In a grand celebration marking 200 years of business excellence, Sagicor Life Inc. (Sagicor) emerged as a standout performer, securing the prestigious Best Business Award in the Large Business Category at the Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (BCCI) Bicentennial Gala & Awards. The event, hosted at the Wyndham Grand Barbados Resort, gathered the nation’s foremost corporate leaders to honor resilience, innovation, and leadership across various industries.
分类： business
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Sangster International Airport named Caribbean’s leading airport for 17th consecutive year
Sangster International Airport (SIA) in St James, Jamaica, has once again been crowned the Caribbean’s Leading Airport by the World Travel Awards (WTA) for the 17th consecutive year. The prestigious accolade was announced on October 4, 2025, during the WTA Caribbean & North America Gala Ceremony held at the Sandals Grande Saint Lucian Resort in St Lucia. This event is part of the WTA’s annual Grand Tour, which honors excellence in the global travel, tourism, and hospitality sectors. Shane Munroe, CEO of MBJ Airports Limited (MBJ), the operator of SIA, expressed profound gratitude for the recognition, dedicating the award to the MBJ team, the SIA community, and all stakeholders. He emphasized that the achievement reflects the dedication of over 7,500 team members and partners who strive to deliver exceptional experiences for travelers. SIA, Jamaica’s primary tourism gateway, handles over 70% of the island’s air traffic. The airport has been investing heavily in infrastructure, passenger experience enhancements, sustainability initiatives, and technological innovations. Recent projects include full biometric integration for departures and the upcoming pilot of a self-bag drop system. Munroe highlighted plans to expand check-in areas, parking facilities, the Immigration Hall, and the East Concourse to further improve efficiency and customer satisfaction. Sharon Hislop-Holt, Manager of Commercial Business Development and Marketing, underscored the collaborative efforts behind the airport’s success, thanking stakeholders and partners for their support. The WTA, established in 1993, is globally recognized as the pinnacle of industry excellence, with its regional winners advancing to the World Travel Awards Grand Final.
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Food Prices Continue to see Slight Decreases In Antigua and Barbuda, June CPI Reveals
The Ministry of Finance and Corporate Governance’s Statistics Division has released the Consumer Price Index (CPI) data for June 2025, revealing a complex economic landscape marked by contrasting trends in food, energy, and core inflation sectors. Year-on-year analysis shows a modest 0.2% rise in the CPI for the twelve months ending June 2025, a notable recovery from the 0.6% decline recorded in May. However, the All Items Less Food and Energy index remained unchanged, reflecting a balancing act within core inflation metrics. The Food index experienced a 0.8% decline over the same period, driven by significant drops in vegetable prices, including lettuce (-60.6%), frozen vegetable blends (-23.0%), and onions (-13.8%). Other food subcategories, such as fish and seafood (-3.2%), oils and fats (-6.3%), and dairy products (-2.2%), also contributed to the downturn. Conversely, the Energy index surged by 5.4%, underscoring ongoing volatility in global energy markets. Monthly data highlights a 1.0% increase in the CPI for June, with the Food index rising 0.9% after a 0.4% drop in May. Notable monthly gains were observed in fruits (3.5%) and vegetables (2.8%), while transport services (8.4%) and health-related expenses (9.6%) saw significant hikes. These increases were partially offset by declines in recreation and culture (-5.1%) and household maintenance (-4.1%). The report underscores the intricate interplay of inflationary pressures across sectors, with implications for consumer spending and economic policy.
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Cannabis farmers urge regional trade before global exports
Caribbean cannabis cultivators have issued a strong warning to governments, urging them to prioritize national and regional trade before venturing into international markets. This call was a central theme at the St Vincent and the Grenadines Second Cannabis Conference and Expo Regional Cultivators’ Dialogue, where traditional growers and advocates from across the region convened. The consensus was clear: safeguarding local farmers, bolstering regional economies, and preserving sovereignty must take precedence over global ambitions.
