KINGSTON, Jamaica—Small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) operators in Jamaica are being encouraged to adopt a global perspective and implement strategies to enhance their competitiveness on the international stage. This advice was delivered by industry leaders Michelle Chong, CEO of Honey Bun, and Robert Scott, CEO of Lifespan Distributor, during the Honey Bun Foundation’s CEO Luncheon at the Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel. The event highlighted the importance of thinking beyond local markets and exploring opportunities for export and collaboration, regardless of the industry. Both CEOs emphasized the need for SMEs to adopt a mindset akin to that of larger corporations, focusing on scalability and operational excellence. Scott particularly stressed the value of strategic networking, urging attendees to move beyond merely collecting contacts and instead focus on building meaningful relationships and exchanging services. He highlighted the underutilized potential of bartering, which can be mutually beneficial for businesses. Chong reinforced the idea of thinking big, encouraging SMEs to adopt a franchise mindset, which involves creating standardized operating procedures (SOPs) to transition from business owners to quality control managers. Integrity and reputation were also underscored as critical components for success, especially in a small, interconnected market like Jamaica.
分类： business
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Bartlett heads to London for Jamaica Travel Market 2025
KINGSTON, Jamaica—In a strategic move to bolster Jamaica’s tourism sector, Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett embarked on a global tour, commencing with his departure for London, England, on Tuesday. His itinerary includes pivotal engagements at the Jamaica Travel Market 2025, scheduled from October 1–3, 2025. This premier trade event, orchestrated by the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), aims to foster business connections between Jamaican tourism providers and international buyers, driving investment and growth in the island’s thriving tourism industry.
Minister Bartlett emphasized the significance of the UK market, stating, ‘The UK remains one of our strongest source markets. The Jamaica Travel Market provides a platform to reinforce partnerships, highlight the resilience of our tourism sector, and ensure Jamaica remains a top destination for travelers.’
In London, Bartlett’s packed agenda includes back-to-back business-to-business (B2B) meetings with key stakeholders on October 2, followed by a networking luncheon. He will also hold discussions with Jules Ugo, CEO of W Communications, Jamaica’s UK-based PR agency. A major highlight of his visit will be a strategic meeting with the TUI Group, where he will engage with Phillip Iveson, Director of Accommodation Product & Sourcing, and Jill Thompson, Head of Product & Ancillaries, to explore growth opportunities in the UK and broader European markets. The day will conclude with a cocktail reception and the prestigious Platinum Celebration Awards Dinner.
On October 3, the minister will continue his B2B meetings, receive an update on Jamaica’s tourism outlook, and attend a Jamaican barbecue luncheon before departing the event.
Following his London engagements, Bartlett will travel to Toronto, Canada, on October 5, to attend the JTB’s Edith Baxter Memorial Awards Gala and conduct critical media engagements. ‘The Canadian market is vital for us. My discussions will focus on expanding airlift and positioning Jamaica as the preferred destination for Canadian visitors,’ he remarked.
The final leg of his tour will take him to New York on October 10 for the American Friends of Jamaica’s (AFJ) Hummingbird Gala at The Plaza Hotel. The event will honor two distinguished Jamaicans: Jason Henzell, founder of BREDS Foundation and chairman of Jakes Hotel, who will receive the International Humanitarian Award, and Josef “Joe” Bogdanovich, founder and CEO of DownSound Entertainment Limited, who will be awarded the International Achievement Award.
‘It will be a proud moment to celebrate the remarkable contributions of these individuals to tourism, entertainment, and community development,’ Bartlett said. The minister is expected to return to Jamaica on October 12, concluding his extensive global mission.
