Carib Scope

分类： business

  • Agriculture minister outlines government investment in revitalizing citrus industry

    Agriculture minister outlines government investment in revitalizing citrus industry

    The Dominican government has unveiled a comprehensive strategy to rejuvenate the nation’s once-flourishing citrus industry, marking a significant agricultural development for the Eastern Caribbean nation. Agriculture Minister Hon. Roland Royer announced the ambitious initiative during a recent consultation with East Coast farmers in Castle Bruce, outlining a multi-faceted approach to agricultural restoration.

    Minister Royer identified citrus as a cornerstone of the government’s ‘five C’s’ agricultural development framework—citrus, cocoa, coffee, coconut, and cannabis—which are receiving prioritized support for expanded production. The government is currently propagating over 50,000 citrus plants specifically designated for distribution to both former and current citrus farmers, with particular attention to those operating within optimal agro-ecological zones to ensure cultivation success.

    This intervention addresses a critical shortage of planting materials that had precipitated the industry’s decline in recent years, despite Dominica’s historical reputation as a Caribbean citrus leader. Minister Royer acknowledged that while private sector propagation had diminished, the government has assumed responsibility for rebuilding the agricultural foundation.

    A centerpiece of the revitalization effort is a $7.7 million Citrus Certification Facility currently under construction at Londonberry, which is approximately 90% complete and expected to become operational within months. This advanced infrastructure will serve as a regional benchmark for producing disease-free, pest-resistant citrus plants, positioning Dominica among a select group of Caribbean nations with such sophisticated agricultural technology.

    The facility is designed to sustainably generate at least 50,000 citrus plants per production cycle, creating a resilient foundation for long-term industry growth. Minister Royer emphasized that the government’s comprehensive approach extends beyond immediate plant distribution to include ongoing consultations across agricultural regions in the coming weeks, ensuring continuous stakeholder engagement and adaptive strategy implementation.

    The citrus initiative represents a significant component of Dominica’s broader agricultural and economic development strategy, potentially creating new export opportunities and strengthening the nation’s blue and green economy objectives.

  • 9,000 Belizeans, Mostly Youth and Women, Work at Call Centres

    9,000 Belizeans, Mostly Youth and Women, Work at Call Centres

    Belize’s burgeoning Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry has become a cornerstone of national employment, providing approximately 9,000 formal positions predominantly filled by youth and women. This economic significance prompted a high-level strategic conference on Thursday, convened by the Economic Development Council under the Office of the Prime Minister in collaboration with the Belize BPO Association and the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

    The gathering, termed a ‘Business Mixer,’ served as a platform for government officials and industry leaders to address both the opportunities and obstacles within this vital sector. Central to discussions was the formulation of strategies to safeguard and expand Belize’s competitive edge in the global digital services market.

    Official data reveals that 17 BPO firms currently operate under the government’s Designated Processing Area (DPA) initiative. Beyond these direct roles, the broader digital services ecosystem supports an estimated 20,000 Belizeans. These positions are noted for providing stable incomes, comprehensive benefits, and clear pathways for career progression into supervisory, technical, and managerial capacities.

    The economic impact is substantial, with United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) figures valuing the country’s digital service exports at $450 million annually.

    Critical operational challenges were also tabled, including the need to modernize labour regulations, streamline Social Security services, and refine immigration protocols for work permits. Emerging threats such as cybersecurity vulnerabilities and online criminal activities were highlighted as pressing concerns requiring immediate attention.

    Concurrently, industry representatives outlined ambitious plans to scale up specialized training programs. These initiatives are designed to equip entry-level employees with advanced skills, thereby enhancing their qualifications for more lucrative roles within the global digital economy and ensuring the sector’s sustainable growth.

  • LUCELEC defends record on road rehabilitation project

    LUCELEC defends record on road rehabilitation project

    A public disagreement between St. Lucia’s primary electricity provider and a construction contractor has brought to light critical issues concerning infrastructure project management and cost accountability. Gilroy Pultie, Managing Director of St. Lucia Electricity Services Limited (LUCELEC), has publicly addressed concerns raised by Rayneau Gajadhar, the contractor for the Norbert Road Rehabilitation Project, who accused the utility company of insufficient cost transparency and public safety negligence.

