In a recent development, the Public Service Union (PSU) has firmly dismissed claims made by its former president, Gerald Henry Jr., regarding unpaid leave compensation. Henry alleges that the union owes him over $6,000 for 54 days of accumulated leave, a sum he claims was promised by the Ministry of the Public Service. The dispute, which has been ongoing since 2021, has yet to yield a favorable outcome for Henry. Current PSU President Dean Flowers addressed the matter, stating that the claim lacks legal foundation and is a ‘waste of time.’ Flowers emphasized that the union remains open to dialogue but will dismiss claims that do not align with applicable laws. The protracted legal battle highlights the complexities of labor disputes within public service organizations.
分类： business
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Wales gas-to-energy power plant 68 percent complete after 14-month delay
The ambitious 300-megawatt natural gas-fired power plant in Wales, West Bank Demerara, has reached 68.3% completion despite a 14-month delay caused by extensive soil stabilization efforts. LINDSAYCA Guyana Inc. Chairman Nelson Drake revealed the update during the 2025 International Business Conference, highlighting the US$100 million investment required to prepare the site for construction. The project, initially delayed due to disputes with Puerto Rico-based CH4, is now on track to commence electricity generation between January and March 2026. The soil stabilization process, deemed critical for the project’s success, utilized advanced technology to ensure the site could support the heavy infrastructure, including four main turbine foundations made of 44,000 cubic meters of cement. Drake emphasized the complexity of the project, noting that 89% of engineering, 90.46% of procurement, and 23% of construction have been completed. Over 75% of the equipment, including gas turbines, steam turbines, transformers, and cooling towers, has already arrived in Guyana. The natural gas liquids facility, currently in Houston, is expected to be on-site by year-end. Once operational, the plant will utilize 50 million cubic feet of gas produced by ExxonMobil, generating significant energy savings and reducing electricity costs by 50% for Guyanese households. The project is also projected to contribute US$200 million annually to the Guyana government’s treasury through energy savings and condensate sales.
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GARFIN monitoring CLICO payout after court ruling
In a significant development for thousands of policyholders, the Grenada Supreme Court has approved an initial distribution of approximately EC$9.5 million to CLICO International Life (CIL) policyholders, marking a long-awaited step toward financial recovery. The decision, announced on 12 May 2025, comes 14 years after the company’s collapse in 2011, which left many Grenadian families without life insurance benefits and retirement savings. Despite this progress, the payout represents only 6.59% of the total admitted claims, which amount to EC$144.9 million. The distribution follows a small claims scheme, with claims under EC$50 receiving no payment due to high processing costs, while claims between EC$50 and EC$1,000 will be paid in full. Policyholders with claims between EC$1,000 and EC$15,576 can choose between a lump sum payment of EC$1,000 or 5.5% of their total claim amount, while claims over EC$15,576 will receive 5.5% of their claim value. The Grenada Authority for the Regulations of Financial Institutions (GARFIN) has urged policyholders to review correspondence and respond promptly if they have not received personalized letters by 31 October 2025. The Judicial Manager has also launched a dedicated website to provide updates on the ongoing judicial process, ensuring transparency and communication with affected parties.
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New fuelling facility enhances services for yachting community
Camper & Nicholsons Port Louis Marina, in collaboration with Sol Grenada Ltd, has officially launched a state-of-the-art marine fuelling system at Port Louis Marina. The inauguration ceremony, held on 10 October 2025, marked a significant milestone in enhancing marine services in Grenada. The new system is designed to cater to the needs of modern superyachts and sailing vessels, solidifying Grenada’s reputation as a top-tier destination in the southern Caribbean. The event was attended by key stakeholders and dignitaries, including Zara Tremlett, General Manager of Camper & Nicholsons Port Louis Marina; Stacey Liburd, CEO of the Grenada Tourism Authority; Frank Redhead, CEO of the Grenada Ports Authority; Collin Francis, General Manager of Sol EC Ltd; and Hon. Lennox Andrews, Acting Prime Minister. The ceremony featured a ribbon-cutting and a symbolic “mock fill” demonstration, showcasing the system’s efficiency. Tremlett emphasized the facility’s role in providing world-class amenities, while Francis highlighted Sol’s commitment to safety and quality. The Grenada Tourism Authority sees the development as a boost to the island’s tourism economy, encouraging longer stays and increased spending.