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Financial Information Month Festival 2025 Launched
The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) officially inaugurated the Financial Information Month (FIM) Festival 2025 on September 30 with a regional media event. The gathering united banking partners, students, educators, government representatives, and media practitioners from across the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU). The event signaled the commencement of a month-long series of activities throughout October, aimed at fortifying communities and empowering citizens to transition from being savers to investors—the central theme of this year’s FIM Festival. Deputy Governor Dr. Valda F. Henry delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing the ECCB’s mission to maintain monetary and financial stability while fostering growth and development. She highlighted key initiatives such as the First Step Savings Account, designed to integrate more citizens into the formal banking system, and the Regional Government Securities Market (RGSM) Retail Bond Initiative, which aims to facilitate the shift from saving to investing. The launch, chaired by Shermalon Kirby, Director of the Corporate Relations Department, featured presentations from regional and sectoral partners. These included discussions on wealth creation by Dwight Sampson of Grenada’s Ministry of Finance, a monologue titled “Me Want to Grow My Wealth” by Shana Derrick, and insights into the ECCU Retail Bond Initiative by Juletta Edinborough. Additionally, Youlouca Armony-Browne of the Eastern Caribbean Securities Exchange highlighted the 3rd Annual Regional Schools Investment Competition, with reflections from the 2024 champions, Adelphi Secondary School. Representatives from FIM Partnering institutions also presented their 2025 Calendar of Activities.
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Ferries, not Flights: Caribbean officials push for cost-effective, cargo-friendly sea links
For decades, the Caribbean has grappled with limited maritime connectivity, primarily relying on sub-regional transportation like L’Express Des Îles, which serves French and Creole-speaking islands. However, the potential of ferry services to revolutionize regional travel and trade has become a focal point for tourism officials, business leaders, and policymakers. At the State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) 2025, ministers from across the Caribbean emphasized the transformative impact of expanded ferry networks on both economic and social fronts. Tashia Burris, Secretary of Tourism for Tobago, highlighted the challenges faced by international visitors due to overbooked domestic flights. She underscored the strategic advantage of ferry services in connecting Tobago with neighboring islands like Grenada, Barbados, and Trinidad, calling it a ‘no-brainer’ for regional integration. Grenada’s Tourism Minister, Adrian Thomas, echoed this sentiment, noting that ferries could not only facilitate passenger travel but also address agricultural waste by providing a reliable means to transport perishable goods. He advocated for investments in vessels equipped with cold storage to support farmers and reduce food spoilage. Zhavargo Jolly, Minister of Tourism for Turks and Caicos, passionately argued for the establishment of a regional supply chain to reduce costs and improve efficiency. He criticized the current reliance on North American hubs like Miami for intra-Caribbean shipments, which inflates costs and impacts the cost of living. Jolly called for collaborative efforts within regional organizations like CARICOM and the Caribbean Tourism Organisation to turn these discussions into actionable plans. While the enthusiasm for ferry services is palpable, the realization of this vision hinges on the commitment of key decision-makers to invest in infrastructure and foster regional cooperation.
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NBD and Discover Dominica Authority launch two-year partnership to boost culture, tourism, and community development
The National Bank of Dominica Ltd. (NBD) and the Discover Dominica Authority (DDA) have solidified a two-year strategic partnership aimed at bolstering Dominica’s cultural, tourism, and community development efforts. Announced during a press conference in Roseau, this collaboration will provide financial and in-kind support to both national and grassroots events across the island. The partnership’s first initiative will see NBD as the Premium Bank Sponsor for the 25th World Creole Music Festival (WCMF), a cornerstone of Dominica’s cultural calendar. To commemorate the festival’s silver jubilee, NBD has introduced the “25 Years, 25 Big Wins” promotion, offering customers the chance to win prizes such as cash rewards, festival tickets, and branded merchandise through credit card transactions or new sign-ups. A grand prize of EC$2,500 will be awarded in November. Beyond the WCMF, NBD will support a variety of cultural events, including Mas Dominik, Jazz and Creole, Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl, Breakfast Fete, and community carnival activities. Additionally, NBD will engage with fringe events like Rize and Whine and White Sunset, hosting interactive “Scan & Win $250” promotions at designated lounges and QR stations. In partnership with NexConnex, NBD will sponsor the WCMF Art Gallery, showcasing the work of Dominican artisans and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The gallery will feature NBD point-of-sale machines to facilitate seamless purchases, directly supporting local creators. Michelle Joseph, NBD’s Marketing Manager, highlighted the partnership’s broader impact, stating, “This is more than sponsorship. This is partnership in action – culture, community, and commerce working together, with NBD as the bridge.” The initiative aligns with NBD’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, reinforcing its commitment to cultural pride, small business support, and community strengthening. The collaboration, set to run through 2027, represents a sustained investment in Dominica’s cultural and economic landscape.