    The controversy emerged when Gajadhar claimed his team proceeded with construction after LUCELEC declined four formal requests for a detailed breakdown of a $554,878.86 estimate for relocating electrical infrastructure. In response, Pultie defended the company’s pricing methodology, explaining that LUCELEC employs standardized procedures aligned with international standards and best practices.

    Pultie emphasized the company’s fiduciary responsibility to manage costs prudently, noting that unnecessary cost absorption could ultimately impact consumer electricity tariffs. “Costs associated with relocating power lines for road works should properly be treated as project expenses borne by the government, relevant agencies, or contractors,” Pultie stated.

    The estimated costs cover substantial work including the relocation of 21-25 electrical poles and sections of the existing distribution network. Pultie acknowledged the need for improved stakeholder coordination in future projects, stating: “Going forward, projects like this require more responsible management through enhanced planning and coordination among all stakeholders to prevent public safety hazards from occurring.”

    Despite the tension, constructive dialogue continues between LUCELEC, the contractor, and the Ministry of Infrastructure overseeing the project. Recent discussions have yielded additional cost breakdowns, with expectations that the Ministry will provide feedback within days. The costing estimates were developed using updated technical specifications including road profiles, landowner information, and civil works designs to ensure safe repositioning of electrical infrastructure.

    LUCELEC reaffirms its commitment to supporting the safe and efficient completion of the Norbert Road relocation works while maintaining its standardized costing approach for infrastructure projects.

  • Stewart named businessman/philanthropist of the year

    Stewart named businessman/philanthropist of the year

    Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts International, has received the distinguished Businessman/Philanthropist of the Year award for 2025 from Caribbean National Weekly (CNW), recognizing his exceptional leadership and humanitarian contributions during a period of both remarkable achievements and significant regional challenges.

    The regional publication highlighted Stewart’s multifaceted accomplishments throughout the year, including his strategic guidance of the luxury hospitality empire, substantial investments in Caribbean tourism infrastructure, and exemplary crisis management capabilities. His invitation to join the prestigious Wall Street Journal CEO Council further underscored his standing as a globally respected business leader.

    A pivotal moment in Stewart’s leadership emerged during late October’s Hurricane Melissa, which inflicted severe damage on Jamaica’s tourism infrastructure. Stewart orchestrated a comprehensive response strategy featuring transparent communication with international travel partners and a groundbreaking commitment to employee welfare. He guaranteed full payroll continuity and Christmas bonuses for all Sandals and Beaches employees, including those at temporarily closed resorts undergoing restoration. The company additionally allocated over US$3 million in direct staff recovery assistance for storm-affected families.

    Under Stewart’s stewardship, the Sandals Foundation achieved record levels of community engagement, delivering targeted disaster-recovery support across healthcare systems, livelihood restoration, and environmental conservation initiatives throughout the Caribbean region.

    In accepting the honor, Stewart expressed profound humility, emphasizing the collective nature of the achievement. “This award reflects far more than any one individual. It is a direct result of people showing up every day for their communities and believing business is a force for good,” he stated. He dedicated the recognition to the organization’s teams and the Sandals Foundation for their ongoing work in education, healthcare, disaster relief, and environmental stewardship.

  • BCCI: BTL Meeting Fails to Address Key Concerns on Speednet Acquisition

    BCCI: BTL Meeting Fails to Address Key Concerns on Speednet Acquisition

    The Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) has declared its fundamental concerns remain unresolved following recent discussions with Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) regarding its proposed acquisition of telecommunications competitor Speednet/SMART.

    This development creates a significant divergence in business community perspectives, as the Belize Business Bureau (BBB) separately endorsed the merger earlier this week, controversially asserting that ‘competition destroys profits.’

    In a detailed statement released Thursday, the BCCI acknowledged the meeting with BTL was constructive but insufficient. The chamber raised multiple substantive objections centered on regulatory compliance, financial transparency, and consumer protection.

    Key concerns include whether the acquisition violates Section 42(4) of Belize’s Telecommunications Act, the methodology used to determine the purchase price, and potential conflicts of interest in the valuation process. The chamber specifically called for independent scrutiny of the proposed return on investment calculations by a firm with no Belizean affiliations.

