Sky Caterers, the in-flight kitchen operator at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in Puerto Rico and Las Américas International Airport in the Dominican Republic, has achieved exceptional results in Delta Air Lines’ food safety and quality audits. Both facilities earned a perfect 100% score in Food Processing Quality and Food Processing Safety, meeting Delta’s stringent industry standards. Augusto Del Valle, Corporate Director of Catering for the Caribbean, commended the accomplishment, emphasizing the rigorous nature of Delta’s audit process. Ada Torres, Operations Director at Las Américas, highlighted that the inspections were conducted by Medina Quality, an independent international firm renowned for its unannounced evaluations, ensuring impartiality and precision. The audits encompassed all aspects of food preparation, packaging, storage, and delivery, alongside interviews and reviews of critical control systems. Key records, including cleaning checklists, temperature controls, and product traceability, were meticulously examined. The final report confirmed Sky Caterers’ flawless performance and dedication to operational excellence, solidifying its reputation as a leader in meeting the aviation industry’s highest standards.
分类： business
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No agreement yet with U.S. company to supply cheaper fuels to Guyana
Nearly eight months after the Guyana government announced plans to secure cheaper fuels for its citizens through a partnership with U.S.-based Curlew Midstream, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo revealed on Thursday that no formal agreement has been signed. The deal, which aimed to establish a storage facility in Guyana, has been delayed due to significant differences in the terms. Negotiations were suspended until after the September 1 general and regional elections. Jagdeo emphasized that the government would only proceed with an agreement that ensures long-term benefits for Guyana while delivering immediate cost reductions. The proposed project involved procuring fuels through Curlew Midstream and building a tank farm to store additional fuel, potentially lowering procurement costs by 20% to 35%. Jagdeo reiterated the government’s commitment to thorough due diligence, stating that they would not rush into any agreement that could harm the country’s future. The project, initially announced in February 2025, also envisioned Guyana becoming a fuel hub for the Caribbean and northern Brazil, with Curlew Midstream investing $300 million in a state-of-the-art depot capable of storing 750,000 barrels of various fuels.
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Legislators warn of economic and migration crisis if HELP program ends
In Santo Domingo, a coalition of legislators, economists, and Haitian representatives is advocating for the renewal of the Haiti Economic Enhancement Program (HELP) Extension Act. They caution that its discontinuation could result in the loss of approximately 25,000 jobs in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, while simultaneously exacerbating migration pressures. Dominican Senator Omar Fernández (Fuerza del Pueblo) emphasized that the program has been instrumental in attracting investment to the border region and serving as a deterrent to illegal migration. He warned that its termination could lead to an influx of unemployed Haitians seeking opportunities in the Dominican Republic. Economist Edita Rodríguez Salce highlighted the broader economic repercussions, noting that the program’s end would adversely affect both nations and threaten the free trade zone sector, which employs thousands in companies producing for renowned brands like Victoria’s Secret, Calvin Klein, and Klass. William Charpentier, coordinator of the National Roundtable for Migration and Refugees, described the potential dismantling of the program as a devastating blow to Haiti, which is already grappling with political and economic collapse. He criticized the inconsistency of international support, pointing out that while governments express solidarity with Haiti, critical initiatives like HELP are allowed to lapse. The closure of the textile sector, one of Haiti’s few remaining economic lifelines, would further deepen the country’s ongoing crisis.
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New development bank to start up with US$200 million in tranches
Guyana is set to establish a new development bank in 2026, with an initial seed capital of US$200 million, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo announced on Thursday. The funds will be allocated in tranches, contingent on demand assessments, and will be integrated into the 2026 national budget. Jagdeo emphasized the importance of mentoring, financial literacy, and technical support to ensure borrowers can repay loans, creating a sustainable revolving fund. He expressed confidence in the bank’s success, acknowledging a potential 10% failure rate, consistent with global financial systems. The government will periodically inject additional capital as revenues grow, ensuring the bank’s long-term viability. Currently, a concept paper for the proposed bank is under development. This initiative follows the dissolution of the Guyana Cooperative Agricultural and Industrial Development Bank (GAIBANK) in 1995 due to high non-performing loans, which was later merged with the Guyana National Cooperative Bank before its closure in 2002.
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Barbados & Dominica Join Forces To Offer Multi-Destination Tourism Experiences
In a groundbreaking move to enhance their tourism sectors, Barbados and Dominica have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on marketing, sustainable tourism, and multi-destination packages. The agreement was formalized on October 1, 2025, at the Hilton Barbados Resort during the State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC). Represented by the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) and the Discover Dominica Authority (DDA), the partnership aims to leverage the unique strengths of both islands to attract global travellers and foster regional economic growth.
