As Jamaica assesses the economic fallout from Hurricane Melissa, TransJamaican Highway Limited (TJH) has initiated discussions with the government to address the significant revenue loss incurred during a 15-day toll suspension. The suspension, mandated by Transport Minister Daryl Vaz as the hurricane approached, resulted in an estimated $3.8 million loss for TJH, based on its average daily revenue of $254,000. Despite this setback, TJH reported a 27% increase in third-quarter net profit, reaching $10.3 million, highlighting the financial impact of the temporary halt.
分类： business
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CAL is TT Chamber’s 2025 TT Owned Company of the Year
Caribbean Airlines Ltd (CAL), the state-owned carrier of Trinidad and Tobago, has been honored with the 2025 Internationally Known T&T Owned Company of the Year Award. This prestigious accolade, sponsored by the Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism, was announced during the TT Chamber’s Champions of Business: True Stories series, available on the chamber’s YouTube page. CAL emerged victorious among a competitive field of nominees, recognized for its significant contributions to the nation and its impressive international business expansion. The award criteria emphasize corporate excellence, innovation, and global competitiveness, celebrating companies that have established a strong regional or international presence with plans for sustained growth. Past recipients of this award include notable names such as Chief Brand Products, Carib Brewery Ltd, KC Confectionery Ltd, and Associated Brands Industries Ltd. CAL’s dedication to exceptional service, its expansion across regional and international routes, and its role in promoting Trinidad and Tobago’s brand globally were key factors in its selection. Kiran Maharaj, producer of Champions of Business and the chamber’s immediate past president, praised CAL, stating, ‘Caribbean Airlines has become more than a carrier; it is the wings of our region, connecting families, cultures, and nations across 27 destinations in the Caribbean, North and South America.’ The airline’s achievements will be formally celebrated at the Champions of Business Awards gala on November 13 at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad in Port of Spain. Now in its 20th year, the awards continue to highlight the innovation, leadership, and legacy-building efforts that shape Trinidad and Tobago’s business landscape.
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Your chicken is safe, for now
Jamaica’s poultry industry has incurred staggering losses estimated at $2 billion following the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa. The storm, which struck several western parishes, resulted in the loss of over 1.2 million birds, including 780,000 broilers and 458,000 layer birds. Agriculture Minister Floyd Green described the hurricane as the most catastrophic event ever faced by the country’s agriculture and fisheries sectors, despite extensive preparatory measures. The Ministry of Agriculture has swiftly transitioned into recovery mode, prioritizing livestock rehabilitation, particularly backyard poultry farming. An initial $40 million has been allocated to support small farmers with chicks, feed, and infrastructure. Additionally, the government has introduced a moratorium on lease payments for farmers within agro-parks to alleviate financial strain. Major producers Caribbean Broilers (CB) and Jamaica Broilers Group (JBG) have assured consumers of stable chicken supply, leveraging their unaffected central parish operations, which account for 62% of national production. While smaller farmers in western parishes face significant challenges, industry leaders emphasize that the overall poultry supply remains secure. Recovery efforts include distributing over 400,000 baby chicks and rebuilding coops for affected farmers. Despite the setbacks, Jamaica’s poultry sector is poised for a gradual rebound, supported by coordinated relief initiatives and strategic interventions.
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New initiative to support network for Caribbean entrepreneurs
The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), headquartered in Barbados, has joined forces with RevUP Caribbean to unveil the RevUP Founders Growth and Community Support Network. This innovative digital ecosystem is poised to offer enduring support to entrepreneurs across the Caribbean, marking a significant milestone in regional economic development.
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Quarry operators meet ministry officials through third party
The Trinidad and Tobago Aggregate Producers Alliance (TTAPA) has announced the reopening of the quarrying industry following constructive discussions with the Ministry of Energy. Nigel Tenia, president of TTAPA, revealed that the alliance has reached a “level of comfort” after indirect communications facilitated by a third party. While Tenia refrained from disclosing specific details or the identities of ministry officials involved, he emphasized that the licensing process for sand and gravel extraction is now imminent. This development marks a significant step forward for the construction and quarrying sectors, which had faced severe disruptions due to the industry’s shutdown. Tenia highlighted that the decision to resume operations was made in good faith, based on recent assurances from the ministry. He acknowledged the challenges posed by the inconsistent licensing system, which often left operators navigating a bureaucratic maze. The reopening is expected to alleviate the economic strain on approximately 3,000 to 5,000 jobs and stabilize the rising costs of aggregate materials. TTAPA, representing 24 quarry operators, also plans to expand its membership to include other legitimate businesses seeking regularization. The alliance aims to collaborate with the government to streamline licensing processes and promote industry compliance. However, Tenia clarified that the current assurances apply only to existing TTAPA members. The announcement follows a peaceful demonstration by TTAPA on November 6, where the alliance demanded government action to address long-standing regulatory issues. Despite the progress, Tenia noted that formal approvals have yet to be issued, and the ministry was not notified of the announcement beforehand. The Ministry of Homeland Security has not commented on whether the police are involved in ongoing discussions with TTAPA.
