In a significant move to alleviate the financial burden on households, the government has temporarily suspended the Common External Tariff (CET) on a wide range of essential food items. This decision, part of a CARICOM-wide initiative, aims to mitigate the effects of rising global food prices and provide immediate relief to consumers. Maurice Merchant, Director General of Communications, announced during a post-Cabinet press briefing on Thursday that the suspension is expected to lead to noticeable price reductions within weeks. However, he cautioned that the timeline could vary depending on how quickly supermarkets deplete their existing stock, typically taking one to two months for the changes to reflect on store shelves. The Prices and Consumer Affairs Division has been tasked with monitoring compliance and reporting back to Cabinet within 30 days to ensure that the price reductions are effectively passed on to shoppers. The list of items benefiting from the tariff suspension includes fresh vegetables, fruits, potatoes, carrots, peas, legumes, canned proteins like sardines and corned beef, infant foods, cereals, and cooking oils. Merchant emphasized that the measure will be fully implemented by January 1, pending the finalization of necessary documentation. Additionally, the government is considering expanding the list of zero-rated items and introducing complementary legislation early next year to restrict sugary drinks as part of a broader healthy-living campaign. The Gaston Browne administration remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that the benefits of these policy interventions are directly felt by the people of Antigua and Barbuda, through lower prices and enhanced food security.
分类： business
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Staatsolie keurt commercieel veld voor gasontdekking Sloanea-1 in Blok 52 goed
In a significant step forward for Suriname’s energy sector, Staatsolie Maatschappij Suriname N.V. has officially approved the commercial development of the Sloanea-1 gas discovery in Block 52, located offshore Suriname. This decision, made on November 11, 2025, underscores the successful collaboration between Staatsolie and PETRONAS Suriname Exploration & Production B.V. (PETRONAS Suriname). The Sloanea-1 field, discovered in late 2020, has been evaluated for its commercial viability, leading to the signing of a gas addendum to the Production Sharing Contract (PSC) established in 2013. PETRONAS Suriname, the operator of Block 52 with an 80% stake, alongside Paradise Oil Company (POC), a subsidiary of Staatsolie holding the remaining 20%, has conducted extensive assessments, including the drilling of the Sloanea-2 appraisal well in 2024. These efforts have provided a more accurate estimate of the field’s gas reserves and recoverable volumes. The approved development plan includes gas production wells, subsea infrastructure, and a Floating LNG (FLNG) facility, a first for the region. PETRONAS Suriname will now prepare and submit the development plan for Staatsolie’s approval, with the Final Investment Decision (FID) expected in the second half of 2026. Commercial gas production is anticipated to commence by 2030, aligning with Staatsolie’s vision of ‘Energizing a Bright Future for Suriname.’
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Ali warns gold miners of tough action for smuggling
President Irfaan Ali delivered a strong message to gold miners during his address at the opening of GUYEXPO 2025, held at the Sophia Exhibition Centre. He emphasized that the government would take severe action against those involved in gold smuggling, including shutting down their operations. Ali specifically targeted miners who benefit from government incentives but fail to comply with legal production declarations. ‘Those who are not compliant with the declaration, we are going to come after you hard and strong. We will find you, and you will lose your business,’ he stated. The President also commended the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) for supporting recent crackdowns on illegal mining activities in the Sand Hills and Toroparu areas. These operations, led by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission and the Guyana Police Force, resulted in the detention of illegal miners and the dismantling of unauthorized shops. The GGDMA highlighted the need to curb activities like illegal mining, human trafficking, and drug sales, which have historically funded Venezuelan gangs, including the notorious Sindicato. Ali revealed that one smuggler alone caused a staggering GY$190 billion loss to Guyana’s economy, stressing the importance of tightening the system to prevent such leakages.