    The BCCI highlighted particular anxiety regarding the exposure of the Social Security Board (SSB) as a shareholder and uncertainties about rate-setting mechanisms under a potential monopoly. The statement emphasized that reduced competition would likely diminish tailored solutions, flexible contracts, and competitive pricing while increasing vulnerability to service outages and system failures.

    Citing the need for rigorous oversight, the chamber insisted the Public Utilities Commission must enforce robust consumer protection rules. The BCCI formally demanded full transaction disclosure, independent valuation, public consultation proceedings, and updated consumer protection legislation before any acquisition proceeds.

    The chamber’s statement concluded with a pointed emphasis on political neutrality, stating ‘The public must be confident there is no political interference’ in the regulatory process.

  • Gov’t committed to supporting business, says Seiveright

    Gov’t committed to supporting business, says Seiveright

    Jamaica’s Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce has reinforced its commitment to supporting domestic corporations in their expansion efforts, both locally and internationally. Delano Seiveright, Minister of State, conducted an official visit to GraceKennedy’s digital factory located on Belmont Road in St Andrew this Wednesday, underscoring the administration’s dedication to fostering innovation and economic growth.

    During the engagement, Minister Seiveright emphasized the Government’s strategic backing for Jamaican enterprises seeking to enhance global competitiveness. He highlighted the importance of developing robust domestic and international linkages, scaling innovation-driven operations, and accelerating value creation across industries. The Minister’s tour specifically showcased GraceKennedy’s digital transformation initiatives and customer-centric solutions that are being implemented throughout its operational framework.

    GraceKennedy, a premier Jamaican conglomerate with annual group revenues surpassing US$1.1 billion, maintains a workforce of over 2,000 direct employees while supporting thousands more through its extensive value chain. The visit particularly highlighted the development of GK One and the group’s ongoing commitment to innovation, creative problem-solving, and prioritizing customer experience in all business segments.

    The ministerial visit represents part of a broader governmental outreach to major stakeholders in Jamaica’s business sector, aimed at strengthening economic resilience, expanding export capabilities, and generating high-quality employment opportunities nationwide.

  • Jamaican-owned Crab King thrives in New Jersey

    Jamaican-owned Crab King thrives in New Jersey

    In the heart of New Jersey’s competitive seafood landscape, Crab King restaurant stands as a testament to entrepreneurial resilience and strategic operation. Co-owned by Jamaican native Rae-Anna Story and her New Jersey-born husband, Huschel, this Orange-based establishment has carved out a loyal customer base over its six-year history by prioritizing affordability without compromising on quality.

    Operating as a classic ‘Mom and Pop’ business, the Stories have implemented a lean operational model that keeps overhead costs minimal. This approach enables them to offer competitively priced crab dishes that undercut mainstream competitors while maintaining high standards of service and ingredient quality. Huschel, leveraging his previous experience as a prep cook in a seafood restaurant, serves as head chef and culinary visionary.

    The restaurant’s diverse clientele primarily consists of Americans, Jamaicans, Haitians, and Trinidadians employed at local hospitals and educational institutions. While crab prepared in various traditional styles remains the flagship offering, the establishment’s seafood boils—featuring lobster, shrimp, clams, corn, and potatoes with garlic butter sauce—have emerged as equally popular menu items.

    Facing the challenges of New Jersey’s substantial seafood industry, which contributes over $1 billion annually to the state economy, the owners have developed innovative supplemental revenue streams. During off-season periods, they have successfully expanded into seasoning production, creating flavor profiles that appeal to family dining experiences and broader seafood consumption.

    Supported by a dedicated three-person staff, Crab King demonstrates how small culinary enterprises can thrive in competitive markets through strategic pricing, niche market identification, and product diversification.

  • Dadli Directory Launches New Platform to Help You Find Jobs Faster in Antigua & Barbuda

    Dadli Directory Launches New Platform to Help You Find Jobs Faster in Antigua & Barbuda

    In a strategic move to enhance digital employment services, Dadli Jobs—Antigua and Barbuda’s premier online job platform—has officially launched an official WhatsApp Channel. This new communication stream is designed to provide job seekers with a streamlined, notification-focused feed that delivers authenticated job listings directly to their mobile devices. The initiative aims to create a clutter-free environment where users receive only verified opportunities, eliminating the noise often associated with social media job searches. By leveraging WhatsApp’s extensive reach and high engagement rates, Dadli Jobs seeks to modernize the country’s workforce connectivity framework. This development represents a continued investment by the platform into reducing systemic barriers to employment and revolutionizing how career information is accessed in the Caribbean nation. The channel will serve as a direct conduit between employers and potential candidates, fostering a more efficient and accessible job market.

