In a significant move to bolster coastal resilience and infrastructure development, Antigua and Barbuda has acquired a state-of-the-art dredging excavator and barge. Prime Minister Gaston Browne confirmed that the equipment, purchased by the government for Blue Ocean, has been disassembled and shipped from the Port of Holland to Antigua and Barbuda. This acquisition positions the government as the majority shareholder in Blue Ocean, marking a strategic investment in the nation’s future. The heavy-duty machinery is set to play a pivotal role in dredging, beach replenishment, and land reclamation projects, which are essential for mitigating coastal erosion and enhancing environmental sustainability. The initiative underscores the government’s commitment to safeguarding the nation’s coastline and fostering long-term economic growth. Additionally, the government has emphasized the importance of such infrastructure projects in attracting tourism and supporting local industries. The move is part of a broader strategy to strengthen Antigua and Barbuda’s resilience against climate change and natural disasters, ensuring a sustainable future for its citizens.
分类: business
-

Wijnerman woont jaarvergadering IMF/Wereldbank bij
The 2025 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank commenced on Monday, October 13, in Washington, D.C., and will continue through Saturday, October 18. Suriname’s Minister of Finance & Planning, Adelien Wijnerman, is leading a delegation to participate in this pivotal global event. The meetings serve as a critical platform for discussions on pressing economic issues, including debt reform, climate action, development strategies, macroeconomic policies, and financial stability. The Surinamese delegation is set to engage in bilateral talks, attend plenary sessions, and participate in key agenda items such as the Development Committee and International Monetary and Financial Committee meetings, regional briefings, and press conferences. Suriname, having recently completed an IMF Extended Fund Facility (EFF) program, aims to focus on institutional strengthening, securing investment flows, promoting sustainable growth, and monitoring external risks during the meetings. The outcomes of these discussions could significantly influence future financing opportunities, international partnerships, and policy support for Suriname amidst a rapidly evolving global economic landscape. Minister Wijnerman anticipates providing further updates as the week progresses.
-

Economy : 3.7 billion from the Public Treasury to support the purchasing power of families
In a significant move to bolster economic stability, the Haitian government has unveiled a $3.7 billion gourdes initiative under the Multisectoral Emergency Program (PUM). Spearheaded by Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, this financial package aims to enhance the purchasing power of Haitian families while stimulating national economic recovery. The program targets 286,833 households, focusing on those most impacted by the ongoing economic crisis. Between September and October 2026, three key groups will benefit: parents of schoolchildren (70%), vulnerable households (19%), and workers in the textile and domestic production sectors (11%). Cash transfers, facilitated through Mon Cash and Nat Cash, will provide approximately 15,000 gourdes per recipient, with the government covering all withdrawal fees. Workers will receive their support either through employers or directly into their bank accounts. As of October 11, 2025, over 94,000 transfers had been processed within 48 hours, demonstrating the program’s rapid implementation. The identification of beneficiaries relies on robust databases and institutional partnerships, including SIGE (MENFP) for parents of schoolchildren, SIMAST (MAST) for vulnerable households, and ADIH and labor unions for industrial sector employees. Prime Minister Alix Didier emphasized the moral and national responsibility to support Haiti’s most vulnerable populations, stating, ‘Education remains the cornerstone of development and the pathway to a brighter future for our beloved Haiti.’
-

Caribbean cryptocurrency concerns
At a recent webinar on October 2, hosted by the Caribbean Digital Finance Alliance (CDFA), fintech professionals across the Caribbean convened to discuss the pressing issue of cryptocurrency regulation. The event, set to formally launch in November, was prompted by Trinidad and Tobago’s (TT) recent proposal to ban virtual assets, sparking a broader regional dialogue on the matter. Moderator Dennis Augustine emphasized that the discussion aimed to explore fundamental policy questions rather than critique specific legislation. He posed a critical question: Should the Caribbean adopt a cautious approach to virtual assets, or is outright prohibition the more prudent stance? Mark Pereira of ZLabs highlighted TT’s forex constraints, noting that the Central Bank’s opaque distribution of US dollars has led individuals to seek alternative methods, including cryptocurrency. Pereira advocated for regulated use of stablecoins to improve forex accessibility. Annie Bertrand of the CDFA underscored the influence of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in shaping regional financial compliance, while Prof Louis De Koker warned against the pitfalls of both pausing and banning virtual assets. Pereira proposed a public-private partnership framework, suggesting a regulatory sandbox to allow the Central Bank to test its systems. He emphasized that collaboration between the government and private sector could lead to a progressive virtual asset bill. De Koker echoed this sentiment, highlighting the private sector’s market insights as invaluable to regulators. With the global crypto market now valued at $4 trillion, the consensus was clear: all countries must adapt to this evolving financial landscape.
-

Tobago airport ‘fully operational’ by March 2026
The ANR Robinson International Airport in Tobago is on track to become fully operational by March 2026, as announced by Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo during the 2025/2026 national budget presentation. The airport, which underwent a comprehensive redevelopment and expansion project initiated in 2019, reached substantial completion in February 2025. The ‘practical opening’ of the terminal, marking the end of the construction phase, was overseen by former Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley. However, operational readiness, including staff training and system testing, remains underway. Minister Tancoo emphasized that the government is committed to ensuring the airport’s full operationalization by the second quarter of fiscal 2026, moving beyond the ‘practical opening’ phase. This development is expected to bolster Tobago’s tourism sector and establish Trinidad and Tobago as a key regional air hub.





