Carib Scope

分类： business

  • NMIA to temporarily close runway for RESA and electrical upgrade work

    NMIA to temporarily close runway for RESA and electrical upgrade work

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) will implement a precisely timed runway closure this Thursday evening to advance its landmark $11.5 billion (US$72 million) infrastructure modernization initiative. The temporary shutdown, scheduled from 7:00 pm on November 27, 2025, through 4:00 am the following morning, enables critical safety enhancements including runway threshold relocation and electrical system upgrades.

    Airport operator PAC Kingston Airport Limited (PACKAL) confirmed the maintenance window was strategically selected following coordination with aviation stakeholders, with no passenger flights affected during the nine-hour closure. The airport will suspend operations after the last scheduled flight and resume normal service upon work completion.

    The nighttime work constitutes a pivotal phase in the Runway End Safety Area (RESA) Implementation Project, which will ultimately extend the runway by 300 meters to meet international safety standards. While increased ground activity may be visible to nearby communities, PACKAL emphasizes the project remains on schedule for July 2027 completion.

    This infrastructure investment represents the most significant safety enhancement in NMIA’s history, aligning with Jamaica’s Civil Aviation Act of 2012 and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) regulations. The expanded safety areas will provide additional buffer zones for aircraft operations and emergency scenarios, substantially elevating the airport’s safety protocols.

  • Extended deadline for Window 1 – Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme

    Extended deadline for Window 1 – Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme

    The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission has announced an extension to the Second Call for Proposals under the Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme, part of the Unleashing the Blue Economy of the Caribbean (UBEC) Project. Originally set to close on November 21, 2025, the new deadline is December 5, 2025, at 11:59 pm. This extension provides Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Grenada, St Lucia, and St Vincent and the Grenadines with additional time to apply for grants aimed at fostering growth in the Fisheries, Marine Tourism, and Waste Management sectors. The programme offers funding ranging from US$5,000 to $25,000 to support equipment upgrades, production improvements, sustainability, market expansion, and capacity building. Training sessions are already underway in Grenada and St Vincent and the Grenadines, while St Lucia has completed its series, with participants reporting enhanced skills and readiness. MSMEs are urged to seize this final opportunity to transform their businesses and contribute to the region’s Blue Economy. Applications can be submitted via email to [email protected], with detailed instructions available in an accompanying video and on the programme’s official website.

  • Dominica to commission 10-megawatt geothermal plant in December 2025, operations set for March 2026

    Dominica to commission 10-megawatt geothermal plant in December 2025, operations set for March 2026

    Dominica is poised to take a significant leap forward in its renewable energy journey with the upcoming commissioning of its 10-Megawatt Geothermal Plant in the Roseau Valley. Finance Minister Dr. Irving McIntyre announced in Parliament on Tuesday that the commissioning process will begin in December 2025, with commercial operations slated to commence in March 2026. This development marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s efforts to transition to sustainable energy sources. Dr. McIntyre highlighted the project’s potential to reduce energy costs, enhance energy security, and stimulate economic growth. He also underscored the government’s investment in a high-voltage resilient transmission network, which will connect the geothermal plant to DOMLEC’s hydro stations and the Fond Cole distribution hub. This network, funded by a $1,187,888 loan from the World Bank, is expected to be completed in time for the plant’s commercial launch. The geothermal initiative is seen as a cornerstone of Dominica’s renewable energy agenda, promising to bolster the country’s long-term energy resilience and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels.

  • Saudi Arabia : Minister Monazard advocates for sustainable industrial investment

    Saudi Arabia : Minister Monazard advocates for sustainable industrial investment

    During the 21st session of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) General Conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on November 25, 2025, James Monazard, Haiti’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, highlighted the obstacles to industrial growth in Haiti while reaffirming the government’s dedication to fostering sustainable and inclusive industrialization. Monazard acknowledged the significant challenges but expressed optimism, stating, ‘The gap we have to close seems immense, but it is not insurmountable.’

    Monazard emphasized the industrial sector’s pivotal role in revitalizing Haiti’s economy, particularly through job creation and enhancing living standards. He underscored that employment generation remains a top priority for the Presidential Transitional Council and the Haitian government. The Minister called on international partners to assist Haiti in areas such as digitalization, agricultural innovation, resilient technology adoption, and technical training.

    On the sidelines of the conference, Monazard met with Ms. Fatou Haidara, UNIDO’s Deputy Director General and Director of Cooperation with Member States and External Partners, to explore opportunities for enhanced collaboration between Haiti and UNIDO. Their discussions centered on bolstering national technical capacities, including youth training, evaluating the Haiti-UNIDO Country Project initiated in 2015-2016, and implementing the objectives of the Doha Development Agenda 2022-2031, which focuses on aiding Least Developed Countries (LDCs). Both parties pledged to intensify their partnership to support Haiti’s sustainable industrial development.

