In a significant move to bolster transparency and efficiency in government transactions, President Irfaan Ali announced the upcoming launch of four innovative applications designed for the private sector to interact with the government. The announcement was made during the commissioning of the SOMA Hotel & Restaurant, a flagship project by TOTALTEC Group, located in Houston, East Bank Demerara. President Ali emphasized that these apps would enable a ‘transparent, productive, and efficient’ process for conducting government business, while also ensuring accountability among officials through digital tracking mechanisms. The system is engineered to detect and prevent malpractices, reinforcing trust in public administration. A collaborative meeting between government representatives and the private sector is scheduled in six weeks to officially roll out the apps. President Ali highlighted that this initiative reflects the government’s commitment to accountability and leveraging technology for sustainable growth. The SOMA Hotel & Restaurant, developed by TOTALTEC, is set to create 60 to 100 direct and indirect jobs, supporting local suppliers and aligning with Guyana’s workforce development goals. The project is part of a broader vision to expand affordable, high-quality hospitality services across Guyana, catering to business travelers and industrial clients. TOTALTEC, a Guyanese-owned company established in 2016, has been instrumental in advancing local content and sustainable development, having trained over 6,000 individuals for careers in the oil and gas industry.
分类： business
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VIDEO: Flooded Graves at Tranquility Park Cemetery
Antigua’s most visited news website is now offering fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages to businesses looking to enhance their online presence. With a proven track record of high traffic and engagement, the platform provides advertisers with unique opportunities to reach a broad audience effectively. The marketing solutions are designed to be adaptable, catering to the specific needs and goals of each client. Interested parties are encouraged to contact the team at [email protected] to explore tailored advertising strategies. This initiative aims to support local and international businesses in maximizing their digital outreach through innovative and targeted campaigns.
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Close ties between Jamaica and Japan forged by Blue Mountain Coffee says outgoing Ambassador
KINGSTON, Jamaica – Jamaica’s outgoing ambassador to Japan, H.E. Shorna-Kay Richards, has extended heartfelt gratitude to the Association of Japanese Importers of Jamaican Coffee (AJIJC) and its chairman, Tatsushi Ueshima, for their steadfast dedication to the Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee trade. Speaking at a recent reception during the Joint JCEA/JACRA Meeting with the AJIJC at Tokyo’s Big Sight Convention Centre, Ambassador Richards highlighted the association’s “generosity and unwavering commitment” to the industry. She emphasized the pivotal role the AJIJC has played in fostering the development of Jamaica’s coffee sector over the past seven decades, describing it as a “pillar of support and a true partner.”
Ambassador Richards, whose tenure was extended by six months beyond its original June 2023 end date, acknowledged the AJIJC’s innovative marketing strategies through its Promotional Committee. These efforts have introduced Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee to younger Japanese consumers, ensuring its continued relevance in a competitive market. Notable initiatives included distributing 2,000 packets of the premium coffee at Tokyo’s Yushima Tenjin Shrine to students preparing for university entrance exams and showcasing the brew at the 2025 World Expo in Osaka.
Richards also commended Dr. Norman Grant, Chairman of the Jamaica Coffee Exporters Association, for his visionary leadership in maintaining the global excellence of Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee. Dr. Grant, whose recent doctoral dissertation focused on strategies for profitability among Jamaican coffee farmers, reciprocated by praising Richards for her instrumental role in promoting the trade in Japan. He highlighted her efforts in organizing trade shows, fostering industry collaboration, and facilitating the distribution of 10,000 coffee seedlings donated by 7/11 to Jamaican farmers.
In recognition of her contributions, Dr. Grant and Mr. Ueshima presented Ambassador Richards with a plaque of appreciation, honoring her service to the Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee industry and the strengthening of bilateral ties between Jamaica and Japan.
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Seiveright commends Hendrickson family for leadership in manufacturing
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Senator Delano Seiveright, Minister of State in the Ministry of Industry, Investment & Commerce, recently lauded the Hendrickson family for their enduring contributions to Jamaica’s manufacturing sector and their philanthropic endeavors. The commendation came during discussions held at the National Baking Company’s headquarters in Kingston, where the family’s leadership in the industry was highlighted.
