On November 11, four prominent hotels in Tobago were awarded approximately $1.7 million in financial reimbursements and grants by the Tobago Tourism Agency Limited (TTAL). The recipients—Crown Point Beach Hotel, Shepherd’s Inn, Tropikist Beach Hotel and Resort, and Sparkle’s B Lovely Events and Accommodation—were recognized for their commitment to enhancing the island’s tourism sector. The funds were disbursed under the Tourism Accommodation Upgrade Project (TAUP) and phase two of the Tourism Accommodation Relief Grant (TARG) programme, both aimed at elevating Tobago’s hospitality standards and fostering a sustainable tourism industry. The TAUP initiative, approved by the Cabinet, provides partial reimbursements to eligible accommodation providers for infrastructural improvements that enhance visitor experiences. Meanwhile, the TARG programme offers crucial financial support to help operators maintain high standards. Notable upgrades funded by these initiatives include the installation of solar energy and waste management systems at Shepherd’s Inn Tobago, refurbishments at Crown Point Beach Hotel, and significant health and safety improvements at Tropikist Beach Hotel & Resort and Sparkle’s B Lovely Events and Accommodation. At the grant distribution ceremony, Secretary for Tourism Tashia Burris highlighted the importance of these investments in positioning Tobago as a competitive destination. She emphasized the need to elevate accommodation standards to meet global expectations and called for collaboration between the public and private sectors to showcase Tobago’s unique cultural and natural offerings. TTAL reaffirmed its dedication to advancing the island’s tourism infrastructure and ensuring visitors experience Tobago’s unspoiled charm and Beyond Ordinary appeal.
分类： business
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Ian Ramrattan gets the nod for T&TEC general manager
Ian Ramrattan, a seasoned professional with over three decades of experience at the Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC), has been appointed as the new substantive general manager of the state-owned power company, effective December 1, 2025. The announcement was made by Minister of Public Utilities Barry Padarath during an address to a group of 25 T&TEC employees preparing for restoration and repair works in Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa. Ramrattan will succeed acting general manager Vijai Ramnanansingh. With a career at T&TEC spanning since 1990, Ramrattan has held various key positions, including distribution engineer, communications systems manager, and assistant general manager of administration. His leadership has been instrumental in significant projects, such as securing a lucrative contract with Digicel TT and overhauling T&TEC’s procurement processes to enhance transparency. Ramrattan holds a BSc in Electrical and Computer Engineering and a Master’s in Business Administration, underscoring his technical and managerial expertise.
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No disclosure on Mohameds’ alleged connections to Venezuela, Middle East
In a recent development at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, attorneys representing Nazar “Shell” Mohamed and Azruddin Mohamed revealed that no evidence linking their clients to Venezuela or the Middle East was disclosed by US-hired lawyers. This revelation came during a court session on November 10, 2025, where the Mohameds are contesting an extradition request from the United States. The US legal team had previously alleged that the Mohameds were involved in an international criminal enterprise with connections to high-ranking officials in Venezuela and extending through the US to the Middle East. However, Attorney-at-Law Roysdale Forde, part of the Mohameds’ defense team, stated that no such documents were provided. The Mohameds face an 11-count Grand Jury indictment in a Florida federal court, including charges of mail fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering related to their gold exports business. They are currently on GY$150,000 bail and are scheduled to return to court on November 24. Meanwhile, the Guyana Revenue Authority has dropped all income tax evasion charges against the Mohameds in light of the US extradition request. Outside the courthouse, a small group of supporters from the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) political party gathered in solidarity with their leader, Azruddin Mohamed, though the turnout was significantly smaller compared to their previous court appearance on October 31.
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Grote belangstelling voor Real Estate Day van Hakrinbank
The Hakrinbank Real Estate Day, held on Saturday, transformed into a bustling marketplace, drawing an unexpectedly large crowd to the bank’s branch on Jagernath Lachmonstraat. The event, entirely focused on the buying and selling of homes and land, showcased the growing demand for property, particularly among younger individuals. Ravi Changoer, the brand manager, expressed his surprise, stating, ‘Honestly, it exceeded our expectations. It clearly demonstrates the significant need, especially among young people. Everyone wants to own a house or a plot of land.’ Fourteen exhibitors, primarily real estate companies, presented their offerings of plots, buildings, and homes. Contractors also showcased potential construction models, while bank representatives were present at each booth to provide information on financing options. Changoer noted that the overwhelming turnout was a pleasant surprise, as the event was organized with a relatively small venue in mind. ‘We invited fourteen companies and chose a modest location. It was successful, but we didn’t anticipate such a large crowd,’ he said. ‘The next edition will definitely need a larger venue. It’s evident that there’s a need for a one-stop location where people can gather all the information about homes and plots.’
