Carib Scope

分类： business

  • Teshena Marshall Wins $500 in Flow’s Riddim and Rewards Promotion

    Teshena Marshall Wins $500 in Flow’s Riddim and Rewards Promotion

    Telecommunications provider Flow has announced Teshena Marshall as the latest winner in its ongoing Riddim and Rewards promotional campaign, awarding her a $500 cash prize. The initiative, designed to engage customers through interactive participation, represents Flow’s continued investment in customer appreciation programs across its service regions.

    The Riddim and Rewards promotion incorporates musical elements with traditional reward mechanics, creating a distinctive engagement platform that distinguishes itself in the competitive telecommunications landscape. Participants typically encounter the promotion through various channels including digital platforms, direct marketing communications, and in-store activations.

    Company representatives emphasized that Marshall’s victory demonstrates the accessibility and transparency of their promotional structures. “We congratulate Teshena on her win and remain committed to creating rewarding experiences for our valued customers,” stated a Flow marketing executive during the prize notification process.

    Industry analysts note that such promotions serve dual purposes: enhancing brand loyalty while simultaneously collecting valuable consumer data that informs future marketing strategies and service developments. The $500 prize tier represents a mid-level reward within Flow’s broader promotional ecosystem, which often features both smaller instant wins and substantially larger grand prizes.

    This announcement coincides with increased competitive activity within the telecommunications sector, where customer retention initiatives have gained significance amid market saturation in many regions. Flow’s parent company, Liberty Latin America, has consistently supported such engagement tactics as part of its overarching customer acquisition and retention strategy.

  • CANTO HR Conference urges people-centred leadership for competitiveness

    CANTO HR Conference urges people-centred leadership for competitiveness

    PORT OF SPAIN – Caribbean telecommunications executives, regulators, and human resources leaders have issued a compelling call for a fundamental rethinking of regional competitiveness, arguing that technological infrastructure alone is insufficient without parallel advancements in human capital systems, governance, and leadership culture.

    The consensus emerged during the inaugural CANTO HR Leadership Conference, hosted February 4-5, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency in Port of Spain. Titled “Elevating People, Power and Purpose — HR Leadership for a Globally Competitive Caribbean,” the event represented a strategic expansion of the annual CANTO Connect gathering, specifically addressing human capital challenges in the digital transformation era.

    Cavelle Joseph-St Omer, President of the Human Resource Management Association of Trinidad and Tobago (HRMATT), delivered a keynote address positioning HR leadership as the critical nexus between technological capability and economic resilience. “Digital transformation has advanced across the Caribbean, with adoption rising significantly in recent years,” Joseph-St Omer noted. “Yet nearly 60% of regional companies still struggle to implement new technologies because they lack the skilled people to support them.”

    She identified several priority areas where HR leadership must drive organizational change: developing AI-augmented workforces, fostering data-literate decision-making, building cyber-resilient cultures, implementing project governance aligned to digital delivery, and creating fluency in cloud and automation technologies. Most significantly, she drew a direct connection between governance quality and competitive advantage: “The Caribbean cannot achieve regional competitiveness without strong governance. Competitiveness is built on trust — and trust is built on people and systems.”

    Liberty Caribbean executives provided concrete examples of people-first strategies in action. Dominic Boon, VP of People, revealed that 85% of the company’s leadership team comprises Caribbean talent, with half being women, demonstrating their commitment to equitable representation. “Diverse perspectives strengthen decision-making and help us build organizations that better reflect and serve our communities,” Boon emphasized.

    The company’s approach includes trust-based flexibility, inclusive benefits, and replacing traditional performance reviews with Agile Performance Development (APD) that emphasizes growth conversations rather than numerical scoring. Valerie Brunken, People Experience Director, highlighted their flexible PTO policy as particularly impactful: “It’s one of the policies that can bring engagement, trust, collaboration to an organization,” especially valuable for enabling shared caregiving responsibilities.

    A featured session on multi-generational workforce management, led by Debra Thomas, Chief Human Resources Officer at TSTT, addressed the unprecedented demographic complexity in Caribbean workplaces. “We now have 4 generations in the workplace, some say even 5,” Thomas observed. She challenged leaders to move beyond outdated policies designed for a different era and instead focus on understanding diverse communication styles, aspirations, and needs across age groups.

