In a groundbreaking move to enhance Caribbean tourism, Dominica and Barbados have inked a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on promoting multi-destination travel experiences. The agreement, signed on October 1 at the Hilton Barbados Resort during the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC), marks a pivotal step in strengthening regional ties and offering enriched travel packages to global visitors. The Discover Dominica Authority (DDA) and the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) spearheaded the initiative, aiming to leverage their unique attractions—Dominica as the ‘Nature Isle’ and Barbados as the ‘Gem of the Caribbean’—to attract a broader audience. The MOU establishes a framework for joint marketing, knowledge exchange, and sustainable tourism development, focusing on eco-tourism, adventure, and wellness offerings. Key areas of collaboration include curating multi-destination packages, enhancing air and cruise connectivity, and coordinating media campaigns to elevate both destinations globally. The partnership also emphasizes sustainable practices to benefit local communities and the environment. Executives from both nations, including Marva Williams of DDA and Andrea Franklin of BTMI, highlighted the mutual benefits of the alliance, stressing the importance of regional unity and creative collaboration. The agreement is expected to boost economic opportunities, improve air access, and foster cross-industry synergies, such as manufacturing, beyond tourism. A joint working group will oversee the MOU’s implementation, with biannual reviews to ensure its success. This historic partnership sets a precedent for future collaborations among Caribbean nations, aiming to position the region as a premier multi-destination hub for global travellers.
分类： business
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Privy Council ruling fuels Barbados fight over Cable & Wireless deal
In a significant legal development, over 300 minority shareholders of Cable & Wireless Barbados (C&W) have reignited their fight in the Barbados High Court, seeking a ruling on the contentious 2017 merger between C&W Barbados and C&W West Indies Limited. The group, spearheaded by Kenneth Ricky Went, Omstand Investment Inc., and Phillip Osbourne, filed fresh legal submissions last week, asserting that their rights were overlooked during the amalgamation process. Their case draws strength from a recent landmark decision by the UK-based Privy Council, which ruled in favor of minority shareholder Eric Jason Abrahams in a similar case involving Cable & Wireless Jamaica (CWJ). The Privy Council’s ruling emphasized that minority shareholders must be treated as a distinct class when their shares are being canceled or bought out, a principle the Barbados claimants argue applies directly to their situation. Representing the claimants, Senior Counsel Garth Patterson highlighted that the Privy Council’s reasoning aligns with their position that minority shareholders should have been allowed to vote independently on the merger. The claimants contend that the approval process failed to meet the legal requirements under Barbados law, as minority and majority shareholders were treated as a single voting class despite their divergent interests. With the Privy Council’s decision bolstering their argument, the minority shareholders are now urging the Barbados High Court to either invalidate the 2017 merger or recognize the process as oppressive and grant substantive relief. The case also names nine defendants, including Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, Vice Chancellor of the University of the West Indies. Went, speaking on behalf of the claimants, expressed optimism about the pending judgment, citing the Privy Council’s decision as a source of confidence.
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Barbados’ privacy blind spot and why cybersecurity isn’t enough
In today’s digital age, businesses and public officials often conflate data protection with cybersecurity, leading to significant oversights in handling personal information. While cybersecurity focuses on safeguarding systems and networks from unauthorized access and attacks, data protection is fundamentally about the lawful and ethical management of personal data. This distinction is crucial, especially under frameworks like the Barbados Data Protection Act, 2019 (DPA), which mandates transparency and respect for individual rights.
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DR Customs chief declares logistics the nation’s ‘new economic axis’ in address to UASD students
In a recent address at the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo (UASD), Yayo Sanz Lovatón, Director General of Customs (DGA) in the Dominican Republic, highlighted the logistics sector as the nation’s ‘new economic axis.’ Speaking to students from the Faculty of Economic and Social Sciences, Sanz Lovatón emphasized the sector’s exponential growth over the past five years and its promising future. He urged students in economics, foreign trade, and related fields to focus on logistics, citing its increasing strategic importance. The Customs Director also revealed that the DGA is the country’s second-largest tax collector, contributing an average of 22.64% to state revenue between 2021 and 2024 and 3.4% to the GDP in 2024. Under Sanz Lovatón’s leadership, the DGA has collected RD$195.203.32 million as of September 2025, a 6.08% increase from the previous year, with accumulated revenue surpassing RD$1.15 trillion over five years. Sanz Lovatón attributed the logistics boom to the DGA’s operational efficiency, particularly the ’24-Hour Dispatch’ program, which has processed over 90,000 containers in less than a day, benefiting more than 8,000 importers. He also credited the new Customs Law 168-21 and the Logistics Centers and Operators Law 30-24 with attracting major global corporations to establish regional distribution hubs in the Dominican Republic. Additionally, exports exceeded US$13 billion in 2024, reinforcing the trade sector’s role as the largest generator of foreign currency. UASD Rector Editrudis Beltrán Crisóstomo praised Sanz Lovatón for his contributions to the university, particularly the support provided to UASD interns within the Customs administration. The lecture was part of UASD’s academic program celebrating its 487th anniversary.
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COMMENTARY: Don’t Let Emails Control Your Day or Your Life.