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PM Dickon Mitchell praises progress at Grenada National Resort
Grenada’s Prime Minister, the Honourable Dickon Mitchell, led an official inspection of the Grenada National Resort (GNR) construction site on October 2, marking a significant milestone for the nation’s tourism and investment landscape. Developed by Heng Sheng International, GNR stands as the largest Citizenship by Investment (CBI)-approved project in Grenada, strategically located in the island’s picturesque northern region near Levera Beach. The resort is poised to set a new standard for luxury tourism and residential investment in the Caribbean, featuring world-class amenities such as a 500-suite ocean-view hotel, an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones II, a casino complex, and premium apartments and villas available for purchase. Accompanied by senior government officials, including Finance Minister Dennis Cornwall and Investment Migration Agency Chairman Richard Duncan OBE, Prime Minister Mitchell expressed his admiration for the project’s rapid progress. “I visited in March, but I didn’t expect such significant advancements in just six months. This project will have a transformative impact on local employment and tourism,” Mitchell stated. Heng Sheng Chairman Yuanfa Li guided the delegation through the site, highlighting key developments, including the completion of the golf club structure, the foundation of the casino, and the ongoing construction of the golf course. The first 10 floors of Hotel Tower 1 have been completed, with the 11th floor underway. Li emphasized the team’s commitment to efficiency and quality, projecting the topping out of Hotel Tower 1 by year-end. The visit underscored the strong partnership between the Grenadian government and Heng Sheng, aimed at delivering a landmark project that will redefine luxury tourism and create a lasting economic legacy for Grenada.
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Government and GDB partner to empower young entrepreneurs
The Government of Grenada, in collaboration with the Grenada Development Bank (GDB), has unveiled a transformative initiative aimed at empowering young entrepreneurs. The Ministry of Youth and Sports (MOYS) and GDB recently formalized their partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the Youth in Business Fund. This program is designed to provide concessional loans, grants, and technical support to young individuals, with a particular focus on agribusiness ventures. The initiative aligns with the government’s broader strategy to foster youth entrepreneurship, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth. Permanent Secretary Kim Frederick represented MOYS, while General Manager Royston Cumberbatch signed on behalf of GDB during the ceremony held at the bank’s headquarters in St. George’s. The fund targets individuals aged 18 to 35, including unemployed and underemployed youth, fishers, agricultural workers, and agroprocessors. It will support businesses in areas such as apiculture, hydroponics, vertical farming, crop and livestock production, agro-processing, and climate-smart agriculture. Beneficiaries can access loans with a fixed interest rate of 1%, repayment terms of 5–7 years, and a maximum amount of EC$30,000, alongside grants of up to EC$3,000. Permanent Secretary Frederick emphasized the program’s potential to empower youth, create jobs, and enhance Grenada’s agricultural output. General Manager Cumberbatch echoed this sentiment, highlighting the role of youth as the backbone of the economy and the importance of providing them with practical financial and business support. To qualify, participants must register with the Youth in Business Project and complete mandatory training. This initiative marks a significant step toward sustainable economic development and youth empowerment in Grenada.
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NIS amendments: A win for all
In a landmark announcement during the 2025/2026 national budget presentation, Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo unveiled sweeping reforms to the National Insurance System (NIS). These changes, aimed at ensuring the long-term sustainability of the system, include a phased increase in contribution rates and a gradual rise in the qualifying age for full pension benefits from 60 to 65 years, effective January 2028. These measures, though initially surprising to some, were deemed both inevitable and necessary following the 11th Actuarial Review, which warned that the National Insurance Board’s (NIB) reserves could be depleted within eight years without decisive action. The reforms reflect global demographic trends, including aging populations, declining birth rates, and a shrinking workforce, which are placing immense pressure on social security systems worldwide. Minister Tancoo reassured citizens that those retiring before January 1, 2028, will remain unaffected, and existing pensioners will continue to receive their full entitlements, including the minimum pension at age 60. These reforms have been welcomed by financial professionals as a demonstration of fiscal responsibility and a commitment to long-term sustainability. Similar measures have been adopted globally, with countries like Denmark, France, the United Kingdom, and Barbados adjusting their retirement ages to align with demographic shifts. While these changes may be challenging, they are essential to preserving the integrity of the NIS, which supports over 200,000 citizens in securing income and dignity during retirement. By acting now, the government aims to safeguard the financial well-being of the nation and ensure future generations benefit from a stable and reliable safety net.