    A CEO panel moderated by Richard Solomon of the Development Consulting Centre Ltd. explored how telecommunications leaders are shifting from infrastructure-centric narratives to people-centered outcomes. Simone Martin-Sulgan, Vice President and General Manager at FLOW, articulated this transformation: “We’re moving away from talking about tech and infrastructure, and becoming truly customer-obsessed. Our message isn’t ‘bigger, better, faster’ anymore — it’s about the real benefits in people’s lives.”

    Charles Douglas, Vice Chairman of CANTO, framed HR strategy as a regional imperative, particularly for small, open Caribbean economies where talent mobility is high and competition is global. “As an industry, we are investing heavily in networks, digital platforms and emerging technologies such as AI,” Douglas stated. “But none of this delivers value without a workforce that is skilled, adaptable and engaged.”

    The conference concluded with broad agreement that technology investments must be matched by equally sophisticated human capital strategies. Participants affirmed that future competitiveness will depend on people-centered governance, resilient leadership cultures, and HR strategies specifically aligned to digital transformation goals across the Caribbean region.

  • GCSI adjusts dates for upcoming Services Expo

    GCSI adjusts dates for upcoming Services Expo

    In a strategic move to enhance visitor engagement, the Grenada Coalition of Services Industries (GCSI) has announced a revised schedule for its upcoming 3rd Annual Services Expo. The premier event will now unfold on Friday, 27 March and Saturday, 28 March 2026, shifting from its originally planned Thursday-Friday slot on 26-27 March. The venue remains the Grenada Trade Centre in Morne Rouge, St George.

    This calendar adjustment follows constructive dialogue with key stakeholders and participating exhibitors. GCSI Chairman Jude Bernard emphasized the organization’s commitment to stakeholder collaboration, stating that the rescheduling directly addresses exhibitor recommendations for incorporating a weekend day. “Extending the exposition into Saturday is projected to significantly amplify public attendance, foster deeper community interaction, and maximize the commercial impact for all represented businesses,” Bernard explained.

    Celebrated as the Caribbean’s sole dedicated exposition for the services sector, the GCSI Expo offers an unparalleled platform for enterprises of all scales—from micro-entrepreneurs to established corporations—to demonstrate their innovations, forge strategic alliances, and network directly with clients, government officials, and industry peers.

    The exposition is a cornerstone of GCSI’s broader mission to fortify Grenada’s services industry, stimulate cross-sector collaboration, and unlock new avenues for export development and sustainable economic diversification. Operating under the auspices of the Ministry of Trade, the Coalition works systematically to identify and cultivate local service providers with export potential, guiding them toward international market readiness to drive job creation and foreign exchange earnings for national development.

  • Caribbean countries anticipate modest expansion in 2026 despite global challenges, says CDB

    Caribbean countries anticipate modest expansion in 2026 despite global challenges, says CDB

    BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) presented a sobering assessment of regional economic performance for 2025, revealing a significant growth deceleration attributed to mounting global uncertainties, climate disruptions, and fiscal pressures. The findings were delivered by Jason Cotton, the Bank’s Acting Deputy Director of Economics, during its Annual News Conference on March 3, 2026.

    Economic expansion across the Caribbean region, excluding the rapidly growing nation of Guyana, dwindled to a mere 0.6% in 2025, a sharp decline from the 1.4% growth recorded in 2024. Guyana’s extraordinary double-digit growth trajectory, though moderating, elevated the collective regional growth figure to 4.7% when included in the calculation.

    Mr. Cotton emphasized the heightened vulnerability of small, open economies to external shocks, stating, ‘What is more concerning in this moment is the persistence of uncertainty and the narrowing room for policy error.’

    The economic landscape was markedly diverse across member nations. Suriname, a major commodity exporter, benefited from sustained investments in its oil sector. In contrast, Trinidad and Tobago registered only modest growth. Service-dependent economies, particularly those reliant on tourism, experienced a noticeable slowdown. Jamaica faced a second consecutive year of economic contraction, severely impacted by the compounded destruction of Hurricanes Melissa and Beryl.

