The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) officially inaugurated the Financial Information Month (FIM) Festival 2025 on September 30 with a regional media event. The gathering united banking partners, students, educators, government representatives, and media practitioners from across the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU). The event signaled the commencement of a month-long series of activities throughout October, aimed at fortifying communities and empowering citizens to transition from being savers to investors—the central theme of this year’s FIM Festival. Deputy Governor Dr. Valda F. Henry delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing the ECCB’s mission to maintain monetary and financial stability while fostering growth and development. She highlighted key initiatives such as the First Step Savings Account, designed to integrate more citizens into the formal banking system, and the Regional Government Securities Market (RGSM) Retail Bond Initiative, which aims to facilitate the shift from saving to investing. The launch, chaired by Shermalon Kirby, Director of the Corporate Relations Department, featured presentations from regional and sectoral partners. These included discussions on wealth creation by Dwight Sampson of Grenada’s Ministry of Finance, a monologue titled “Me Want to Grow My Wealth” by Shana Derrick, and insights into the ECCU Retail Bond Initiative by Juletta Edinborough. Additionally, Youlouca Armony-Browne of the Eastern Caribbean Securities Exchange highlighted the 3rd Annual Regional Schools Investment Competition, with reflections from the 2024 champions, Adelphi Secondary School. Representatives from FIM Partnering institutions also presented their 2025 Calendar of Activities.
分类： business
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Ferries, not Flights: Caribbean officials push for cost-effective, cargo-friendly sea links
For decades, the Caribbean has grappled with limited maritime connectivity, primarily relying on sub-regional transportation like L’Express Des Îles, which serves French and Creole-speaking islands. However, the potential of ferry services to revolutionize regional travel and trade has become a focal point for tourism officials, business leaders, and policymakers. At the State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) 2025, ministers from across the Caribbean emphasized the transformative impact of expanded ferry networks on both economic and social fronts. Tashia Burris, Secretary of Tourism for Tobago, highlighted the challenges faced by international visitors due to overbooked domestic flights. She underscored the strategic advantage of ferry services in connecting Tobago with neighboring islands like Grenada, Barbados, and Trinidad, calling it a ‘no-brainer’ for regional integration. Grenada’s Tourism Minister, Adrian Thomas, echoed this sentiment, noting that ferries could not only facilitate passenger travel but also address agricultural waste by providing a reliable means to transport perishable goods. He advocated for investments in vessels equipped with cold storage to support farmers and reduce food spoilage. Zhavargo Jolly, Minister of Tourism for Turks and Caicos, passionately argued for the establishment of a regional supply chain to reduce costs and improve efficiency. He criticized the current reliance on North American hubs like Miami for intra-Caribbean shipments, which inflates costs and impacts the cost of living. Jolly called for collaborative efforts within regional organizations like CARICOM and the Caribbean Tourism Organisation to turn these discussions into actionable plans. While the enthusiasm for ferry services is palpable, the realization of this vision hinges on the commitment of key decision-makers to invest in infrastructure and foster regional cooperation.
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NBD and Discover Dominica Authority launch two-year partnership to boost culture, tourism, and community development
The National Bank of Dominica Ltd. (NBD) and the Discover Dominica Authority (DDA) have solidified a two-year strategic partnership aimed at bolstering Dominica’s cultural, tourism, and community development efforts. Announced during a press conference in Roseau, this collaboration will provide financial and in-kind support to both national and grassroots events across the island. The partnership’s first initiative will see NBD as the Premium Bank Sponsor for the 25th World Creole Music Festival (WCMF), a cornerstone of Dominica’s cultural calendar. To commemorate the festival’s silver jubilee, NBD has introduced the “25 Years, 25 Big Wins” promotion, offering customers the chance to win prizes such as cash rewards, festival tickets, and branded merchandise through credit card transactions or new sign-ups. A grand prize of EC$2,500 will be awarded in November. Beyond the WCMF, NBD will support a variety of cultural events, including Mas Dominik, Jazz and Creole, Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl, Breakfast Fete, and community carnival activities. Additionally, NBD will engage with fringe events like Rize and Whine and White Sunset, hosting interactive “Scan & Win $250” promotions at designated lounges and QR stations. In partnership with NexConnex, NBD will sponsor the WCMF Art Gallery, showcasing the work of Dominican artisans and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The gallery will feature NBD point-of-sale machines to facilitate seamless purchases, directly supporting local creators. Michelle Joseph, NBD’s Marketing Manager, highlighted the partnership’s broader impact, stating, “This is more than sponsorship. This is partnership in action – culture, community, and commerce working together, with NBD as the bridge.” The initiative aligns with NBD’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, reinforcing its commitment to cultural pride, small business support, and community strengthening. The collaboration, set to run through 2027, represents a sustained investment in Dominica’s cultural and economic landscape.
