Carib Scope

分类： business

  • PM Reports Record Customs Revenue of Close to 4 million dollars

    PM Reports Record Customs Revenue of Close to 4 million dollars

    Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced a historic milestone for Antigua and Barbuda’s Customs Department, which recorded its highest single-day revenue collection last week. Speaking on the ‘Browne and Browne’ show, Browne revealed that Customs collected an unprecedented EC$3.7 million on Monday, a figure that underscores the success of recent administrative reforms aimed at enhancing oversight and reducing revenue leakages at the country’s primary port of entry.

    Browne emphasized that this record-breaking achievement reflects the government’s efforts to strengthen revenue monitoring and optimize the port’s financial performance. He noted that the port had historically underperformed relative to its potential, but the recent surge in revenue indicates that the administration is now ‘getting value for money’ and addressing systemic inefficiencies.

    The Prime Minister’s remarks coincided with discussions about planned upgrades to the port to accommodate increasing cargo volumes and attract international shipping firms. Browne highlighted the growing importance of the port’s revenue performance as Antigua and Barbuda seeks to capitalize on expanding regional transshipment activity.

    During the program, Sir Molwyn Joseph, a key figure in the discussion, urged the government to adopt a more business-oriented approach to port management. He stressed the need for daily financial analysis and real-time anomaly detection to ensure predictable revenue outcomes. Joseph also called for enhanced port security, stricter cargo movement controls, and improved managerial oversight to maximize the port’s potential as a major revenue center for the nation.

  • Antigua’s Curtain Bluff Takes Environmental Sustainability Honours at CHIEF 2025

    Antigua’s Curtain Bluff Takes Environmental Sustainability Honours at CHIEF 2025

    The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) proudly announced the winners of the 2025 Caribbean Hotel Industry Exchange Forum (CHIEF) Awards during the event’s opening ceremony in Barbados, held from November 16 to 18. This prestigious program honors exceptional leadership, innovation, and best practices within the Caribbean hospitality sector. The awards spotlighted excellence across five categories: Environmental Sustainability, People Development and Support, Marketing Innovation, Social Responsibility, and Tech Transformation. This year’s winners and finalists represented 12 Caribbean destinations, showcasing the region’s diverse and impactful contributions to the industry.

    Curtain Bluff in Antigua secured the Environmental Sustainability award for its holistic approach to sustainability, featuring advanced water systems, energy efficiency, waste reduction, and community engagement, supported by its Green Globe Platinum Certification. Half Moon in Jamaica was recognized for its People Development and Support initiatives, including wellness programs, learning platforms, and technology-enhanced training that uphold its Forbes-rated luxury standards. The Boardwalk’s “Slow Summer” campaign won the Marketing Innovation award for redefining the low season as a wellness-focused period of mindful travel, enhancing occupancy and community partnerships. The Rockhouse Foundation in Jamaica received the Social Responsibility award for its $11 million investment in rebuilding public schools and fostering inclusive education. Bolongo Bay Beach Resort in the USVI earned the Tech Transformation award for its shift to direct bookings through digital tools and guest-centric engagement.

    CHTA President Sanovnik Destang emphasized the awards’ role in highlighting the creativity, innovation, and resilience of Caribbean hospitality. He noted the importance of sustainable and inclusive tourism, especially in the face of climate change challenges, such as those impacting Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa.

  • Adoexpo: exports surpassed US$12 billion and grew 10.3% in 2025

    Adoexpo: exports surpassed US$12 billion and grew 10.3% in 2025

    The Dominican Republic has marked a significant milestone in its export sector, closing the first ten months of 2025 with over US$12 billion in exports and a robust 10.3% growth rate. These figures were unveiled by the Dominican Exporters Association (Adoexpo) during the 39th Export Excellence Awards, an event presided over by President Luis Abinader. The ceremony celebrated companies that have made remarkable contributions to international markets. Adoexpo President Karel Castillo highlighted the country’s strong performance, with exports to the United States exceeding US$6 billion and shipments to the Caribbean reaching US$1.7 billion, reflecting a 15% increase. Castillo emphasized the Dominican Republic’s growing influence in both traditional and emerging markets, including India, and called for sustained reforms in logistics, technical education, regulatory modernization, and labor flexibility to solidify the nation’s position as a regional export powerhouse. Roselyn Amaro Bergés, Adoexpo’s Executive Vice President, presented findings from the Export Sector Indicator Study, revealing that exports totaled US$13.8 billion in 2024, creating 144,000 jobs. The study also noted significant growth in key products such as gold (+52%), cocoa (+54%), and steel laminates (+87%), with exports accounting for 29% of all foreign currency entering the country in 2025. The awards ceremony honored outstanding companies across various categories, with Pasteurizadora Rica receiving the prestigious title of Great Dominican Exporter. Other awardees included Plastifar, BotPro, Successment, Ghidora (Blink Esports), Textilab x Angie Polanco, Aparataje Distribution, Grupo RR&T, B Brawn Dominican Republic, Smurfit Westrock, and Nahshar Produce. Special recognitions were also extended to sector veterans, public institutions, private companies, media outlets, and journalists for their contributions to the development of national exports.

