Dr. Ivor English, the newly appointed civil society convenor for the Guyana Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (GYEITI), has firmly dismissed allegations of a conflict of interest due to his involvement in the mining sector. Speaking to Demerara Waves Online News on Sunday, Dr. English emphasized his commitment to integrity and objectivity, stating, ‘I have always been considered a kind of middle-ground objective person that will not allow myself to be involved in conflict of interest.’ While he acknowledged owning mining properties, he clarified that he has not been actively mining for several years due to adverse weather conditions that damaged his equipment. However, he did not rule out resuming operations in the future. Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat supported Dr. English’s appointment, asserting that the convenor’s limited mining activities do not pose a conflict of interest. He highlighted that Dr. English has not engaged in active mining since acquiring his mining blocks in 2014 and has no current operations in gold, diamond, or sand mining. Dr. English, who also serves as Managing Director of E & E Mining Enterprises, expressed willingness to relinquish his mining interests if necessary, stating, ‘I can even walk away from that because my benefits are not significant.’ The GYEITI, affiliated with the Norway-based Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), aims to combat corruption in Guyana’s extractive sectors, including oil, gas, mining, and forestry. Dr. English’s role as convenor does not grant him influence over the selection of civil society representatives for the multi-stakeholder group (MSG), as the process is governed by independent rules and guidelines. He is also barred from serving on the MSG itself. Dr. English reiterated his dedication to objectivity and integrity, stating, ‘I am a relatively small contented fish willing to contribute to national development and I maintain my integrity at all times.’ His appointment follows a transparent selection process, with the Natural Resources Ministry emphasizing his extensive civic and humanitarian contributions, including his long-standing role in the Guyana Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and Lions Clubs International. The ministry also noted that Dr. English holds no political affiliations, further underscoring his suitability for the role.
分类： business
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Economy : Critical deficit of nearly US$400 million for Haiti’s recovery
The Haitian government, in partnership with key development organizations including the World Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank, the European Union, and the United Nations, has released an updated version of the Rapid Impact Assessment of the Crisis (RCIA) and its accompanying investment plan. This revision, necessitated by the evolving security landscape since the plan’s initial release in December 2024, aims to ensure the relevance and feasibility of Haiti’s recovery efforts. Originally valued at $1.6 billion, the updated plan now estimates a total funding requirement of $644 million for the period 2026–2027. However, with the national budget and existing donor commitments covering only about half of this amount, a critical funding gap of $364 million has emerged, threatening the implementation of priority recovery initiatives. This shortfall highlights the pressing need for enhanced donor coordination and innovative financing mechanisms to support Haiti’s transition to stability. Anne-Lucie Lefebvre, World Bank Country Manager for Haiti, emphasized the importance of aligning resources with critical priorities, stating that improved security conditions do not diminish the assessment’s relevance but rather reinforce its role in restoring basic services, infrastructure, and livelihoods in gang-liberated areas. The establishment of the Gang Suppression Force by the Security Council and the creation of the United Nations Support Office in Haiti are seen as pivotal steps toward restoring security and stability. Ariel Pino, Acting United Nations Resident Coordinator in Haiti, noted that these measures reflect a shared commitment to addressing Haiti’s multifaceted challenges. The RCIA and investment plan focus on the Port-au-Prince metropolitan region, prioritizing economic recovery, governance, infrastructure, social protection, and the rule of law. All proposed programs have been rigorously assessed for feasibility, considering physical access and operational capacity constraints. Additionally, the Crisis Recovery Framework (CRF) has been developed to streamline planning, coordination, and monitoring of recovery activities, ensuring transparent oversight of investments.
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Republic Financial Holdings reports $2.2b profit
Republic Financial Holdings Ltd (RFHL) has announced a remarkable financial performance for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025. Under the leadership of Chairman Vincent A Pereira, the group achieved a profit attributable to equity holders of $2.2 billion, marking a 9.8% increase from the previous year’s $2 billion. This growth was driven by sustained loan expansion, effective risk management, and enhanced operational efficiency. Pereira highlighted the group’s ability to deliver record results despite a challenging global economic landscape, emphasizing strengthened balance sheets and deepened customer relationships. The board declared a final dividend of $3.85 per share, raising the total annual dividend to $6 per share, a 5.3% increase from 2024. With a share price of $106.62, the dividend yield stands at 5.63%, reflecting a total payout of $983 million. Pereira also underscored RFHL’s robust capital and liquidity positions across its 16 operating countries, enabling continued growth and innovation. Strategic priorities, including digital transformation, customer experience enhancement, and sustainability integration, were key drivers of success. Additionally, RFHL’s social investment programs supported community development, youth empowerment, and small business growth. Looking ahead, Pereira expressed confidence in navigating global uncertainties and seizing new opportunities, reaffirming the group’s commitment to delivering sustainable value to shareholders and fostering a culture of integrity and inclusion.