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GYEITI civil society convenor says no conflict of interest though a gold miner; “I maintain my integrity at all times”- English
Dr. Ivor English, the newly appointed civil society convenor for the Guyana Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (GYEITI), has firmly dismissed allegations of a conflict of interest due to his involvement in the mining sector. Speaking to Demerara Waves Online News on Sunday, Dr. English emphasized his commitment to integrity and objectivity, stating, ‘I have always been considered a kind of middle-ground objective person that will not allow myself to be involved in conflict of interest.’ While he acknowledged owning mining properties, he clarified that he has not been actively mining for several years due to adverse weather conditions that damaged his equipment. However, he did not rule out resuming operations in the future. Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat supported Dr. English’s appointment, asserting that the convenor’s limited mining activities do not pose a conflict of interest. He highlighted that Dr. English has not engaged in active mining since acquiring his mining blocks in 2014 and has no current operations in gold, diamond, or sand mining. Dr. English, who also serves as Managing Director of E & E Mining Enterprises, expressed willingness to relinquish his mining interests if necessary, stating, ‘I can even walk away from that because my benefits are not significant.’ The GYEITI, affiliated with the Norway-based Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), aims to combat corruption in Guyana’s extractive sectors, including oil, gas, mining, and forestry. Dr. English’s role as convenor does not grant him influence over the selection of civil society representatives for the multi-stakeholder group (MSG), as the process is governed by independent rules and guidelines. He is also barred from serving on the MSG itself. Dr. English reiterated his dedication to objectivity and integrity, stating, ‘I am a relatively small contented fish willing to contribute to national development and I maintain my integrity at all times.’ His appointment follows a transparent selection process, with the Natural Resources Ministry emphasizing his extensive civic and humanitarian contributions, including his long-standing role in the Guyana Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and Lions Clubs International. The ministry also noted that Dr. English holds no political affiliations, further underscoring his suitability for the role.
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Economy : Critical deficit of nearly US$400 million for Haiti’s recovery
The Haitian government, in partnership with key development organizations including the World Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank, the European Union, and the United Nations, has released an updated version of the Rapid Impact Assessment of the Crisis (RCIA) and its accompanying investment plan. This revision, necessitated by the evolving security landscape since the plan’s initial release in December 2024, aims to ensure the relevance and feasibility of Haiti’s recovery efforts. Originally valued at $1.6 billion, the updated plan now estimates a total funding requirement of $644 million for the period 2026–2027. However, with the national budget and existing donor commitments covering only about half of this amount, a critical funding gap of $364 million has emerged, threatening the implementation of priority recovery initiatives. This shortfall highlights the pressing need for enhanced donor coordination and innovative financing mechanisms to support Haiti’s transition to stability. Anne-Lucie Lefebvre, World Bank Country Manager for Haiti, emphasized the importance of aligning resources with critical priorities, stating that improved security conditions do not diminish the assessment’s relevance but rather reinforce its role in restoring basic services, infrastructure, and livelihoods in gang-liberated areas. The establishment of the Gang Suppression Force by the Security Council and the creation of the United Nations Support Office in Haiti are seen as pivotal steps toward restoring security and stability. Ariel Pino, Acting United Nations Resident Coordinator in Haiti, noted that these measures reflect a shared commitment to addressing Haiti’s multifaceted challenges. The RCIA and investment plan focus on the Port-au-Prince metropolitan region, prioritizing economic recovery, governance, infrastructure, social protection, and the rule of law. All proposed programs have been rigorously assessed for feasibility, considering physical access and operational capacity constraints. Additionally, the Crisis Recovery Framework (CRF) has been developed to streamline planning, coordination, and monitoring of recovery activities, ensuring transparent oversight of investments.
