In a move that promises to elevate the travel experience, GCG has unveiled its latest venture, Bistro Vibes, at Antigua’s V.C. Bird International Airport. This new dining establishment aims to encapsulate the essence of Caribbean culture, offering passengers a genuine taste of the region’s rich culinary heritage. Strategically located within the airport, Bistro Vibes is designed to cater to both departing and arriving travelers, providing a unique blend of local flavors and international appeal. The menu features a curated selection of traditional Caribbean dishes, crafted with locally sourced ingredients to ensure authenticity. This initiative not only enhances the airport’s amenities but also serves as a cultural ambassador, introducing visitors to the vibrant gastronomy of the Caribbean. GCG’s investment in Bistro Vibes underscores its commitment to promoting regional tourism and supporting local economies. By integrating cultural experiences into the travel journey, the company is setting a new standard for airport dining worldwide.
分类： business
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PM Browne says new luxury investments will raise wages and diversify tourism product
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has unveiled ambitious plans to transform Antigua and Barbuda into the Caribbean’s foremost luxury tourism destination. During his weekly radio program, Browne emphasized the nation’s strategic shift from traditional all-inclusive resorts to high-end tourism projects designed to attract affluent travelers and generate higher-paying jobs.
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WIOC Pays Over $170 Million to Government in Taxes and Dividends
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has hailed the West Indies Oil Company (WIOC) as a paragon of public-private partnership, emphasizing its substantial contributions to Antigua and Barbuda’s economy. During his weekly radio program, Browne revealed that the government has amassed approximately $170 million in taxes and dividends from WIOC, marking it as the nation’s most successful collaborative venture.
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Government to Partner in New Beer and Distillery Ventures
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has unveiled ambitious plans to bolster Antigua and Barbuda’s economy through the establishment of a new brewery and the expansion of the Antigua Distillery. These initiatives, backed by a recently approved loan secured via a public-private partnership with the government, signify a strategic shift toward economic diversification and reduced dependence on tourism. Speaking on his weekly radio program, ‘Browne and Browne,’ the Prime Minister emphasized the significance of these investments in broadening the nation’s production base. ‘From next year, we may have a beer factory,’ Browne revealed, highlighting the collaborative effort between the government and Antigua Distillery. The Prime Minister noted that while tourism remains a vital sector, its contribution to GDP has decreased from 70 percent to approximately 55 percent due to the growth of other industries. ‘Banking, manufacturing, and services such as medical education and insurance are now playing a more substantial role in our economy,’ he explained. This diversification has enabled Antigua and Barbuda to achieve record economic growth, maintain fiscal surpluses, and reduce national debt. Browne also underscored the importance of joint ventures in agriculture, distilling, and financial services, which aim to enhance local ownership and economic participation. The Citizenship by Investment Programme, contributing around 10 percent of GDP, continues to complement these efforts. The Prime Minister’s announcement reflects a broader vision to strengthen the country’s economic resilience and ensure sustainable development.
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Dominican Republic welcomes ten new cruise ships
In a significant boost to its tourism and port industry, the Dominican Republic has welcomed ten cruise ships visiting the country for the first time. The vessels—Aida SOL, Cel Xcel, Brilliant Lady, Brilliant OTS, Rhapsody, Carnival Legend, Majestic Princess, Coral Princess, NCL Getaway, and NCL Joy—are operated by globally renowned cruise lines such as Aida, Celebrity Cruises, Virgin Voyages, MSC Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Princess Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line. This milestone underscores the Dominican Republic’s growing appeal as a premier travel destination. Jean Luis Rodríguez, Executive Director of the Dominican Port Authority (APORDOM), emphasized that this development reflects the confidence major cruise companies have in the country’s ports and coastal offerings. He noted that the nation’s diverse maritime experiences continue to attract international attention. For November, 67 cruise ships are scheduled to dock, marking the second-highest monthly figure this year. Taíno Bay will host 40 ships, Amber Cove 23, and Cabo Rojo 4. While arrival dates may be adjusted due to weather or itinerary changes, the outlook signals a thriving and expanding cruise season for the Dominican Republic.
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Regering herfinanciert buitenlandse schuld: geen nieuwe lening, wel ademruimte
Suriname has successfully raised approximately $1.6 billion through an international capital market operation, marking a significant milestone in its financial recovery journey. Facilitated by BofA Securities (Bank of America), this refinancing initiative aims to restructure existing state bonds and signifies Suriname’s return to the global capital market. While the final settlement is expected on November 6, the transaction is already being hailed as a pivotal step in restoring financial confidence in the country.
This operation is not a new loan but a refinancing of the 7.95% Cash/PIK Notes due 2033, issued following the 2023 debt restructuring. Investors were invited to tender their existing bonds at a fixed price of $1,002.50 per $1,000 nominal value. The proceeds from the new bond issuance will be used to repay older, more expensive debts, thereby shifting payment obligations to a later period when Suriname anticipates increased revenue from its oil sector. The primary goal is to alleviate budgetary pressure in the coming years without adding to the nation’s total debt burden.
A senior government official emphasized that the operation is designed to ‘create breathing space for the state’s finances,’ allowing Suriname time to grow rather than merely delay borrowing. The transaction was meticulously planned, with the invitation to tender issued on October 23 and results finalized on October 30. The operation was executed through the Automated Tender Offer Program of the U.S. DTC, ensuring transparency and compliance with market regulations.
The refinancing offers immediate liquidity benefits by replacing high-interest bonds with lower-rate, longer-term debt, reducing annual interest expenses. This creates fiscal flexibility for government spending in the coming years. However, experts caution that the strategy’s sustainability hinges on the timely realization of oil revenues and the government’s ability to channel freed-up resources into productive investments.
