Carib Scope

分类： business

  • Petrotrin must be upgraded

    Petrotrin must be upgraded

    In a compelling analysis of Trinidad and Tobago’s energy sector, industry expert Gordon Laughlin argues that the modernization of the Pointe-a-Pierre refinery represents not merely an option but a critical strategic necessity for the nation’s economic future.

    The refinery, which ceased operations in 2018, previously positioned Trinidad as a regional energy powerhouse, supplying the entire Caribbean with a comprehensive range of refined petroleum products including LPG, unleaded gasoline, jet fuel, kerosene, diesel, fuel oil, bitumen, sulphur, and base lubricants. This capability ensured both national self-sufficiency and established Trinidad as a significant exporter within the region.

    Laughlin identifies three pivotal opportunities that a modernized facility could capture. First, the nation possesses the scientific and industrial capacity to develop high-value derivatives from its own Pitch Lake resources. Lake Asphalt already produces refined pitch and sealants for export, representing a niche, high-margin market that remains significantly underutilized despite its considerable potential.

    Second, any refinery reactivation must incorporate future-proof capabilities to process Guyana’s light sweet crude, currently among the hemisphere’s most sought-after commodities. Failure to develop this capacity would allow other nations to capitalize on refining and profiting from Guyana’s resources.

    Third, the facility requires capabilities to refine Venezuelan heavy crude. Despite its challenging composition, Venezuela’s proximity offers substantial freight savings, faster shipment turnaround times, and opportunities for blending or refining this crude for regional distribution. This would reposition Trinidad advantageously within the Caribbean energy logistics chain.

    Laughlin advocates for positioning the refinery as the Caribbean’s premier toll refining facility, blending hub, and finished products supplier rather than allowing other nations to seize these emerging opportunities. The commentary concludes that Trinidad has never lacked the talent, resources, or strategic location for such endeavors, but has instead faced a deficit of political will to realize this vision.

  • Vacancy: Production Manager

    Vacancy: Production Manager

    A prominent Grenadian manufacturing enterprise has announced an exceptional career opportunity for an experienced Production Manager within its distillery operations. The organization seeks a dedicated professional ready to embrace the challenges of overseeing sophisticated bottling and blending processes while driving operational excellence.

    The successful candidate will assume comprehensive responsibility for maximizing daily production output while maintaining stringent compliance with ISO 22000 food safety standards and quality control protocols. This leadership position demands meticulous attention to detail across all manufacturing phases, from raw material verification to finished product delivery.

    Core operational duties include developing and implementing daily production schedules, optimizing workforce allocation, and minimizing equipment downtime through proactive maintenance strategies. The Production Manager will also spearhead continuous improvement initiatives, utilizing data analytics to enhance efficiency and productivity across all manufacturing segments.

    Beyond technical oversight, the role encompasses significant personnel management responsibilities. The selected individual will mentor departmental staff, foster professional development, and maintain team morale while ensuring adherence to operational protocols. Budget management constitutes another critical component, requiring the formulation of both recurrent and capital expenditure proposals.

    The ideal candidate must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Natural Sciences or Engineering, with postgraduate distilling qualifications considered particularly advantageous. Certification in ISO Management Systems and Food Safety Procedures is mandatory, complemented by minimum five years’ supervisory experience within distillery operations or comparable manufacturing environments.

    Essential technical knowledge encompasses liquid filtration principles, packaging requirements, HACCP protocols, and Good Manufacturing Practices. Behavioral competencies should include advanced communication skills, innovative problem-solving capabilities, and demonstrated proficiency in collaborative leadership across organizational hierarchies.

    Interested professionals must submit comprehensive application packages including cover letter and CV in Word or PDF format, accompanied by three business references, to the designated email address with the specific subject line ‘Application: Production Manager’. The submission deadline remains January 12, 2025, though the organization reserves the right to modify this timeline.

    J’S HR Consultancy, acting as recruitment agent, confirms the legitimacy of this advertisement and the esteemed reputation of the hiring organization within Grenada’s business community. Additional enterprise details will be disclosed to shortlisted candidates during subsequent selection phases.

  • BHTA strengthens skills with new marketing, business development course

    BHTA strengthens skills with new marketing, business development course

    In a strategic move to enhance Barbados’ tourism competitiveness, the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) has celebrated the inaugural graduation of its specialized marketing and business development program. This four-week intensive course specifically targeted small accommodation providers and direct tourism service members, equipping them with advanced digital marketing strategies and brand development techniques essential for thriving in today’s data-driven tourism economy.

