Carib Scope

分类： business

  • interCaribbean Airways, Air Canada launch interline agreement

    interCaribbean Airways, Air Canada launch interline agreement

    In a strategic move that will reshape travel connectivity between the Caribbean and North America, interCaribbean Airways unveiled a new interline partnership with Canada’s flag carrier Air Canada this Friday. The collaboration centers on streamlining travel through two key Caribbean hub points: Barbados and Antigua, forging stronger transportation ties between the two regions.

    What this agreement delivers is a marked expansion of travel choices for passengers moving between the Caribbean basin and Air Canada’s far-reaching global and North American route network. For travelers heading to or from the Caribbean, the new arrangement allows them to book an entire connecting journey on a single ticket, granting seamless access both to interCaribbean Airways’ comprehensive route coverage across the Caribbean islands and Air Canada’s services connecting through major Canadian hubs including Toronto and Montreal to hundreds of destinations worldwide. Ticket reservations for these combined routes opened immediately when the agreement was announced, while one of the most passenger-friendly amenities — through baggage check-in for the entire journey — is scheduled to roll out to customers within the coming weeks.

    Beyond improving travel convenience for leisure and business visitors, the partnership directly answers the longstanding needs of Canada’s large, vibrant Caribbean diaspora, which is heavily concentrated in the Toronto and Montreal metropolitan areas. By offering more flexible and streamlined routing options, the agreement makes it easier for community members to travel between their Canadian homes and family connections across the Caribbean. At the same time, it opens up simpler access for Canadian leisure travelers seeking to explore the dozens of island destinations that make up the Caribbean, one of the world’s top vacation hotspots for North American travelers. Both airlines have emphasized that the new interline agreement embodies their shared commitment to expanding customer-centric connectivity and maintaining high standards of service for all passengers traveling between the Caribbean and Canada.

  • Government invests over RD$2 billion in Samaná tourism infrastructure

    Government invests over RD$2 billion in Samaná tourism infrastructure

    SANTO DOMINGO – The Dominican Republic is advancing an ambitious push to elevate one of its key coastal tourism hubs, with a multi-million dollar infrastructure overhaul and a refreshed destination branding strategy aimed at attracting more international visitors. Dominican Tourism Minister David Collado has formally unveiled a total investment package worth 2.047 billion Dominican pesos (RD$) dedicated to upgrading public and tourism-focused infrastructure across the Samaná province.

    The scope of the transformation project covers a wide range of critical upgrades, from full paving of existing roadways and modernized drainage infrastructure to complete reconstruction of urban streets and enhancements to shared public spaces and core tourism facilities. A key component of the work is focused on preparing the Arroyo Barril cruise terminal for its official inauguration and the steady flow of cruise ship passengers that will follow. For this segment of the project, an additional 185 million RD$ has been allocated to resurface 29 streets stretching more than six kilometers in the immediate surrounding area of the terminal.

    Alongside the infrastructure investments, the national tourism administration is rolling out a new dedicated tourism brand for Samaná, presented by Vice Minister Tammy Reynoso. The brand was developed through a collaborative process that incorporated expertise from global tourism consultants and input from key local industry stakeholders, including the Samaná Hotel and Tourism Association (AHETSA). Officials say the rebranding initiative is designed to reposition Samaná as a premium, world-class travel destination on the global tourism map, boosting visitor arrivals, extending average tourist stays, and driving long-term economic growth for the province and the wider Dominican tourism sector.

  • IICA launches CDB-funded AgriMSE business and regional market integration initiative with support from the CARICOM Private Sector Organization

    IICA launches CDB-funded AgriMSE business and regional market integration initiative with support from the CARICOM Private Sector Organization

    On March 11, 2026, the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) officially launched the AgriMSE Business Development and Regional Market Integration Project during a virtual regional event, bringing targeted support to small-scale agricultural producers across five Caribbean nations. Funded by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), the initiative focuses on strengthening the competitiveness, operational efficiency and cross-border market access of Agricultural Micro and Small Enterprises (AgriMSEs) based in Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia, and Trinidad and Tobago. Over an 18 to 24-month implementation period, the project will deliver diagnostic business assessments, tailored technical training, and structured market development opportunities to participating AgriMSEs, with a call for interested producers who missed the launch to reach out to the project coordination team for inclusion.

