Antigua and Barbuda must shift its tourism strategy to prioritize high-spending visitors and emphasize quality over quantity to ensure the industry’s long-term sustainability, according to Craig Marshall, Chairman of the Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA). Speaking on the government’s weekly program ‘Government in Motion,’ Marshall highlighted that the nation’s tourism sector has matured to a point where growth should be evaluated not just by visitor numbers but by the economic value generated. He stressed that Antigua and Barbuda’s identity as a luxury destination should be embraced, with efforts made to distribute tourism benefits more broadly across communities. Marshall noted that the island’s primary markets, the United States and the United Kingdom, have shown steady growth of 6% and 4%, respectively. However, he emphasized that the focus should remain on delivering exceptional experiences rather than pursuing mass tourism. The government’s recent initiatives, such as reopening the Barbuda International Airport and securing new airlift agreements, aim to bolster high-end, sustainable tourism. Additionally, training programs led by the Ministry of Tourism and the Antigua and Barbuda Hospitality Training Institute are equipping local workers to meet international standards. Marshall also underscored the importance of investing in human capital and environmental stewardship to maintain the islands’ luxury appeal. He pointed out that modern travelers increasingly seek authentic experiences that blend comfort, culture, and sustainability. ‘Every aspect of the visitor experience, from our people and service to our natural environment, must reflect quality,’ Marshall said. ‘That’s what will keep Antigua and Barbuda ahead.’
分类： business
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Commercial sector urges adherence to building standards regardless of nationality
In a significant move to bolster safety and regulatory adherence, ten prominent trade associations in Santo Domingo, representing hundreds of businesses in the formal commercial sector, have released a joint declaration. The coalition reaffirmed its dedication to strict compliance with Dominican building regulations, emphasizing the importance of structural integrity in commercial establishments and the safety of consumers. The statement also expressed unwavering support for the Ministry of Housing and Buildings (MIVED) and other regulatory bodies in enhancing oversight and control mechanisms for commercial structures. The coalition called on businesses, developers, contractors, engineers, architects, and local authorities to maintain the highest standards of compliance. ‘Adhering to building regulations is not just a legal requirement but a fundamental necessity for consumer safety, business competitiveness, and societal well-being,’ the coalition asserted. Among the participating organizations are Fedocamaras, FDC, Codopyme, ANI, Adoimfe, ONEC, Asecensa, Anamara, Ancodomu, and UNE. They underscored the commercial sector’s pivotal role in driving economic growth, job creation, and urban development, while stressing that such progress must align with rigorous legal and technical building standards. The associations highlighted that these regulations, crafted by qualified academic and technical experts, are designed to ensure structural security, safeguard human lives, and maintain service continuity, even in the face of natural disasters or aging infrastructure. Compliance is mandatory for all establishments and extends protection to customers regardless of nationality. The coalition concluded by emphasizing that strict adherence to building regulations is vital for protecting lives, preserving public trust, and fostering fair competition within the commercial sector.
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TotalEnergies meldt 23% voortgang olieproject Blok 58 aan president Simons
President Jennifer Simons of Suriname received a comprehensive update on the progress of the GranMorgu oil project in Block 58 during a meeting with a delegation from TotalEnergies and Staatsolie on Tuesday. The delegation, led by Javier Rielo, Senior Vice President Americas for Exploration & Production at TotalEnergies, alongside Staatsolie Director Annand Jagesar, confirmed that the project is proceeding on schedule and within budget, with 23% of the work already completed. Jagesar highlighted the project’s adherence to its timeline and the ‘very positive developments’ in local content involvement, noting that two Surinamese ports and several local companies are actively participating in the preparatory work. He also pointed out that Surinamese businesses are currently ahead of their counterparts in Guyana in terms of engagement. President Simons emphasized the importance of leveraging the oil sector as a catalyst for broader national development, urging proactive planning to meet the anticipated demands for food, services, and logistics from the oil industry. She stressed the need for sectors like agriculture and tourism to benefit from the outset. Jagesar echoed this sentiment, calling for immediate policy measures to strengthen agriculture and vocational training, highlighting that only 7% of the workforce holds a higher education degree—a figure significantly lower than in developed economies. He cited initiatives by the Foundation for Labor Mobilization & Development to train youth and individuals from disadvantaged neighborhoods as welders for local content roles as an example of necessary workforce development.
