SANTIAGO, Chile — The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) is set to release a comprehensive study this Wednesday, delving into the ramifications of the United States’ tariff policy on the Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) region. The study, part of ECLAC’s annual report titled ‘International Trade Outlook for Latin America and the Caribbean 2025: International trade in a new era of weaponised interdependence,’ offers a detailed analysis of how the US’s recent tariff measures have influenced the region.
分类： business
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Alette Liz Williams launches The Media-Ready Masterclass
For nearly two decades, communications strategist Alette Liz Williams has been a driving force behind the scenes, helping organizations in Trinidad and Tobago and beyond achieve credible media exposure. Her expertise has bolstered the visibility of prominent entities such as the Pan American Development Foundation (PADF), PAHO/WHO, the Bocas Lit Fest, First Citizens, and Conference Connection (Suriname). Williams, who also serves as an adjunct lecturer at COSTAATT and the UWI Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business, has emerged as a trusted authority in visibility strategy. She is the lead communications strategist for Iconiq Creative, a US-based agency, and her recent feature in Black Entrepreneur Magazine underscores her growing influence in the field. Now, Williams is taking her expertise public with the launch of The Media-Ready Masterclass, a virtual training session designed to help executives, brands, NGOs, and communications teams understand the enduring importance of earned media and the challenges organizations face in securing it. The session, scheduled for November 20 from 9 am to 12 pm via Zoom, will offer participants downloadable templates, a one-week replay, and access to a live Q&A. Williams emphasizes the widening gap between online content production and genuine visibility, noting that many teams focus heavily on social media and digital tactics without grasping the true value of earned media. ‘The return on investment is richer when a newsroom, station, or journalist chooses to feature your work,’ she explains. ‘That level of credibility cannot be replicated. It changes how the public sees you and how you see yourself.’ Williams also advocates for responsible advertising as a way to support the media landscape, highlighting its measurable impact on public trust and brand value. The masterclass will guide participants through frameworks to identify exposure-limiting gaps, understand journalistic newsworthiness, and position stories to align with editorial needs. ‘I’ve spent most of my career preparing other people for interviews, features, and major announcements,’ Williams says. ‘This masterclass is about giving people the tools to earn that kind of attention deliberately, not accidentally.’ Through her company, Outright Concepts Ltd, Williams has helped clients secure over US$1 million in earned media coverage across local, regional, and international campaigns. ‘There are organizations doing exceptional work that the public never hears about,’ she says. ‘I want to change that.’ To register, e-mail connect@ocl.agency.
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Smart-storage service opens to assist US embassy visitors
A groundbreaking smart-storage service, Embassy Lockers, has opened its doors on Shirley Street, offering a much-needed solution to a common frustration faced by US Embassy visitors. The brainchild of Gejonte Miller, the service was officially launched on Friday, with the support of Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell and Transport and Housing Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis. The idea for Embassy Lockers was conceived in December 2021 when Miller, accompanied by her five-year-old daughter, faced the dilemma of where to store her belongings during a visa appointment. Realizing that mobile phones, tablets, keys, and large bags were prohibited inside the Embassy, Miller found herself repeatedly returning to her car to hide her key. Witnessing others in similar predicaments, she recognized the need for a structured solution. Embassy Lockers now provides secure storage for personal items and large luggage, along with additional services such as printing, photocopying, scanning, emailing, passport photographs, and form assistance through an on-site Wi-Fi Copy Centre. The business operates on a cashless system, with a SunCash kiosk available for bill payments, mobile top-ups, and Western Union transfers. Miller partnered with Tanya Kemp-Sawyer, who has operated the Wi-Fi Copy Centre and The Visa Place for 15 years, to bring this vision to life. The launch of Embassy Lockers coincides with the opening of the new US Embassy across the street, further enhancing its accessibility. Minister Mitchell praised the facility for making the visa process more ‘humanising’ and for safeguarding important documents. Storage prices start at $14, and the business operates Monday to Friday from 7am to 5pm.