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Caribbean Airlines CEO quits
Garvin Medera, the long-serving Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Caribbean Airlines, has stepped down from his position after eight years at the helm. His resignation, reported by the Trinidad Express, follows a stern ultimatum issued earlier this year by Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister, Kamla Persad-Bissessar. In August, the Prime Minister warned the airline’s management that they would be replaced within two years if they failed to address the operational challenges plaguing the company. Medera’s departure comes in the wake of the airline’s board resigning after the country’s general elections in April. The airline has faced heightened scrutiny in recent months, leading to the dismissal or suspension of several high-ranking members of the finance team. Additionally, Caribbean Airlines has announced the discontinuation of its services between Kingston, Montego Bay, and Fort Lauderdale, effective November 2, 2025, as part of efforts to optimize its network. This move underscores the airline’s ongoing struggles and its attempts to streamline operations amidst financial and operational pressures.
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US now Barbados’ number one source market
Barbados’ tourism sector has witnessed a significant boost, with stayover arrivals increasing by 5.43% between January and August 2025, totaling 503,000 visitors. For the first time, the United States has surpassed the United Kingdom as the island’s leading source market, marking a historic shift in Barbados’ tourism landscape. Andrea Franklin, CEO of Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI), highlighted this milestone during the Caribbean Tourism Organisation’s State of the Tourism Industry Conference at the Hilton Barbados Resort. ‘Arrivals from the United States stand at 179,753 visitors, making the US our number one source market this year,’ Franklin stated. ‘This is particularly significant given the UK’s long-standing dominance in Barbados’ tourism history.’ The Caribbean region also performed well, securing the third position with 70,984 visitors. Franklin attributed the US’s rise to BTMI’s strategic focus on expanding airlift capacity. ‘We doubled down on our airlift strategy, targeting the US market. In winter 2025, we secured over 60,000 additional seats from the US, which was pivotal in building capacity,’ she explained. Cruise arrivals also saw a 24% increase, with 599,826 passengers visiting the island between January and July. Franklin noted ongoing enhancements at the Bridgetown Cruise Terminal, including modernization, improved passenger flow, and greener port operations. Additionally, significant investments in the accommodation sector are underway, with new hotels like the Blue Monkey Hotel and Beach Club, Hotel Indigo, and Beaches Barbados expected to open between 2026 and 2027.
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Jamaican-born beauty mogul launches PIMBY store in Georgia
Hundreds of enthusiastic customers gathered at the Mall of Georgia in Buford, Georgia, to celebrate the grand opening of the 10,000-square-foot flagship store of Playing in Makeup by Yolondo (PIMBY), founded by Jamaican-born beauty mogul Yolondo Salmon Thomas. The event, held on September 27, was a resounding success, drawing business and political leaders from Atlanta and surrounding areas, as well as members of the Jamaican diaspora and the Consulate of Jamaica. Thomas expressed her joy at the overwhelming response, stating, ‘The turnout was amazing. I love people, so it was great to share the moment with them. Seeing the joy on their faces as they explored the products was incredibly rewarding.’ PIMBY, one of the few independent black-owned flagship brands, offers over 100 products, including the market’s most viral concealer. The brand has already seen a steady stream of customers returning for the personalized experience, even on traditionally slow days. Thomas, who has built a multimillion-dollar cosmetics line with customers in over 150 countries, continues to expand her influence through her social media platforms, including Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram, where she has amassed millions of followers. This launch signifies a pivotal moment for Jamaican entrepreneurship in the global beauty industry.