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NAMILCO, govt discussing cassava flour production; company to invest GY$10 billion
In a landmark development for Guyana’s agricultural sector, the National Milling Company of Guyana (NAMILCO), an American-owned entity, has unveiled plans to invest GY$10 billion in expanding its flour production capabilities. The investment includes the construction of a state-of-the-art processing mill, enhanced wheat storage facilities, and an upgraded wharf to meet both domestic and export demands. The announcement was made during a meeting between NAMILCO executives and Guyana’s President Dr. Irfaan Ali, alongside key government officials. The project, set to commence in early 2026 and operational by 2027, aims to bolster Guyana’s agri-industrial development and contribute to regional food security. Additionally, NAMILCO is collaborating with the Guyanese government to explore the commercialization of cassava flour, a move designed to diversify the country’s flour offerings and enhance agricultural innovation. This initiative aligns with the Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) recommendations on cassava as a strategic crop for food security. The company also highlighted plans to create significant employment opportunities and introduce advanced training programs to develop local expertise in milling operations. Beyond flour production, NAMILCO’s parent company, Seaboard Corporation, is evaluating opportunities in integrated pork production and liquefied natural gas (LNG) distribution, signaling a broader commitment to Guyana’s economic growth. This investment builds on the success of NAMILCO’s Mixing Plant, inaugurated in 2023, which marked a significant step in value-added food production in Guyana. Seaboard Corporation, a Fortune 500 company, continues to reinforce its legacy of driving sustainable growth and food security through strategic investments and partnerships.
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Government announces tender for construction of the Ámbar Highway
The Dominican Republic is set to take a significant leap in infrastructure development with the upcoming tender for the Ámbar Highway, a $500 million project designed to connect Santiago and Puerto Plata. President Luis Abinader revealed that the tender will be officially launched within the next three weeks, marking a pivotal moment for the nation’s transportation and tourism sectors. The project, initially planned as a public-private partnership (PPP), will now be executed directly by the government due to its anticipated economic and tourism benefits. The RD Vial Trust, under the leadership of Hostos Rizik, will manage the highway’s construction. This entity has a proven track record in nationwide road maintenance and modernization, working closely with the Ministry of Public Works and Communications (MOPC) to enhance road safety, signage, lighting, and cleanliness. Once operational, the Ámbar Highway will reduce travel time between Santiago and Puerto Plata to just 30 minutes, fostering greater connectivity between the country’s second-largest city and key tourism hubs like Punta Bergantín. The project is expected to drive investment and spur regional growth across the Cibao region, further solidifying the Dominican Republic’s position as a leading destination for tourism and commerce.
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BEL Chairman Explains Why Utilities Swing Public-Private
In a recent address, Andrew Marshalleck, Chairman of Belize Electricity Limited (BEL), shed light on the recurring phenomenon of utilities oscillating between public and private ownership across the Caribbean and Central America. Marshalleck, an Attorney-At-Law, emphasized that this cycle is not unique to Belize but is a regional trend observed in critical sectors such as water, telecommunications, and energy. He cited examples like the Belize Water Services (BWS), Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL), and BEL itself, which have all experienced shifts in ownership over time. Marshalleck explained that this cycle is driven by two primary factors: equality and efficiency. While privatization often prioritizes profitability, nationalization considers broader societal benefits. He noted that this dynamic is particularly evident in the case of natural resources and infrastructure, such as dams and ports, which have also seen ownership changes. Marshalleck’s insights provide a deeper understanding of the economic and social forces shaping the region’s utility sectors.