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Jullan Defoe: Opening of Ocean Oasis is a Dominican dream
The Ocean Oasis Hotel, a newly inaugurated 4-star luxury resort in Castle Comfort, Dominica, has been hailed as a testament to the nation’s economic and tourism ambitions. Officially opened on Friday, the hotel, developed under the Citizenship By Investment (CBI) Programme, features 37 oceanfront rooms and a Presidential Suite, offering panoramic views, modern design, and exceptional service. Jullan Defoe, Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy, described the project as the ‘Dominica Dream in Action,’ emphasizing its role as a symbol of determination, innovation, and national pride. Representing Tourism Minister Denise Charles-Pemberton, Defoe highlighted the hotel’s significance in boosting Dominica’s tourism sector, which already contributes nearly 40% of the country’s GDP. He stressed that every new hotel room creates jobs, generates income, and fuels economic growth, benefiting a wide range of industries, from agriculture to crafts. Defoe also underscored the importance of expanding tourism infrastructure, particularly in anticipation of the 2027 opening of Dominica’s international airport, which will enhance global connectivity. He praised the Ocean Oasis as a beacon of progress, elevating Dominica’s brand as a top eco-luxury destination. The minister encouraged Dominicans to embrace their role as ambassadors, emphasizing the importance of warm, authentic service in creating memorable experiences for visitors. He expressed confidence that the success of Ocean Oasis would inspire further investments and development, paving the way for a brighter economic future for Dominica.
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Antigua Government Projects Job Growth as Port Expansion Accelerates (+PHOTOS)
The government of Antigua and Barbuda has unveiled ambitious plans for port modernization, projecting significant job creation and economic transformation as part of a broader strategy to establish the nation as a regional logistics hub. Prime Minister Gaston Browne emphasized that the EC$500 million investment in upgrading cargo and cruise facilities will enhance operational efficiency, increase cargo-handling capacity, and reduce turnaround times. These improvements are expected to bolster the country’s competitiveness in international trade and attract larger cargo volumes. Browne highlighted that the establishment of a fully operational transshipment port will spur the growth of ancillary industries, including bunkering, ship repair, marine supplies, and warehousing. These emerging sectors are anticipated to create entrepreneurial opportunities and increase demand for skilled labor. The Prime Minister noted that the project will generate employment across various fields, offering opportunities for technicians, engineers, logistics specialists, and young professionals seeking new career paths. Additionally, the port expansion is projected to open new markets for local producers, increase government revenues through taxes and fees, and strengthen Antigua and Barbuda’s role in global trade. Browne described the acquisition of advanced port equipment, such as new cranes, as a symbol of national progress and a critical step toward building a diversified, agile, and globally connected economy.
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Improvements Continue In Paynters Development
Paynters Development, a prominent player in the real estate and construction sector, has reported substantial advancements in its ongoing projects. The company has been actively implementing a series of strategic improvements aimed at enhancing the quality, efficiency, and sustainability of its developments. These enhancements span across various aspects, including architectural design, construction methodologies, and environmental considerations. Industry experts have lauded Paynters for its commitment to innovation and its ability to adapt to evolving market demands. The company’s latest initiatives are expected to set new benchmarks in the industry, fostering greater customer satisfaction and long-term value creation. With a robust pipeline of projects, Paynters Development continues to solidify its position as a leader in the competitive real estate landscape.
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impactUs conference to tackle ‘crisis of hidden leadership’
The impactUS conference, a transformative leadership and personal-branding event, is set to revolutionize how executives lead and communicate across the Caribbean. Founded by Shermalyn Sidonie-John, a renowned brand marketing strategist, TEDx Speaker, and the visionary behind The Influential BossLady, this initiative challenges outdated leadership models and addresses what she terms ‘the million-dollar problem of invisible leadership.’ Scheduled for November 29, 2025, at Sandals Grande St. Lucian, the one-day event will convene executives, founders, and high-achieving professionals from across the region for a day of leadership transformation. This year’s theme, ‘Creating Leaders Who Multiply Leaders,’ focuses on empowering leaders to redefine success through authenticity, visibility, and legacy. In an interview with St. Lucia Times, Sidonie-John emphasized that impactUS was designed to help leaders anchor their true selves in their communication and influence. ‘Leadership today demands transparency, not perfection,’ she stated. ‘When leaders remain invisible, organizations lose trust, innovation stagnates, and the next generation lacks a blueprint to follow.’ Citing Gartner’s 2024 Global Leadership Research, she highlighted that 76% of employees believe their leaders fail to engage authentically in professional development. To bridge this gap, Sidonie-John developed The Influence Capital Blueprint, a proprietary framework that transforms visibility into measurable influence. The blueprint is structured around three pillars—presence, trust, and legacy—guiding leaders to convert personal authenticity into professional advantage. During impactUS, Sidonie-John will lead four signature sessions: ‘Executive Presence That Multiplies Influence,’ ‘Leader-as-Coach & Communicator,’ ‘Creating Leaders Who Multiply Leaders,’ and ‘The 90-Day Multiplication Blueprint.’ These sessions are designed to equip attendees with actionable strategies to enhance leadership visibility and impact. Sidonie-John challenges the notion that visibility equates to vanity, asserting that it is instead a form of value creation. ‘People are tired of perfection. They crave real insight: how you failed, what you learned, and how you rose. That’s what multiplies influence,’ she explained. She also refuted the outdated narrative that visibility equals arrogance, stating, ‘If we remain unseen, how can emerging leaders see themselves in us? Visibility builds pipelines of purpose.’ The Influential BossLady, led by Sidonie-John, has become a trusted partner for corporations aiming to strengthen leadership communication, rebuild trust, and future-proof their talent pipelines. ‘It’s about developing leaders who inspire loyalty, drive innovation, and leave a legacy that outlives their title,’ she added. At impactUS, women leaders from Saint Lucia and the wider Caribbean will gather to share insights in a safe, empowering environment designed for genuine growth. ‘Every leader carries a brand that transcends their position,’ Sidonie-John concluded. ‘That brand, the one called you, will outlive any title or company. Your influence is your legacy.’
