Business leaders in Montego Bay, St James, are being urged to resume operations in a phased manner to facilitate economic recovery. This approach allows companies to rebuild supply chains, rehire staff, and restore customer confidence without straining resources. Jason Russell, President of the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry and owner of Pier One Restaurant, emphasized the importance of reopening despite imperfections. ‘Restoring commerce and getting employees back to work is a critical first step toward recovery. We must demonstrate both confidence and resilience,’ he stated. Lowell Spence, owner of Smokeez Seafood Restaurant in Rose Hall, shared similar sentiments, noting that his business was severely impacted by a recent hurricane. Despite the challenges, Spence has shifted operations to the parking lot and is offering takeout services, supported by a loyal customer base. Meanwhile, Snappaz Restaurant in Whitehouse has already reopened, reporting minimal damage. Owner Milton Russell expressed gratitude for the progress made and stressed the importance of resuming commerce. The Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry, along with its members, will monitor conditions, provide guidance, and advocate for necessary support from government and partner organizations.
分类： business
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CBvS versterkt inzet voor financiële inclusie en educatie
Suriname has officially unveiled its National Financial Inclusion and Education Strategy (NFIES) for 2024–2027 during the National Symposium on Financial Inclusion and Education. The event, organized by the Central Bank of Suriname (CBvS) in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and Planning, signifies a pivotal step in ensuring accessible financial services and enhancing financial literacy across the nation.
CBvS Governor Maurice Roemer emphasized that financial inclusion is ‘not an option but a national necessity.’ He highlighted that excluding large segments of the population restricts the country’s economic potential. The strategy focuses on five key pillars: access, usage, quality, protection, and education. Roemer also stressed the importance of balanced anti-money laundering regulations to prevent unintended exclusion of vulnerable groups.
Acting President Gregory Rusland underscored the inseparable link between financial stability and inclusion during his opening remarks. ‘An economy is truly stable only when all citizens can fully participate in the financial system,’ he stated. The symposium aimed to accelerate practical solutions and deepen collaboration among stakeholders.
In her closing address, Minister of Finance and Planning Adelien Wijnerman called for sustained cooperation among the government, financial institutions, NGOs, and international partners. ‘Financial inclusion and education are cornerstones of national development. Let today not mark the end of a meeting but the beginning of a movement,’ she urged.
The NFIES was refined in partnership with the Alliance for Financial Inclusion. During the two-day session, progress and priorities of the strategy were evaluated, leading to the formulation of new action points. These include strengthening the regulatory framework for financial inclusion, promoting digital payment solutions, expanding financial education programs, and fostering deeper collaboration between the public and private sectors.
The event concluded with the signing of a joint declaration, reaffirming Suriname’s commitment to sustainable financial inclusion and education as integral components of its development trajectory.
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Caribi Bleu Casino Boss Taken Down; New Bodycam Footage Released
In a dramatic turn of events, Rima Ray, the controversial figure behind Caribi Bleu Casino in Belize, was arrested earlier this year in the U.S. on charges of fraud and illegal gambling. Newly released police bodycam footage provides a firsthand account of the arrest, shedding light on the events that unfolded during a routine traffic stop in July. Officers discovered $340,000 in cash hidden in Ray’s Tesla, leading to a deeper investigation into his operations. This arrest marks a significant development in a case that has been under scrutiny since News Five’s investigative report in November 2024 revealed unauthorized activities at the casino, including an unregistered ATM dispensing U.S. currency. Despite initial leniency from Belizean authorities, Ray now faces prosecution under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act (RICO), with his illegal operations valued at $24 million. The case underscores the international reach of financial crimes and the persistent efforts of law enforcement to bring such operations to justice.
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Belize’s Tourism Sector Holds Steady Despite U.S. Flight Chaos
Despite widespread flight cancellations and operational challenges in U.S. airports, Belize’s tourism industry remains resilient. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) faced significant issues, including air traffic control shortages and equipment failures, exacerbated by the prolonged federal government shutdown. These disruptions could have further strained Belize’s tourism sector, which already saw an 8.6% decline in overnight tourist arrivals in September. However, Efren Perez, President of the Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA), reported no surge in hotel booking cancellations. Instead, stakeholders have proactively diversified their focus to non-U.S. markets, mitigating potential losses. Perez emphasized the importance of adapting marketing strategies and leveraging regional opportunities, such as the recent Central American Travel Market, which attracted European, South American, and Mexican tour operators. Additionally, Air Canada’s upcoming flights to Belize are expected to bolster tourism. While the current situation appears challenging, Perez remains optimistic about the sector’s ability to recover and thrive.