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Antigua and Barbuda Successfully Host the 2025 Travel Agency Owners Forum
In a landmark event for the Caribbean tourism industry, Antigua and Barbuda successfully hosted the 2025 Travel Agency Owners Forum from October 25 to 29, 2025. This prestigious gathering, held at Pineapple Beach Club Antigua and The Verandah All-Inclusive Resorts, marked the first time a travel industry forum of this scale was staged outside the United States. The event brought together 70 prominent U.S.-based leisure travel agency owners, collectively responsible for over $800 million in annual bookings, underscoring the Caribbean’s growing influence as a top destination for high-value travel experiences. Over four days, attendees participated in a dynamic agenda featuring B2B meetings, educational panels, networking events, and immersive destination experiences. These activities highlighted Antigua and Barbuda’s rich culture, exceptional hospitality, and world-class tourism infrastructure. Key experiences included resort showcases, cultural excursions, and site visits at premier properties such as The Verandah Resort and Spa, Pineapple Beach Club Antigua, Hammock Cove Antigua, Royalton Resort and Spa, and Sandals Grande Antigua. The Forum also featured a lineup of industry thought leaders, including Shayla Northcutt of Northcutt Travel Agency, Jeff Ment of Ment Law Group, and Christopher Lingren of Wonderful Adventure Travel Group, who shared insights on topics ranging from business efficiency to legal considerations and the human side of travel. Dean Fenton, U.S. Director for the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, expressed pride in hosting the event, stating, ‘This Forum not only showcased our islands’ incredible hospitality but also positioned Antigua and Barbuda as a leading destination for global trade engagement and high-value travel experiences.’ The event’s success underscores the Caribbean’s rising prominence in the global travel industry and its ability to attract influential decision-makers shaping travel trends worldwide.
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Foodhub vacancy: Technical Support Representative
Foodhub Grenada, a prominent player in the online food ordering and delivery sector, is currently hiring a Technical Support Representative to join its dynamic team. This full-time position is pivotal in maintaining the seamless operation of Foodhub’s extensive network of takeaways and restaurants by providing expert technical assistance. The role centers on supporting client equipment and systems, ensuring minimal downtime and optimal efficiency for Foodhub’s partners. Responsibilities include diagnosing and resolving hardware, software, and connectivity issues, guiding clients through installations and updates, and escalating complex problems to senior engineers. Candidates should possess 1–2 years of technical support experience, a strong grasp of networking, and proficiency in troubleshooting EPOS devices, printers, and Android-based tablets. Preferred qualifications include IT certifications and experience in hospitality or retail technology support. Foodhub offers comprehensive training, exposure to advanced technologies, and opportunities for professional growth. Interested applicants can submit their applications via email to [email protected].
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OECS Data for Decision Making Project — Specific Procurement Notice
The Government of Grenada, with financial support from the World Bank, has launched a procurement initiative under the OECS Data for Decision Making Project. This initiative aims to acquire essential IT equipment and accessories to bolster the project’s implementation in Grenada. The Central Statistical Office, operating under the Ministry of Mobilisation, Implementation and Transformation, is overseeing the procurement process and has issued a Request for Quotations (RFQ) to eligible suppliers worldwide. The required items include high-performance laptops, professional laptops, laptop backpacks, a computer repair toolkit, a video conferencing camera, wired headsets, and USB Type-C chargers. All goods must be delivered to the Central Statistical Office in St. George’s, Grenada, within eight weeks of contract signing. The bidding process adheres to the World Bank’s Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers (February 2025) and is open to all qualified suppliers. Bids must be submitted electronically by 3 pm AST on December 5, 2025, via Grenada’s procurement system. Late submissions will not be considered. For further inquiries, interested parties can contact Erisa Bleasdille, Procurement Officer at the Central Procurement Unit. This procurement effort underscores Grenada’s commitment to enhancing data-driven decision-making capabilities with the support of international funding and collaboration.
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Vietnam’s Parliament approves socio-economic development plan 2026
Vietnam has unveiled a comprehensive economic resolution aimed at fostering sustainable growth while maintaining macroeconomic stability. The document prioritizes controlling inflation, ensuring key economic balances, and elevating per capita GDP to a range of US$5,400 to US$5,500. Additionally, the resolution outlines specific sectoral goals, including increasing the manufacturing and processing industry’s contribution to GDP to approximately 24.96 percent and maintaining an average Consumer Price Index (CPI) growth rate of around 4.5 percent.