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Anya Ayoung-Chee Vibes and Thrives with AI
Anya Ayoung-Chee, the renowned Caribbean fashion designer and former Miss Trinidad and Tobago Universe, is advocating for the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into small businesses across the region. Ayoung-Chee, who gained international fame after winning the 2011 season of Project Runway, believes AI can revolutionize the way Caribbean businesses operate, especially as the region shifts its focus from oil and gas to more sustainable sectors.
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Guyanese gov’t outlines new initiatives for increased rice production
The Guyana government has allocated more than GUY$7.2 billion (equivalent to approximately US$28.8 million) to support the rice industry this year. This substantial investment aims to mitigate the impact of declining global rice prices, enhance agricultural yields, and reduce production costs for local farmers. Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha highlighted these efforts during a recent engagement with rice farmers in Region Three, emphasizing the government’s commitment to sustaining the sector.
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Republic Financial Holdings reports $2.2b profit
Republic Financial Holdings Ltd (RFHL) has announced a remarkable financial performance for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025. Under the leadership of Chairman Vincent A Pereira, the group achieved a profit attributable to equity holders of $2.2 billion, marking a 9.8% increase from the previous year’s $2 billion. This growth was driven by sustained loan expansion, effective risk management, and enhanced operational efficiency. Pereira highlighted the group’s ability to deliver record results despite a challenging global economic landscape, emphasizing strengthened balance sheets and deepened customer relationships. The board declared a final dividend of $3.85 per share, raising the total annual dividend to $6 per share, a 5.3% increase from 2024. With a share price of $106.62, the dividend yield stands at 5.63%, reflecting a total payout of $983 million. Pereira also underscored RFHL’s robust capital and liquidity positions across its 16 operating countries, enabling continued growth and innovation. Strategic priorities, including digital transformation, customer experience enhancement, and sustainability integration, were key drivers of success. Additionally, RFHL’s social investment programs supported community development, youth empowerment, and small business growth. Looking ahead, Pereira expressed confidence in navigating global uncertainties and seizing new opportunities, reaffirming the group’s commitment to delivering sustainable value to shareholders and fostering a culture of integrity and inclusion.
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De China Import Expo als springplank naar de wereldmarkt
The China International Import Expo (CIIE) 2025, the world’s largest trade fair, has once again proven to be a monumental event, bringing together thousands of exhibitors and visitors from over 150 countries. Spanning an impressive 430,000 square meters, the expo showcases China’s commitment to opening its market and reinforcing its pivotal role in the global economy. The event serves as a critical platform for countries and businesses to strengthen their presence in the Chinese market, fostering innovation and collaboration. Rwanda, for instance, has participated in every edition since the expo’s inception, witnessing a nearly 30% annual growth in exports to China, particularly in the agricultural sector. A standout success story is Rwanda’s chili pepper industry, which secured a $2 million order for chili oil during the first CIIE, leading to the country becoming the first African nation to export dried chili peppers to China in 2021. This initiative has created jobs for hundreds of local women and significantly improved their living standards. Colombia, making its debut as a guest country this year, utilized the expo to introduce products like Arabica coffee, emeralds, chocolate, and beef to the Chinese market. According to Sergio Cabrera, Colombia’s ambassador to China, the CIIE helps businesses adapt to evolving consumer trends and optimize their strategies. From Europe, Angel Prieto, an innovation specialist from Spain, described the CIIE as a ‘magical platform’ where connections between European startups and Chinese industrial chains flourish. The expo is not just about showcasing and selling products but also about building sustainable partnerships. As a participant in the China International Press Communication Center 2025 Program, I had a unique behind-the-scenes look at this global event. The media center provided top-notch facilities, including 5G Wi-Fi and translation equipment, ensuring seamless reporting. The organization was impeccable, from reception to departure, reflecting the immense effort invested in making the event a success. Exploring the vast complex, I encountered diverse exhibits, from Nigeria’s vibrant cultural displays to China’s exquisite Kashmir textiles. World-renowned brands like Louis Vuitton, Nike, and Chanel were prominently featured, highlighting the expo’s global appeal. The CIIE is more than a trade fair; it is a convergence of culture, innovation, and economy, fostering long-term international cooperation and creating unforgettable experiences for participants worldwide.