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Liberty Caribbean concludes successful North Caribbean Leadership Summit
PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten (September 30th, 2025) – Liberty Caribbean, the prominent telecommunications provider operating Flow and Liberty Business, has successfully concluded its North Caribbean Leadership Summit. The event brought together senior executives and business leaders from Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Cayman Islands, St. Kitts & Nevis, the British Virgin Islands, Turks & Caicos, Montserrat, and St. Maarten. Held at the Sonesta Resort and Conference Centre in St. Maarten, the multi-day summit focused on two key priorities: delivering exceptional customer service and fostering adaptive leadership to ensure sustainable regional growth. Participants discussed strategies to leverage connectivity for tangible community benefits, including advancements in healthcare, education, and business opportunities. A significant emphasis was placed on leadership development, talent retention, and a stakeholder-centric approach to swiftly address evolving customer needs. Susanna O’Sullivan, Vice President for North Caribbean at Liberty Caribbean, highlighted the company’s commitment to empowering communities and driving economic opportunities. The summit concluded with a clear action plan centered on partnerships, operational discipline, and innovation to provide reliable, future-ready connectivity. Liberty Caribbean plans to implement these strategies across the North Caribbean in the coming months, reinforcing its role as a trusted partner in the region’s digital transformation.
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New Demerara Harbour Bridge opens Sunday
The highly anticipated new Demerara Harbour Bridge, a state-of-the-art four-lane, high-span, cable-stayed structure, is set to be officially inaugurated this Sunday, October 5, 2025, at 5:30 PM. This monumental project, which began in 2022, marks a significant milestone in Guyana’s infrastructure development. President Irfaan Ali will deliver the keynote address at the commissioning ceremony. The bridge, constructed by China Railway Construction (International) Limited at a cost of US$260 million, is designed to enhance the flow of vehicular and vessel traffic, drastically reducing travel time and improving connectivity between Regions Three and Four. It is also expected to bolster the movement of goods and services across the nation, aligning with the government’s broader vision of national transformation. Despite facing several delays and initial resistance, the project adhered to the rigorous standards set by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), ensuring its safety and reliability. The new Demerara Harbour Bridge stands as a testament to Guyana’s commitment to modernizing its infrastructure and fostering economic growth.
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Visitor arrivals to The Bahamas climb 8.5 percent year-to-date
The Bahamas has witnessed an 8.5 percent increase in total visitor arrivals, reaching 7.4 million year-to-date, according to the Central Bank’s latest Monthly Economic and Financial Developments report. This growth was primarily fueled by a 10.5 percent surge in sea passengers, totaling 6.2 million, which compensated for a 1.3 percent drop in air arrivals to 1.1 million. However, July saw a 3.3 percent decline in overall arrivals to 1.1 million visitors, with sea passengers decreasing by 3.8 percent and air traffic slipping 0.9 percent. Regional disparities were evident, as Family Islands experienced a 9.7 percent contraction in arrivals, while Grand Bahama recorded a remarkable 26.1 percent rise, driven by significant increases in both air and sea traffic. Meanwhile, outbound departures from Nassau Airport fell 3.0 percent in August, with U.S. departures declining 5.1 percent and non-U.S. international departures rising 14.5 percent. Short-term vacation rentals also reflected broader tourism trends, with total room nights sold increasing 1.0 percent in August, despite a dip in occupancy rates. Average daily rates (ADR) continued to climb, with entire place listings up 11.8 percent and hotel-comparable listings rising 1.1 percent. Despite localized slowdowns, the tourism sector remains a cornerstone of the Bahamas’ economic growth, supported by robust sea passenger numbers and sustained rental revenue.
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Liberty Caribbean concludes successful North Caribbean Leadership Summit
Liberty Caribbean, the prominent telecommunications provider operating under the Flow and Liberty Business brands, recently wrapped up its North Caribbean Leadership Summit in St. Maarten. The event brought together senior executives and business leaders from key markets, including Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, the Cayman Islands, St. Kitts & Nevis, the British Virgin Islands, Turks & Caicos, Montserrat, and St. Maarten. Held at the Sonesta Resort and Conference Centre, the multi-day summit focused on two primary objectives: enhancing customer service excellence and fostering adaptive leadership to ensure sustainable regional growth. Participants collaborated on actionable strategies to leverage connectivity for tangible community benefits, such as improved healthcare, education, and business opportunities. A central theme of the discussions was the importance of people and leadership, with an emphasis on talent development, retention, and a stakeholder-centric approach to meet evolving customer needs. Susanna O’Sullivan, Vice President for the North Caribbean at Liberty Caribbean, highlighted the company’s commitment to empowering communities and enabling economic opportunities. She stated, ‘This summit has produced a clear, actionable roadmap focused on partnerships, operational discipline, and innovation to deliver reliable, future-ready connectivity.’ Over the coming months, Liberty Caribbean will implement the summit’s outcomes across the region, prioritizing initiatives that drive measurable impact and reinforce its role as a trusted partner in digital transformation. With a legacy spanning over 150 years, Liberty Caribbean continues to provide robust networks and tailored solutions, supporting economic growth in an increasingly digital world.
