Carib Scope

分类： business

  • Airport Authority unveils new and expanded Ground Transportation hub at Terminal B

    Airport Authority unveils new and expanded Ground Transportation hub at Terminal B

    Antigua and Barbuda has inaugurated a comprehensively redeveloped ground transportation complex at VC Bird International Airport, marking a significant infrastructure enhancement for the Caribbean nation’s tourism sector. The transformed facility, formerly known as the old terminal and now designated Terminal B, officially opened Thursday with ceremonial remarks from Permanent Secretary Sean Cenac of the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation.

    The newly operational hub centralizes previously fragmented services, housing four major car rental agencies—Bigs Car Rental, TG Car Rental, RL Car Rental, and Chase Car Rental—collectively offering a fleet of 315 vehicles. Additionally, nine tour operators and destination management companies now operate from the consolidated space, eliminating previous terminal congestion and improving operational efficiency.

    Cenac, representing Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez, emphasized the strategic importance of the project, stating that tourism remains the primary economic driver for the nation, supporting employment, entrepreneurship, and foreign exchange earnings. He characterized the investment as critical to strengthening Antigua and Barbuda’s competitive position in the Caribbean tourism market.

    The upgraded facility incorporates modern amenities including a live flight information display system for real-time arrival monitoring and an extended public address system already operational in the main terminal. ABAA Interim CEO Miguel Southwell detailed the operational improvements, noting the transformation addresses long-standing challenges of scattered services and passenger congestion.

    Shakkia Carlos of TG Car Rental, speaking on behalf of rental operators, described the development as emblematic of ‘continued growth, collaboration, and commitment to excellence.’ The project was executed under the direction of ABAA Board Chairman Rolston Potter, with co-project management by Business Development Manager Geneva George. Director of Operations Joseph Samuel and Maintenance Manager Orlan Hurst led the construction team, supported by the Authority’s IT and Accounts departments.

  • Wales power plant to generate at full capacity next year; plans moving apace for “explosive growth” in electricity demand

    Wales power plant to generate at full capacity next year; plans moving apace for “explosive growth” in electricity demand

    Guyana is rapidly advancing its energy infrastructure development to accommodate unprecedented growth in electricity consumption, with officials outlining ambitious plans at the recent Guyana Energy Conference. The 300-megawatt natural gas-fired power plant at Wales is projected to achieve full operational capacity by mid-2026, according to Ministry of Natural Resources Consultant Winston Brassington. The facility, currently under construction by Texas-based contractor LINDSAYCA, is expected to initially generate 228 megawatts through its four simple cycle gas turbines before reaching maximum output with combined cycle completion. This development coincides with Guyana’s significant grid modernization effort, transitioning from 69 kV to 230 kV transmission systems to handle what officials describe as ‘explosive growth’ in electricity demand. The new transmission infrastructure already extends from Wales to Eccles, with additional substations and control centers scheduled for completion by May. Guyana Power and Light CEO Kesh Nandlall revealed that electricity consumption has surged by 65% over five years, from 903 gigawatt hours in 2020 to 1,485 gigawatt hours in 2025. Current peak demand reaches 221.5 megawatts against available reliable capacity of 260 megawatts. With projections indicating demand could reach 1,650 megawatts by 2030—requiring a 600% capacity increase—authorities are already planning a second gas-to-energy plant at Wales. Five firms have been prequalified for this expansion, which will include urea fertilizer production and glass manufacturing facilities.

  • Eastern Caribbean Central Bank: Career opportunities

    Eastern Caribbean Central Bank: Career opportunities

    The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB), the premier financial institution serving the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU), has officially opened applications for several high-level positions at its Basseterre, St. Kitts headquarters. This recruitment drive targets exceptionally qualified citizens from ECCU member nations seeking to advance their careers within the region’s central banking system.

    Available positions include a Currency Assistant within the Currency Management Department, an Information Security Analyst II in the Management Information Systems Department, and two Senior Accounting Officer roles—one in the Financial Applications and Accounting Unit and another in the Budget and Payment Unit, both under the Accounting Department.

    The ECCB offers an initial two-year contractual engagement for the successful candidates, presenting a pathway to permanent employment contingent upon outstanding performance. All applications must be processed through the official ECCB Employment Application Form, accessible exclusively through the bank’s careers portal.

    Prospective applicants must prepare a comprehensive submission package including a completed online form, detailed curriculum vitae, two recent original letters of reference, certified copies of all academic certificates, an official university transcript, and a recent criminal record or police certificate of character. The deadline for applications is set for Friday, February 27, 2026.

