During the opening day of the Havana International Fair (Fihav) 2025, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez highlighted the significance of the event as a testament to the nation’s resilience and creative resistance in the face of ongoing economic challenges. Addressing the Cuban press, Díaz-Canel emphasized that the fair, which runs from November 25 to November 29, serves as a platform to showcase Cuba’s potential and foster international partnerships. Despite the intensified U.S. economic blockade, the president underscored the importance of innovation, productivity, and alliances to overcome adversity. He noted that the fair enables Cuba to demonstrate its capabilities while learning from other nations, thereby building productive and business alliances crucial for the country’s development. Díaz-Canel also praised the presence of foreign businesspeople at the event, interpreting it as a sign of continued trust in Cuba. He acknowledged the challenges faced by these businesspeople, including unpaid debts and unmet commitments, yet highlighted their commitment to Cuba’s integrity and respect for their rights. The president also reflected on the participation of Cuban businesspeople living abroad, emphasizing their role in shaping the economic actors needed to build socialism in contemporary times. Díaz-Canel concluded by affirming Cuba’s determination to defend its present while striving for a better future, with the 41st edition of Fihav playing a pivotal role in this endeavor.
分类： business
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Arajet doubles daily flights to Newark as demand surges
Santo Domingo – Arajet, the Dominican Republic’s rapidly growing airline, has announced a significant expansion of its services to New York–Newark (EWR), doubling its daily flights to two starting November 19. This move comes in response to robust seasonal demand and consistently high load factors exceeding 85%. The airline’s strategic focus on strengthening its foothold in the U.S. market aligns with its broader growth objectives.
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Bravo Motors Leads Drive for Safer Highways in Belize
In Belize, road traffic accidents have become a more significant threat to public safety than homicides, with 108 fatalities recorded in 2024 alone. This alarming statistic has prompted a nationwide dialogue on driver safety. In response, Bravo Motors, the local Isuzu dealer, has initiated a series of safe driving seminars aimed at delivery truck drivers. The program focuses on enhancing highway safety and reducing the devastating impact of collisions on lives and businesses.
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IRD to expand digital service for tax compliance
The Inland Revenue Division (IRD) under Grenada’s Ministry of Finance has announced a landmark shift in tax administration. Beginning January 1, 2026, all individuals and businesses will be required to submit and process key tax types and licenses exclusively through the GTAX platform. This mandate covers Personal Income Tax (PIT), Corporate Income Tax (CIT), Pay As You Earn (PAYE), Gaming Tax, Excise Tax, Withholding Tax, Annual Stamp Tax, and all licenses. This move is a pivotal component of Grenada’s broader digital transformation strategy, aimed at enhancing efficiency, transparency, and convenience in tax management. The GTAX platform offers a secure, streamlined, and user-friendly interface, enabling taxpayers to view land and property details, check balances, and make payments via pay.gov.gd. While property tax assessments for 2026 will not be available on the platform, demand notices will be dispatched via post or email for registered users. The IRD urges taxpayers to register early at tax.gov.gd and acquaint themselves with the platform to ensure a seamless transition. The Ministry of Finance reaffirms its commitment to leveraging innovation and digital tools to improve public service delivery, fostering a more accessible and efficient tax environment. For assistance or further details, taxpayers are encouraged to visit ird.gd or contact the IRD directly.
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Grenada Hospitals Authority: RFP – Finance Consultant/Specialist
The Government of Grenada, through the Hospitals Statutorisation Transition Team (HSTT), has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a Finance Consultant or Specialist to undertake a comprehensive review of the financing landscape for hospital services. This initiative is part of a broader effort to transition hospital management from the Ministry of Health to a new statutory health authority, aiming to enhance governance, accountability, and financial sustainability. The selected consultant will be tasked with developing a financing roadmap that includes a detailed financial baseline, a unified accounting framework, and actionable recommendations to improve financial transparency and efficiency. The project, which is expected to span three months from January to April 2026, will involve a thorough assessment of current financial systems, benchmarking against international standards, and the development of an implementation roadmap. Interested consultants must demonstrate relevant qualifications and experience, including a minimum of five years in finance or related fields, and submit their proposals by December 31, 2025. The HSTT emphasizes confidentiality and reserves the right to accept or reject any proposal without justification.
