Carib Scope

分类： business

  • GOCA launches upgraded website and Creative Business Directory

    GOCA launches upgraded website and Creative Business Directory

    In a significant digital advancement for the Caribbean creative sector, the Grenada Office of Creative Affairs (GOCA) has officially launched its comprehensive upgraded website and innovative Creative Business Directory on January 22, 2026. This strategic initiative represents a major milestone in GOCA’s ongoing mission to enhance the visibility, growth, and sustainability of Grenada’s cultural and creative industries (CCIs).

    The revitalized digital platform serves as a dynamic showcase for Grenada’s creative economy, featuring detailed information about key programs including the CCI Business Development Fund, Concessions for Creatives, and CCI Scholarships. A central component of the upgrade is the Creative Portal—an exclusive online community designed for registered creative professionals that facilitates access to essential services and promotes professional development opportunities.

    Simultaneously launched, the Creative Business Directory functions as a publicly accessible marketplace connecting creative talent with potential clients and collaborators. This user-friendly digital directory simplifies the process of locating and engaging Grenada’s diverse creative professionals, from filmmakers and designers to artisans and performers.

    Orlando Romain, GOCA’s Advisor for the Creative Economy, emphasized the strategic importance of this digital transformation: ‘Our approach has always been intentional. Since our 2023 launch through the Unleash Conference, we’ve maintained a clear roadmap focusing on capacity building, financing, and market access. This digital tool specifically addresses market access challenges while celebrating our abundant local and diaspora creative talent.’

    The initiative has garnered enthusiastic support from Grenada’s creative community. André Hayes of MindzEye Films praised the directory’s potential to reduce marketing burdens, noting ‘This allows us to focus more on creating rather than constantly promoting our services.’ Kisha Miller, founder of Living Essentials and Luxurious Scents, highlighted the directory’s efficiency: ‘It minimizes the back-and-forth of finding talent through connections by putting everything at our fingertips.’

    The platform is now live at https://creativeaffairs.gov.gd, offering both public access to creative services and registration opportunities for unregistered creatives seeking to join the growing GOCA community.

  • Kelly Fontenelle named Caribbean Tourism Executive of the Year

    Kelly Fontenelle named Caribbean Tourism Executive of the Year

    Kelly Fontenelle, the Saint Lucian-born Chief Executive Officer of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority, has received the prestigious Tourism Executive of the Year award from Caribbean Journal. The recognition highlights her exceptional leadership in driving the federation’s tourism sector to new heights through innovative strategies and targeted promotional efforts.

    Caribbean Journal specifically commended Fontenelle for her relentless pursuit of growth through strategic travel initiatives, targeted promotion, and a remarkable campaign to position St. Kitts as a premier destination within the global travel industry. The publication emphasized her success in keeping the destination ‘top of mind for the global travel trade.’

    In an exclusive interview with St. Lucia Times, Fontenelle expressed humility and credited her entire team for the achievement. ‘This was a really nice honour and this is not just an honour for me, because it has been a team effort,’ she stated. ‘Behind me there is a fantastic team… the Minister for Tourism Marsha Henderson who is very influential in what we do and we have a wonderful board of directors. So the entire team is part of this honour.’

    When questioned about the key factors behind St. Kitts’ tourism success in 2025, Fontenelle identified three critical elements: enhanced destination visibility through expanded advertising in previously untapped markets, a strategic partnership with English football star Cole Palmer that significantly boosted brand recognition, and increased engagement with travel advisors. These coordinated efforts collectively propelled the destination’s tourism performance beyond previous benchmarks.

    Fontenelle, who hails from southern Saint Lucia, assumed her role as CEO in 2024 after serving as Director of Marketing for the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority in the USA. During her tenure there, she played a fundamental role in developing the Saint Lucia Expert (SLEx) loyalty program, which generated substantial growth for brand agents within five years. She is also credited with creating the Romance Specialist Programme for Saint Lucia and was instrumental in establishing the diaspora program. Additionally, Fontenelle founded Travel Advisors Selling the Caribbean, now recognized as the region’s foremost travel advisory company.

    The Caribbean Travel Awards, established by Caribbean Journal in 2014, represent the world’s premier celebration of Caribbean travel excellence, honoring exceptional destinations, accommodations, culinary experiences, and the dedicated professionals who contribute to making the region a world-class tourism destination.

