In 2025, Unicomer Group has reaffirmed its commitment to the Caribbean region by continuing its legacy of community investment and cultural support across the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). Building on the strong foundation laid in 2024, the company has launched a series of initiatives aimed at enriching lives and strengthening communities through cultural sponsorships, sports partnerships, educational support, and youth empowerment programs.
分类： business
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Buitengewone AVA Staatsolie op het laatste moment afgeblazen
The highly anticipated Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) of Staatsolie, scheduled for today, was abruptly canceled at the last minute. The meeting, convened by Board Chairman Gonda Asadang and the Ministry of Natural Resources (NH), was set to address critical governance changes within the company. Notably, the Ministry of Oil & Gas, which oversees policy in the sector, appeared conspicuously absent from the discussions. The primary agenda items included the resignation of current Board of Commissioners (BOC) members and the appointment of new appointees: Rudolf Elias (Chairman), Sergio Akiemboto (Chief of Staff at the President’s Office), Aroon Samjhawan, Ewald Poetisi, Rudie Chin Jen Sem, Chantal Doekhie, and Edgar Caffé. Staatsolie’s Managing Director, Annand Jagesar, confirmed to Starnieuws that the management was informed of the cancellation this morning. ‘We were notified that the EGM will not proceed today. Beyond that, the management is unaware of the reasons behind this decision,’ Jagesar stated. According to Staatsolie’s statutes, an EGM must be convened at least 15 days in advance, though deviations can be approved during the meeting itself. The reasons for the postponement and the new date for the meeting remain undisclosed, leaving stakeholders in the dark about the future of the company’s leadership.
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PM Browne Meets with The Antigua and Barbuda and Montserrat Bankers Association
The Antigua and Barbuda and Montserrat Bankers Association (ABMBA) recently convened with Prime Minister Gaston Browne and senior officials from the Ministry of Finance and Corporate Governance to bolster collaboration on financial inclusion and sector resilience. The meeting, held in recognition of October as Financial Literacy Month within the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU), emphasized the importance of integrating financial education into national school curricula.
Discussions centered on improving access to financial services for underserved and vulnerable groups, as well as enhancing business confidence across the nation. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to developing innovative financial products and expanding credit access for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This initiative is part of a broader roadmap aimed at promoting economic empowerment and fostering long-term collaboration in the banking sector.
Addressing regional and local concerns, the ABMBA and the Ministry of Finance highlighted the rise in banking-related crimes. They urged the public to remain vigilant against scams and fraudulent schemes, agreeing to expand public awareness campaigns that promote responsible banking practices.
The Ministry of Finance and the ABMBA reiterated their dedication to building a secure, inclusive, and resilient financial system that supports the economic advancement of citizens across Antigua and Barbuda and Montserrat.
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Economy : Summary, key points of the 2025-2026 budget
The Haitian Council of Ministers has officially approved the 2025-2026 national budget, totaling 345 billion gourdes, marking a 6.8% increase from the previous fiscal year. This budget is strategically designed to address critical priorities such as public security, electoral organization, and macroeconomic stabilization, as outlined by the Transitional Government. The budget aims to restore confidence, consolidate progress, and lay the groundwork for inclusive and sustainable growth. Key areas of focus include the restoration of public security, the organization of general elections, economic recovery, and the modernization of tax administration. The budget also emphasizes a territorialized approach to public spending, ensuring greater transparency and efficiency in resource allocation. Macroeconomic projections indicate a modest real GDP growth rate of 0.3%, with an end-of-period inflation rate of 23.4%. The budget will be primarily financed through domestic resources, including tax and customs revenues, which account for 70.5% of the total funding. Capital expenditures, representing 38.2% of the budget, will focus on infrastructure rehabilitation, regional recovery, and social protection systems. Specific initiatives include the rehabilitation of police stations, the strengthening of the Haitian National Police and Army, and the introduction of reliable technologies to ensure transparent elections. Additionally, the budget allocates resources for food security, healthcare, education, and gender-based violence prevention, aiming to address the needs of the most vulnerable populations.
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IMF projects continued global growth despite trade tensions and potential economic headwinds
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected a resilient global economic growth trajectory, forecasting expansions of 3.2% in 2025 and 3.1% in 2026, despite persistent trade tensions and broader economic uncertainties. These projections were unveiled during the IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings in Washington, D.C., where officials highlighted the complex interplay of evolving trade policies and fiscal dynamics shaping the global outlook. Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas, IMF’s Chief Economist, emphasized that while inflationary pressures have increased modestly, the impact of tariff shocks has been mitigated by trade exemptions and new agreements. He noted that many countries have avoided retaliatory tariffs, and private-sector adaptability has cushioned the effects of policy shifts. However, Gourinchas warned that risks remain, particularly in advanced economies like the U.S., where growth projections have been revised downward due to inflationary and labor market challenges. In Latin America and the Caribbean, the IMF has revised growth forecasts upward, with Mexico leading the region. Guyana, driven by its booming oil sector, remains the Caribbean’s fastest-growing economy, though growth is expected to slow significantly in 2025.