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Saint Lucia-Taiwan trade show highlights food security, digital transformation
The 18th annual Saint Lucia-Taiwan Partnership Trade Show, held from November 7-9, 2025, at the Pavilion on the Ramp in Rodney Bay, emphasized the critical themes of food security and digital transformation. This landmark event, a cornerstone of Saint Lucia’s 2025 Business Month, featured 65 Saint Lucian and 25 Taiwanese businesses, showcasing a diverse array of products and services ranging from agro-processed goods and local cuisine to handmade crafts, technology, and innovative solutions. The trade show aimed to foster business-to-business (B2B) interactions, strengthen trade ties, and expand opportunities for local manufacturers and service providers. Under the theme ‘Securing Tomorrow: Powered by Sustainability, Built on Resilience,’ the event celebrated nearly two decades of collaboration between Saint Lucia and Taiwan in trade, enterprise development, and innovation. Nicole Su, Taiwan’s Ambassador to Saint Lucia, lauded the entrepreneurial spirit of Saint Lucian businesses, highlighting the event’s role in connecting buyers, investors, and entrepreneurs. Minister for Commerce Emma Hippolyte underscored the enduring partnership, describing it as a model of trust, mutual respect, and shared success. Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Ernest Hilaire emphasized the importance of sustainability and resilience, noting that the choices made today will shape the future for generations to come. The event reinforced the notion that sustainability is not optional but essential for economic and environmental prosperity, showcasing how international collaboration can drive innovation and secure a better tomorrow.
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Ambassador Calvin Ayre Praises the Government as a “Fantastic Partner”
Renowned businessman and investor Calvin Ayre has lauded the Government of Antigua and Barbuda for its robust and productive collaboration in fostering real estate and business development on the island. Ayre, who has been involved in numerous projects in Antigua, emphasized the government’s supportive role in creating a conducive environment for entrepreneurs. He described the partnership as ‘everything an entrepreneur could hope for,’ highlighting the government’s willingness to listen, eagerness to collaborate, and focus on the broader benefits projects bring to citizens. Ayre’s remarks were made in connection with the upcoming Nikki Beach Resort & Spa, Antigua, a high-end tourism initiative aimed at driving economic growth. He credited the project’s success to the effective engagement between the investor community and the public sector, underscoring the importance of this collaboration in achieving shared goals. The Nikki Beach development is part of a larger strategy to enhance Antigua and Barbuda’s appeal as a luxury tourism destination, further solidifying its position in the global market.
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Shed 4 at Bridgetown Port closed for cleaning
Operations at Shed 4 of the Bridgetown Port in Barbados were halted today following an environmental issue that impacted the Customs Office. Barbados Port Inc. announced that the situation necessitated industrial cleaning, leading to the temporary suspension of cargo activities. Despite the closure, port officials confirmed that container services and the delivery of personal effects from Shed 2 remain unaffected and will continue as usual until 11 p.m. The port authority anticipates that commercial operations at Shed 4 will resume by Wednesday, ensuring minimal disruption to overall port activities.
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Economist to private sector: Take greater risks to drive growth
Renowned economist Jeremy Stephen has called on the private sector to abandon its risk-averse mindset and embrace bolder investments, emphasizing that over-reliance on government spending is hampering economic growth and perpetuating unsustainable public debt levels. Speaking in response to the Latin American Economic Outlook 2025 report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Stephen highlighted the urgent need for governments to prioritize mobilizing private investment and move away from ineffective tax incentives. He stressed that innovative financing mechanisms, such as green bonds, could play a pivotal role in attracting both local and foreign investors. Stephen argued that excessive dependence on government initiatives fosters complacency, stifling the economy’s potential. He pointed to Barbados’ weak private sector participation as a key factor behind its unsustainable debt, urging businesses to take calculated risks despite the challenging environment. The OECD report underscores Barbados’ heavy reliance on tourism, which leaves the economy vulnerable to external shocks and limits inclusive growth. It advocates for diversification into sectors like creative industries, renewable energy, and digital services to build resilience. Stephen also criticized the lack of private initiatives in exploring new tourism markets, citing the absence of self-funded roadshows to regions like China and the Middle East. He emphasized the need for a stronger enabling environment to encourage risk-taking and innovation. The report recommends a comprehensive strategy to mobilize private investment, reduce government dependency, and improve fiscal space. Stephen concluded that redefining the public-private partnership model is essential for reducing Barbados’ debt and securing sustainable growth.
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Barbados, Africa urged to seize trade and investment opportunities
Barbados and its Caribbean neighbors have been called upon to explore untapped trade and investment opportunities with Africa, as senior officials convened in Bridgetown for the inaugural GUBA Awards and Trade and Investment Forum. The event, which began on Monday, aims to strengthen economic and cultural ties between Africa and the Caribbean, celebrating the achievements of individuals and organizations from both regions. Lady Dentaa Amoateng, CEO of the GUBA Foundation, emphasized the vast potential for growth, noting that intra-African trade accounts for only 16% of the continent’s total trade, while intra-Caribbean trade stands at around 14%. She highlighted the combined GDP of over $3.5 trillion and a population exceeding 1.4 billion as a testament to the untapped potential. Amoateng called for structured partnerships, including industrial and investment networks, to unlock the trade corridor between the two regions. She pointed to the African Continental Free Trade Area and the Caribbean Single Market and Economy as key platforms for fostering growth. Deputy Prime Minister Santia Bradshaw of Barbados underscored the historical connections between the Caribbean and Africa, highlighting Barbados’s efforts to deepen engagement with African nations such as Ghana, Kenya, and Rwanda. She noted the signing of bilateral agreements, including an air services agreement with Rwanda, and efforts to attract pharmaceutical manufacturing to Barbados. Bradshaw also emphasized the island’s transparent policies, double taxation agreements, and strategic partnerships as factors making it an attractive gateway for African investment into the Americas. The foundation’s chartered flight from Africa to Barbados is set to arrive tomorrow, symbolizing the growing collaboration between the two regions.