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The AT&LU is considering the creation of a credit union for its members
The Antigua and Barbuda Trades and Labour Union (AT&LU) is exploring the establishment of a credit union to provide its members with greater financial stability amid rising inflation and economic uncertainty. President Bernard de Nully unveiled the initiative during the union’s 86th Annual Conference, emphasizing its potential to address wage violations, inadequate pension payments, and the escalating cost of living. De Nully described the proposal as a dual-purpose strategy: a practical solution to current economic challenges and a means to strengthen solidarity within the labor movement. He stressed the urgency of the plan, stating, ‘The time is now,’ and highlighted how a member-owned financial institution could offer affordable services and support retirement planning. The president also cautioned that Social Security contributions alone would be insufficient to ensure timely pensions in the coming decade, urging delegates to back measures that enhance worker protections and financial security. The credit union proposal was announced alongside recent wage negotiations, including a 14% increase for non-established workers, reflecting the union’s commitment to delivering tangible benefits and exploring innovative support mechanisms for its members.
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Peso Power: Building Local Capital Before Global Capital
The narrative of Dominican startups is frequently misrepresented. Typically, the story begins with a flashy investment from Miami or New York, followed by media attention and photo opportunities. Only then do people question whether the company can truly operate in pesos, withstand tax audits, or assemble a reliable operations team that won’t abandon ship for the next lucrative opportunity. The reality, however, is far more challenging: peso power is not a luxury—it’s the cornerstone of Dominican entrepreneurship. While dollar investments may bring prestige, it’s the peso that ensures survival.
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RfQ: Renovation Works at Maran Propagation Station in St John
The Government of Grenada, in collaboration with the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has announced a competitive bidding process for the renovation of the Maran Propagation Station in St. John. This initiative is part of the broader Climate-Resilient Agriculture for Integrated Landscape Management (CRA) Project, aimed at enhancing agricultural sustainability in the face of climate change. The Ministry of Agriculture, Lands and Forestry is inviting eligible contractors to submit quotations for the renovation works. The bidding process follows the Public Procurement Act & Regulations and will be conducted through a Request for Quotations (RFQ) mechanism. Interested contractors can obtain detailed information and necessary documents from Joseph Noel, the Project Focal Point, via email at [email protected]. The RFQ documents, available in English, will be provided in PDF and Word formats. Submissions must include a signed Contractor Quotation Form, a priced Bill of Quantities, and a Technical Proposal. These documents must be delivered in hard copies or via the Central Procurement Unit’s e-procurement platform by 3 pm Eastern Caribbean Time on October 31, 2025. Late submissions will not be considered. This project underscores Grenada’s commitment to fostering climate-resilient agricultural practices and improving infrastructure to support sustainable development.
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For sale: One Rib Craft
Camper & Nicholsons Grenada Services Ltd has officially announced the sale of a 2010 Rib Craft, inviting interested buyers to submit their bids. The vessel, measuring 6.4 meters (21 feet) in length, features a white hull and grey tubes, powered by two 60 HP Yamaha engines running on 4-stroke gasoline. Notably, the outboards require repairs, and the sale is final, with the Rib Craft to be sold ‘as seen.’ The minimum bid has been set at EC$35,000.00, and sealed bids must be submitted to the Human Resource Manager by October 17, 2025. Prospective buyers are encouraged to call 415-0827 to schedule a viewing appointment. Additionally, the purchased Rib Craft must be removed from the PLM site within five days of the sale. NOW Grenada has clarified that it is not responsible for the opinions, statements, or media content presented by contributors and has provided a reporting mechanism for any instances of abuse.