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Travel : Sunrise Airways wants to open a direct route between Haiti and Newark (NJ)
Sunrise Airways, a privately owned Haitian airline, is taking significant strides to expand its international reach by proposing a wet lease agreement for a direct flight route between Haiti and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in the United States. This innovative approach involves leasing an aircraft and its crew from a third-party operator, along with outsourcing insurance, maintenance, and other operational aspects. This strategy allows Sunrise Airways to expedite the launch of the Newark route without the need to invest in owning or leasing entire aircraft and staffing. The proposal is under close scrutiny by aviation regulators and industry experts, as its success could mark a pivotal moment in Haiti’s efforts to rebuild its tourism sector and enhance its global appeal. To proceed, Sunrise Airways must secure approval from U.S. aviation authorities, who will evaluate compliance with safety, security, and bilateral agreements. This process includes rigorous reviews of maintenance records, crew credentials, insurance, and liability provisions, as well as adherence to U.S. aviation standards. Regulators will also ensure that the wet lease agreement does not compromise safety or oversight, potentially requiring additional safeguards such as joint oversight or insurance guarantees. If approved, the direct Haiti-Newark route would have far-reaching implications, opening new tourism opportunities, improving travel conditions for Americans, and facilitating access to the U.S. for Haitians and the large Haitian diaspora. The route would also strengthen ties between Haiti and its largest trading partner, the United States, while serving as a vital transportation link for the Haitian diaspora in New Jersey, New York, and Florida. Newark Liberty International Airport, a major hub in the Northeast, would provide convenient access for travelers, further enhancing the route’s potential impact.
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Converting into liquefied natural gas not a priority – ExxonMobil Guyana’s chief
ExxonMobil Guyana’s CEO, Alistair Routledge, announced on Monday that the company’s focus in Guyana will be on utilizing natural gas for domestic growth rather than converting it into Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) for export. This decision comes as ExxonMobil prepares to develop its first non-associated gas field at Longtail in the Stabroek Block. Routledge emphasized that the gas would primarily support power generation, data centers, and an alumina plant, aligning with Guyana’s broader economic development goals. While LNG conversion remains an option, the immediate priority is to maximize the gas’s value within the country. The company aims to complete environmental impact studies by late 2026 and submit a field development plan (FDP) to the Guyanese government. Initial production will focus on condensate, a liquid byproduct of natural gas, for global export. Gas reinjection into wells will also be employed to enhance condensate recovery, with natural gas extraction expected to begin 10 to 15 years after Longtail’s condensate production starts. ExxonMobil forecasts a daily production rate of over one billion cubic feet of natural gas from Longtail. In contrast, water reinjection will be used at the Hammerhead field, which contains heavier oil, with gas potentially exported to existing pipelines or the Liza Unity FPSO to boost oil recovery.
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Drivers delighted with ‘ease up’ on super gasoline
In a significant move during the 2025/2026 budget presentation on October 13, Trinidad and Tobago’s Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo announced an immediate reduction of $1 per litre in the price of super gasoline. This decision, mandated by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, aims to provide financial relief to citizens by reversing part of the previous administration’s phased removal of fuel subsidies, which had led to consistent price hikes over the past decade. Drivers expressed their delight at the news, with one stating, ‘Yuh can’t go wrong. Is ah ease up; ah dollar could help a lot.’ Another driver highlighted the potential savings, saying, ‘That supposed to help we. That’s a plus. More gas, less money.’ However, not all reactions were positive. Some drivers were disappointed that the price reduction did not take immediate effect at the pumps, as promised. ‘If they say immediately, they supposed to remove it immediately,’ one driver remarked. Additionally, users of premium gasoline and diesel expressed frustration that the price cut was limited to super gasoline, with one driver noting, ‘It’s only for super, it doesn’t do anything for people using premium.’ A diesel user added, ‘If the consideration was made for one type of fuel, it should have been made across the board.’ While the announcement was generally welcomed, many drivers remain cautious, hoping for broader economic improvements in the budget.
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Gambling commission: Crackdown on illegal operators will level playing field
In a significant move to combat illegal gambling and strengthen regulatory oversight, the Gambling (Gaming and Betting) Control Commission has proposed amendments to the Gambling and Betting Act. Corporate Communications Manager Shahad Ali emphasized that these changes, which include harsher penalties for illegal operators, aim to create a fairer playing field for licensed businesses and foster sustainable industry growth. Ali highlighted that the reforms prioritize responsible gaming practices and the protection of vulnerable groups, aligning with public expectations and regulatory mandates. Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo, during his 2025/2026 budget presentation, underscored the financial toll of illegal gambling, estimating a $9 billion illegal market that deprives the state of significant tax revenue and fuels criminal activities like money laundering and human trafficking. To address this, the amendments introduce penalties of up to $3 million and seven years’ imprisonment for illegal operators. Additionally, the National Lotteries Control Board (NLCB) will now make quarterly payments into the Consolidated Fund to enhance revenue oversight. These measures are part of a broader fiscal strategy to improve compliance and boost state revenue collection.
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Real estate trust to unlock ‘national wealth’ to ordinary citizens
In a groundbreaking move to democratize state-owned assets and enhance public participation in national wealth creation, Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo announced the establishment of a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) and a $1 billion bond under the National Investment Fund (NIF). The announcement was made during the presentation of the $59 billion budget on October 13, marking a significant step toward innovative financing in Trinidad and Tobago. The REIT, described as a ‘landmark initiative,’ will include high-value income-generating properties such as land, office buildings, and commercial infrastructure. These assets will be transferred to the REIT and listed on the local stock exchange, enabling both individual and institutional investors to earn dividends from real estate investments. Minister Tancoo emphasized that the state will retain a strategic stake in these assets, ensuring transparency and accountability through a high-level technical committee. Additionally, the NIF will launch a $1 billion bond in the 2026 fiscal year, offering citizens and small businesses a safe, tax-free investment opportunity. The bond will be backed by 21% of the shareholding of First Citizens Group Financial Holdings Ltd (FCGFH), valued at approximately $2 billion. The government retains a 60.11% majority ownership in First Citizens Group, ensuring indirect control over these assets. Both initiatives aim to strengthen the capital market, diversify investment opportunities, and contribute significantly to government revenue.