  • U.S. drops tariffs on Dominican agricultural and industrial exports

    U.S. drops tariffs on Dominican agricultural and industrial exports

    The United States government has enacted a significant tariff reduction, eliminating duties on more than 1,000 products by amending Executive Order 14257. This policy change, signed by President Donald Trump and effective from November 13, updates the Harmonized Tariff Schedule for imported goods and directly benefits the Dominican Republic. The Caribbean nation exports approximately $581 million worth of these goods to the U.S. market annually. The updated list includes a wide range of products such as cocoa, gold, medicines, semiconductors, avocados, bananas, coffee, tomatoes, mangoes, guavas, coconuts, plantains, and papayas. Dominican Minister of Industry, Commerce, and MSMEs, Víctor ‘Ito’ Bisonó, hailed the decision as a major cost-saving measure for Dominican exporters. He emphasized that the government would continue negotiations with U.S. agencies to secure zero tariffs for additional exports. President Trump justified the move by citing a review of trade data, domestic production capacity, and ongoing negotiations with trading partners, deeming the expansion of tariff-exempt products ‘necessary and appropriate.’ The revised order notably removes certain agricultural goods from the list of tariff-affected items, further enhancing trade relations between the two nations.

  • Abinader to attend annual semiconductor meeting in California

    Abinader to attend annual semiconductor meeting in California

    President Luis Abinader of the Dominican Republic is set to embark on a significant diplomatic and economic mission to San Jose, California, on November 20. His visit comes at the invitation of the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA), recognizing the country’s strides in developing a robust and dependable ecosystem for semiconductor investments. Abinader will be joined by Minister of Industry and Commerce Víctor “Ito” Bisonó and a delegation of private-sector representatives as part of the National Strategy for the Promotion of the Semiconductor Industry (Enfis).

    During the Semiconductor Annual Meeting, the Dominican team will engage with top executives from global semiconductor giants, including Intel, TSMC, NVIDIA, Qualcomm, and Micron. The primary objective is to forge stronger alliances and position the Dominican Republic as a trusted partner for companies looking to diversify their production chains away from Asia.

    The Dominican Republic is focusing on several key areas within the semiconductor industry, including the manufacturing of discrete semiconductors and passive components, assembly, testing, and packaging (ATP) of mature-node chips, and the production of printed circuit boards (PCBs) and chip integration into electronic devices. These sectors are currently dominated by China, but the Dominican Republic aims to capitalize on its logistical advantages, free zone system, and precision manufacturing capabilities to meet U.S. supply chain demands.

    President Abinader emphasized that this event is a pivotal opportunity to showcase the nation’s potential. Several free zone companies in the Dominican Republic are already in advanced discussions with major global players, signaling a promising future for the country’s semiconductor industry.

  • Gov’t officials point to recent opening of Ocean Oasis Hotel as proof positive that CBI programme is working – ‘life blood’ of economy

    Gov’t officials point to recent opening of Ocean Oasis Hotel as proof positive that CBI programme is working – ‘life blood’ of economy

    Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit of Dominica has reaffirmed the pivotal role of the Citizenship By Investment (CBI) Programme in driving the nation’s economic development. Speaking at the inauguration of the Ocean Oasis Hotel, Skerrit highlighted the program’s success in financing critical infrastructure, healthcare, education, and entrepreneurial ventures. He emphasized that the CBI initiative has enabled Dominica to recover from natural disasters and build a resilient economy. The Ocean Oasis Hotel, a flagship project funded through CBI, is a testament to the program’s impact, creating jobs, boosting tourism, and fostering local industries. Skerrit underscored the government’s commitment to maintaining transparency and integrity in the CBI industry while collaborating with regional partners to ensure its sustainability. He also encouraged young professionals to leverage their skills and participate in the program, emphasizing the importance of unity and optimism in driving national progress. Parliamentary Representative Chekira Lockhart-Hypolite echoed these sentiments, praising the CBI Programme for its transformative role in diversifying the economy and empowering local communities. The Ocean Oasis Hotel, she noted, symbolizes hope and opportunity for Dominicans, particularly in tourism and employment sectors. Both leaders emphasized the government’s dedication to fostering partnerships with the private sector to achieve sustainable growth and shared prosperity.