    The program, developed in collaboration with Flourish by Design, utilized the innovative ‘Piggies and Pickles’ framework designed to help small and medium-sized enterprises overcome branding challenges cost-effectively. Fully funded through the BHTA’s Tourism Fund, this initiative represents the association’s ongoing commitment to supporting national marketing objectives beyond traditional trade show participation.

    BHTA Operations Manager Greg Broomes emphasized the program’s strategic importance: ‘While international trade shows remain valuable, we recognize that smaller entities often lack resources for regular attendance. Equipping them with modern marketing tools enables them to amplify national marketing efforts and compete effectively in key source markets.’

    Graduates will now transition into a comprehensive year-long Group Mentorship Programme featuring quarterly expert-led workshops. This extended support system ensures practical application of learned skills and continuous professional development throughout the year.

    Program participant Barbara Thomas, Regional Manager of SunTours Caribbean, attested to the program’s transformative impact: ‘This training revolutionized our ability to communicate brand value and tell our story effectively. The knowledge gained directly enhanced our participation in the World Travel Market in London, allowing us to position Barbados as a premium destination.’

    Debbie Estwick, Strategic Brand Consultant and program facilitator, praised participants’ dedication: ‘We demystified branding and marketing management for the digital age, proving that strategic patience and smart partnerships can turn branding challenges into financial successes.’

    The initiative underscores Barbados’ broader commitment to sustainable tourism growth by empowering local businesses to become authentic brand ambassadors, ultimately strengthening the island’s position in the competitive global tourism market.

  • Port truckers see import surge as Bajans look abroad for cheaper goods

    Port truckers see import surge as Bajans look abroad for cheaper goods

    A significant pre-Christmas surge in personal import activity at Bridgetown Port indicates a growing trend among Barbadian consumers seeking alternatives to high local prices by sourcing goods directly from international markets, according to port personnel.

    Port truck drivers report substantially increased workload in recent weeks, predominantly driven by household import volumes rather than commercial shipments. One driver interviewed noted the dramatic uptick in activity, stating that personal imports have exceeded last year’s holiday season volumes considerably.

    “The Christmas period has brought tremendous increase in import activities,” the driver reported. “Individual households are generating the majority of port logistics work through their consistent importation of barrels, boxes, and various household goods rather than large corporate consignments.”

    The driver directly attributed this consumer behavior shift to Barbados’ cost of living challenges, suggesting that residents find international sourcing more economically viable than purchasing from local retailers. “With local prices at current levels, households are strategically opting to procure desired items from overseas markets to maximize their purchasing power,” he explained.

    While acknowledging occasional processing delays due to customs clearance procedures, the driver confirmed that deliveries generally proceed efficiently even during the seasonal rush when documentation is properly prepared.

    The aggregation of seemingly small individual shipments—typically one or two barrels per household—creates substantial cumulative volume that sustains employment for truckers, freight forwarders, and clearing agents throughout the holiday season. From the driver’s perspective, while commercial enterprises import larger single consignments, the frequency of personal imports significantly outweighs business deliveries in overall port activity.

    Additionally, port workers have observed increased vehicle imports, though they emphasize this observation comes from direct operational experience rather than official statistics. This automotive import trend similarly reflects household efforts to optimize financial resources during economically challenging times.

    Despite the intensified workload and extended hours, the seasonal import surge has provided welcome financial benefits for workers throughout Barbados’ port logistics sector.

  • Thousands welcomed amid high-volume arrivals at ports of entry

    Thousands welcomed amid high-volume arrivals at ports of entry

    Barbados witnessed unprecedented tourism activity during its Tourism Week celebrations, with both air and sea ports experiencing historic passenger volumes. The island’s tourism sector demonstrated remarkable operational capacity as it welcomed thousands of visitors through coordinated hospitality initiatives.

    At Grantley Adams International Airport (GAIA), Saturday marked the busiest day for commercial flights in recent history. CEO Hadley Bourne reported the arrival of 22 wide-body commercial aircraft, supplemented by six cargo flights and approximately 13 regional services. This air traffic surge translated to nearly 7,900 tourist passengers and an additional 2,000 air-to-sea passengers transitioning through the airport facilities.

    Simultaneously, Bridgetown Port recorded an impressive influx on Friday, with over 10,000 cruise passengers disembarking from three major vessels: Arvia, Grand Princess, and Costa Pacifica. The cruise terminal transformed into a vibrant cultural hub, featuring traditional tuk band performances and local culinary offerings.