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Agribusiness : Ayitika Chocolate wins 3 awards in Paris
The Haitian agribusiness company Ayitika has achieved remarkable success at the 30th edition of the Salon du Chocolat, the world’s largest chocolate fair, held in Paris from October 29 to November 2, 2025. Representing Haiti alongside Norway, Ayitika secured two prestigious ‘Gourmet’ medals from the Agency for the Promotion of Agricultural Products (AVPA) for its Dark Chocolate with Guava and Dark Chocolate with Cinnamon. These accolades were formally presented during the event, highlighting the company’s dedication to quality and innovation. Additionally, Ayitika’s ‘Kanperen-80%’ chocolate bar was awarded the Best Bean-to-Bar Chocolate Bar in the inaugural ‘Les Éclats de Chocolat’ competition, a special initiative celebrating the Salon’s 30th anniversary. This competition, organized in collaboration with Galeries Lafayette Le Gourmet, recognized the most innovative, ethical, and flavorful chocolate creations. The ‘Kanperen-80%’ bar, crafted from a blend of Contamana and Amelonado cacao varieties cultivated by rural families in Haiti’s Camp-Perrin region, impressed the jury with its balanced flavors, intensity, and aromatic complexity. As a result of this recognition, Ayitika’s products will be featured at Galeries Lafayette Le Gourmet in Paris in spring 2026. The company is also set to participate in the Salon du Chocolat de Montréal from November 20 to 23, 2025, further showcasing its award-winning chocolates on the global stage.
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$24M San Pedro-Based Casino Empire Crumbles Following News 5 Investigation
In a dramatic turn of events, the $24 million casino empire of Rima Ray, owner of Caribi Bleu Casino in San Pedro, Belize, has crumbled following a comprehensive investigation by News 5. Ray, a prominent American casino operator, is now incarcerated in the United States, facing serious charges including fraud, illegal gambling, and operating an unauthorized gaming business.
Ray’s downfall began in July 2025 when a routine traffic stop in the U.S. led to the discovery of over $300,000 in cash hidden in his Tesla. Police bodycam footage, released this week, captures the moment officers uncovered the money, which Ray claimed was proceeds from the sale of part of his casino business in Belize. Twenty days later, he was arrested in Sumter County on a $50,000 bond.
The arrest is the culmination of a months-long U.S. investigation, but Ray’s name first came under scrutiny in Belize in 2024 after News 5 exposed irregularities at Caribi Bleu Casino. This prompted Belizean authorities to launch their own investigation, which revealed an unauthorized ATM dispensing U.S. currency and raised questions about Ray’s extensive list of golf cart permits on the island.
The Central Bank of Belize and the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) subsequently initiated probes into Ray’s operations. Although he faced no charges in Belize at the time, the Ministry of Finance revoked the gaming license for GMK Sky Limited, the company operating Caribi Bleu Casino, on July 25, 2025. The public was advised to cease all business dealings with the entity, and operations were ordered to halt immediately.
Reports now estimate the value of Ray’s illegal operations at $24 million. He is set to be prosecuted under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act (RICO), marking a significant blow to his once-thriving casino empire.
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Caribbean Export and Canada promote fair trade through GRIT initiative launch in Dominica
A groundbreaking initiative aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs in the Caribbean was unveiled on November 6, 2025, in Dominica. The Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export), in collaboration with Global Affairs Canada (GAC), introduced GRIT – Caribbean Women Entrepreneurs Generating Resilient and Inclusive Trade. The launch event took place at Barana Aute in the Kalinago Territory, marking a significant step toward reshaping the region’s economic landscape. GRIT focuses on supporting women-led businesses by addressing trade barriers, fostering green transition, promoting digital innovation, and expanding market access. The initiative aligns with broader goals of inclusive development and economic resilience. The event brought together key stakeholders, including government officials from Dominica and Canada, representatives from the Dominica Export Import Agency (DEXIA), and women entrepreneurs from across the island. Dr. Damie Sinanan, Executive Director of Caribbean Export, emphasized the transformative potential of GRIT, stating, ‘This initiative is not just about empowering women; it’s about shaping the future of Caribbean trade, where businesses, especially MSMEs, can thrive in global markets.’ High Commissioner Brenda Wills of Canada to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean reiterated Canada’s commitment to gender equality and inclusive growth, highlighting trade as a catalyst for equitable economic opportunities. Chief Anette Thomas Sanford of the Kalinago Territory underscored the importance of empowering indigenous and female entrepreneurs in driving local development. Paula Platsko, General Manager of DEXIA, emphasized the role of collaboration in enhancing trade prospects for women across the region. Funded with CAD $3.16 million from the Canadian government, GRIT is a four-year program designed to increase women’s participation in export markets, particularly to Canada, by providing resources, training, and business linkages in Dominica, Belize, Grenada, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Hon. Cozier Frederick, Minister for Environment, Rural Modernisation, Kalinago Upliftment and Constituency Empowerment, delivered the keynote speech, celebrating the resilience and contributions of Kalinago women to Dominica’s development. The event also featured a Fireside Chat with Dominican entrepreneurs Lana Athanaze and Natasha Green, who shared insights into the challenges and triumphs of women in the creative sector. Caribbean Export highlighted GRIT as a pivotal step toward achieving inclusive and sustainable trade in the region.