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Anya Ayoung-Chee Vibes and Thrives with AI
Anya Ayoung-Chee, the renowned Caribbean fashion designer and former Miss Trinidad and Tobago Universe, is advocating for the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into small businesses across the region. Ayoung-Chee, who gained international fame after winning the 2011 season of Project Runway, believes AI can revolutionize the way Caribbean businesses operate, especially as the region shifts its focus from oil and gas to more sustainable sectors.
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Guyanese gov’t outlines new initiatives for increased rice production
The Guyana government has allocated more than GUY$7.2 billion (equivalent to approximately US$28.8 million) to support the rice industry this year. This substantial investment aims to mitigate the impact of declining global rice prices, enhance agricultural yields, and reduce production costs for local farmers. Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha highlighted these efforts during a recent engagement with rice farmers in Region Three, emphasizing the government’s commitment to sustaining the sector.
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De China Import Expo als springplank naar de wereldmarkt
The China International Import Expo (CIIE) 2025, the world’s largest trade fair, has once again proven to be a monumental event, bringing together thousands of exhibitors and visitors from over 150 countries. Spanning an impressive 430,000 square meters, the expo showcases China’s commitment to opening its market and reinforcing its pivotal role in the global economy. The event serves as a critical platform for countries and businesses to strengthen their presence in the Chinese market, fostering innovation and collaboration. Rwanda, for instance, has participated in every edition since the expo’s inception, witnessing a nearly 30% annual growth in exports to China, particularly in the agricultural sector. A standout success story is Rwanda’s chili pepper industry, which secured a $2 million order for chili oil during the first CIIE, leading to the country becoming the first African nation to export dried chili peppers to China in 2021. This initiative has created jobs for hundreds of local women and significantly improved their living standards. Colombia, making its debut as a guest country this year, utilized the expo to introduce products like Arabica coffee, emeralds, chocolate, and beef to the Chinese market. According to Sergio Cabrera, Colombia’s ambassador to China, the CIIE helps businesses adapt to evolving consumer trends and optimize their strategies. From Europe, Angel Prieto, an innovation specialist from Spain, described the CIIE as a ‘magical platform’ where connections between European startups and Chinese industrial chains flourish. The expo is not just about showcasing and selling products but also about building sustainable partnerships. As a participant in the China International Press Communication Center 2025 Program, I had a unique behind-the-scenes look at this global event. The media center provided top-notch facilities, including 5G Wi-Fi and translation equipment, ensuring seamless reporting. The organization was impeccable, from reception to departure, reflecting the immense effort invested in making the event a success. Exploring the vast complex, I encountered diverse exhibits, from Nigeria’s vibrant cultural displays to China’s exquisite Kashmir textiles. World-renowned brands like Louis Vuitton, Nike, and Chanel were prominently featured, highlighting the expo’s global appeal. The CIIE is more than a trade fair; it is a convergence of culture, innovation, and economy, fostering long-term international cooperation and creating unforgettable experiences for participants worldwide.
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Amazon Bazaar arrives in the Dominican Republic: Everything you need to know about the app
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic – November 7, 2025. Amazon has unveiled its latest venture, the Amazon Bazaar app, in the Dominican Republic, marking a significant expansion of its global affordable shopping initiative. This new platform offers a diverse range of budget-friendly products across fashion, home, and lifestyle categories, with prices starting as low as 125 Dominican pesos. The launch follows the successful reception of Amazon Haul in the US, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Japan, and Australia, as well as Amazon Bazaar in Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Amazon Bazaar is now accessible in 15 regions, including Hong Kong, the Philippines, Taiwan, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Peru, Ecuador, Argentina, Costa Rica, Jamaica, and Nigeria. The app integrates value-driven shopping with interactive features such as sweepstakes and promotions, enhancing the user experience. New customers are welcomed with a 50% discount on their first order, while all shoppers benefit from additional savings. Orders exceeding 1,500 Dominican pesos qualify for free shipping, with deliveries guaranteed within two weeks. A 24/7 multilingual customer service team ensures seamless support. Amazon Bazaar maintains the trusted standards of the Amazon ecosystem, offering product reviews, star ratings, and rigorous compliance checks. Returns are free within 15 days of receipt. The app supports six languages and local currency options, providing a convenient shopping experience for Dominican Republic residents. Payment methods include internationally accepted Visa, Mastercard, and American Express cards. The Amazon Bazaar app is now available for download on iOS and Android platforms in the Dominican Republic. Amazon continues to uphold its core principles of customer obsession, innovation, operational excellence, and long-term thinking, reinforcing its position as a global leader in e-commerce.