    Supporting documentation should be uploaded directly through the application platform or alternatively submitted to the Human Resource Department via the designated email address. The ECCB maintains rigorous standards in its selection process, reflecting its critical role in maintaining monetary and financial stability across the Eastern Caribbean region.

  • Sandals Grenada: Now Hiring — Operations Manager, Rooms Division

    Sandals Grenada: Now Hiring — Operations Manager, Rooms Division

    Sandals Grenada, a prominent member of the Caribbean’s premier Luxury-Included® resort chain, has announced a senior leadership vacancy for an Operations Manager specializing in Rooms Division. This executive position offers hospitality professionals an exceptional career opportunity within the Caribbean’s luxury tourism sector.

    The appointed candidate will assume comprehensive responsibility for strategic planning and daily operational execution across the resort’s Rooms Division. This senior role entails direct oversight of three critical departments: Front Office operations, Guest Services, and Housekeeping, ensuring consistent delivery of the brand’s renowned service standards across multiple resort properties.

    Key operational responsibilities include coordinating management activities for guest rooms and public areas, developing and implementing revised operational policies and procedures, and creating innovative business strategies to enhance guest experience through process improvements. The position additionally requires collaboration with the Learning and Development team to identify and coordinate specialized training programs for division staff.

    Workplace safety represents another critical dimension of this role, with the Operations Manager establishing and enforcing compliance with health standards, legal regulations, and corporate protocols. The position also involves managing strategic relationships with key operational vendors supporting resort functions.

    Qualification requirements specify a Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality and Tourism, Resort Management, or related disciplines, complemented by a minimum of eight years of progressive leadership experience in hospitality or resort management. Technical proficiency must include Microsoft Office Suite applications and automated Rooms Division systems, with preference given to candidates holding a Caricom Skills Certificate.

    Interested candidates must submit comprehensive application packages including resumes and completed internal forms via email to The Recruitment and Compliance Specialist at Sandals Grenada. The application deadline is February 27, 2026, with mandatory inclusion of ‘Operations Manager, Rooms Division’ in the email subject line. The recruitment process will involve selective shortlisting of applicants, with only chosen candidates receiving further communication.

  • Saint Lucia clears latest EU review, remains off blacklist

    Saint Lucia clears latest EU review, remains off blacklist

    Saint Lucia has successfully preserved its position outside the European Union’s tax blacklist, as confirmed by the EU’s latest assessment published on February 17, 2026. This marks another validation of the Caribbean nation’s commitment to international tax transparency standards, a significant achievement for a country that faced EU listing less than a decade prior.

    The island nation’s journey toward tax compliance began after its initial placement on the EU’s non-cooperative jurisdictions list in December 2017. Following high-level commitments made in March 2018, Saint Lucia implemented comprehensive legislative overhauls that resulted in its complete removal from all EU tax-related lists by February 2021.

    Substantive reforms included the abolition of preferential tax regimes considered potentially harmful, particularly elements of the International Business Company framework and related offshore incentives. The government modernized its corporate tax system through the introduction of a territorial regime coupled with rigorous economic substance requirements designed to prevent artificial profit shifting.

    Transparency measures were significantly enhanced through full participation in the OECD’s Common Reporting Standard for automatic financial information exchange and compliance with Global Forum standards on information exchange upon request. The nation further aligned domestic regulations with OECD Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) minimum standards, incorporating transfer pricing rules and anti-abuse measures.

    Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre emphasized that Saint Lucia’s achievement demonstrates how small states can meet rigorous international standards while preserving economic sovereignty. The government views tax compliance as integral to protecting correspondent banking relationships, maintaining access to international financial markets, and promoting sustainable economic growth.

    With the next EU review scheduled for October 2026, Saint Lucia maintains its commitment to upholding the highest standards of tax governance and international cooperation.

  • Southern Plains agricultural development project gets $776m boost

    Southern Plains agricultural development project gets $776m boost

    KINGSTON, Jamaica—In a significant move to modernize its agricultural sector, the Jamaican government has committed J$776 million to accelerate the Southern Plains Agricultural Development (SPAD) initiative. The substantial funding, formally outlined in the 2026/27 Estimates of Expenditure presented by Finance Minister Fayval Williams on February 12, represents a strategic investment in the nation’s food security and rural economic development.

    The comprehensive agricultural modernization project focuses on converting previously fallow sugar lands into productive irrigated farmland through sophisticated water management systems. Engineering works include constructing wells, developing extensive canal networks, and building supporting agricultural infrastructure across key arable zones in St. Catherine’s Amity Hall and Bridge Pen areas, along with Clarendon’s Parnassus region.