    Additionally, Monazard proposed the establishment of an industrial investment fund for LDCs, arguing that such a mechanism would facilitate the execution of transformative projects.

    In closing, Haiti reiterated its commitment to actively engage in international exchanges, share its experiences, and forge sustainable partnerships aimed at inclusive industrialization that fosters widespread prosperity.

    UNIDO, the UN’s specialized agency for industrial development, assists countries, particularly developing nations, in strengthening their industrial bases, creating jobs, developing clean technologies, and promoting sustainable, inclusive, and innovative economic growth.

  • UK’s business success relies on partnerships, high quality despite competition from China, India – officials

    UK’s business success relies on partnerships, high quality despite competition from China, India – officials

    The United Kingdom is leveraging its longstanding partnerships and commitment to high-quality goods and services to maintain a competitive edge in Guyana and the Caribbean, despite growing competition from China and India. This strategy was highlighted during the 5th UK-Guyana Trade Mission, organized in collaboration with The Caribbean Council, British Chambers of Commerce, and the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce. UK Trade Envoy to the Commonwealth Caribbean, Paulette Hamilton, emphasized that while China and other nations are aggressively expanding their presence in the region, the UK’s focus remains on fostering enduring relationships and trust. ‘We understand that Guyana is also looking for quality services,’ Hamilton stated, underscoring the UK’s dedication to sustainable growth rather than immediate gains. D’Jamila Ward, Regional Director of the UK’s Department for Business and Trade, noted that the UK ranks among the top five trading partners with the Commonwealth Caribbean. She highlighted the success of UK trade missions, with 40% of participating companies securing commercial deals in Guyana. ‘The UK is not here for quick wins. We build relationships, expertise, and capacity that last beyond any single project,’ Ward asserted. The trade mission showcased expertise in sectors such as education, infrastructure, power supply, and cybersecurity. Chris Bennett, Managing Director of The Caribbean Council, praised Guyana’s use of oil revenues for infrastructure development, including roads, bridges, and hospitals. Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh encouraged UK businesses to explore opportunities in Guyana’s non-oil sector, particularly in infrastructure projects like the Linden-Lethem road and the proposed Guyana-Suriname bridge. The UK’s commitment to long-term partnerships and quality continues to strengthen its position in the Caribbean market.

  • Nigerian company becomes latest marketing CBI Agent

    Nigerian company becomes latest marketing CBI Agent

    A Nigerian firm, VTA Global Services, has recently been authorized as a Marketing Agent for Grenada’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program, marking a significant step in the country’s efforts to expand its reach across Africa. The license, effective from November 3, 2025, was officially announced in the Government Gazette on November 21, 2025, and signed by Thomas Anthony, CEO of the Investment Migration Agency (IMA).

    VTA Global Services, located in the upscale Osborne Foreshore area of Ikoyi, Lagos, specializes in providing global citizenship services, including those for Grenada, St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, and the Dominican Republic. The company emphasizes its expertise in immigration consulting, aiming to secure positive outcomes for its clients.

    Nigeria has emerged as the leading African nation in terms of applications for Grenada’s CBI program, a trend that the IMA plans to extend to other African countries. In July 2025, Anthony highlighted Nigeria’s dominance in CBI applications and announced plans for a West African tour to promote the program further. The IMA has already engaged with Kenya through a collaboration with the Nairobi Chamber of Commerce, attracting over 100 participants to a recent event.

    The CBI program, launched in 2014, has become a significant revenue generator for Grenada, with marketing agents required to collaborate with local agents to submit applications for consideration. The program’s expansion into Africa aligns with Grenada’s broader strategy to attract investment and foster economic growth through immigration initiatives.

  • FIHAV announces new developments for Cuba’s high tourism season (+Photo)

    FIHAV announces new developments for Cuba’s high tourism season (+Photo)

    During the inauguration of the ‘Unique Cuba’ thematic area at the Ministry of Tourism’s FIHAV exhibition, which continues until November 29, officials highlighted significant advancements in the country’s tourism sector. Garcia, addressing the press, noted that the establishment of four wholesale markets managed by fully foreign-owned companies has markedly improved supply logistics for hotels in less than a year. This development underscores Cuba’s commitment to enhancing its tourism infrastructure through foreign investment. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment, Oscar Perez-Oliva, is set to announce new measures aimed at attracting foreign investment and bolstering business operations in Cuba. The tourism sector, which relies heavily on foreign investment, with nearly 70% of projects involving management-oriented investments, is also exploring hotel leasing models to grant greater autonomy to investors. Garcia also discussed the favorable impact of Canada’s shift away from American products, which has redirected travelers to Caribbean destinations like Cuba. Looking ahead, the 2026 International Tourism Fair in Varadero, Matanzas, will focus on Canada, reflecting a strategic approach to market expansion. While sun and beach tourism remain central, Cuba is also diversifying its offerings and targeting Latin American markets, including Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Brazil, and Argentina, to strengthen its position as a leading tourist destination by 2026.