In today’s fast-paced professional landscape, email remains a cornerstone of communication. However, the deluge of daily messages often leads to inefficiency, wasted time, and diminished productivity. Many professionals find themselves bogged down by email, struggling to focus on their core objectives. This article provides actionable strategies to optimize email usage, both as a sender and receiver, while leveraging Microsoft Outlook’s features to streamline the process.
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Third CBI project approved for Range Developments
Grenada’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program continues to drive significant growth in the luxury real estate sector, with Range Developments leading the charge. The latest addition to the program, ‘The La Sagesse Collection,’ comprises 60 ultra-luxe ocean-view residences in La Sagesse, St David. Owners of these properties will gain access to the prestigious Six Senses La Sagesse and the upcoming InterContinental Grenada Resort, both developed by Range Developments. This marks the third CBI-approved project by the developer in Grenada, following the successful launch of the One True Blue Beach Hotel and Residences in True Blue, St George. The project was officially granted Approved Project Status on 23 June 2025, as published in the Government Gazette on 3 October 2025. Each residence spans 1,545 square feet, featuring two bedrooms and two residences per floor. Range Developments’ projects have attracted the majority of CBI investors, with La Sagesse Six Senses and InterContinental accounting for 61% of investments between July and December 2024. During this period, investments in InterContinental totaled EC$70.3 million, while Six Senses garnered EC$6.7 million. The government requires a minimum investment of US$50,000 per application, contributing to the approval of 5,443 new citizens by the end of 2024. This initiative underscores Grenada’s appeal as a destination for high-net-worth individuals seeking citizenship through investment.
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Now Hiring: Sweet Traditions Bakery Café
Sweet Traditions Bakery Cafe has announced job openings for two key positions: Customer Service Attendant and Experienced Cook. The cafe is looking for individuals who can deliver exceptional customer service, maintain a friendly demeanor, and thrive in a fast-paced environment. Customer Service Attendants must be physically capable of standing for extended periods and available to work from Monday to Saturday. For the role of Experienced Cook, candidates are required to have prior cooking experience in a food service establishment, a genuine passion for culinary arts, and the ability to work collaboratively within a team. The cook’s schedule includes early morning shifts starting at 6 am, also from Monday to Saturday. Interested applicants are encouraged to send their applications via email to [email protected]. NOW Grenada, the platform sharing this announcement, has clarified that it is not responsible for the content or opinions expressed by contributors and has provided a reporting mechanism for any cases of abuse.
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Sandals to begin designing new resort for St. Vincent next year
Sandals Resorts International, under the leadership of CEO Adam Stewart, has unveiled plans to construct a state-of-the-art Beaches resort at Mt Wynne in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The project, slated to begin design work in 2026, represents a $500 million investment and is expected to feature 500 bedrooms, a world-class spa, and extraordinary water park facilities. The announcement was made during a signing ceremony in Buccament Bay, where Stewart emphasized the resort’s potential to employ nearly 2,000 Vincentians at full capacity.
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REOI: OECS Decision Making Project Credit
The Government of Grenada, with financial backing from the World Bank, is seeking a qualified individual to serve as the Deputy Project Coordinator (DPC) for the Organisation of the Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Data for Decision Making (DDM) Project. This initiative aims to enhance the statistical capabilities of Eastern Caribbean nations, enabling them to produce and disseminate data crucial for regional and national analytics. The selected consultant will support the Project Coordinator in managing and administering the Grenada segment of the project, which is set to run for 20 months starting October 2025. The role will be based at the Central Statistical Office in Grenada. Interested candidates must possess a Master’s degree in Project Management, Economics, Statistics, or a related field, along with a minimum of two years of project management experience. Additional qualifications include expertise in statistical operations, leadership skills, and familiarity with World Bank-funded projects. Applications must be submitted electronically by 24 October 2025, via the specified procurement portal. For further details, candidates can request the Terms of Reference by contacting the Central Procurement Unit.
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Antigua Barbuda Yachting and Marina Association Discover Yachting & Marine Expo Kicks off this week
The Antigua Barbuda Yachting and Marina Association (ABYMA) is set to host the highly anticipated Discover Yachting and Marine Industry Expo on October 8th and 9th at the Antigua Yacht Club and Marina. This two-day event, running from 9 AM to 6 PM, aims to inspire school leavers, tertiary education students, and adults to explore the diverse career opportunities within the marine industry. Over 20 businesses will showcase the wide array of roles available, from woodworking and electrical work to administration and marketing, emphasizing that these careers can be pursued locally without the need to leave Antigua and Barbuda. President Franklin Braithwaite highlighted the event’s mission to debunk the misconception that marine industry jobs require relocation, stating, ‘Many roles require valuable skills that are essential for the industry to thrive, and they can be pursued right here at home.’ Attendees will have the opportunity to receive personalized advice from industry professionals, network with exhibitors, and access a list of seasonal job openings. The Expo, which is free to enter, will also feature an official opening ceremony at 10 AM on Wednesday, with bars and restaurants open to create a welcoming atmosphere for visitors. Schools and individuals are encouraged to attend and discover the potential of the yachting and marine industry in Antigua and Barbuda. For more information, visit the ABYMA website or contact 736-1345.