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VACANCY: Chief Executive Officer
The Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority (ABAA) has announced a high-profile vacancy for the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at the V.C. Bird International Airport (VCBIA). This pivotal role offers a unique opportunity to lead one of the Caribbean’s most significant aviation hubs during a period of dynamic growth and transformation. The successful candidate will spearhead the management and operations of both V.C. Bird International Airport and Barbuda International Airport, ensuring adherence to international aviation standards while fostering safety, efficiency, and world-class service. Key responsibilities include providing strategic leadership, implementing Board-approved policies, overseeing financial performance, and driving airport modernization and infrastructure development. The CEO will also be tasked with building robust relationships with government ministries, regulators, unions, and industry partners, while representing the Authority at local, regional, and international forums. Applicants must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Aviation Management, Public Administration, or a related discipline, along with 10–15 years of progressive leadership experience in aviation or transportation. Expertise in strategic planning, financial management, and stakeholder relations is essential, while completion of the Airport Management Professional Accreditation Programme (AMPAP) will be a strong asset. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a proven ability to lead in high-pressure environments, coupled with strong knowledge of aviation regulatory bodies such as MOCA, ECCAA, and ICAO. This role demands strategic and innovative leadership, financial acumen, and exceptional communication skills. Interested candidates are invited to submit their cover letter and curriculum vitae to the Human Resources Manager at the Antigua & Barbuda Airport Authority by 28 November 2025. Only suitable applicants will be acknowledged.
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Sandals Grenada: Now Hiring – Dream Big With Us!
Sandals Resorts International, renowned for transforming dreams into reality through opportunity, training, and education, is now inviting passionate individuals to join its team at Sandals Grenada. The resort is offering a wide array of positions, including Human Resources Coordinator, Front Office Agent, Chief Engineer, Restaurant Server, and many more, each with the potential to foster personal and professional growth. Successful candidates will enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including health and life insurance, education and training opportunities, pension plans, staff transportation, and competitive salaries. Applicants are encouraged to submit their curriculum vitae via email to The Recruitment & Compliance Specialist by the deadline of 14 November 2025. A clean police record and flexibility to work nights, weekends, and public holidays are essential requirements. While all applications are appreciated, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Sandals Grenada continues its mission to create unforgettable Caribbean experiences, inspiring individuals, families, and communities to dream bigger and lead more prosperous, sustainable, and fulfilling lives.
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GBCL career opportunity: Trade Activations Coordinator
Grenada Bottling Company (GBCL), a leading beverage production facility in the KOSCAB supply chain, is renowned for its innovative, high-quality solutions and commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. The company is now seeking a highly qualified professional to fill the role of Trade Activations Coordinator, a pivotal position aimed at driving commercial success and strengthening customer relationships. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and implementing commercial strategies, managing customer relationships, and achieving key sales objectives. Key duties include delivering exceptional customer service, creating joint business plans to enhance strategic partnerships, and collaborating with Sales and Marketing teams to execute impactful commercial programs. Additionally, the role involves monitoring and evaluating initiatives to ensure alignment with set objectives and providing recommendations for future improvements. Applicants must possess a Diploma/Certificate in Sales and Marketing or Business Administration, at least two years of experience in a sales or merchandising environment, and strong organizational and analytical skills. Knowledge of ISO Standards and IMS policies is advantageous. Interested candidates are invited to submit their Cover Letter and Curriculum Vitae by Friday, 21 November 2025, to [email protected] with ‘Trade Activations Coordinator’ as the subject. Only suitable applicants will be contacted.