分类： business
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Major supermarkets reaffirm Bajan-made sugar supply
Two prominent Barbadian supermarket chains, Massy Stores (Barbados) Ltd and Jordans Supermarket, have refuted claims by Minister of Agriculture Indar Weir that excessive sugar imports are harming the local sugar industry. Both retailers confirmed on Thursday that their shelves are stocked exclusively with domestically produced and packaged sugar, emphasizing their commitment to supporting local producers.
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Rudolf Elias: Zonder plan wordt olie een vloek, geen zegen
Rudolf Elias, the former Managing Director of Staatsolie Maatschappij Suriname N.V., has been appointed as the President-Commissioner of the state-owned company. In an interview with Starnieuws, Elias expressed his enthusiasm for contributing once again to Suriname’s future. He emphasized that without a solid plan, oil—and even more oil—could become a curse rather than a blessing. “We must collectively advocate for a well-thought-out strategy,” he stated. Elias highlighted the importance of a broad societal discussion and a robust roadmap to counteract the so-called ‘oil curse,’ citing examples from Venezuela, Nigeria, and Guyana. He warned that without proper planning, 80% of Suriname’s population could face increasing poverty rather than prosperity. Alongside Elias, Sergio Akiemboto (Chief of Staff at the President’s Office), Aroon Samjhawan, Ewald Poetisi, Rudie Chin Jen Sem, Chantal Doekhie, and Edgar Caffé have been appointed to the new Board of Commissioners of Staatsolie. Elias served as Managing Director from 2015 to 2020, during which Suriname made its first significant offshore oil discoveries. Under his leadership, the company charted a strategic course towards participation in offshore projects and the enhancement of local content in the oil industry. Since leaving Staatsolie, Elias has remained active as an entrepreneur, consultant, and speaker on sustainable development and energy policy. Over the years, he has been a strong advocate for transparency, good governance, and long-term planning in the energy sector. His return as President-Commissioner is seen within the industry as a step towards strengthening policy, oversight, and continuity in the strategic development of the company.
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Economy : Adoption of a budget of 345 billion (2025-2026)
In a significant move toward economic recovery and state restoration, Haiti’s Council of Ministers convened an extraordinary meeting on October 9, 2025, at the National Palace in Port-au-Prince. This marked a symbolic return to the premises, which had been under the control of criminal gangs since January 2024. The meeting, chaired by Presidential Advisor Leslie Voltaire and attended by Prime Minister Alix Didier Bien Aimé, resulted in the adoption of a 345 billion gourdes budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. The budget, developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) and the Ministry of Planning and External Cooperation, underscores the government’s commitment to restoring public security, organizing democratic elections, stabilizing macroeconomic indicators, and improving living conditions. Notably, 70% of the budget will be financed through tax and customs revenues, with no new tax measures introduced. Sectoral priorities include significant allocations for salaries (35%), public security and elections (16%), and education (15%). The government also emphasized support for local production, protection of investments, and adjustments to the General Tax Code. Despite reports of gunfire near the palace during the meeting, officials denied any disruption, affirming the council’s focus on advancing Haiti’s strategic priorities.
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Credit Reporting System Launched to Expand Access to Finance
The Central Bank of Belize has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative with the establishment of a national Credit Reporting System (CRS), a significant leap forward in the nation’s financial infrastructure. This system aims to enhance access to credit for Belizeans, particularly benefiting micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and households. CRIF Information Services Limited, the licensed credit bureau, will spearhead the collection and dissemination of borrowers’ credit data from banks, credit unions, and other lending institutions. This move is poised to address longstanding information gaps, enabling lenders to make more informed decisions on creditworthiness. Governor Kareem Michael hailed the CRS as a transformative measure toward financial inclusion and stability, emphasizing its role in fostering fairness and transparency in lending practices. By allowing individuals to build verifiable credit histories, the system will serve as ‘reputational collateral,’ unlocking financial opportunities previously inaccessible. Over time, the CRS is expected to lower borrowing costs by enabling financial institutions to better assess risk and reward responsible borrowers. Additionally, it will standardize information sharing among lenders, fostering competition and enhancing the efficiency of the credit market. In compliance with the Credit Reporting Act, CRIF is mandated to ensure stringent privacy and accuracy safeguards for all stored credit information. The system is slated to become operational in early 2026, following thorough data integration and security compliance testing.