  • How taxes impact air connectivity in the Caribbean

    How taxes impact air connectivity in the Caribbean

    The Caribbean aviation sector faces mounting pressure as airlines and industry leaders decry exorbitant taxation rates that threaten regional connectivity. Windward Islands Airways International NV (Winair) has launched cautious twice-weekly service between Trinidad and Sint Maarten, with CEO Hans van de Velde acknowledging the challenging economic landscape. ‘Operating an airline in this region is inherently expensive,’ van de Velde stated, revealing that approximately 50% of their introductory $200 one-way fare consists of government taxes.

    This taxation crisis isn’t new. Since at least 2018, when CaribSKY alliance members first raised concerns, regional carriers have struggled with escalating fees. LIAT 1974 documented a startling 56% increase in taxes between 2009-2016 while base fares rose merely 3%. The consequences are stark: annual passenger numbers plummeted from one million to 750,000, with taxes identified as the primary deterrent.

    The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has issued stern warnings, noting Caribbean destinations risk pricing themselves out of the global market. While global taxes average 15% of ticket prices, Caribbean routes endure 30-50% taxation—significantly higher than competing destinations like Cancun (23%). IATA’s Peter Cerdá emphasized that modern travelers prioritize total cost, making the Caribbean increasingly uncompetitive.

    At the recent State of the Tourism Industry Conference in Barbados, the tax dilemma dominated discussions. Barbados Tourism Minister Lisa Cummins defended the fees as necessary for infrastructure funding, acknowledging the challenge of reducing taxes without compromising service quality. Meanwhile, LIAT Air CEO Hafsah Abdulsalam stressed the urgent need for efficiency improvements and tax reform to enable regional expansion plans, including future routes to South America and Africa.

    A Caribbean Development Bank working paper from 2018 remains critically relevant, recommending reductions in both aviation taxes and airport charges to stimulate connectivity. The report highlighted that high costs particularly distort intra-regional travel markets, where demand proves highly price-sensitive. Without intervention, the Caribbean’s aviation ecosystem risks further contraction, potentially isolating islands and undermining tourism recovery efforts.

  • TikTok star Khaby Lame sells company in US$900m deal

    TikTok star Khaby Lame sells company in US$900m deal

    In a groundbreaking business transaction reshaping the digital influencer economy, TikTok’s most-followed creator Khaby Lame has finalized a monumental all-stock agreement valued at over $900 million with Hong Kong-based financial firm Rich Sparkle Holdings. The deal, formally announced Tuesday through corporate filings and industry reports, involves the sale of a significant stake in Lame’s corporate entity, Step Distinctive Limited.

    Under the meticulously structured 36-month arrangement, Rich Sparkle Holdings obtains exclusive global licensing rights to commercially leverage Lame’s personal brand across key markets including the United States, Middle East, and Southeast Asia. The partnership’s most innovative aspect involves developing an artificial intelligence replica of Lame—meticulously capturing his facial expressions, vocal patterns, and behavioral mannerisms—to generate automated social content and enable simultaneous multi-timezone engagement.

    The strategic acquisition extends beyond digital presence to encompass comprehensive commercial rights including Lame’s TikTok Shop operations, livestream commerce programming, brand endorsement management, and short-video monetization strategies. The Senegalese-Italian content creator, born Khabane Serigne Lame in 2000, achieved global recognition through his signature reaction videos and life-hack content, amassing 160 million TikTok followers and 77 million Instagram devotees.

    Corporate projections indicate anticipated sales exceeding $4 billion during the partnership term, leveraging Lame’s combined social media reach of 360 million followers worldwide. The agreement establishes region-specific pricing models aligned with local consumer purchasing power, with independent profit accounting mechanisms for each operational zone. Notably, Lame transitions into a controlling shareholder position within the newly structured corporate framework.

  • TCL warns: Price hike coming

    TCL warns: Price hike coming

    Trinidad Cement Ltd (TCL) has issued a formal notification to its customers regarding impending price adjustments for cement products, directly linking the potential increase to the proposed natural gas price hike currently under consideration. The company’s general manager, Gonzalo Rueda Castillo, emphasized in a January 26 statement that natural gas serves as a fundamental component in cement manufacturing processes, making the proposed energy cost increase particularly impactful.

    The National Gas Company’s anticipated decision on January 31 regarding natural gas pricing will determine the extent of necessary adjustments. Castillo clarified that should the gas price increase receive approval, TCL would be compelled to implement corresponding price revisions to maintain operational sustainability. The company highlighted that recent months have witnessed substantial cost escalations across multiple production aspects, including raw materials, packaging, and general inflationary pressures.

    Despite expressing opposition to the proposed energy cost increase and ongoing engagement with relevant stakeholders, TCL acknowledges the unavoidable financial implications. The cement manufacturer emphasized its commitment to maintaining reliable supply chains and supporting Trinidad and Tobago’s construction sector while navigating these economic challenges.

