Carib Scope

分类： business

  • Veel uitdagingen voor nieuwe rvc van de SMS

    Veel uitdagingen voor nieuwe rvc van de SMS

    Suriname’s state-owned Shipping Corporation (SMS) is undergoing a strategic transformation under new leadership, with Transport Minister Raymond Landveld outlining an ambitious vision for the company’s role in the nation’s emerging oil and gas sector. During the official installation of the new Board of Commissioners at the Cabinet of the President on Tuesday, Minister Landveld emphasized the corporation’s shifting focus from traditional vessel operations toward specialized services including bunkering operations for Staatsolie N.V.

    The minister highlighted significant opportunities arising from Suriname’s growing oil and gas developments, noting that maritime transport will play a crucial role in supporting extraction operations. “With increased gas and oil exploitation underway, vessels will become essential transportation assets,” Landveld stated, pointing to the sector’s potential for substantial growth.

    A key development mentioned was the November 2025 agreement between Suriname and French Guiana concerning the ferry La Gabrielle, which currently facilitates cross-border transportation with SMS personnel operating the vessel. Landveld also identified pressing needs for expanded domestic ferry services, particularly between Paramaribo and Meerzorg in Commewijne, where existing smaller ferries struggle to meet commuter demand.

    However, the minister acknowledged significant challenges in vessel acquisition and operational readiness. “Substantial investments are required for cargo transport to drilling platforms,” he noted, referencing aging vessels that demand considerable resources to become service-ready.

    The newly appointed board, led by President-Commissioner Lenie Josafath-Eduards, includes members Richenel Vrieze, Ritesh Khoesial, Charisma Bijlhout, Ajay Piarelal, Ceraïf Petres, and Geving Weeks. Their primary mandates include optimizing financial management and capitalizing on emerging opportunities within the maritime sector.

  • When sanctions enforcement creates new risks for shipping – Splash247

    When sanctions enforcement creates new risks for shipping – Splash247

    The global shipping industry faces mounting pressure to combat illicit trade practices, placing international ship registries at the center of an escalating regulatory paradox. According to Graeme Morkel, Deputy International Registrar of Shipping and Seamen at the St Kitts and Nevis International Ship Registry, flag states are increasingly caught between enforcement obligations and operational risks.

    Sanctions evasion, flag hopping, and complex ownership structures have evolved from peripheral concerns to critical challenges threatening the integrity of the global fleet and the credibility of maritime administrations. While open registries are frequently characterized as part of the problem, many have actually become frontline enforcers in the battle against illegal shipping practices.

    A fundamental tension has emerged through recent stakeholder engagements: flag states cannot simultaneously serve as enforcement agents and bear sole responsibility for consequences. Registries are now expected to execute intelligence-driven decisions carrying significant operational and human impacts, yet the supporting frameworks surrounding these decisions remain underdeveloped.

    Progress has emerged through collaborative initiatives like the Registry Information Sharing Compact (RISC), which enables flag states to exchange intelligence regarding vessels denied registration or under sanctions investigation. This mechanism addresses the deliberate strategy of flag hopping—where operators shift registrations to avoid compliance scrutiny—rather than treating it as merely an administrative loophole.

    Modern registries maintain close cooperation with international enforcement and intelligence agencies, frequently making registration decisions based on directives from organizations specializing in sanctions enforcement and national security. However, when vessels are removed from registries following such directives, the action is often mischaracterized as abandonment, wrongly attributing responsibility to the flag state.

    This misrepresentation creates dangerous operational and reputational risks. Enforced removals conducted in support of sanctions compliance constitute legitimate regulatory actions, not abandonment. The current disconnect underscores the urgent need for clearer alignment between the United Nations, International Maritime Organization, and flag states regarding definitions and communications protocols.

    Encouragingly, international recognition of this imbalance is growing. Discussions regarding sanctions frameworks and enhanced IMO cooperation indicate increasing awareness that effective enforcement requires shared responsibility and consistent accountability. The fight against illicit maritime trade ultimately depends on trust, transparency, and cooperation—with flag states requiring consistent support when implementing difficult enforcement decisions.