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Finabank boekt halfjaarlijkse winst van SRD 230 miljoen
Finabank has announced a robust half-year profit of SRD 230 million for the period spanning January to June 2025, as detailed in its latest financial report. The bank’s total assets surged by 11% to SRD 24 billion during this period, with a solid solvency ratio of 21%, significantly exceeding regulatory requirements. Additionally, Finabank’s market share has risen to 29%, reflecting its growing influence in the financial sector. The Caribbean Information and Credit Rating Services Limited (CariCRIS) has reaffirmed Finabank’s creditworthiness, assigning it an srA rating for foreign currency and an srA+ rating for local currency, both with a stable outlook. This reaffirmation underscores the bank’s strong credit position and solid capital structure. Furthermore, Finabank has once again achieved ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification, highlighting its commitment to data protection and digital innovation. In line with its strategic priorities, the bank continues to invest in digital transformation and process optimization to enhance customer experience. It has also launched the Finabank Small Business Academy, a program designed to support local entrepreneurs in developing skills for small and medium-sized businesses. Finabank remains dedicated to financial inclusion, ensuring broader access to financial services and empowering individuals to better understand and utilize their financial opportunities. Looking ahead, the bank is focused on sustainable growth, driven by its workforce and culture, which are central to its strategic execution and customer success.
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Unbreakable spirit
In a powerful display of resilience and commitment, Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts International, addressed travel advisors at the CruiseWorld conference in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, last Thursday. Stewart emphasized Jamaica’s determination to recover and thrive following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. He urged the travel industry to continue promoting Jamaica and the Caribbean, highlighting tourism as a vital economic lifeline for the region. Stewart’s message was clear: Jamaica will emerge stronger from this setback.
Stewart, who also serves as Executive Chairman of the Jamaica Observer, revealed that the three Sandals resorts most severely impacted by the hurricane—Sandals Montego Bay, Sandals Royal Caribbean, and Sandals South Coast—are set to reopen by May 30, 2026, with enhanced facilities. Five other resorts, less affected, will resume operations by December 6. Stewart’s decision to attend the November 5-7 conference underscored his personal dedication to Jamaica’s recovery.
Sandals Resorts has already contributed $3 million to hurricane relief efforts and made its corporate aircraft hangar available for relief operations. Additionally, the Sandals Foundation donated $6 million worth of medical equipment to Bustamante Hospital for Children, enabling the facility to care for critically ill neonates and children transferred from hurricane-affected areas.
During the hurricane, Sandals provided free accommodations to guests until it was safe for them to return home. Stewart chartered a plane to transport 150,000 pounds of relief materials to Jamaica. At the conference, Gary Sadler, Executive Vice-President of Unique Vacations, joined Stewart in promoting Caribbean tourism, offering free trips to incentivize travel advisors to support the region’s recovery.
CruiseWorld, a premier event for the travel industry, fosters growth through educational workshops, networking, and product showcases. Stewart’s appearance and the initiatives announced at the event reflect a united effort to rebuild and strengthen Jamaica’s tourism sector.
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Sisterly bond helps restaurant grow: Naked comes to Valpark
Naked Cafe, a beloved wellness-focused eatery on Maraval Road, Port of Spain, has expanded its footprint with the launch of a second branch at Valpark Plaza in Valsayn. Sisters Danielle and Maya Matouk, the driving forces behind the brand, unveiled the new location on November 3, marking a significant milestone in their entrepreneurial journey. The Valpark branch retains the cafe’s signature wellness theme while introducing a full-service dining experience and a dedicated bar, catering to a broader audience. The modern, plant-filled space features white walls, wooden furniture, and lush greenery, creating a serene ambiance. The menu, showcased during the grand opening, includes Mediterranean-inspired dishes, vegan desserts, and handcrafted cocktails, all prepared with locally sourced ingredients. The sisters emphasized their commitment to community and sustainability, highlighting their hands-on approach to every aspect of the business. With a new a-la-carte menu and upcoming brunch offerings, Naked Valpark aims to redefine healthy dining in the region. The sisters also expressed gratitude to their loyal customers, dedicated staff, and supportive family, particularly their mother, who has been instrumental in their success.