    A silver lining emerged in macroeconomic indicators, as inflation rates across the region plummeted to an average of 3.4%, aligning with global trends and representing a dramatic drop from the 9.7% peak in 2022. Labor markets also showed tentative improvement, with declining unemployment and rising participation, though significant disparities persisted for youth and women.

    Fiscal health emerged as a critical concern. Consolidation efforts faltered across many of the CDB’s 19 Borrowing Member Countries. The primary fiscal surplus narrowed to 1.3% of GDP (excluding Guyana), as government expenditures outpaced revenues. This surplus contracted further to just 0.2% when Guyana’s substantial capital investments were factored in. While the aggregate central government debt-to-GDP ratio saw a slight improvement to 46.6%, significant vulnerabilities remain entrenched, with nine nations carrying debt burdens exceeding 60%.

    Looking ahead to 2026, the CDB projects a period of cautious, modest growth. Regional GDP, excluding Guyana, is forecast to expand by approximately 1.1%. With Guyana’s economy anticipated to grow by over 20%, the overall regional growth is projected to reach 6.2%. This outlook remains fraught with risks, heavily contingent on volatile commodity prices, the pace of tourism recovery, and the persistent threats of global instability and climate-related shocks.

    In response to these challenges, the CDB outlined a strategic framework for building resilience. Key priorities include enhancing project implementation capacity, promoting economic diversification to reduce reliance on single industries, proactively investing in climate-resilient infrastructure, strengthening fiscal institutions to ensure debt sustainability, and making targeted investments in human capital development.

    Mr. Cotton concluded on a note of determined optimism, affirming, ‘Resilience is built through credible policy choices, stronger institutions, disciplined execution, and investment in our people, and regional solidarity. If we rise to meet this moment, we will shape a more stable, inclusive, and sustainable Caribbean future.’

  • CIBC Caribbean to end GBP cheques and drafts from March 31

    CIBC Caribbean to end GBP cheques and drafts from March 31

    CIBC Caribbean has officially declared it will terminate all issuance and processing services for British Pound Sterling (GBP) cheques and bank drafts effective March 31, 2026. This strategic move comes in response to the bank’s correspondent banking partner withdrawing support for GBP paper instruments, aligning with the accelerating global transition toward electronic payment solutions.

    Deepa Boucaud, Executive Director of Personal and Business Banking at CIBC Caribbean, emphasized that this modernization initiative reflects the institution’s commitment to international banking best practices. “Electronic payment systems provide superior security measures, accelerated processing speeds, and enhanced reliability compared to traditional paper-based methods,” Boucaud stated.

    The bank is actively encouraging customers to utilize its Online Banking platform and mobile application for GBP wire transfers, highlighting advantages including real-time transaction tracking, strengthened security protocols, and immediate settlement capabilities. Clients currently holding GBP cheques or drafts are advised to present these instruments at any branch location for encashment or deposit before the 2026 deadline.

    Recognizing that certain customer demographics may require additional support, CIBC Caribbean has committed to providing personalized assistance to senior clients and others who might face challenges adapting to digital transfer systems. The bank reaffirmed its dedication to client support throughout this technological transition, noting that expanded digital banking services represent the future of international financial operations.

  • CIBC speeds up digital banking: ‘20 minutes to open account’

    CIBC speeds up digital banking: ‘20 minutes to open account’

    In a significant leap for Caribbean banking digitization, CIBC Caribbean has launched a transformative digital onboarding platform that enables customers to open new deposit accounts in approximately 20 minutes. This breakthrough dramatically reduces the traditional paperwork and extended waiting periods that have long characterized the regional banking experience.

    The accelerated account opening service, already operational in Barbados, Antigua, St. Lucia, and St. Kitts and Nevis, represents the bank’s commitment to technological modernization. According to CEO Mark St Hill’s message in the recently published 2025 annual report, the enhanced client onboarding platform has fundamentally reshaped the customer experience for personal accounts.