  • NTUCB Youth Vanguard Eyes Unionization of BPO Sector

    NTUCB Youth Vanguard Eyes Unionization of BPO Sector

    A significant labor movement is gaining momentum in Belize as the National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB) launches a groundbreaking initiative to unionize the country’s rapidly expanding Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector. Through its newly established Youth Vanguard division, the organization is championing the rights of thousands of young employees who form the backbone of this critical industry.

    The BPO sector, which provides steady employment for recent high school graduates through data management and customer service roles, faces mounting criticism regarding worker treatment. Despite offering air-conditioned facilities and regular paychecks, many employees report feelings of disenfranchisement and vulnerability within their workplaces.

    Ashley Longford, Director of the Youth Vanguard, has emerged as the central figure in this campaign. She characterizes the current situation as resembling ‘modern-day slavery,’ citing consistent patterns of worker disconnection and powerlessness. The unionization drive focuses primarily on educating young workers about their legal rights and labor protections under Belizean law.

    Proponents argue that collective bargaining would establish crucial accountability mechanisms and provide essential safeguards for workers aged 18-30 who dominate the sector. They maintain that union representation would create a balanced power dynamic that ultimately benefits both employees and employers through structured dialogue.

    However, the proposal has sparked intense debate across Belize’s economic landscape. Critics express concerns about potential impacts on foreign investment and job growth within this highly competitive global industry. These opposing viewpoints have set the stage for complex negotiations between labor advocates and industry stakeholders that have yet to formally commence.

    The outcome of this movement could fundamentally reshape labor relations in one of Belize’s most important economic sectors, with implications for thousands of young workers and the nation’s broader economic development strategy.

  • CARIB Brewery (Grenada) Ltd installs solar system

    CARIB Brewery (Grenada) Ltd installs solar system

    CARIB Brewery (Grenada) Limited has achieved a significant milestone in sustainable manufacturing with the successful commissioning of a 300-kilowatt solar photovoltaic system. This substantial renewable energy investment marks a pivotal advancement in both the company’s environmental initiatives and Grenada’s national transition toward clean energy solutions.

    The newly activated solar array is projected to substantially decrease grid electricity dependency while enhancing overall energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This strategic alignment with Grenada’s clean energy objectives demonstrates the brewery’s commitment to national sustainability targets.

    As an integral component of the ANSA McAL Group of Companies, CARIB Brewery operates within a corporate framework where Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles are fundamentally integrated into strategic planning and operational execution. This solar project directly advances the Group’s comprehensive sustainability agenda, reinforcing its dedication to environmental stewardship, operational excellence, and long-term value creation for all stakeholders.

    The technical implementation focuses on achieving multiple benefits: improved energy efficiency, reduced operational expenditures, and substantial decreases in carbon emissions associated with electricity consumption. By generating clean renewable energy on-site, the brewery enhances both its operational resilience and contribution to Grenada’s sustainable development.

    As Grenada’s premier beverage manufacturer producing iconic brands including Carib, Stag, Guinness, and Ting for local and regional markets, this renewable energy integration ensures sustainable production practices while maintaining product quality and supply chain reliability.

    This investment reflects ANSA McAL Group’s broader corporate strategy of embedding sustainability across all operating entities through renewable energy adoption, efficiency enhancements, and robust governance frameworks. The solar project commissioning underscores CARIB Brewery’s role as an environmentally responsible corporate citizen committed to supporting sustainable community development. The company remains dedicated to initiatives that strengthen operational resilience, promote environmental sustainability, and deliver enduring value to employees, consumers, shareholders, and the Grenadian community.

  • Co-op Bank: Annual Shareholders’ Meeting on 29 Jan 2026

    Co-op Bank: Annual Shareholders’ Meeting on 29 Jan 2026

    The Grenada Co-operative Bank Limited has officially announced its upcoming Annual Shareholders’ Meeting, with advanced registration required through a dedicated Zoom platform. The banking institution has directed shareholders to complete their registration via the official link: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/649HqU4_Tl6enYFkqsj82w.