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Caribbean Airlines CEO quits
Garvin Medera, the long-serving Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Caribbean Airlines, has stepped down from his position after eight years at the helm. His resignation, reported by the Trinidad Express, follows a stern ultimatum issued earlier this year by Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister, Kamla Persad-Bissessar. In August, the Prime Minister warned the airline’s management that they would be replaced within two years if they failed to address the operational challenges plaguing the company. Medera’s departure comes in the wake of the airline’s board resigning after the country’s general elections in April. The airline has faced heightened scrutiny in recent months, leading to the dismissal or suspension of several high-ranking members of the finance team. Additionally, Caribbean Airlines has announced the discontinuation of its services between Kingston, Montego Bay, and Fort Lauderdale, effective November 2, 2025, as part of efforts to optimize its network. This move underscores the airline’s ongoing struggles and its attempts to streamline operations amidst financial and operational pressures.
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US now Barbados’ number one source market
Barbados’ tourism sector has witnessed a significant boost, with stayover arrivals increasing by 5.43% between January and August 2025, totaling 503,000 visitors. For the first time, the United States has surpassed the United Kingdom as the island’s leading source market, marking a historic shift in Barbados’ tourism landscape. Andrea Franklin, CEO of Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI), highlighted this milestone during the Caribbean Tourism Organisation’s State of the Tourism Industry Conference at the Hilton Barbados Resort. ‘Arrivals from the United States stand at 179,753 visitors, making the US our number one source market this year,’ Franklin stated. ‘This is particularly significant given the UK’s long-standing dominance in Barbados’ tourism history.’ The Caribbean region also performed well, securing the third position with 70,984 visitors. Franklin attributed the US’s rise to BTMI’s strategic focus on expanding airlift capacity. ‘We doubled down on our airlift strategy, targeting the US market. In winter 2025, we secured over 60,000 additional seats from the US, which was pivotal in building capacity,’ she explained. Cruise arrivals also saw a 24% increase, with 599,826 passengers visiting the island between January and July. Franklin noted ongoing enhancements at the Bridgetown Cruise Terminal, including modernization, improved passenger flow, and greener port operations. Additionally, significant investments in the accommodation sector are underway, with new hotels like the Blue Monkey Hotel and Beach Club, Hotel Indigo, and Beaches Barbados expected to open between 2026 and 2027.
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Jamaican-born beauty mogul launches PIMBY store in Georgia
Hundreds of enthusiastic customers gathered at the Mall of Georgia in Buford, Georgia, to celebrate the grand opening of the 10,000-square-foot flagship store of Playing in Makeup by Yolondo (PIMBY), founded by Jamaican-born beauty mogul Yolondo Salmon Thomas. The event, held on September 27, was a resounding success, drawing business and political leaders from Atlanta and surrounding areas, as well as members of the Jamaican diaspora and the Consulate of Jamaica. Thomas expressed her joy at the overwhelming response, stating, ‘The turnout was amazing. I love people, so it was great to share the moment with them. Seeing the joy on their faces as they explored the products was incredibly rewarding.’ PIMBY, one of the few independent black-owned flagship brands, offers over 100 products, including the market’s most viral concealer. The brand has already seen a steady stream of customers returning for the personalized experience, even on traditionally slow days. Thomas, who has built a multimillion-dollar cosmetics line with customers in over 150 countries, continues to expand her influence through her social media platforms, including Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram, where she has amassed millions of followers. This launch signifies a pivotal moment for Jamaican entrepreneurship in the global beauty industry.