    In response to the announcement, former Energy Minister Stuart Young launched criticism against the current administration, characterizing the situation as evidence of governmental incompetence. Young’s social media statements warned citizens to anticipate broader economic repercussions, including potential increases in food prices and negative impacts on employment and foreign exchange stability.

  • Not drilling for oil yet

    Not drilling for oil yet

    Jamaica has embarked on a critical scientific data-gathering initiative to evaluate its offshore hydrocarbon prospects, with energy officials emphasizing this represents a preliminary research phase rather than active oil drilling operations. United Oil and Gas, a UK-based energy company, is preparing to launch a comprehensive surface geochemical exploration program in Jamaican waters under a production-sharing agreement with the government.

    The multi-week survey will utilize the specialized research vessel RV Gyre to conduct seabed mapping, heat flow measurements, and sediment sample collection at approximately 41 carefully selected locations in deep waters exceeding 450 meters. Company CEO Brian Larkin clarified that the operation focuses exclusively on gathering scientific evidence to determine whether geological conditions conducive to petroleum formation exist beneath Jamaica’s maritime territory.

    “This is data collection, arguably the final piece of the jigsaw before moving towards potential exploration drilling,” Larkin stated during a media tour of the research vessel at Port Royal Cruise Terminal. “We are not drilling a well. The purpose is to help us understand whether there’s an active petroleum system offshore Jamaica.”

    Energy Minister Daryl Vaz characterized the initiative as part of Jamaica’s broader strategy to strengthen energy security while maintaining environmental responsibility. He stressed that the current authorization only permits data gathering and does not allow for drilling or production activities.

    The operation has received all required approvals from Jamaica’s National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) and the National Fisheries Authority. Environmental safeguards include having agency representatives and marine observers onboard throughout the operation to ensure compliance with standards. Larkin noted the company has engaged with fishing communities and implemented soft-start procedures to minimize disturbance, with piston coring causing only temporary, minimal seabed impact.

    Minister Vaz tempered expectations about immediate oil discovery, stating: “The survey represents due diligence, not destiny. People get excited and basically think that we have struck the magic oil. We have not.” He emphasized that while Jamaica continues investing in renewable energy, the country has a responsibility to examine all potential domestic energy resources transparently.

    Preliminary results from the survey are expected within one to two months, with comprehensive analysis anticipated by mid-year after laboratory examination of samples. The initiative represents Jamaica’s measured approach to energy exploration as it seeks to follow other Caribbean nations that have successfully developed hydrocarbon resources.

  • FosRich appoints Marlene Street Forrest to board

    FosRich appoints Marlene Street Forrest to board

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a strategic move to enhance its corporate governance, FosRich Company Limited has announced the appointment of distinguished capital markets veteran Marlene Street Forrest to its board of directors. The appointment becomes effective January 9, 2026, marking a significant addition to the company’s leadership roster.

    Street Forrest brings an unparalleled legacy in Jamaican finance, having recently concluded her tenure as the longest-serving Managing Director of the Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE). Her transformative leadership at the JSE was instrumental in modernizing the nation’s capital markets infrastructure. Key achievements under her guidance include the strategic expansion of the Junior Market, which provided a vital platform for emerging companies, and initiatives designed to democratize shareholder participation throughout the Jamaican economy.

    Her era at the exchange witnessed remarkable growth, characterized by a surge in listed entities and improved equity financing avenues for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). These advancements were pivotal in cultivating a more robust and accessible local capital market.

    In recognition of her profound contributions to national financial development, Street Forrest has been decorated with some of Jamaica’s highest honors. These include the prestigious Order of Distinction in the Commander Class and the esteemed Order of Jamaica, both awarded for her exceptional service to the nation.

    FosRich, a key player in Jamaica’s building and lighting solutions sector, anticipates that Street Forrest’s vast experience and strategic acumen will substantially elevate boardroom deliberations and governance efficacy. Her insights are expected to be instrumental in steering the company’s ambitious long-term growth strategy as it seeks to further expand its market presence.

  • Antigua and Barbuda Positioned as Southern Caribbean Cruise Gateway

    Antigua and Barbuda Positioned as Southern Caribbean Cruise Gateway

    Antigua and Barbuda has strategically positioned itself as the premier gateway for Southern Caribbean cruise tourism following the inauguration of its state-of-the-art cruise terminal in St John’s. The transformative development signals a fundamental shift in the nation’s maritime capabilities, transitioning from a mere port of call to a comprehensive homeporting destination.