    In a notable disclaimer, NOW Grenada media outlet has clarified its non-responsibility for opinions, statements, or media content presented by contributors during the meeting. The publication has additionally implemented an abuse reporting mechanism, encouraging users to ‘click here to report’ any concerning content.

    The meeting announcement carries significant tags including ‘agm,’ ‘annual general meeting,’ ‘dividend,’ and references to Tanya Lambert, suggesting key leadership participation and potential dividend discussions. The digital approach to shareholder engagement reflects contemporary trends in corporate governance and financial institution operations within the Caribbean banking sector.

    This development represents the bank’s continued commitment to transparent shareholder communication and modernized corporate practices, potentially setting precedents for regional financial institutions in their annual reporting and stakeholder engagement methodologies.

  • Alberg nieuwe directeur van SAIL: Focus op herstel visverwerking en export

    Alberg nieuwe directeur van SAIL: Focus op herstel visverwerking en export

    Suriname American Industries Ltd (SAIL NV) has ushered in a new era of leadership with the formal appointment of Ifuel Alberg as its Managing Director. The ceremonial presentation, held today, positions Alberg as the executive tasked with revitalizing the financially distressed state-owned enterprise.

    In his inaugural address, Alberg expressed both pride and determination in accepting the leadership role. He characterized his appointment as a pivotal new beginning for an organization many had considered beyond redemption. “My fundamental objective is to restore perspective and viability to SAIL, for the enterprise itself and for its dedicated workforce,” Alberg declared.

    A cornerstone of his revival strategy involves resuscitating the company’s fish processing operations. Alberg emphasized the critical need to return to SAIL’s traditional operational model, which encompasses in-house processing, domestic sales, and direct export channels. “Reestablishing this integrated chain is absolutely essential for achieving a sustainable recovery,” he stated in comments disseminated by Suriname’s Communication Service.

    The new director also highlighted significant external challenges, particularly geopolitical tensions involving Venezuela. These have disrupted the supply chain for key species like red snapper, partly due to SAIL’s dependency on fishing vessels affiliated with the Venezuelan state enterprise NOA (Nueva Organización de Atunes).

    Beyond operational restart, Alberg pledged to bring greater organization to Suriname’s fish sales sector. While acknowledging everyone’s right to livelihood, he stressed that all commercial activities must adhere to stringent hygienic and orderly standards. As a certified enterprise, SAIL intends to play an active role in guaranteeing healthy and safe fish products for Surinamese consumers.

    To achieve this, Alberg plans to forge robust collaborations with the Fish Inspection Institute, the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries, and other relevant stakeholders.

    Looking ahead, Alberg outlined ambitious two-year goals: first, to firmly reestablish SAIL’s presence in the domestic market, followed by resuming independent export operations. “SAIL must reclaim control over its production and export functions,” the director asserted, committing to keep the public informed through timely and transparent updates. “We invite all stakeholders to participate in the regrowth and redevelopment of SAIL.”

    The appointment ceremony was attended by District Commissioner Glenda Kranenburg, representatives from various state-owned enterprises, and members of the Board of Commissioners, led by Chairman Gordon Touw Ngie Tjouw.

  • HDC commercial tenants: Poor management affecting revenue

    HDC commercial tenants: Poor management affecting revenue

    Tenants at Pleasantville Village Plaza are demanding urgent management reforms as the state-owned Housing Development Corporation (HDC) reveals staggering financial losses across its commercial portfolio. HDC Chairman Feeroz Khan disclosed that seven commercial properties, including the Pleasantville facility, generate merely $1 million annually while accumulating $10 million in maintenance costs—a tenfold deficit he called economically indefensible.