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That stubborn 10 per cent
Amidst severe financial constraints, the government remains committed to fulfilling its pledge of a ten per cent salary increase for public servants during the 2014-2019 period, as promised during the election campaign. This commitment, however, places the administration in a precarious position, given the current economic challenges of declining revenue, rising debt, and the potential threat of a credit rating downgrade. Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo is reportedly grappling with the complexities of reconciling this promise with other pressing national priorities, as evidenced by the delayed announcement of the national budget, which is typically presented by early October. The situation is further complicated by the unresolved wage negotiations for the 2020-2022 period, raising questions about whether the Public Services Association (PSA) will accept a similar five per cent increase agreed upon by other unions or push for more. Additionally, the settlement with the PSA could set a precedent for other unions, such as the Oilfields Workers’ Trade Union (OWTU), potentially reigniting industrial unrest if parity is not achieved. The government’s decision to offer the PSA a ten per cent increase is not merely a labour agreement but a move that could significantly impact the broader industrial relations landscape, with other unions likely to demand similar terms. As the government navigates these challenges, the future of its relationship with the labour movement remains uncertain, with potentially significant implications for the country’s economic stability.
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FirstRock completes third KFC project in Costa Rica
KINGSTON, Jamaica — FirstRock Real Estate Investments (FirstRock) has successfully concluded its third development initiative for KFC Costa Rica, executed through its subsidiary, First Rock LATAM S.A. This ambitious project, initiated in April, encompasses a state-of-the-art restaurant and a cutting-edge distribution center. The restaurant phase reached completion in June, followed by the delivery of the distribution facility in August. Located in Coyol, a prominent industrial zone in Costa Rica, the distribution center is poised to enhance KFC’s logistical efficiency across the region. FirstRock extended gratitude to its collaborators, including Constarq, KFC’s development team, ITFCR, and BAC Credomatic, for their pivotal roles in the project’s success. This milestone underscores FirstRock’s growing influence in Latin America and the Caribbean, reaffirming its dedication to creating long-term value through strategic real estate investments.
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New 2026 Forester for KIG
Kingston Industrial Garage (KIG), the authorized dealer for Subaru in Jamaica, officially launched the 2026 Subaru Forester on October 4 at its Spanish Town Road showroom. The event marked the debut of the latest iteration of the popular sport utility vehicle, which has long been a favorite among Jamaican drivers for its reliability and adaptability to local terrain.
Jeffrey Panton, Managing Director of KIG, emphasized the significance of the Forester to the Subaru brand and its loyal customer base. ‘The Forester is a cornerstone of our lineup. Its performance and durability make it one of the top choices for Jamaican drivers,’ Panton stated in an interview with the Jamaica Observer’s Auto magazine.
The 2026 Forester boasts a bold, redesigned exterior that aligns with Subaru’s philosophy of blending functionality with aesthetics. Subtle design elements, such as hummingbird motifs and paw prints, add a touch of personality to the vehicle. The car’s spacious glasshouse ensures excellent visibility, while the redesigned front seats enhance safety and comfort. A powered rear tailgate opens to a reshaped cargo area, making loading and unloading more convenient.
Inside, the Forester features a fully digital 12.3-inch driver instrument cluster and an 11.6-inch vertical infotainment screen, equipped with USB ports, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 10W wireless charger. The vehicle is built on Subaru’s advanced Global Platform, which improves safety, chassis dynamics, and overall driving experience. Key upgrades include a larger 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and dual-pinion electronic power steering for a smoother ride.
The Forester retains Subaru’s legendary symmetrical all-wheel-drive system, now further refined for enhanced performance across various road conditions. Advanced safety features, such as Vehicle Dynamics Control and the upgraded EyeSight system, which now includes a wide-angle monocular camera, ensure superior protection for drivers and passengers alike.
Panton expressed confidence in the Forester’s ability to thrive in the competitive automotive market, citing Subaru’s proven reliability and technological advancements. He also shared updates on KIG’s expansion plans, including a new showroom in Montego Bay, expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
The 2026 Subaru Forester represents a harmonious blend of innovation and tradition, offering a fresh design while staying true to the elements that have made it a trusted choice for Subaru enthusiasts.
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FID and Casino Gaming Commission sign MOU for information sharing and compliance
KINGSTON, Jamaica – In a significant move to bolster the fight against financial crimes linked to casino operations, the Financial Investigations Division (FID) and the Casino Gaming Commission (CGC) have formalized their collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The agreement, announced on Friday, aims to enhance the prevention, detection, investigation, and enforcement of illicit financial activities within the casino sector.
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EXPRESS CATERING’S US$5-M GAMBLE
Express Catering Limited (ECL), the company behind popular brands like Margaritaville and Bob Marley’s One Love at Montego Bay’s Sangster International Airport (SIA), has undergone a remarkable transformation. What began as a simple airport concessionaire has evolved into a strategic brand consolidator, poised for a nationwide rollout. This shift is underscored by its impressive first-quarter results for the period ending August 31, 2025, which revealed a 50% surge in net profit to US$1.51 million, alongside a 5% increase in revenue to US$6.8 million.