  • Grenada at Cocoa Research Centre/FAO workshop

    Grenada at Cocoa Research Centre/FAO workshop

    Grenada played a pivotal role in the Sub-Regional Validation Workshop on the Caribbean Cocoa Industry Development Agenda, held on November 13 and 14, 2025, at The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, Trinidad. Organized by the Cocoa Research Centre (CRC) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations, the event united cocoa-producing nations across the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and Trinidad and Tobago for two days of strategic collaboration, technical exchanges, and roadmap refinement. Over the past year, FAO and CRC have collaborated with Caribbean countries to identify challenges in the cocoa sector and outline a structured roadmap for sustainable development. This initiative involved technical assessments, consultations with farmers and institutions, and analysis of genetic material, field practices, and post-harvest systems. The workshop provided a platform for countries to review findings, discuss challenges, and shape national priorities within a regional framework. Grenada’s delegation included Andrew Hastick, General Manager of the Grenada Cocoa Association; Kason Charles, Agronomist with the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries, and Cooperatives; and Shadel Nyack Compton, Managing Director of Belmont Estate, representing the private sector. They engaged in sessions on planting material pipelines, genetic improvement, climate resilience, pest and disease management, cocoa quality, cadmium mitigation, and market opportunities for fine-flavour cocoa. These discussions underscored the need for coordinated efforts to enhance cocoa production and value-added development in Grenada. Cocoa is a cornerstone of Grenada’s agricultural sector, renowned for its fine-flavour exports and the burgeoning tree-to-bar industry. Local processors are expanding production of chocolate, cocoa powder, and artisanal products, highlighting the importance of strengthening production systems, increasing output, and improving quality to support rural livelihoods, export earnings, and tourism. Hastick emphasized the workshop’s value in assessing Grenada’s current position and identifying areas for urgent focus, such as improving field practices, farmer support, and processing capacity. Charles highlighted the need to enhance local capacity, attract youth, and foster innovation, while Nyack Compton expressed gratitude for the CRC and FAO’s leadership and reaffirmed Grenada’s commitment to building a resilient cocoa industry. The Grenada team presented a national cocoa roadmap prioritizing the restoration of over 2,000 acres of abandoned cocoa lands, innovation in farm management, and expanding value addition. This initiative aims to double national production and achieve a long-term vision of 1,000 metric tonnes. Grenada remains dedicated to advancing a modern, competitive cocoa industry, leveraging its heritage, expertise, and potential to secure a thriving future for the sector.

  • Illegal Brazilian miners arrested, prosecuted

    Illegal Brazilian miners arrested, prosecuted

    In a significant operation led by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), supported by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), at least 24 individuals, predominantly Brazilian nationals, have been arrested and are facing prosecution for illegal immigration and mining offenses. Unofficial reports suggest the number of detainees could rise to 28, including two women. Among those apprehended was also a Venezuelan national. The arrests took place on Saturday morning, with the detainees being held at the Mahdia Police Station. Some of the individuals have already appeared in court via Zoom, while others have been transferred to Georgetown. The GGMC is expected to formally charge them with illegal mining activities. During the operation, GDF Colonel Dominic Shepherd emphasized the need for regularizing mining activities and urged all involved parties to cooperate with the GGMC. A relative of one of the detained Brazilians claimed that some of the workers had valid travel documents and were not given an opportunity to explain their situation before being taken into custody. She also mentioned that while a Brazilian company was operating legally in the area, several of its workers were not. This crackdown highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Guyana in regulating its mining sector and addressing illegal activities.

  • Medera returns to Digicel

    Medera returns to Digicel

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Garvin Medera, the former head of Caribbean Airlines, has rejoined Digicel, taking on the role of CEO for the Atlantic Region within the telecommunications giant. This move marks a significant homecoming for Medera, who began his career at Digicel and played a pivotal role in developing the company’s telecom and fibre networks across the Caribbean. His return is part of Digicel’s broader strategy to bolster its leadership team as it focuses on enhancing service, reliability, and customer engagement in the region.

  • NGC chairman: Nutrien shut-down benefiting other Pt Lisas companies

    NGC chairman: Nutrien shut-down benefiting other Pt Lisas companies

    The phased shutdown of Nutrien’s Trinidad facility, initiated in October due to disputes over port fees and unreliable natural gas supply, has unexpectedly benefited other companies on the Point Lisas Industrial Estate. Gerald Ramdeen, Chairman of the National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago (NGC), revealed that the redistribution of gas previously allocated to Nutrien has enabled companies like Proman, Phoenix Park Gas Processors Ltd, and Methanex to exceed their daily production quotas. Ramdeen emphasized that this redistribution has significantly enhanced the output of nearly all plants on the estate, marking a positive shift in the industrial landscape. Additionally, NGC has increased its capacity to supply gas to Atlantic LNG, further bolstering the nation’s energy sector. In another development, the United States’ decision to remove a 15% tariff on ammonia and ammonia product exports has been hailed as a major win for Trinidad and Tobago. Ramdeen and Energy Minister Roodal Moonilal credited the government’s diplomatic efforts, led by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Foreign Minister Sean Sobers, for this favorable outcome. The tariff removal is expected to strengthen Trinidad and Tobago’s position in the global fertiliser market and support global food security. However, former Prime Minister Stuart Young criticized the government, alleging that the Nutrien shutdown has damaged the country’s reputation and economy, while dismissing the tariff removal as a distraction.