The successful $1.6 billion raise underscores restored investor confidence, bolstered by Suriname’s improved credit rating. While the exact interest rate remains undisclosed, it is reportedly favorable compared to previous issuances. Notably, the refinancing was conducted independently of an IMF program, though the country continues to receive technical assistance from the fund.
While the operation is a technical and diplomatic triumph, analysts warn that refinancing is not a structural solution but a temporary relief. Its success depends on budgetary discipline, political stability, and the timely inflow of oil and tax revenues. The government has pledged to release further details on the bond’s terms and repayment structure this week, providing clarity on the next steps in Suriname’s financial policy.
Symbolically, this operation represents Suriname’s first independent access to the international capital market since the 2023 restructuring, signaling regained credibility in financial management. It aligns with broader efforts to drive structural economic reforms and strengthen ties with international financial institutions and investors.
The challenge now lies in leveraging this financial breathing space to foster sustainable growth, ensuring future governments are not compelled to refinance old debts. This operation underscores that financial recovery begins not with loans but with trust—a trust that, once regained, must be carefully nurtured.
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Gasoline price falls, other fuel costs increase
Starting from midnight on Sunday, November 2, consumers will experience a marginal reduction in gasoline prices, with a one-cent decrease bringing the cost down to $3.94 per litre. However, this slight relief at the pump is offset by increases in other fuel types. Diesel prices will rise by two cents to $3.36 per litre, while kerosene will see a three-cent hike, reaching $1.51 per litre. Additionally, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) prices will vary based on cylinder size: a 100lb cylinder will cost $170.97, a 25lb cylinder $47.84, a 22lb cylinder $42.27, and a 20lb cylinder $38.42. The next review of fuel prices is set for Sunday, December 7, as announced by BGIS/BT.
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Economy : Towards the implementation of the One-Stop Investment Window
On October 30, 2025, Haiti took a significant step toward modernizing its investment landscape with the convening of the Steering Committee for the Electronic Single Window for Investment (GUI). Chaired by James Monazard, Minister of Commerce and Industry, the meeting marked the continuation of efforts to implement this transformative project, which was first initiated in 2019 and officially launched in July 2025. The GUI aims to centralize administrative procedures for investors on a single digital platform, drawing inspiration from successful models in Rwanda, Jamaica, Singapore, and Guyana. Minister Monazard emphasized the project’s potential to make Haiti a competitive economic destination by fostering transparency, reliability, and efficiency. Currently, investors face a cumbersome process involving over 12 steps and six institutions, often taking up to nine months to complete. The GUI seeks to streamline this process, leveraging technological advancements and addressing Haiti’s unique challenges. Marie Fatima Léonne C. Prophète, Director General of the Investment Facilitation Center (CFI), highlighted the project’s broader goals: attracting foreign direct investment, encouraging diaspora participation, and enhancing institutional coordination. The initiative is supported by a robust governance structure, including a Steering Committee and Technical Secretariat, with involvement from key institutions such as the General Customs Administration, the Ministry of Economy and Finance, and the Bank of the Republic of Haiti. Upcoming steps include developing a technological prototype, drafting specifications, and creating user manuals. However, challenges remain, including system interoperability, digital payment accessibility, and the establishment of a legal framework for electronic signatures. Despite these hurdles, the GUI represents a bold effort to modernize Haiti’s administration, reduce registration times, and boost investor confidence. If successful, the project could revolutionize the country’s business climate, contributing to the CFI’s strategic goals of 60 new investment projects and 35,000 jobs by 2027.
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PM Confirms Plans to Sell Caribbean Union Bank to Major Foreign Investor
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has revealed that the government is in advanced discussions with a prominent foreign banking group to sell its majority stake in Caribbean Union Bank (CUB). The announcement was made during his weekly radio program, *The Browne and Browne Show*, where he highlighted the nation’s economic progress and ongoing investment strategies. The government currently holds approximately 80% of CUB’s shares, acquired six years ago to rescue the bank from consistent losses under private ownership. Since then, CUB has turned profitable, though it remains a relatively small institution. Browne emphasized the need for a strategic partner capable of recapitalizing and expanding the bank’s operations. The potential buyer, a foreign banking group managing billions in assets, is expected to inject at least $100 million into CUB, significantly scaling its capabilities. The Prime Minister underscored that this move aligns with the government’s broader vision to modernize the financial sector and enhance banking services through technological innovation. He stressed the importance of adopting cutting-edge technology to meet evolving consumer demands, such as seamless mobile transactions. The ultimate goal is to transform CUB into a robust, well-capitalized institution that drives national development and improves access to financial services.
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PM Says $5 Million Allocated to National Housing for Jolly Beach Upgrades
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced a significant investment of US $5 million into the National Housing Corporation to initiate upgrades at Jolly Beach Resort. This move underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing tourism infrastructure, supported by the nation’s robust fiscal performance. The funds, already deposited into National Housing’s account, will be allocated to renovate 33 additional rooms, construct a state-of-the-art conference facility, and improve critical infrastructure such as electrical and sewer systems. Browne emphasized that the project is part of a broader strategy to revitalize key tourism assets while ensuring local agencies and contractors directly benefit from government initiatives. He highlighted that National Housing will oversee the execution of these upgrades. The Prime Minister also linked this investment to other recent capital expenditures, including the purchase of fire trucks, garbage trucks, heavy equipment, and even a plane and a crane, made possible by the country’s improved financial health. Browne attributed these developments to steady economic growth and disciplined fiscal management, stressing the importance of safeguarding public funds for their intended purposes.