    Significant progress has already been achieved by December 2025, with three operational wells successfully drilled and yield-tested in Parnassus. The project has also established complete pump houses with electrical connections and advanced fire suppression systems at these well sites. Additional accomplishments encompass 15 kilometers of rehabilitated farm access roads and drainage systems in Amity Hall, plus 25 kilometers of similar infrastructure in Parnassus.

    The development initiative has restored 3,000 meters of the critical Hartland irrigation canal system while completing a massive 20,000 cubic meter reservoir complex at Amity Hall/Bridge Pen, featuring modern pump facilities and ultraviolet sterilization equipment for water treatment. The Parnassus irrigation infrastructure now stands at 99% completion.

    The project’s scope extends beyond physical infrastructure to include capacity building programs focused on climate resilience techniques, advanced crop modeling methodologies, and gender-responsive training manuals for agricultural communities. Comprehensive designs for agricultural buildings and operational manuals for the Matching Grant Scheme have been finalized.

    For the 2026/27 fiscal period, the allocated funding will enable construction commencement of specialized agricultural buildings including pack houses, while completing reinforcements to road and drainage infrastructure designed to mitigate future flood damage. Additional allocations will procure drain cleaning equipment for the Agro Investment Corporation, install renewable energy systems, and activate financial support mechanisms for farmers through the Matching Grant Scheme.

    Initiated in December 2019 with expected completion by March 2028, the SPAD project represents a collaborative effort between Jamaica’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining and the Caribbean Development Bank, demonstrating multilateral commitment to sustainable agricultural development in the region.

  • One Communications announces US$25m digital infrastructure expansion

    One Communications announces US$25m digital infrastructure expansion

    In a significant move to bolster Guyana’s digital ecosystem, telecommunications leader One Communications has unveiled a comprehensive $25 million infrastructure investment plan for 2026. CEO Abraham Smith made the announcement during his keynote address at the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo, framing the initiative as essential to supporting the nation’s rapidly expanding economy.

    The strategic investment will focus on three primary areas: extending fiber optic connectivity into emerging economic corridors, enhancing both subsea and terrestrial network capacity, and building robust redundancy systems for mission-critical operations. Smith emphasized that modern telecommunications infrastructure has evolved from merely supporting operations to actively powering them, making reliable connectivity fundamental to national development.

    This latest commitment continues One Communications’ substantial investment history, having deployed over $250 million in network development throughout the past fifteen years, including $100 million dedicated specifically to fiber infrastructure. The company’s expansion strategy specifically targets economic growth zones such as the Wales corridor—home to Guyana’s landmark Gas-to-Energy development—where fiber connectivity has already been extended to communities including Vriesland, Patentia, Belle Vue, and Goed Intent.

    Beyond physical infrastructure, the company is advancing financial inclusion through upgrades to its mobile wallet platform, MMG, which expands digital payment capabilities and supports broader participation in the digital economy. Geographic expansion priorities for 2026 include Linden, Parika, the East Coast corridor, and Berbice, where One Communications is actively involved in digital infrastructure and data center initiatives supporting Region Six.

    Smith stressed that sustainable national development requires inclusive connectivity that reaches beyond urban centers. “Opportunity cannot stop at the city limits,” he stated, adding that digital infrastructure must extend to every region to ensure development is both genuine and sustainable. The company’s approach emphasizes building systems resilient enough to withstand pressure while ensuring coastal and inland communities alike benefit from technological advancement.

    With its fiber network already serving approximately 180,000 homes and businesses nationwide—79% located outside central Georgetown—One Communications positions itself as a crucial partner in building the digital backbone that will keep Guyana competitive and future-ready in an increasingly connected global economy.

  • St Kitts welcomes over 7,600 cruise passengers as 5 vessels call in single day  – WIC News

    St Kitts welcomes over 7,600 cruise passengers as 5 vessels call in single day  – WIC News

    The Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis achieved a remarkable tourism milestone on Thursday as five cruise vessels simultaneously called at the island nation, delivering 7,620 passengers in a single day. This unprecedented influx marked one of the busiest days of the 2025-2026 cruise season, demonstrating the growing appeal of this Caribbean destination.

    Three ships docked directly at Port Zante while two additional vessels anchored off Carambola Beach. The Celebrity Beyond led the fleet with 3,272 passengers arriving from St. Thomas, followed by Marella Explorer (1,869 passengers from St. Maarten) and Marella Discovery (1,764 passengers from the Dominican Republic). Smaller vessels Seaborne Ovation (584 passengers) and SPV Star Flyer (126 passengers) completed the diverse maritime contingent.

