassing meticulous planning, coordination, and the vision required to create lasting developments.

    Since assuming office, Gilpin-Hudson has initiated a comprehensive modernization of the RAJ’s operations, digitizing processes and developing new technological infrastructure including a website and online payment system. Her administration has strengthened advocacy across education, ethics, governance, and technology.

    Notably, she assumed the presidency while eight months pregnant with her second son, viewing both events as ‘long-awaited dreams and blessings’ rather than conflicting responsibilities.

    Judy Benjamin, RAJ’s first vice-president, acknowledges that Gilpin-Hudson’s leadership style represents a new era for the organization, particularly valuable as it addresses critical issues affecting industry professionals and Jamaicans nationwide.

    As the RAJ celebrates its 60th anniversary, Gilpin-Hudson envisions an association that remains a pillar of national development, maintaining credibility, ethical standards, and global respect while unlocking Jamaica’s significant real estate potential. She notes that Jamaica offers some of the Caribbean’s lowest real estate prices per square foot, presenting considerable opportunities for sustainable growth and untapped value.

  • Food price slump pushes Jamaica’s inflation lower in February

    Food price slump pushes Jamaica’s inflation lower in February

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s economy experienced a notable shift in February as the nation recorded a monthly deflationary period, primarily driven by a significant downturn in food prices. Official data from the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN) revealed a 0.9 percent contraction in the All-Jamaica Consumer Price Index, marking a temporary economic anomaly that provided financial respite to consumers.

    The most substantial price collapse occurred within the food and non-alcoholic beverages sector, which witnessed a 2.5 percent overall decrease. This downturn was overwhelmingly fueled by an extraordinary 11.3 percent plunge in the cost of vegetables, tubers, plantains, cooking bananas, and pulses. STATIN analysts attributed this sharp decline to improved supply conditions in domestic markets, specifically noting dramatically lower prices for cabbage, carrot, cucumber, sweet pepper, and tomato.

    This deflationary trend in food costs effectively counterbalanced modest increases observed in other essential expenditure categories. The housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels segment experienced a 0.2 percent increase, while transport costs rose by an identical margin, partially reflecting elevated electricity and petroleum prices.

    Despite February’s monthly price decline, Jamaica maintained positive annual inflation figures. Year-over-year analysis showed consumer prices advanced by 3.9 percent in February compared to the same period in the previous year. The food and non-alcoholic beverages category led this annual increase with 5.1 percent inflation, followed closely by housing utilities at 5.0 percent, and personal care services at 4.1 percent.

    Critically, Jamaica’s annual inflation rate continues to remain comfortably within the Bank of Jamaica’s target range of 4 to 6 percent, indicating overall economic stability despite monthly fluctuations in specific commodity categories.