    At the opening of the launch event, Diana Francis, IICA’s representative for Trinidad and Tobago, framed the project as far more than a short-term technical intervention. She emphasized that AgriMSEs are foundational pillars of regional agricultural value chains, sustainable rural livelihoods, and collective food security, making targeted investment in their growth a regional priority. To successfully integrate small-scale agricultural producers into formal domestic, regional, and global markets, Francis noted that sustained cross-sector collaboration is non-negotiable. Critical partners include regional development institutions, national governments, private sector actors, and end consumers, with logistics, distribution, and marketing firms playing an especially vital role in moving AgriMSE products from farm gates to commercial outlets across borders.

    To deliver structured, specialized support, the project is organized into three coordinated technical consultancy streams, with IICA overseeing overall integration, stakeholder outreach, and ongoing technical backstopping. The first stream, led by EconoTech Ltd., focuses on optimizing business and production operations to help AgriMSEs scale their output and meet market entry requirements. The second, headed by consultant Jai Rampersad, prioritizes streamlining intra-regional trade and removing barriers to export readiness. The third stream, managed by GBest Consulting, works to improve AgriMSE credit ratings, build investment readiness, and expand access to formal financing and capital opportunities. All three streams work in close partnership with national agricultural entities to align interventions with local needs and priorities.

    The new IICA-CDB project is complemented by longstanding agricultural development initiatives funded by the European Union (EU) across the Caribbean. Janet Lawrence, IICA’s Barbados-based agricultural health, food safety and quality specialist for the Caribbean, outlined the EU’s 10+ year track record of supporting regional agriculture, particularly through funding for sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) capacity building and regulatory framework improvements. These EU-backed initiatives add complementary resources that support not only AgriMSEs directly, but also the policymakers and regional institutions tasked with building an enabling policy environment for agricultural growth. By addressing foundational priorities including agricultural health, food safety, quality assurance, and aligned regulatory standards, the EU projects create the necessary conditions for AgriMSEs to compete effectively in regional and international export markets, reinforcing the core objectives of the new CDB-funded project.

    Patrick Antoine, Chief Executive Officer and Technical Director of the CARICOM Private Sector Organization (CPSO), highlighted the critical role of private sector collaboration in sustaining the project’s impact beyond its implementation period. Antoine emphasized that small agricultural enterprises often face shared systemic barriers related to production scale, logistics infrastructure, and processing capacity, gaps that can be addressed through closer partnership with larger regional firms. To this end, the CPSO is establishing a permanent Regional Agribusiness Working Group, designed to carry forward the project’s objectives long after the initial consultancy phase concludes.

    “The intention behind the Regional Agribusiness Working Group is to bring together the experience, networks and technical capabilities of larger regional enterprises to directly support the growth of AgriMSEs,” Antoine explained. “Through collaboration in areas such as shared processing, logistics and packaging, we can help smaller enterprises overcome scale constraints and position themselves more effectively for regional and even international markets.”

    Antoine also shared updates on growing cross-region investment opportunities tied to deepening engagement between Caribbean and African private sectors. He confirmed that the African Export Import Bank (Afreximbank) has recently increased its investment commitment to the Caribbean from US$3 billion to US$5 billion, opening new financing avenues for regional agricultural enterprises. The new Regional Agribusiness Working Group will leverage this and other strategic partnerships, alongside a public Regional AgriMSE Database being developed as part of the project, to deliver ongoing targeted support to small producers. This long-term structure will also advance the CARICOM 25 by 2025 plus 5 food security agenda, which aims to reduce regional food import dependence by 25% by 2030.

    Early feedback from AgriMSE representatives who attended the launch has been overwhelmingly positive. One participating producer described the introductory session as insightful, noting that it brings together all the resources and support small agricultural producers have long requested in a single coordinated initiative, restoring hope and reinforcing purpose for small-scale producers across the region. Francis echoed this sentiment, reiterating that the project’s core goal is to ensure that agri-food products from Caribbean AgriMSEs meet both the quality standards and price competitiveness requirements needed to gain and sustain market share in domestic and export markets. It also seeks to build a durable collaborative ecosystem for AgriMSE support through the long-term IICA-CPSO partnership and a network of aligned stakeholders.

