分类： business

In a strategic move to ensure smooth port operations, the Customs and Excise Division, alongside the Port Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (TT), the Port of Port of Spain (PPOS), and the Point Lisas Industrial Port Development Corporation Ltd (PLIPDECO), has introduced coordinated measures to manage vessel traffic at the Port of Port of Spain from October 22 to 30. This initiative was necessitated by the docking of the USS Gravely at the port from October 26 to 30. The Finance Ministry, in a statement on October 26, highlighted the collaborative efforts of these entities to temporarily redirect and process vessels and cargo to the Port of Point Lisas. This redirection ensures that shipping lines, agents, and shippers opting for this alternative can receive their cargo as expected. The ports’ management teams have been diligently working to guarantee seamless berthing, cargo handling, and documentation processes. The PPOS has forwarded all pertinent information to the Port of Point Lisas, and interested agents have provided their vessel details, which are now included in the vessel schedule at the Port of Point Lisas. Shipping agents have been advised to contact their vessel agents to confirm the availability of services at the Port of Point Lisas. Additionally, Customs and Excise Officers have been deployed to support enhanced inspection and clearance operations at both ports. Accommodations have been made for full export and transshipment containers in inventory at the Port of Port of Spain to be transferred to the Port of Point Lisas. Measures have been implemented to minimize disruptions to normal customs port operations, ensuring a seamless and timely transfer of containers. The Port of Point Lisas has extended its gate hours to accommodate all service requests. This arrangement will remain effective until October 30, ensuring that export containers are transferred efficiently and without delay. This collaboration underscores the shared commitment to national trade resilience and operational flexibility within TT’s port network. The teams have worked closely to efficiently accommodate all vessels and maintain the integrity of cargo flows across both ports. The agencies expressed their gratitude to all stakeholders for their cooperation and promised continuous updates as normal operations resume at the Port of Port of Spain.

Angostura Holdings Ltd has unveiled impressive financial results for the nine-month period ending September 30, 2025, showcasing robust growth across key metrics. The company reported $757 million in revenue and a $145 million profit before tax, with profit after tax climbing 10 per cent to $104 million. Total assets expanded by six per cent year-over-year to $1.9 billion, supported by a low debt ratio of 0.16. Earnings per share also rose from $0.46 to $0.51, reflecting the company’s strong performance. The international segment experienced significant growth, with Branded Rum sales surging 182 per cent and Angostura Chill sales increasing by eight per cent. Exports now account for 45 per cent of total group revenue, while domestic growth rose by three per cent, driven by the launch of new ready-to-drink products. Operating activities generated $124 million, up from $113 million, and finance income grew by 42 per cent due to strong returns from US dollar investments. Recently appointed chairman Gary Hunt expressed optimism about sustaining long-term growth and maximizing shareholder value through innovation and operational excellence. The company’s board underwent significant changes in 2025, with six former directors resigning in June and five new members appointed in August. These changes delayed the approval of a final dividend of $0.28 per share, originally scheduled for July 31, 2025. Angostura’s financial momentum continues, having achieved $33 million in profit before tax in the first quarter of 2025 and surpassing $1 billion in revenue for the financial year ended December 31, 2024.

The Guyana Stock Exchange (GSE) has introduced a groundbreaking AI Chatbot, marking a significant leap in financial market accessibility and education. Launched on October 13, this innovative tool is the result of a collaborative effort between the GSE and WizdomCRM Guyana Inc, supported by the Caricom Private Sector Organization (CPSO). The AI Chatbot is designed to provide real-time insights from company annual reports, market statistics, and historical data, making complex financial information more accessible to the public. GSE General Manager Sarojinie Rajaram emphasized that this initiative is not just a technological advancement but a step toward empowering Guyanese citizens to confidently engage with the financial market. Dr. Patrick Antoine, CEO and technical director of the CPSO secretariat, highlighted the chatbot’s role in fostering regional collaboration and investor confidence. WizdomCRM, which has already onboarded over 1,700 students on its AI Tutor Platform, aims to extend its reach by integrating the corporate enterprise AI Chatbot directly on the GSE website. TT Country Manager Charielle Plowden noted that the chatbot, powered by an advanced AI model trained on four years of public annual reports and historical data, offers real-time, data-backed insights in simple, relatable language.

Furness Anchorage General Insurance Ltd has bolstered its leadership team with the appointment of Jo-Anne Julien and Roger Packer as non-executive directors. Executive Chairman William Ferreira emphasized that these additions are poised to enhance the company’s governance, strategic planning, and long-term growth. Julien, a founding partner at MG Daly and Associates and former chair of the Unit Trust Corporation, brings extensive experience in corporate governance and investment management. Packer, a former CEO of Tucker Energy, adds significant expertise from his roles on boards such as RBC Royal Bank TT and Yara Trinidad. Ferreira highlighted that these appointments align with the company’s commitment to prudent management and its 180-year legacy in the insurance industry. Established in 1979 as part of the government’s initiative to localize the sector, Furness Anchorage has grown into one of Trinidad and Tobago’s largest non-life insurers, with group assets nearing $500 million. Supported by global reinsurers through AON Reinsurance, the company remains focused on stability, customer trust, and growth in a competitive market.