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Dominican Republic shatters record: attracts 9.2 million visitors through October
The Dominican Republic has achieved a remarkable milestone in tourism, welcoming 9,283,767 visitors between January and October 2025. This surge in tourism has not only generated 815,000 jobs but also contributed over $15 billion to the nation’s economy. Minister of Tourism David Collado emphasized the profound impact of this growth, stating, ‘What we are presenting is more than statistics; it’s employment and better living conditions for Dominicans.’ Collado highlighted that the tourism sector added $15.562 billion in value, $5.475 billion in net external income, and RD$19.984 billion in taxes, underscoring its significant role in the economy. The period saw 7,168,505 air travelers, marking a 34% increase from 2019 and a 3% rise from the previous year. Additionally, 2,115,262 cruise passengers arrived, a 153% jump from 2019 and a 25% increase from 2023. October alone witnessed 691,073 visitors, with the U.S., Canada, and Argentina being the top contributors. Punta Cana Airport led in arrivals, handling 60% of the traffic. This record-breaking performance underscores tourism’s vital role in the Dominican Republic’s economic and social development.
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Arvia Begins Homeporting Operations at Antigua Cruise Port
On Friday, the Antigua Cruise Port achieved a pivotal moment in its cruise tourism evolution with the arrival of the Arvia, which officially berthed at the newly constructed cruise terminal to commence homeporting operations. Homeporting, recognized as one of the most lucrative segments of the cruise industry, is known to drive increased passenger expenditure and stimulate demand for ancillary services such as provisioning, transportation, and accommodations. The Antigua Cruise Port heralded this development as the dawn of ‘a vibrant cruise season ahead,’ underscoring the nation’s strategic efforts to bolster its presence in the regional cruise market. This milestone not only signifies a leap forward for Antigua’s tourism sector but also positions the island as a key player in the Caribbean cruise industry.
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PM Says New Crane Marks Major Step Toward Transshipment Hub
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has heralded the commissioning of a state-of-the-art cargo-handling crane at the Deepwater Harbour as a pivotal milestone in Antigua and Barbuda’s ambitious plan to establish itself as a regional transshipment hub. The new crane, Browne emphasized, is not merely an operational enhancement but a strategic investment in the nation’s future, symbolizing the government’s dedication to modernization, competitiveness, and global connectivity. This development follows an estimated EC$500 million investment in modernizing both cargo and cruise ports over recent years. The prime minister highlighted that the crane will significantly boost cargo-handling capacity, streamline turnaround times, and enhance the reliability of port operations. These improvements are expected to facilitate business operations, benefiting importers, exporters, and local entrepreneurs through faster and more efficient services. Browne articulated a broader vision of transforming Antigua and Barbuda into a premier regional transshipment port, leveraging expanded capabilities, cutting-edge technology, and robust logistics infrastructure to attract major shipping lines. Increased cargo volumes are anticipated to reduce freight and handling costs, thereby lowering the overall cost of doing business. The government also foresees heightened revenues from taxes, fees, and port-related services as transshipment activities grow. Additionally, the initiative is projected to generate employment opportunities for technicians, engineers, logistics specialists, and young professionals entering the maritime sector. Beyond the port, Browne envisions the burgeoning maritime economy spurring new industries such as bunkering, ship repair, marine supplies, and warehousing. He concluded that the transformation of the port into a transshipment hub will serve as a major driver of national economic growth and a significant contributor to the country’s GDP. The crane, Browne declared, stands as a “symbol of progress,” signaling Antigua and Barbuda’s readiness to thrive in a competitive global environment.