    As the leading specialized agricultural agency for the Inter-American system, IICA holds a mandate to support its 34 member states in advancing inclusive agricultural development and rural well-being through high-quality international technical cooperation. The CPSO, the most recently accredited associate institution of the Caribbean Community, is a member-led service organization focused on mobilizing private sector participation across the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), with membership open to private entities of all sizes including micro, small, and medium enterprises.

  • Grenada at Palm Beach International Boat Show

    Grenada at Palm Beach International Boat Show

    Building on its growing reputation as one of the Caribbean’s top yachting hotspots, Grenada has made a major push to expand its share of the global luxury nautical tourism market with a high-profile presence at the 2024 Palm Beach International Boat Show in West Palm Beach, Florida. The mission, led by the Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA), wrapped up successfully after days of targeted engagement with key industry stakeholders, marking a key milestone in the organization’s long-term strategy.

    Heading the GTA delegation were CEO Stacey Liburd and Nautical Development Manager Shanai St Bernard. The trip was not a casual industry appearance, but a calculated step in GTA’s broader plan to solidify the tri-island nation of Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique as the Caribbean’s leading hub for luxury yacht charters, permanent homeporting, and world-class nautical tourism services.

    At the core of the GTA’s mission was an invitation-only Brokers Breakfast, co-hosted with international industry leader Boat International Media. The exclusive gathering brought together senior decision-makers from the world’s most influential luxury yacht brokerage firms, including Ocean Independence, IYC, Fraser, Burgess, Camper & Nicholsons, and Denison Yachting. During the curated forum, the GTA team delivered a detailed presentation showcasing the tri-island state’s competitive advantages for luxury yachting: modern, well-equipped marina infrastructure, protected, calm anchorages, accessible open cruising routes, a wide range of soft onshore adventure activities, and one-of-a-kind scuba diving experiences that draw enthusiasts from across the globe. By facilitating direct, personalized engagement between the GTA and leading brokerage professionals, the initiative ensures Grenada stays top of mind when these experts make destination recommendations to high-net-worth clients.

    In comments after the event, Liburd emphasized that the Palm Beach mission was rooted in deliberate, strategic outreach. “Our mission at Palm Beach was defined by intentionality,” Liburd said. “By connecting directly with the architects of the world’s most prestigious yachting itineraries, we are ensuring Grenada is continuously recognised as a premier destination for the global fleet. We remain dedicated to cultivating these kinds of partnerships that secure a resilient future for our tourism industry.”

    Beyond the broker-focused breakfast, the GTA team expanded the reach of its yachting campaign through a full schedule of media and corporate partnership meetings. One key session included representatives from luxury lifestyle outlet Robb Report, as part of the authority’s ongoing, yachting-focused global marketing push. Discussions with core industry partners centered on deepening existing collaborative relationships and exploring new pathways for strategic growth with Boat International and other leading yachting sector stakeholders. By boosting Grenada’s visibility in the high-end luxury travel space, these engagements reinforce the tri-island state’s standing as a first-choice destination for elite yacht charters and maritime tourism investment.

    St Bernard highlighted how participation in these major international events drives long-term development for Grenada’s blue economy. “These engagements are critical to the evolution of our blue economy. Throughout this event, we sent a clear message: Grenada offers the infrastructure and the authentic experience that luxury clients around the globe demand,” St Bernard explained. She added that the GTA is building on the momentum from this and other industry events to firmly cement the tri-island nation’s position as the preferred yachting hub in the Southern Caribbean for elite charters.

    Moving forward, the Grenada Tourism Authority will continue prioritizing these strategic industry partnerships to grow Grenada’s global market share in luxury yachting and support sustainable, long-term growth for the islands’ key nautical tourism sector.

  • Customs Seizes Mike Feinstein’s Aircraft Over Expired Import Permit

    Customs Seizes Mike Feinstein’s Aircraft Over Expired Import Permit

    On April 2, 2026, Belizean customs enforcement authorities executed a seizure of a private aircraft in Belize City, taking possession of a 1980 Beech F90 owned by American businessman Michael Feinstein over a clear violation of the country’s temporary import regulations.

    The Belize Customs and Excise Department confirmed that the aircraft entered the nation under a temporary import agreement, a regulatory framework designed to allow foreign-owned aircraft to remain in Belize for an initial period of six months, with the option to apply for a single extension of up to one additional year. The rules governing this program leave no ambiguity for aircraft owners: once the approved temporary stay expires, the owner must either complete the required customs processes by paying all applicable import duties and taxes to convert the status to a permanent import, or arrange to export the aircraft out of Belizean jurisdiction immediately.