    The Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) orchestrated special Visitor Appreciation Day activities across both ports. Arriving guests received warm welcomes featuring artisanal cocktails by mixologist Shane McCLean, complemented by local sweet treats and souvenir gifts. Departing travelers enjoyed farewell presentations from performers in traditional attire, with a roving photographer capturing final vacation moments.

    Notable enhancements included musical performances by pianist Rhea Drakes in food court areas and a special appearance by cricket legend Joel Garner, who engaged with visitors through autograph sessions and photo opportunities. The event also featured an innovative multilingual volunteer program, with students from the University of the West Indies and Barbados Community College providing translation services and local guidance in German, Italian, French, and Spanish.

    Airport authorities reported that pre-season equipment investments significantly improved operational efficiency during the peak period. Tourism officials expressed particular satisfaction with the robust arrivals from key source markets including the United States, Canada, Europe, and Caribbean neighbors.

    The successful Tourism Week, held December 14-20 under the theme “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation,” concluded with these events, demonstrating effective collaboration between BTMI, educational institutions, and local communities.

  • Over 7,800 cruise passengers arrive in Antigua in single day

    Over 7,800 cruise passengers arrive in Antigua in single day

    The shores of Antigua and Barbuda experienced a significant economic uplift on Monday as a formidable fleet of four cruise vessels descended upon St. John’s Harbour, delivering an impressive influx of over 7,800 passengers to the capital. This maritime convergence marked one of the most substantial single-day arrivals for the Eastern Caribbean nation, generating vibrant commercial activity throughout the urban center.

    According to official data released by Antigua Cruise Port, the German-flagged Mein Schiff 2 led the nautical procession with approximately 2,800 passengers aboard. It was closely followed by AIDAsol, which contributed an additional 2,400 visitors to the bustling port. Completing the maritime quartet were the renowned Queen Elizabeth and the luxury vessel Azamara Quest, which collectively accounted for nearly 2,600 more travelers disembarking onto Antiguan soil.

    The substantial visitor volume translated into immediate economic benefits across multiple sectors. Transportation providers witnessed exceptional demand for their services, with taxi operators reporting near-constant occupancy throughout the daylight hours. Tour companies experienced robust booking rates for island excursions, while retail establishments and dining venues recorded notably higher transaction volumes compared to typical weekday operations.

    Port authorities confirmed that this event aligns with an accelerating trajectory for cruise tourism, with December alone scheduled to host 98 vessel calls—surpassing the total recorded during the corresponding period last year. Industry analysts interpret these figures as indicative of the sector’s robust recovery and expansion within the Caribbean basin.

    The remarkable turnout not only demonstrates Antigua and Barbuda’s growing prominence as a premier cruise destination but also underscores the industry’s critical role in sustaining employment opportunities and supporting small to medium enterprises throughout the dual-island nation. Port officials emphasized that strategic investments in port infrastructure and visitor experiences continue to yield substantial returns in market competitiveness.

  • Punta Cana Airport sets record with 896 flights in a single week

    Punta Cana Airport sets record with 896 flights in a single week

    Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) has shattered its operational records by handling an unprecedented 896 flights within a single week, marking the highest weekly traffic volume in the airport’s history. This achievement solidifies its status as the Dominican Republic’s most active and rapidly growing aviation hub.

    The record-breaking figure represents a substantial year-on-year increase of 125 flights compared to the same period in 2024, when the airport managed 771 weekly operations. This surge demonstrates both the sustained growth in regional air travel demand and the airport’s enhanced capacity to manage intensified air traffic efficiently. Airport management credits this exceptional performance to Punta Cana’s strengthened position as the Caribbean’s premier tourist destination, coupled with continuous expansion within the hotel industry and diversification of tourism attractions.

    Additional growth drivers include the development of emerging destinations such as Miches, which has seen the addition of over 2,000 new hotel rooms this year alone. This infrastructure expansion has motivated airlines to increase flight frequencies and establish new routes to the region. The airport’s ongoing development program has significantly enhanced regional connectivity, reduced layover times, and optimized travel efficiency, further establishing Punta Cana Airport as a regional leader in operational excellence, connectivity, and passenger satisfaction.

  • Merchants confirm chicken shortage and rising prices during holiday season

    Merchants confirm chicken shortage and rising prices during holiday season

    Santo Domingo – A significant poultry supply crisis has emerged in the Dominican Republic during the critical holiday season, contradicting official claims of market stability. Major commercial associations report severe chicken shortages nationwide, creating operational challenges for retailers and forcing consumers to face rationing measures and substantial price increases.