    Beyond deposit services, CIBC has extended its digital transformation to lending operations through a newly upgraded online LoanStore. This innovation allows customers to complete digital loan applications and receive funds within ten minutes of approval—a previously unimaginable timeframe in conventional banking.

    The technological backbone of these advancements incorporates Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Automation systems, which the bank is actively integrating to strengthen operational controls and automate error-prone manual processes. This strategic implementation addresses both efficiency and accuracy in banking operations.

    Concurrent with this digital expansion, CIBC has significantly bolstered its cybersecurity infrastructure and implemented comprehensive fraud-awareness training programs for staff, recognizing the increased risks associated with accelerated digital banking services.

    Financially, the bank navigated a challenging 2025 fiscal year marked by a unfavorable US interest rate environment that negatively impacted net interest income. Operating expenses from continuing operations increased by 6% ($26 million) compared to 2024 levels. The institution faced additional headwinds including losses from non-core investments in Cayman Islands-based structured notes, a fraud incident in Trinidad, and significant credit losses.

    Despite these challenges, CIBC Caribbean achieved an adjusted net income of $213.5 million (down from $285.2 million the previous year) and maintained a strong financial position through what Chairman Brian McDonough characterized as exceptional leadership and staff resilience across the Caribbean region.

  • Sunrise Airways launches direct Antigua–Dominican Republic flights

    Sunrise Airways launches direct Antigua–Dominican Republic flights

    In a significant move to bolster Caribbean connectivity, Sunrise Airways has inaugurated a pivotal new air corridor linking Antigua and Barbuda directly with the Dominican Republic. The airline commenced its twice-weekly non-stop service this Tuesday, establishing a direct link between Las Américas International Airport (SDQ) in Santo Domingo and V.C. Bird International Airport (ANU) in Antigua.

    The flight schedule is strategically designed to facilitate both leisure and business travel. Every Tuesday, the service departs Santo Domingo at 1:00 PM local time, touching down in Antigua at 2:35 PM. The return flight from Antigua is scheduled for a 3:20 PM departure. The Saturday service offers an earlier schedule, with a 9:00 AM takeoff from the Dominican Republic leading to a 10:35 AM arrival in Antigua; the aircraft then departs for its return journey at 11:20 AM.

    This enhanced air linkage has been met with strong approval from tourism and aviation authorities in both nations. Officials project that the route will serve as a critical engine for economic and cultural growth, significantly boosting intra-regional travel. The direct connection is anticipated to catalyze the tourism sector by simplifying access for travelers, while concurrently fostering stronger ties in trade and cultural exchange. This initiative represents a concrete step towards deeper regional integration within the Caribbean community, making travel more efficient and accessible for citizens and visitors alike.

  • Oorlogsspanningen Midden-Oosten drijven olieprijs omhoog

    Oorlogsspanningen Midden-Oosten drijven olieprijs omhoog

    Escalating geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East have triggered a significant surge in international oil markets, with Brent crude prices climbing to approximately $81 per barrel—the highest level recorded since early 2025. This sharp increase of nearly 5% within days reflects growing market anxiety over potential disruptions to global energy supplies.

    The current price surge stems primarily from heightened tensions involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, raising concerns about the security of oil transportation through the critical Strait of Hormuz. This strategic maritime passage facilitates approximately 20% of global oil trade, making it particularly vulnerable to geopolitical instability.

    Shipping companies have already adopted more cautious approaches to transporting oil through the region following recent conflict escalation. Reduced maritime activity and heightened security concerns regarding oil tankers have created immediate market reactions, demonstrating how quickly energy prices respond to geopolitical developments.

    Energy analysts warn that prolonged conflict duration or actual restrictions on oil transit from the Gulf region could drive prices toward the $100 per barrel threshold. Such development would have cascading effects across global economies through increased transportation costs, higher electricity prices, and ultimately elevated prices for food and consumer goods.

    Nations heavily dependent on fuel imports, including Suriname where consumers will feel direct impact at gasoline pumps, face potentially higher inflation rates and additional economic pressure. The interconnected nature of global energy markets means that regional conflicts quickly translate into worldwide economic consequences.