    Lancelot Arnold, Eastern Caribbean Regional Director at Global Ports Holding, articulated the strategic vision during Saturday’s grand opening ceremony at the newly constructed Antigua Cruise Port facility. The terminal’s advanced infrastructure now enables full turnaround operations, permitting cruise passengers to both commence and conclude their voyages within Antigua and Barbuda—a capability that substantially enhances the nation’s cruise infrastructure and regional significance.

    This development fundamentally redefines Antigua’s role within Caribbean maritime logistics, establishing the nation as a pivotal hub for itineraries extending to Southern Caribbean destinations including St Lucia and neighboring islands. The enhanced connectivity fosters unprecedented regional cooperation while demonstrating how modern port infrastructure can drive economic resilience and sustainable growth.

    The project realization stemmed from an effective public-private partnership between port operators and the Antiguan government. Gasper George, General Manager of Antigua Cruise Port, revealed the terminal was completed in under twelve months, with the broader Upland Development project scheduled for completion by mid-year.

    George emphasized that the inauguration marks a new evolutionary phase for Antigua’s cruise sector, necessitated by increasingly larger vessels and elevated passenger expectations. The economic implications extend far beyond the port itself, generating substantial ripple effects across transportation services, tour operations, retail establishments, culinary venues, hospitality providers, and numerous ancillary industries throughout the dual-island nation.

  • Antigua cruise terminal partnership hailed as ‘transformational’

    Antigua cruise terminal partnership hailed as ‘transformational’

    Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism landscape has undergone a dramatic transformation through its strategic alliance with Global Ports Holding Ltd (GPH), according to Tourism Minister Charles ‘Max’ Fernandez. The minister’s remarks came during the inauguration ceremony of the newly constructed cruise terminal located on Lower Newgate Street, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s maritime infrastructure development.

    The collaboration, formalized through a comprehensive 2019 agreement, represents a calculated governmental strategy to secure Antigua and Barbuda’s competitive positioning within the rapidly evolving global cruise industry. Fernandez emphasized that this partnership extends beyond mere physical infrastructure, creating vital connections between international visitors and local cultural experiences, commercial enterprises, and community networks.

    GPH’s involvement has introduced international operational standards, enhanced efficiency protocols, and implemented a forward-looking development framework that has fundamentally redefined the nation’s cruise tourism proposition. The minister revealed that passenger arrival projections for the current year indicate a remarkable doubling of pre-partnership figures, significantly surpassing post-pandemic recovery expectations.

    Among the partnership’s most notable achievements highlighted by Fernandez was Antigua Cruise Port’s decision to maintain full staff compensation throughout the COVID-19 operational shutdown—a move characterized as exemplary corporate citizenship. Additional benefits include comprehensive facility modernization, optimized passenger processing systems, elevated visitor satisfaction metrics, and increased participation opportunities for local businesses within the cruise tourism value chain.

    The successful implementation of this public-private partnership model demonstrates how strategic international collaboration can catalyze sectoral growth while maintaining strong community engagement and corporate responsibility standards.

  • PM says 4000 jobs created last year as Antigua nears a 7-billion-dollar economy

    PM says 4000 jobs created last year as Antigua nears a 7-billion-dollar economy

    Antigua and Barbuda’s economic trajectory shows remarkable expansion with projections indicating the nation’s economy will soon surpass the US$7 billion threshold, according to Prime Minister Gaston Browne. The leader made these declarations during a recent appearance on Pointe FM’s ‘Browne and Browne’ programme, countering assertions of administrative underperformance with concrete economic metrics.

    Statistical evidence reveals the economy has experienced substantial growth from approximately US$3.6 billion when the current administration assumed office to its present valuation nearing US$6 billion. This represents significant economic progression over the past decade, with continued expansion anticipated within the forthcoming two to three years.

    Prime Minister Browne emphatically stated, ‘Within the next two, two and a half years, Antigua and Barbuda’s economy will reach approximately seven billion dollars. The figures demonstrate sustained economic expansion that contradicts critical narratives.’ He challenged skeptics to observe the visible economic activity throughout the nation, noting the evident vitality across the islands.

    The tourism sector remains a primary economic driver, maintaining what Browne described as a ‘buoyant’ performance that continues to generate employment opportunities and stimulate broader economic activity. Notably, the nation created over 4,000 jobs between 2024 and 2025—a substantial achievement for a country with a population of approximately 100,000 residents.

    Immigration has additionally supported economic growth by addressing labor shortages in expanding construction and tourism industries. The government maintains its commitment to sustaining this growth trajectory while simultaneously enhancing local participation across key economic sectors.