    Industry representatives appearing on the television program ‘Despierta con CDN’ provided detailed accounts of the situation. Jorge Jerez from the National Provisions Council, Lesseps Divani de León representing the Santo Domingo Provisions Wholesalers Association (Amaprosado), and José Veras of the Dominican Federation of Merchants (Fenacerd) unanimously confirmed that suppliers are delivering dramatically reduced quantities compared to merchant requests.

    The supply chain disruption affects businesses across scales, from major supermarket chains to small grocery stores, food stalls, and fried food vendors. Current market prices reflect the severity of the shortage, with supermarket chicken selling for approximately RD$79 per pound while wholesale markets reach RD$93 per pound. After accounting for additional distribution costs, consumers ultimately pay between RD$110 and RD$120 per pound.

    Evidence of the crisis includes the rapid sellout of nearly 80,000 pounds of chicken at a recent Inespre fair. Market analysts point to multiple potential causes including intermediary manipulation, production planning failures, discrepancies between official data and actual output, and residual effects of previous avian health outbreaks that impacted poultry production capacity.

    Compounding the problem, anticipatory buying driven by shortage fears has created speculative market behavior that further drives price inflation. The protein shortage coincides with rising costs for other essential food items, with plantains now selling for RD$30-RD$35 in markets and up to RD$45 in smaller shops, while cassava reaches RD$35-RD$40 per pound, indicating broad inflationary pressure on Dominican food baskets during the holiday period.

  • Jackpot Sales Dip Slightly Amid Transparency Questions

    Jackpot Sales Dip Slightly Amid Transparency Questions

    Belize’s national lottery operation has reported a noticeable downturn in revenue for its flagship Million Dollar Jackpot event, marking a concerning trend in its second year of operation. According to official figures released by Belize Government Lotteries Limited, ticket sales dropped by approximately $8,000 compared to the previous year’s performance.

    The disappointing financial results come amid growing public skepticism regarding the transparency of winner selection and payout verification processes. Despite assurances from lottery authorities that all prize distributions have been conducted in full compliance with legal requirements, lingering doubts appear to have eroded consumer confidence.

    Janel Espat, Managing Director of Belize Government Lotteries, provided detailed context to the financial shortfall. “Our sales decreased to $916,910 this year from last year’s $924,140,” Espat confirmed. “We had anticipated significantly stronger performance in our second annual draw, ideally exceeding the million-dollar threshold.”

    The revenue decline has practical consequences beyond mere statistics. Espat noted that the organization had planned to donate any surplus profits to charitable causes within Belize, a commitment that now remains unfulfilled due to the financial shortfall.

    Transparency concerns emerged prominently following media reports questioning whether all fourteen announced winners had actually received their prizes. Additional scrutiny focused on the lottery’s policy regarding winner identification, with critics arguing that insufficient disclosure undermined the game’s credibility.

    In response to these concerns, Espat revealed that three of the four most recent prize claimants had consented to limited photographic documentation, showing them from the neck down—a compromise between privacy protection and public verification needs.

    Despite the revenue challenges, the lottery maintained its targeted payout percentage between 70-72%, ensuring that prize distributions remained consistent with operational guidelines. The situation highlights the delicate balance between operational transparency and participant privacy that government-sanctioned gambling operations must maintain to preserve public trust.

  • Belize Tax Service Calls Second Annual GST-Free Weekend a Success

    Belize Tax Service Calls Second Annual GST-Free Weekend a Success

    The Belize Tax Service has reported a highly successful implementation of its second annual GST-free holiday shopping weekend, generating substantial consumer activity just days before Christmas. Despite isolated incidents of retailers incorrectly applying the standard 12.5% General Sales Tax, officials expressed overwhelming satisfaction with the program’s execution and public response.

    Vilma Broaster, Deputy Director General of the Belize Tax Service, provided initial observations indicating strong public participation. While comprehensive data won’t be available until January, Broaster noted significantly reduced complaint volumes compared to the previous year’s event. “There were taxpayers, consumers who had called in and said that they were still being charged the GST,” Broaster acknowledged, adding that these cases represented isolated incidents rather than widespread non-compliance.

    The initiative, designed to stimulate local economic activity and provide consumer relief during the holiday season, marked Belize’s third GST-free shopping event following a similar back-to-school promotion earlier in 2025. Broaster personally witnessed the intense retail activity, describing packed parking lots and crowded stores that forced her to abandon shopping attempts on both Saturday and Sunday.

    When questioned about the program’s future, Broaster confirmed the government’s commitment to continuing both the Christmas and back-to-school GST-free weekends. The Tax Service plans to submit recommendations for procedural refinements to enhance future implementations, with continued consultation between government authorities, business operators, and consumers.