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The World Economic Forum and MICM visit the Renacer Plant in San Pedro de Macorís
San Pedro de Macorís witnessed a significant milestone in sustainable industrial development as the Dominican Republic’s Minister of Industry, Commerce, and MSMEs, Ito Bisonó, alongside representatives from the World Economic Forum (WEF), inaugurated Planta Renacer. This state-of-the-art facility, located in the Quisqueya Free Trade Zone, is the Caribbean’s first plant capable of recycling food-grade PET plastic through a fully integrated bottle-to-bottle process. The initiative is a collaborative effort between DIESCO and INVEMA, designed to reduce the nation’s reliance on virgin plastic imports, minimize waste exports, and transform local waste into high-value raw materials. Planta Renacer is projected to process 24,000 tons of PET annually, significantly reducing CO₂ emissions by 36,000 tons each year. Additionally, the plant is expected to create 500 direct and 5,000 indirect jobs, bolstering the local economy. Minister Bisonó hailed the project as a testament to the Dominican Republic’s potential to spearhead sustainable industrial practices, while the WEF delegation lauded it as a model for the Caribbean’s transition toward a greener economy. The initiative aligns with the National Roadmap for Action on Plastics, developed in partnership with the WEF’s Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP), underscoring the country’s commitment to fostering a circular economy and sustainable waste management.
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Government Extends MSME Tax Amnesty to December 2025
In a significant move to support small businesses, the Government of Belize has announced the extension of the MSME Tax Amnesty Program until December 31, 2025. The decision, confirmed during a Special Sitting of the House of Representatives on October 17, 2025, aims to provide micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with additional time to address outstanding tax liabilities and penalties. Under this program, eligible businesses can clear their dues and even qualify for up to one year of business tax exemption. The extension also ensures that pending applications from previous roadshow stops are processed efficiently, allowing all qualifying businesses to receive their Tax Amnesty Certificates. Government officials are encouraging MSMEs to seize this opportunity to formalize their operations and foster sustainable growth. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to bolstering the small business sector, which plays a vital role in the nation’s economy.
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Tourism Leaders Unite to Promote Multi-Destination Travel
The Central America Travel Market (CATM) 2025, held in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, has emerged as a pivotal platform for showcasing the region’s tourism potential. This year’s event, hosted by Honduras, brought together tourism authorities, international buyers, media representatives, and private sector leaders with a shared goal: to position Central America as a unified, must-visit destination. The event highlighted the region’s vibrant and diverse tourism offerings, emphasizing multi-destination travel experiences that span across countries like Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Panama. Reizel Vilorio, Honduras’ Vice Minister of Tourism, expressed pride in hosting the event, noting the opportunity to showcase the country’s hospitality and its commitment to regional tourism growth. The event featured business-to-business meetings, pre-tours for international buyers, and discussions on overcoming challenges such as the inconsistent enforcement of the CA-4 treaty, which facilitates free movement across the region. Vilorio emphasized the need for greater collaboration among Central American countries to create complementary tourism packages, encouraging visitors to extend their stays and maximize economic benefits for the region.
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Decline in overall profit in 2024 for Grenlec
Grenada Electricity Services Ltd (Grenlec), the sole electricity distributor in Grenada, has announced its financial performance for 2024, revealing a mixed outcome. Despite maintaining profitability, the company experienced a significant decline in operating profit, which dropped by more than 50% from $43.11 million in 2023 to $20.7 million in 2024. Net profit also fell sharply to $7.6 million, down from $21.29 million the previous year. The company attributed the increased operating costs, excluding fuel, to heightened generation maintenance and the rental of emergency units, which rose from $74.67 million in 2023 to $90.86 million in 2024. However, Grenlec achieved a record non-fuel dollar sales growth of 10.52%, increasing from $99.26 million in 2023 to $109.70 million in 2024. Chairman James Pitt highlighted this growth in the 2024 Annual Report, stating that it helped offset the higher operational expenses. Despite the sales growth, the board reduced dividends from 40¢ per share to 32¢ per share due to the profit decline. Retained earnings saw a modest increase to EC$64.8 million, up from EC$63.30 million in 2023, reflecting the company’s prudent financial management during a challenging year. The 2024 performance contrasts sharply with the company’s strong 2023 results, where it outperformed previous years with a 4.82% increase in kWh sold and a 26.07% revenue boost, driven by commercial and domestic sales growth.