    The massive arrival provided substantial economic stimulation across Basseterre and surrounding communities. Local entrepreneurs including taxi drivers, tour operators, beach vendors, restaurants, and retail merchants reported exceptional business activity. Visitors dispersed across the island to experience St. Kitts’ diverse attractions, from historical landmarks and scenic railway journeys to relaxation at South Friars Bay and Cockleshell Beach. Many opted for organized rainforest tours showcasing the island’s lush interior ecosystems.

    This event occurs during what tourism officials project to be a record-breaking season that began October 6, 2025, with the arrival of Celebrity Reflection. The federation anticipates welcoming over one million cruise passengers throughout the season, featuring 13 inaugural calls including Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady and Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas. February 2026 has been identified as particularly busy, with Port Zante regularly accommodating 4-5 ships simultaneously. Industry leaders expect the thriving cruise tourism sector to generate substantial benefits for all stakeholders involved in the hospitality and service industries.

  • Tax benefits for investments in renewable energy sources expanded

    Tax benefits for investments in renewable energy sources expanded

    Cuba has significantly broadened its renewable energy tax incentive program to include private sector participants through newly enacted Resolution 41/2026. The updated regulatory framework, published in the extraordinary Official Gazette No. 30, extends income tax exemptions to self-employed workers, agricultural producers, artists, intellectuals, and other individual economic actors who invest in renewable energy projects.

    Deputy Minister of Finance and Prices Yenisley Ortiz Mantecón clarified that the benefits apply equally to projects designed for self-consumption and those capable of contributing electricity to the National Electric Energy System. This policy revision builds upon the foundation established by Decree-Law 345 of 2017 and subsequent regulations, specifically addressing previous limitations that restricted exemptions to certain tariff items applicable to individuals.

    The incentive program requires applicants to obtain technical certification from the National Office for the Rational Use of Energy (Onure) verifying that their investment genuinely supports renewable energy development. Approved projects can enjoy tax benefits for up to eight years, corresponding to their investment recovery period as determined by Onure.

    Since the initial resolution in 2023, Onure has received 168 energy license applications—95 from non-state entities and 73 from the state sector. Currently, 56 projects are operational with granted tax benefits across provinces including Villa Clara, Camagüey, and Havana, while 112 applications remain under evaluation.

    The government acknowledges that these measures may reduce immediate tax revenues but emphasizes their strategic importance in accelerating Cuba’s energy transition. The policy includes compliance mechanisms: Onure conducts periodic audits, and the National Tax Administration Office (ONAT) may revoke exemptions if investments fail to meet established requirements or if imported equipment doesn’t correspond to approved projects.

  • Dominican Annual Tourism Exchange (DATE) 2026 returns to Punta Cana

    Dominican Annual Tourism Exchange (DATE) 2026 returns to Punta Cana

    The Dominican Republic’s premier tourism event, the Dominican Annual Tourism Exchange (DATE), is poised to showcase the nation’s vibrant hospitality sector with its 2026 edition. Scheduled for April 24–26, 2026, the Barceló Bávaro Convention Center in Punta Cana will host what industry leaders describe as the Caribbean’s most significant tourism trade fair.

    Organized by the Dominican Republic Hotel and Tourism Association (Asonahores), DATE 2026 solidifies its status as a crucial business platform generating substantial economic benefits through structured meetings between Dominican tourism suppliers and international buyers. The event serves as a strategic catalyst for investment attraction and tourist arrival growth while expanding into specialized market segments including cultural, adventure, religious, sports, and MICE tourism.

    Aguie Lendor, Executive Vice President of Asonahores, highlighted the event’s global reach: “DATE connects the Dominican Republic with worldwide tourism markets, reinforcing our regional leadership position through meaningful business connections and cultural representation.”

    The 2026 edition will feature a completely revitalized visual identity incorporating distinctive elements of Dominican culture, landscapes, and culinary traditions. Enhanced technological integration and innovative staging will complement digital tools that streamline business matchmaking while maintaining alignment with global industry trends.

    Notably, DATE 2026 will expand participation opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises, fostering greater inclusion throughout the tourism value chain. The event will prominently feature local artisans and cultural expressions, providing direct exposure to international buyers and media representatives.

    Supported by the Ministry of Tourism and major hospitality brands including Barceló Bávaro Grand Resort, Coco Bongo, and Meliá Hotels International, DATE 2026 positions itself as both a business generation engine and a global showcase for Dominican tourism excellence.