  • Angostura looks to shake up New York

    Angostura looks to shake up New York

    Angostura, the renowned producer of bitters and premium rums, has embarked on an ambitious campaign in New York City to bolster its global brand recognition. The initiative, which spans the month of November, features large-scale advertisements on billboards, digital kiosks, and hand-painted walls in high-traffic areas such as Williamsburg and Lower Manhattan. These locations were strategically chosen for their vibrant cocktail culture and accessibility to public transit and on-premises venues. This campaign follows Angostura’s August appearance in Times Square, where its products were showcased in a 15-second looped advertisement on one of the world’s most iconic advertising platforms. The current campaign, themed ‘Inspiring Cocktail Creativity,’ aims to elevate everyday drinks into crafted cocktails, emphasizing the versatility of Angostura bitters. The United States, Angostura’s largest international market, is a focal point of this expansion effort. Ian Forbes, Angostura’s acting CEO, highlighted the campaign’s significance, stating, ‘Our goal is to deepen visibility, strengthen consumer relevance, and showcase how Angostura bitters transform mixology.’ Leesha Alexander, Angostura’s commercial manager, emphasized the company’s global reach, noting its presence in over 170 markets, including Greece, the UK, and even remote locations like Easter Island. Forbes also underscored the symbiotic relationship between Angostura’s bitters and premium rums, with the former paving the way for the latter’s international success. ‘Our premium rums are in approximately 60 countries, and Angostura bitters have opened doors for them,’ he said. This campaign marks a pivotal step in Angostura’s strategy to solidify its position as a global leader in the spirits industry.

  • CDB president urges greater collaboration between Africa and the Caribbean

    CDB president urges greater collaboration between Africa and the Caribbean

    In a compelling address at the African Investment Forum (AIF) Market Days, Daniel Best, President of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), emphasized the shared challenges and opportunities between Africa and the Caribbean. Speaking under the theme, “Bridging the Gap: Mobilising Private Capital to Unlock Africa’s Full Potential,” Best highlighted the critical need for partnership, discipline, and ambition to unlock large-scale capital and foster enduring development. Both regions face narrow fiscal space, climate vulnerability, and infrastructure gaps, which Best argued could be transformed into investable opportunities through innovative collaboration. He stressed that capital is a means to an end, with infrastructure only contributing to development when it enhances societal dynamism, inclusivity, and resilience. Best underscored the catalytic role of development finance institutions (DFIs) in shaping investment ecosystems, citing examples such as Dominica’s geothermal energy project and the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility (CCRIF). He advocated for blended finance and public-private partnerships (PPPs) as essential tools to attract private capital and accelerate sectors vital for long-term competitiveness. Best called for deeper Africa-Caribbean collaboration in project preparation, PPP structuring, and climate resilience investment, noting that platforms like the AIF provide unparalleled opportunities to align stakeholders and scale proven models. The forum, which brought together leading international voices, focused on accelerating investment in critical sectors such as energy, transport, and healthcare. Discussions highlighted the transformative role of DFIs in de-risking projects, structuring investment products, and building confidence for private investors, reaffirming that collaboration and disciplined design are key to bridging the financing gap and delivering sustainable growth for both regions.

  • Campbell’s responds to employee’s ‘absurd’ claim it uses 3D-printed chicken

    Campbell’s responds to employee’s ‘absurd’ claim it uses 3D-printed chicken

    Campbell’s, the renowned food corporation, has vehemently refuted allegations made by a senior executive, Martin Bally, who claimed the company’s soups contain “3D-printed” chicken and are primarily consumed by “poor people.” Bally, the Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer, has been placed on temporary leave pending an internal investigation following a lawsuit filed by an employee, Robert Garza. Garza alleges that Bally made racist remarks and disparaged Campbell’s products during a profanity-laden tirade, which was secretly recorded and later shared with a Michigan-based media outlet. In the audio, Bally reportedly criticized Campbell’s “highly processed foods” as inferior and unsuitable for consumption, while also making derogatory comments about Indian employees. Campbell’s has firmly denied the claims, stating that their chicken is sourced from federally-approved suppliers and meets stringent quality standards. The company emphasized that it does not use lab-grown or bioengineered meat in its products, calling the allegations “absurd” and reaffirming its commitment to quality. The scandal has cast a shadow over the iconic brand, known globally for its canned soups, which have even been immortalized in Andy Warhol’s famous artwork.