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JBG CRISIS DEEPENS
Jamaica Broilers Group (JBG) has reported a staggering $7.2 billion net loss for the fiscal year ending May 3, 2025, following the discovery of significant accounting irregularities in its US operations. The irregularities necessitated a restatement of prior financial results, leading to a massive write-down of intangible assets, goodwill, and biological assets, which severely impacted the company’s equity. The restatement erased billions from the company’s stated equity, resulting in a consolidated group loss despite a $2.5 billion net profit from its core Jamaican operations, which include the Best Dressed Chicken and Hi-Pro Ace brands. The US subsidiaries, however, reported a net loss of $9.1 billion, completely offsetting the gains from Jamaica. The financial turmoil triggered a breach of the company’s debt covenants, prompting its auditor, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), to highlight a ‘material uncertainty’ about the group’s ability to continue as a going concern. The consolidated balance sheet now shows liabilities exceeding assets, with negative equity of $10.03 billion and total borrowings of $42.5 billion. The company’s directors have implemented a survival plan, including detailed cash flow forecasting and cost control measures, while engaging in ongoing discussions with financial institutions. The scandal, centered on inflated asset values and hidden debts in the US operations, led to the departure of the entire US management team, including Stephen Levy, the brother of Group President and CEO Christopher Levy. PwC issued a qualified opinion on the financial statements, citing insufficient evidence regarding the completeness of the accounting irregularities. The restatement erased $22 billion from the company’s historical profits, revealing that the previously reported earnings never existed. The company’s liquidity position is precarious, with current liabilities of $63 billion significantly exceeding current assets of $28.5 billion. Despite the crisis, the core Jamaican operations remain profitable, with a 33% rise in operating profit to $2.12 billion in the latest quarter. However, the impending $40 billion restatement looms over the company’s future. The scandal has severely impacted investor confidence, with the stock price plummeting 35.75% since the start of the year. The company’s ability to renegotiate terms with lenders and stabilize its US operations will determine its survival.
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Scotiabank has new Caribbean head
Scotiabank has announced the appointment of Jabar Singh as the new Country Head for the Dominican Republic and the Caribbean, effective January 1. Singh, a seasoned leader with over two decades of experience, has held various senior roles within the bank since joining in 2009. His career spans corporate and investment banking, commercial banking, and wholesale banking across Canada, the Dominican Republic, Chile, and Colombia. Notably, as President and CEO of Scotiabank Colpatria, Singh played a pivotal role in driving growth, transformation, and client engagement excellence. Recognized for his customer-centric leadership and inclusive culture-building, Singh has a proven track record in executing complex mergers and acquisitions, expanding market share, and strengthening governance. In his new role, Singh will oversee operations in the Dominican Republic and the broader Caribbean region, including The Bahamas, Barbados, Cayman, Guyana, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and Turks and Caicos. Additionally, he will manage Scotiabank’s equity interests and strategic partnerships with Davivienda in Colombia and Central America, and with Maduro & Curiel (MCB) in the Dutch Caribbean. Francisco Aristeguieta, Group Head of International and Global Transaction Banking, praised Singh’s leadership and strategic vision, emphasizing his commitment to community engagement and business performance. Singh expressed his enthusiasm for the new role, highlighting his focus on driving sustainable growth and building on the bank’s strong foundation. Scotiabank, with assets of approximately $1.4 trillion, is one of the largest banks in North America and has been a key player in the Caribbean since 1889, serving over 1.7 million customers with a robust infrastructure of 970 ATMs, 140 branches, and 7,000 employees.
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19-year-old turns lunch money into boutique business
At just 19 years old, Dashia Moxey has already carved out a remarkable path as a multifaceted entrepreneur, balancing her growing clothing boutique, multiple side businesses, and law studies. Her journey began in high school, where she saved her lunch money to fund her first venture—a skincare line. This initial step laid the foundation for her entrepreneurial spirit, which later expanded to include locs hairstyling, candied fruit sales, and eventually the opening of Astra Boutique in February 2024, just months after graduating from Temple Christian High School.