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Jamaica Gleaner Editorial | CARICOM resilience bond
In a groundbreaking move to bolster economic resilience across the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the regional bloc has unveiled the CARICOM Resilience Bond. This innovative financial instrument aims to provide member states with critical resources to mitigate the impacts of natural disasters, climate change, and economic shocks. The bond is designed to attract both regional and international investors, offering a unique opportunity to support sustainable development while earning competitive returns. CARICOM leaders emphasize that the bond will prioritize investments in infrastructure, disaster preparedness, and climate adaptation projects, which are essential for the region’s long-term stability. The initiative reflects CARICOM’s proactive approach to addressing the vulnerabilities of small island developing states (SIDS) and fostering regional cooperation. Experts laud the bond as a strategic tool to enhance financial resilience, reduce dependency on external aid, and promote economic self-sufficiency. As the Caribbean faces increasing challenges from climate-related events, the CARICOM Resilience Bond is poised to play a pivotal role in safeguarding the region’s future.
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Diaz-Canel attends Fihav 2025 opening
The 2025 edition of the Havana International Fair (FIHAV) is set to take place at the Expocuba fairgrounds from November 24 to 29, attracting business leaders and official delegations from 47 countries and the European Union. This prestigious event, organized by the Cuban government, aims to foster international trade and investment opportunities on the island. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Trade and Investment, Oscar Perez-Oliva, announced the participation of 16 official delegations, including representatives from Venezuela, Mexico, Bulgaria, the Eurasian Economic Union, the Czech Republic, Iran, the Congo, Zimbabwe, Comoros, Angola, and South Africa. Additionally, key figures such as the director of the Colon Free Zone in Panama, executive secretaries of ALBA-TCP and the Latin American Economic System (SELA), and the secretary general of ALADI will be in attendance. This year’s FIHAV introduces five thematic areas: Made in Cuba, The Energy Transition, AI Cuba, Unique Cuba, and the Integration Mechanisms Forum. The event will also feature the VIII Investment Forum, an updated Portfolio of Opportunities, product presentations, and National Days. Concurrently, the Caribbean Banking Forum will be held on November 26 and 27 at the Parque Central Hotel, focusing on enhancing financial integration among CARICOM member states. Five business forums with Cuba’s major trading partners—Russia, Vietnam, Iran, Turkiye, and Argentina—will provide insights into new foreign investment policies designed to attract more capital. Antonio Carricarte, president of the Cuban Chamber of Commerce, confirmed the participation of 240 Cuban companies, including 181 state-owned enterprises and 61 private micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (mipymes).
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FIHAV 2025 opens in Havana
The 39th Havana International Fair (FIHAV) is set to unfold from November 24 to 29 at the Expocuba fairgrounds, marking another significant event in Cuba’s economic calendar. This year’s edition introduces five innovative thematic areas, each designed to highlight Cuba’s potential in various sectors.
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Economy to contract 11-13 per cent Oct-Dec — PIOJ
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which struck the island on October 28, has left Jamaica grappling with unprecedented economic challenges. Preliminary estimates from the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) indicate a potential 13 per cent decline in the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) for the final quarter of this year. This marks one of the most severe economic contractions since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
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Hadco Ltd commits to investing in local brands
In a significant move to bolster local manufacturing, Hadco Ltd has reaffirmed its dedication to distributing, supporting, and investing in homegrown brands. This commitment was formalized during a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony held on November 10 at Eyescream Animation, a local advertising agency. The event underscored Hadco’s ongoing partnerships with prominent local companies such as Halfmoon Ice Cream, Creamery Ice Cream, Novelties & Yogurt, Fresh Start Juices, Farm and Function, Adam’s Sauces, and Amare Probiotics. These brands have earned widespread recognition for their innovation, quality, and authenticity. Marc Clarke, Hadco’s marketing manager, emphasized the company’s unwavering support for local enterprises, stating, ‘At Hadco, we take great pride in being a champion for local innovation. Our commitment extends beyond distribution; it’s about investing in and nurturing brands that embody the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of Trinidad and Tobago.’ Dale Parson, president of the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA), praised Hadco’s leadership in strengthening the local manufacturing sector, noting its role in providing critical distribution, marketing, and business development support. Marcus Sun Kow, managing director of Fresh Start Juices, expressed optimism about the renewed partnership, highlighting opportunities for growth and expanded production. Anastasia Pickering, brand manager for Creamery Ice Cream, Novelties and Yogurt, also emphasized the importance of Hadco’s investment in promoting locally made products. Hadco’s recommitment marks a pivotal step in empowering local producers, fostering innovation, and enhancing confidence in Trinidad and Tobago’s manufacturing potential.