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Powering the future: Wind, green hydrogen could redefine Trinidad and Tobago
As Trinidad and Tobago (TT) adapts to a rapidly evolving global energy landscape, the nation is charting a bold new course. At the forefront of this transformation is a strategic pivot toward large-scale wind energy deployment, coupled with green hydrogen and green ammonia production. This initiative is poised to become TT’s next major economic driver, ensuring its competitiveness in a world increasingly focused on decarbonization.
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From local to legendary: Is export readiness key for SMEs?
For entrepreneurs and senior-level employees in Trinidad and Tobago’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), achieving export readiness is a significant milestone. The Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Commerce (TT Chamber) has long emphasized this goal through its Contact Magazine and various initiatives, offering incentives, support services, and financing options to help businesses scale from micro to large enterprises. Both public and private sectors have introduced technical and operational growth programs, including the TT Chamber’s inaugural SME Conference, ‘Catalyst,’ aimed at fostering SME development. However, while some SMEs have achieved remarkable regional and international success, many still struggle to break through. This raises critical questions about policy environments, financing accessibility, and the effectiveness of public and private support systems. Marc Sandy, Manager of the Trade & Business Development Unit at the TT Chamber, highlights that while these factors are important, the entrepreneur’s passion and commitment to building a sustainable brand are paramount. One standout example is Farm and Function, a local agro-processing company that has expanded its regional footprint despite challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Founded by David Thomas and Rachel Renie-Gonsalves, the company evolved from d’Market Movers, an online fresh produce distributor, into a leading supplier of frozen fruits. Farm and Function’s success story underscores the importance of resilience, strategic pivoting, and a clear vision. As SMEs navigate the complexities of export readiness, they must ask themselves fundamental questions about their ambitions, adaptability, and discipline. The journey from local to legendary demands not only financial and operational readiness but also an unwavering commitment to a global vision.
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‘AI amplifies human intelligence’, says expert
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Amid growing concerns about artificial intelligence (AI) replacing human roles, Adrian Dunkley, founder and CEO of Star Apple AI, reassured human resource professionals that AI’s true potential lies in enhancing human intelligence, not replacing it. Dunkley’s remarks were delivered during the Human Resource Management Association of Jamaica’s (HRMAJ) launch of HRM Week 2025, held from October 5 to 10 under the theme, ‘Transforming Work: Human-Centered Leadership in the Age of AI.’
Speaking at the HRMAJ webinar titled ‘Empowering People with AI,’ Dunkley emphasized that AI serves as a tool to amplify human capabilities rather than diminish them. ‘AI didn’t replace human intelligence; it amplified it,’ he stated. He highlighted the transformative potential of AI in freeing employees from routine tasks, enabling them to focus on creativity, innovation, and meaningful connections. ‘The real opportunity lies in using AI to make work more human,’ he added.
Dunkley also shared insights from Caribbean organizations already leveraging AI, noting an average weekly time savings of five hours per employee. He underscored the importance of leadership in fostering trust and collaboration, stating, ‘When leaders help employees understand and experiment safely with AI, confidence and collaboration grow.’
Dr. Cassida Jones Johnson, President of HRMAJ, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the rise of emotional intelligence as a critical leadership skill in the AI era. ‘As AI takes over routine and analytical tasks, emotional intelligence is fast becoming the defining skill of successful leaders,’ she said. Dr. Jones Johnson also stressed the irreplaceable value of human insight, emotion, and connection, asserting that the most effective leaders combine intelligence with empathy and ethics.
HRMAJ further highlighted the growing importance of empathy, creativity, adaptability, and ethical decision-making in leadership, citing World Economic Forum predictions that these skills will be in high demand by 2030. The association also emphasized the significance of neurodiversity, psychological safety, and inclusive leadership in building resilient and innovative workplaces.
HRM Week 2025 set the stage for HRMAJ’s annual conference, scheduled for November 12–13, 2025, at the Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston. The conference will explore the theme ‘From Strategy to Impact: Mastering Leadership Excellence Through HR,’ further delving into the intersection of AI and human-centered leadership.