  • Kittitian Businessman Wins EC$4,000 in Berger Paints “More Colourful Christmas Memories” Promotion

    Kittitian Businessman Wins EC$4,000 in Berger Paints “More Colourful Christmas Memories” Promotion

    In a festive culmination of Berger Paints’ seasonal marketing initiative, Kittitian entrepreneur Mr. Damian Fraites has been announced as the grand prize recipient in the “More Colourful Christmas Memories” promotion. The successful business owner secured EC$4,000 in prize money following a random selection process that drew from 955 qualified entries across St. Kitts and Nevis.

    The promotional campaign, jointly administered by Berger Paints and authorized distributor TDC Home and Building Depots, ran throughout November and December 2025. The initiative automatically enrolled customers who purchased Berger paint products in one-gallon or five-gallon containers at participating retail locations. The program offered multiple tiers of rewards, including branded merchandise, with the substantial cash prize serving as the campaign’s ultimate award.

    Mr. Fraites, a long-standing patron of Berger products, described the unexpected windfall as both “timely and meaningful.” In his acceptance statement, he expressed particular satisfaction that his brand loyalty had yielded such substantial returns, noting that the prize enhances his current business projects and development initiatives.

    The senior sales team at TDC Home and Building Depot formally presented the monetary award to Mr. Fraites in a ceremony recognizing his promotional success. Both Berger Paints and TDC emphasized that the collaboration demonstrates their ongoing commitment to delivering value-added customer experiences through quality products, creative engagement initiatives, and tangible consumer benefits.

    Beyond the immediate financial incentives, the holiday promotion sought to inspire various consumer segments—including professional painters, interior designers, contractors, homeowners, and do-it-yourself enthusiasts—to revitalize their environments with premium paint solutions. The initiative effectively merged commercial objectives with seasonal celebration, encouraging community participation while promoting aesthetic enhancement through trusted products.

  • BlackRock-led consortium to acquire AES, key player in Dominican energy sector

    BlackRock-led consortium to acquire AES, key player in Dominican energy sector

    In a landmark transaction reshaping the global energy landscape, a consortium of institutional investors led by BlackRock’s Global Infrastructure Partners has reached a definitive agreement to acquire Virginia-based AES Corporation. The equity valuation of $10.7 billion represents a substantial 40.3% premium over recent trading prices, with the total enterprise value reaching approximately $33.4 billion when accounting for outstanding debt.

    The investor group, which includes Swedish private equity firm EQT alongside other major financial institutions, will pay $15 per share in a deal structured to conclude between late 2026 and early 2027, pending customary regulatory approvals. This acquisition occurs against the backdrop of surging electricity demand across the United States, particularly driven by the exponential growth of data centers requiring massive power resources.

    AES brings substantial assets to the transaction, boasting a global generation portfolio of 32.1 gigawatts—with renewables constituting 64% of this capacity. The company reported $12.3 billion in revenue for 2024, demonstrating its robust market position. Corporate leadership indicated that transitioning to private ownership would provide enhanced financial flexibility to address capital requirements and accelerate expansion initiatives within power generation and utility operations.

    The transaction carries particular significance for the Dominican Republic, where AES maintains considerable presence through its local subsidiary AES Dominicana. The company operates critical energy infrastructure including the AES Andrés power plant—a cornerstone natural gas facility—and the strategically vital LNG terminal at Boca Chica. Additional involvement includes participation in the Eastern gas pipeline consortium and operations at Los Mina and Itabo power plants, the latter managed jointly with Dominican state entities.

    AES Dominicana’s current portfolio encompasses 392.5 megawatts of solar generation, 52.5 megawatts of wind capacity, 11 megawatts of storage systems, and 319 megawatts of natural gas-fired generation. The company is further developing an additional 572 megawatts of renewable projects alongside a 138.1 megawatt battery energy storage system, positioning it as a pivotal contributor to the nation’s energy diversification objectives.

    While immediate operational changes appear unlikely, the infusion of capital from financially substantial global investors may potentially influence future energy infrastructure development in the Dominican Republic. This occurs as the country experiences continued electricity demand growth and pursues aggressive renewable energy expansion as a national priority.