    Opened in November 2006, the Pleasantville plaza contains approximately 50 retail units (225-500 sq ft) renting from $1,300 monthly, plus a 175-seat amphitheater available for $2,500 bookings. Theoretical maximum revenue would approach $780,000 annually at full occupancy, but during a January 5 site visit, Newsday observed at least a dozen vacant units despite apparent tenant demand.

    Collin Douglas, owner of Cappadonna’s Ice Cream and an original tenant, described deteriorating conditions since the plaza’s inception two decades ago. ‘The red-tape is excessive—they demand excessive personal documentation yet fail to lease long-vacant units,’ he stated, criticizing HDC’s inadequate marketing and bureaucratic hurdles.

    Newer tenant Dale Haynes of Abalaye Spiritual and Cultural Shop revealed systemic administrative failures: management records falsely showed occupied units as vacant, while rent receipts arrived months after payment. ‘They accused us of unpaid rent until we provided proof—their internal systems need complete overhaul,’ Haynes noted, though he acknowledged strong foot traffic and community support.

    Multiple anonymous tenants reported severe infrastructural neglect, with pigeons and stray animals now dominating common areas. Community member Roxanne Cruickshank, a 50-year Pleasantville resident, emphasized the plaza’s vital role providing food, banking, and medical services, preventing travel to San Fernando.

    The financial crisis extends beyond Pleasantville. Chairman Khan, speaking at a January 4 media conference, accused the previous administration of leaving $600 million in unpaid contractor bills, a $300 million pension fund deficit, and $150 million in maintenance contracts allegedly awarded to political affiliates. Construction costs per unit reportedly surged from $500,000 to $2 million over the past decade.

    Neither former Housing Minister Camille Robinson-Regis nor Khan responded to follow-up interview requests. As HDC’s commercial operations face intensified scrutiny, longtime tenants like Douglas fear an uncertain future: ‘I depend on this plaza entirely—I have no other employment.’

  • Goddard takes aim at SUV market with Chinese vehicles

    Goddard takes aim at SUV market with Chinese vehicles

    Barbadian conglomerate Goddard Enterprises Limited (GEL) is implementing a strategic pivot toward Chinese automotive brands to counter stagnant performance in its automotive division. Despite reporting a modest 3% revenue increase to BBD$122.06 million in its automotive segment for FY September 2025, the group experienced flat sales overall, with particular weakness in its core markets of Barbados and Jamaica.

    The company’s annual report revealed a significant 55% decline in operating profit for the automotive division, dropping to BBD$2.28 million. This downturn was attributed to inventory reduction efforts, increased financing costs associated with the new GAC brand rollout, and a BBD$1.3 million property revaluation loss.

    A critical challenge identified by management was the limited product offering from legacy brands, especially in the competitive small and mid-sized SUV segments where hybrid and electric vehicles from Chinese and Korean manufacturers have gained substantial market share.

    In response, GEL has launched Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC) vehicles across four Caribbean markets, including Jamaica through its subsidiary Fidelity Motors Limited. The rollout features both internal combustion engine models (Emkoo and Emzoom) and electric vehicles (Aion V and Aion Y).

    Alan Bayne, CEO of GEL’s automotive division, stated that the 2026 strategy will focus on accelerating GAC distribution, expanding in Jamaica, and strengthening competitiveness in SUV segments.

    The broader GEL conglomerate demonstrated stronger performance elsewhere, with consolidated revenue surging 38% to BBD$1.85 billion, driven primarily by a 93% increase in manufacturing revenue. Net profit grew 46% to BBD$76.8 million, bolstered by improved performance at Ecuador-based cocoa processor Ecuakao.

    Corporate developments include upcoming leadership changes with three directors retiring at the January 29 shareholder meeting and five new nominees proposed to join the expanded board. The company maintained its dividend payment of BBD$0.06 per share for 2025.

  • Digita Global invests $75 million in new production studio

    Digita Global invests $75 million in new production studio

    Digital Global Marketing (DGM) has significantly advanced Jamaica’s creative infrastructure with the inauguration of Studio D, a cutting-edge multimedia production facility representing a $75-million strategic investment. This development follows the company’s previous $100-million investment in Enigma, a collaborative co-working and ideation space launched last year.