  • Tourism Minister Fernandez pleased with progress of the MOONGATE development ahead of its 2026 opening

    Tourism Minister Fernandez pleased with progress of the MOONGATE development ahead of its 2026 opening

    Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism sector is poised for a significant enhancement with the imminent opening of MoonGate Hotel and Spa, an ultra-modern, self-sustaining luxury property scheduled to begin accepting reservations within four months. Situated at the iconic Half Moon Bay on the island’s east coast, this boutique resort embodies a strong eco-conscious ethos, targeting the discerning luxury travel market.

    Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez recently conducted an inspection tour of the development, expressing strong approval of its progress. Accompanied by Policy and Planning Director St. Clair Soleyn, and guided by project directors Gaye Hechme and Camron Fraser along with General Manager Trevor MacDonald, Minister Fernandez highlighted the property’s alignment with the nation’s strategic tourism vision.

    The development’s Phase One, now nearing completion, features 47 suites including 26 standard suites, 14 premium suites, and seven penthouse accommodations. Phase Two will expand the property with an additional 22 luxury one- and two-bedroom suites.

    MoonGate will offer guests an extensive array of premium amenities including a sophisticated reception area with piano lounge, plant-based bistro, full-service restaurant and bar, landscaped gardens, infinity swimming pools, state-of-the-art fitness facilities, and a comprehensive wellness center and spa.

    Minister Fernandez emphasized the project’s strategic importance: ‘MoonGate represents exactly the direction Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism industry is heading—thoughtfully designed, environmentally conscious, and aligned with contemporary traveler expectations. This development enhances our east coast offerings while demonstrating our commitment to sustainable, high-quality investment that delivers lasting economic benefits.’

    The project will generate substantial employment opportunities with over 120 local residents scheduled to be employed at the resort, contributing to the nation’s economic development through luxury tourism investment.

  • Eli Fuller responds to open invitation by PM Browne

    Eli Fuller responds to open invitation by PM Browne

    ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – A significant dialogue is set to unfold between Antigua and Barbuda’s political leadership and tourism industry representatives following Prime Minister Gaston Browne’s invitation to address longstanding structural imbalances in the sector. Prominent tourism stakeholder Eli Fuller has accepted the Prime Minister’s offer for a Saturday discussion on Point FM, signaling a potential turning point for local entrepreneurship in the islands’ dominant economic industry.

    The forthcoming conversation, initiated through Browne’s public invitation this week, aims to develop concrete strategies for expanding domestic ownership and more effectively incorporating the nation’s cultural heritage into its tourism offerings. Fuller responded with enthusiastic acceptance, expressing hope that the dialogue would finally address systemic challenges that have persistently disadvantaged local investors.

    In his detailed online response, Fuller highlighted the paradoxical reality that foreign investors frequently encounter fewer barriers to tourism sector entry than native Antiguans and Barbudans. “Local people face competitive disadvantages across multiple tourism sectors,” Fuller asserted, emphasizing that current frameworks inadvertently favor external capital over domestic entrepreneurship.

    This acknowledgment from the highest levels of government comes after years of advocacy from industry professionals. Fuller revealed he had raised identical concerns during a tourism conference with former opposition leader Harold Lovell several years prior, indicating the persistent nature of these structural issues.

    While welcoming the Prime Minister’s engagement as a positive development, Fuller maintained a cautiously optimistic stance, stressing that dialogue must translate into actionable policies. “I’m encouraged that Gaston Browne is articulating the right priorities,” Fuller noted, “but previous ministers have made similar commitments without delivering substantive change. What we require now is implementation, not just discussion.”

    The Saturday forum represents a critical opportunity to rebalance Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism economy, potentially creating more equitable conditions for local business owners while preserving the islands’ unique cultural identity within their primary industry.