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Barbadian banker among six appointed after CIBC Caribbean training
CIBC Caribbean has recently appointed six young professionals to pivotal frontline banking roles across the region, marking a significant step in nurturing the next generation of financial leaders. Among the appointees is Shamar Shorey from Barbados, who has joined the Platinum Banking team as a relationship manager. These appointments follow the successful completion of the bank’s Chief Commercial Office (CCO) Immersion Programme, an 18-month intensive initiative designed to attract and develop top talent for CIBC Caribbean’s Corporate and Personal and Business Banking segments. The programme combines hands-on experience, mentorship, and exposure to critical areas of the bank’s operations, equipping participants with the skills necessary for frontline roles. Graduates are offered permanent positions upon completion, reinforcing the bank’s commitment to fostering long-term careers. Pim van der Burg, Chief Commercial Officer, highlighted that the programme challenges the misconception that young professionals are unwilling to commit to the demanding nature of financial services. He urged the new appointees to view themselves not just as bank representatives but as trusted partners to their clients, emphasizing the importance of dedication and resilience in modern banking. The graduation ceremony, held simultaneously via video conference across five Caribbean countries, underscored the bank’s reliance on technology to enhance its operations and connectivity. The new appointees include Andreen Mitchell from Jamaica, Christina Rammanth from Trinidad, Kara Daville from the Bahamas, Shaun Morgan from the Cayman Islands, and Kimani Nugent from Jamaica, each taking on roles in Personal and Business Banking or Corporate Banking teams. Shorey shared his transformative journey, from learning to write small credits to managing multi-million-dollar projects, and expressed his appreciation for the interconnectedness of the bank’s departments. Janine Billy, Chief Human Resources Officer, emphasized the programme’s role in future-proofing the bank by creating a modern, community-driven organization that balances technology, innovation, and efficiency with the right talent. Jeffrey Newton, Director of Credit Underwriting and Portfolio Management, reminded graduates that banking is built on trust, accountability, and client service, urging them to prioritize clients in every decision. This cohort of the CCO Immersion Programme began in March 2024 and concluded in August 2025, marking a new chapter for both the graduates and CIBC Caribbean.
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Grenada Building & Loan Association celebrates 100 years!
The Grenada Building and Loan Association (GBLA) is set to commemorate its 100th anniversary on October 8, 2025, a landmark achievement since its registration on October 8, 1925, under the Building Societies Ordinance of 1887. This centennial celebration underscores a century of unwavering resilience, indigenous service, and dedication to the people of Grenada. As the nation’s oldest and only Building Society, GBLA has been a cornerstone of financial empowerment, fostering property ownership, share investments, and financial independence for Grenadians both locally and abroad. Its member-centric approach has remained a guiding principle throughout its century-long journey. Founded during a time when access to credit was scarce for the average Grenadian, GBLA began as a modest mutual institution and grew into a symbol of hope and opportunity. Its founders—Arnold Williamson, Ronald O. Williams, Frank L. Gresham, and Dr. Arnot Steele—laid the groundwork for what has become a respected and unique financial institution. Over the decades, GBLA has weathered political shifts, economic downturns, and natural disasters, emerging stronger each time. Today, it continues to operate through investments in local mortgages and deposits, helping thousands of Grenadians achieve homeownership and financial stability. As GBLA looks to the future, it plans to expand its offerings with innovative financial products tailored to the needs of its members. The Association extends its heartfelt gratitude to its members, staff, directors, and the people of Grenada for their unwavering support. Together, GBLA and its community look forward to shaping another century of possibilities. Congratulations to GBLA on 100 years of resilience, longevity, and service!
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ABAA Interim CEO Aims to Strengthen Airports While Upholding ‘World-Class’ Standards
In a strategic move to enhance airport operations and elevate its global standing, the Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority (ABAA) has appointed Miguel Southwell as its interim Chief Executive Officer. Southwell, a seasoned aviation expert and the founder of Brakkam Aviation, a renowned global air transportation and management consultancy, will oversee operations at VC Bird International Airport under a contract with his firm.
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Rhapsody of the Seas Marks Start of Antigua’s 2025/2026 Cruise Season
ST. JOHN’S, Antigua (Oct. 2, 2025) — Antigua Cruise Port ushered in the 2025/2026 cruise season with a momentous event on Thursday, as Royal Caribbean’s Rhapsody of the Seas made its inaugural scheduled call. This arrival not only marked the official start of the season but also set the stage for what is anticipated to be a record-breaking year for the port. The occasion was further amplified by significant advancements in the port’s Upland Development Project, a transformative initiative led by Global Ports Holding. This ambitious project seeks to modernize the facility, enhance passenger amenities, and solidify Antigua and Barbuda’s status as a premier cruise destination in the Caribbean. Port officials celebrated these dual milestones, emphasizing their potential to drive continued growth in the tourism sector. With high expectations for increased passenger arrivals, the port is poised to strengthen its economic impact and global reputation. The season’s launch also highlighted the port’s strategic partnerships and commitment to delivering world-class experiences for travelers. As the Upland Development Project progresses, the port aims to attract more visitors and boost local businesses, further cementing its role as a key player in the Caribbean’s tourism industry.