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NCCU president announces assets close to $1 billion mark with 15th anniversary launch
The National Cooperative Credit Union (NCCU) marked its 15th anniversary with a grand celebration, highlighting its remarkable growth and community contributions. Clement Marcellin, President of the NCCU Board of Directors, revealed that the institution now boasts an impressive asset size of $800 million, nearing the billion-dollar milestone. Speaking at the anniversary launch event on Wednesday, Marcellin reflected on the institution’s journey since its amalgamation, emphasizing its transformation into the largest credit union in the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) with over 54,000 members.
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Lack of financial statements showing MNIB history delaying its transformation
The Grenadian government has initiated a significant transformation in its agricultural sector by replacing the long-standing Marketing and National Importing Board (MNIB) with a new entity, Import-Export Agromart (IMEXA) Ltd. This move comes after years of financial mismanagement and inefficiencies within the MNIB, which had necessitated repeated government bailouts. Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell highlighted the absence of financial statements as a major obstacle in securing a private partner for the MNIB. ‘The MNIB was so poorly run that there were no financial statements for many years,’ Mitchell stated during an interactive talk show, ‘DMs with the PM.’ The government has since taken decisive steps to address these issues, including the payment of severance and termination benefits totaling $2,667,892.73 to all 87 MNIB staff members recorded as of 28 February 2023. In August 2023, the government successfully refinanced approximately EC$5 million of debt owed by the MNIB to a local commercial bank, consolidating all outstanding principal balances at an interest rate of 4.0% to be repaid over 10 years. Finance Minister Dennis Cornwall announced in March 2025 that the MNIB would cease operations before the third quarter of 2025, with IMEXA Ltd. established as its successor. Legal and financial experts are currently developing a prospectus and legal agreements to engage a suitable strategic partner for the new entity, aiming to have it operational by the end of the third quarter of 2025.
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Latin America push
In a bold move to diversify its tourism market, the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) has successfully launched a strategic initiative targeting Latin America. On Thursday, two direct flights from Colombia, operated by Wingo Airlines, landed in Montego Bay, carrying 370 passengers. This marks a significant step in Jamaica’s plan to tap into non-traditional markets and achieve its ambitious goal of welcoming eight million visitors by 2030, generating $10 billion in revenue. The seasonal flights from Bogotá and Medellin will run from December 18 to January 26, 2026, further strengthening ties with Colombia, one of Jamaica’s fastest-growing source markets. According to JTB data, Colombian arrivals surged by 32.3% in 2024 compared to 2023, with an additional 25.2% growth in the first half of 2025. The new Wingo routes are expected to accelerate this momentum, enhancing connectivity and enriching the visitor experience. Wingo Airlines, a low-cost carrier under Copa Holdings, now offers the only direct flight between Bogotá and Montego Bay, marking its 25th international route. The initiative, a collaboration between JTB, Wingo Airlines, MBJ Airports Limited, and Hyatt Hotels, was celebrated as the beginning of a powerful partnership between Jamaica and Colombia. Passengers on the ‘mystery flights’ were unaware of their destination until arrival, adding an element of excitement to their journey. Upon landing, they were greeted with vibrant mento music and a warm welcome from local officials. The four-day immersive experience includes curated activities such as a full-day adventure at Chukka Ocean Outpost and accommodations at Hyatt’s Secrets Hotel. Stakeholders expressed optimism about the initiative’s potential to deepen ties with Latin America and boost tourism. ‘This is only the beginning of great things from Latin America,’ said JTB Regional Director Odette Dyer. The event underscores Jamaica’s commitment to innovative marketing and strategic partnerships to achieve its tourism goals.
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DeCambre files suit against NCB
Renowned Jamaican entrepreneur Roy DeCambre has initiated legal proceedings against the National Commercial Bank (NCB), seeking substantial damages tied to an escrow agreement dispute. The lawsuit, formally lodged in July 2023, involves DeCambre’s companies, National Fuels and Lubricants Limited and Total Jamaica Limited, as the plaintiffs. The contested escrow agreement dates back to January 22, 2004, with DeCambre asserting that NCB breached its terms, leading to significant financial losses. DeCambre expressed confidence in securing a favorable verdict, estimating the damages to amount to billions of dollars. When approached by the Jamaica Observer for comment, an NCB spokesperson declined to address the matter, citing the bank’s policy of not discussing ongoing legal cases.
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Audi rings in a triple
Audi Jamaica made history on Friday, September 19, by hosting its first-ever triple vehicle launch at its Oxford Road showroom. The event showcased the Audi A5 sedan, the Audi A6 Sportback e-tron, and the Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron, offering a diverse range of options for buyers. The lineup included two sedans and one SUV, with two electric vehicles (EVs) and one combustion-powered car, reflecting Audi’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.