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High expectations in first budget of UNC government – Over to you, Mr Tancoo
Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo is set to deliver Trinidad and Tobago’s 2025/2026 national budget today in the House of Representatives, marking his first budget presentation since his appointment following the April 28 general election. This budget is also the first for Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar in her second term, as the United National Congress (UNC) government faces the challenge of balancing economic realities with campaign promises. The budget comes against a backdrop of economic uncertainty, with Standard & Poor’s (S&P) recently downgrading the country’s credit outlook from stable to negative, citing eroded fiscal and external buffers, limited GDP growth, and ineffective fiscal management. S&P’s report highlighted the cancellation of key projects, including access to Venezuelan natural gas reserves and the proposed Revenue Authority, as factors contributing to the downgrade. Economists have expressed low optimism about the government’s ability to implement meaningful reforms within S&P’s 6-24 month timeframe to avoid further downgrades. The budget is also being framed against low global oil prices, with West Texas Intermediate and Brent crude trading at $59.80 and $72.73 per barrel, respectively. Economists Marlene Attzs and Conrad Enill have advised the government to temper public expectations and adopt a disciplined, medium-term fiscal framework. Key election promises, such as creating 50,000 new jobs and a 10% wage increase for public servants, will be scrutinized as the government navigates these economic challenges. The budget debate is expected to conclude by October 29, with the final budget set to be sent to President Christine Kangaloo for assent.
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2025/2026 budget to be presented on October 13: Will the UNC deliver on its promises?
The UNC-led government of Trinidad and Tobago is set to present its highly anticipated 2025-2026 budget on October 13, marking its first fiscal plan since taking office nearly six months ago. Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo will deliver the budget, which aims to address a range of pressing national issues while balancing ambitious policy goals with fiscal realities. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has emphasized priorities such as supporting children, low-income households, and job creation, though the budget may face a deficit due to the country’s borrowing and expenditure trends over the past decade. Key areas of focus include national security, economic diversification, and energy sector rehabilitation. The government has already made strides in fulfilling manifesto promises, such as reopening the Couva Children’s Hospital, restarting the student laptop program, and negotiating wage increases for public sector workers. However, challenges remain, including addressing crime, reviving make-work programs, and reducing reliance on oil and gas revenues. The budget is expected to outline targeted initiatives in agriculture, manufacturing, and small business development, reflecting the government’s commitment to economic diversification and inclusive growth.
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Entrepreneur hatches poultry breeding plan
In a significant move to address Barbados’ reliance on imported hatching eggs, entrepreneur Errol Andrew is preparing to launch the island’s first poultry breeding facility. Through his company, Hatch An Egg Limited, Andrew aims to enhance food security, reduce costs for local farmers, and ensure a steady supply of chicks, particularly ahead of the high-demand Christmas season. The initiative comes after a half-million-dollar investment in a hatching egg venture, with renovations completed and expansion plans now underway. Andrew revealed in an exclusive interview with Barbados TODAY that he is in discussions with investors and business partners to establish the breeding farm, marking a critical step in his long-term vision for domestic food security. Currently producing 20,000 chicks monthly, Andrew aims to scale up to 20,000 chicks weekly within six months. The hatchery, located in The Mount, St George, has already gained traction among small farmers, primarily supplying broiler chicks, with plans to introduce layer chicks as part of its expansion. Andrew emphasized the importance of food security, especially during peak seasons like Christmas, and highlighted the logistical and financial challenges of importing eggs from Miami and Belgium. Establishing a local breeding farm would eliminate shipping costs and mitigate risks associated with bird flu. The company’s broader goals include introducing diverse bird breeds, partnering with local agricultural bodies like the Barbados Agricultural Society (BAS) and the Barbados Egg and Poultry Producers Association (BEPPA), and sharing best practices with farmers. Andrew, who entered the poultry industry in 2018, has relied on small loans and family support to build the business and has applied for funding from the Agricultural Growth Fund to support expansion. Despite financial hurdles, he remains optimistic about Hatch An Egg Limited’s role in strengthening Barbados’ poultry industry and addressing challenges like the shortage of table eggs during the holiday season.