    CEO Kemal Brown characterized the new facility as a transformative ecosystem designed to address longstanding gaps in Jamaica’s production landscape. “We’ve created a globally relevant, professionally equipped environment where professionals can ideate, produce, and finalize their work without logistical constraints,” Brown stated in interviews with Jamaica Observer publications.

    The facility emerges in response to sustained market demand for professional production services. Brown noted that DGM has consistently received requests for photoshoots, video production, and podcasting facilities, prompting the investment that serves both internal operations and external clients.

    Strategically located along Mountain View Avenue in Kingston, the 1,000-square-foot facility features soundproofed production areas, professional lighting systems, dedicated editing bays equipped with high-performance Mac Studio and iMac systems, and client-friendly lounge spaces. Studio D operates in synergy with Enigma as part of ‘The Creative Collective’—an integrated pipeline where concepts develop at Enigma and transition to production execution at Studio D.

    The studio offers unprecedented flexibility through dual operational models: a self-driven approach where clients bring their own equipment and teams, and a full-service model where DGM provides comprehensive production support including professional cameras, lighting, microphones, and technical setup.

    Beyond production services, Studio D incorporates a retail component offering professional equipment sales, including cameras, storage media, computing devices, and accessories essential for content creators.

    As a subsidiary of Digital Global Group (DGG), DGM continues expanding its portfolio across marketing, digital transformation, and content production services. Brown indicated openness to further strategic expansion, including potential acquisitions, noting the company’s position to serve global clients while remaining attentive to market opportunities that align with their strategic objectives.

  • Tobago awaits Blue Wave Harmony’s arrival

    Tobago awaits Blue Wave Harmony’s arrival

    Tobago’s business community is preparing for a strategic maritime transition as the newly acquired MV Blue Wave Harmony cargo vessel prepares to dock at Scarborough port on January 18, replacing the outgoing MV Cabo Star whose lease concludes on January 12.

    Curtis Williams, President of the Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce, indicates that while most enterprises maintain sufficient inventory levels to withstand potential supply chain interruptions, particular concerns emerge within the food and beverage sector regarding temperature-sensitive commodities. “These businesses will be monitoring the situation very closely,” Williams confirmed to Business Day, noting that many distributors have strategically stockpiled approximately four weeks’ worth of inventory as a protective measure.

    The TT Inter-Island Transportation Company Ltd has implemented comprehensive contingency protocols utilizing existing vessels including the APT James, T&T Spirit, and Galleons Passage to ensure uninterrupted service during the transition period. Official communications guarantee that sea bridge services will continue without disruption, with significant enhancements expected following the new vessel’s commissioning.

    MV Blue Wave Harmony, registered under Panamanian jurisdiction, represents a substantial upgrade over its predecessor with dimensions measuring 175 meters in length and 30 meters in width, compared to the Cabo Star’s 158.37-meter length and 25.32-meter width. The modern vessel, two years junior to the retiring ship, promises improved operational safety, reduced transit times, and enhanced reliability according to the National Infrastructure and Development Company Ltd (NIDCO).

    The advanced vessel features 73 passenger cabins with private bathroom facilities, a 142-seat self-service restaurant, luxury lounge and entertainment center, and improved accessibility through passenger elevators. With capacity for approximately 125 freight units—a significant increase from the Cabo Star’s 90-trailer limit—the ship boasts enhanced refrigeration capabilities for perishable goods and pharmaceuticals, along with certified dangerous cargo transportation supported by specialized ventilation and safety systems.

    NIDCO confirms that the absence of scheduled dry-docking in 2026 will ensure uninterrupted operations throughout the year. Additionally, the vessel’s upgraded facilities and expanded service offerings are expected to generate local employment opportunities through concessionaire agreements and service provider engagements, thereby increasing regional economic participation.