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PHOTOS: New Crusher Under Construction to Boost Public Works Quarry Operations
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced the production of a state-of-the-art crusher, a move set to significantly bolster the government’s ability to execute large-scale infrastructure projects across Antigua and Barbuda. The new crusher, currently in the manufacturing phase, is expected to enhance operational efficiency and resource management in the construction sector. This development aligns with the government’s broader strategy to modernize the nation’s infrastructure and stimulate economic growth. The initiative underscores the administration’s commitment to leveraging advanced technology to address developmental challenges. Additionally, the project is anticipated to create job opportunities and foster local industry growth. The announcement comes as part of a series of measures aimed at improving public services and infrastructure, positioning Antigua and Barbuda as a regional leader in sustainable development.
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SKN Business Community Commends NIA for Transparency on Proposed SSZ Development
The Nevis Island Administration (NIA) has garnered praise from the St. Kitts and Nevis business community for its transparent approach to the proposed Special Sustainability Zone (SSZ) development, codenamed ‘Destiny.’ On October 7, 2025, Premier Mark Brantley, alongside his Cabinet, hosted a meeting with key stakeholders, including the St. Kitts and Nevis Chamber of Industry and Commerce (SKNCIC), the Nevis Branch of the CIC, and the Bankers and Financial Services Association of St. Kitts and Nevis (BFSA). The event, held at the Four Seasons Resort Nevis, drew approximately 40 representatives from the private sector. Attendees were provided with a detailed overview of the multi-billion-dollar project through a developer-led video and a comprehensive PowerPoint presentation, which outlined the project’s vision, economic impact, and social benefits. Discussions during the meeting centered on critical aspects such as developer financing, environmental safeguards, land sales, tax concessions, and employment opportunities. Premier Brantley highlighted the project’s potential contributions, including infrastructure upgrades to the Alexandra Hospital and Long Point Pier, a US$1 million annual scholarship fund, and profit-sharing arrangements to support Nevis’s social programs. However, he emphasized that the project remains under review, with no final approval yet granted. The meeting was part of the NIA’s broader public engagement strategy to ensure stakeholder input is considered before any decisions are made. Business leaders, including SKNCIC President Trevor Blake and BFSA President Pamela Herbert-Daniel, commended the government for its openness and commitment to transparency. The NIA plans to continue its outreach efforts through a series of town hall meetings to keep the Nevisian community informed about the SSZ Destiny project.
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China en VS escaleren handelsconflict: wereldwijde onrust
The longstanding trade tensions between China and the United States have intensified following a series of aggressive economic measures from both nations. This week, the Chinese government announced increased port fees and additional import tariffs targeting American vessels and products. This move comes as a direct response to President Donald Trump’s decision to raise tariffs on Chinese goods to 100 percent. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce described the measures as a “targeted and proportionate response” to what Beijing terms “unfair economic aggression” from the US. Key sectors affected by the new tariffs include American agricultural products, semiconductors, and industrial machinery. President Trump defended his tariff hike as a necessary step to “protect American industries from unfair competition and cheap dumping practices by China.” However, analysts warn that this escalation could trigger a global trade war, potentially disrupting prices, production, and investments worldwide. The Chinese yuan has already felt the impact, hitting a record low of 7.32 yuan per US dollar on Friday, its weakest level since June. Investors fear that a weaker yuan could exacerbate the trade conflict by making Chinese exports cheaper, further straining the US trade balance. International markets have reacted nervously, with oil prices dipping slightly and stock exchanges in Asia and Europe closing with losses. The World Trade Organization (WTO) has urged both countries to “return to dialogue and multilateral trade agreements” to de-escalate the situation.