    In this instance, neither requirement was met by Feinstein. His temporary import permit lapsed without resolution, the financial bond posted to cover potential duty payments was not renewed by the deadline, and no steps were taken to move the aircraft out of the country. In response, the Belize City Enforcement Unit launched the enforcement action, removing the aircraft from active use at the airport and placing it under official customs custody. The department emphasized that the seizure was a routine enforcement of existing import regulations, applied consistently to all aircraft owners operating under temporary import status in the country.

  • Whitchurch announces ferry ticket price adjustment as fuel costs rise

    Whitchurch announces ferry ticket price adjustment as fuel costs rise

    For half a decade, H.H.V. Whitchurch & Co. Ltd, the official local agent of inter-island ferry service FRS Express des Îles, has absorbed the constant volatility of global fuel markets to keep passenger ticket prices stable. That policy comes to an end this spring, as the firm announced this week that mandatory fare adjustments will go into effect starting March 31, 2026, driven by a dramatic recent spike in global fuel costs.

    In an official public statement released Tuesday, the company outlined the years of internal cost-cutting that allowed it to shield customers from shifting energy expenses. Despite those efforts, the latest, unrelenting round of fuel price increases has left leadership with no viable alternative to raising fares, the statement explained.

    “Over the past five years, fuel cost fluctuations have been absorbed without impacting fares; however, after careful consideration, this adjustment has become necessary to ensure the continued delivery of safe, reliable, and high-quality service,” the statement read.

    Whitchurch was quick to clarify that the decision to raise fares is not an internal initiative, but a response to external market pressures outside the firm’s control. In a message to loyal customers, the agent sought to reassure passengers that service quality will remain unchanged despite the price adjustment.

    “As your agents, we would like to reassure you that this decision is beyond our control and despite this change, FRS Express des Îles remains your trusted choice for safe, comfortable and dependable island-to-island travel,” the company added.

    The statement closed with a note of gratitude for passengers’ patience and ongoing support as the company navigates the transition to the new fare structure.

  • Business Senator Warns Fuel Shock Already Driving Inflation

    Business Senator Warns Fuel Shock Already Driving Inflation

    As ongoing geopolitical conflict involving major global powers continues to roil international energy markets, small import-reliant economies are already facing tangible economic fallout. Belizean Business Senator Kevin Herrera has confirmed that the regional ripple effects of tensions between the United States, Iran, and Israel have reached the Central American nation, with spiking fuel prices acting as an immediate catalyst for accelerating domestic inflation.

    In an exclusive interview with The Reporter, Herrera outlined how quickly international market volatility translates to local economic pain, pointing to already documented increases in domestic diesel costs as clear evidence of cross-border price transmission. He further noted that nearly 45 percent of the final retail price of diesel goes to government revenue, a structural factor that amplifies the impact of global price hikes on consumers.

    Contrary to projections that frame these economic impacts as a distant risk, Herrera emphasized that the effects are already being felt across every sector of Belize’s economy. As a nation that relies entirely on imported fuel to meet its energy needs, Belize is uniquely vulnerable to disruptions in global oil supply chains. The current standoff between major geopolitical actors has tightened global energy supply projections, driving up benchmark crude prices and raising the total import bill for Belize’s energy needs exponentially.

    The mechanics of this inflationary cycle follow a well-documented pattern: rising fuel costs first push up transportation expenses across the board, as logistics companies and transporters pass higher fuel costs onto commercial clients. Businesses of all sizes then respond to these elevated operating expenses by raising prices on nearly all goods and services, shifting the cumulative cost burden to end consumers in a process economists label cost-push inflation.

    Beyond broad macroeconomic indicators, this price surge hits household finances directly. Higher fuel and transport costs eat away at disposable income, driving up the overall cost of living for all residents. Vulnerable lower- and middle-income households shoulder a disproportionate share of this burden, as these groups already allocate a far larger share of their total income to essential goods and services that are now seeing steep price increases.

    Herrera’s warnings align with the latest consensus from global economic analysts, who have identified geopolitically driven energy shocks as the leading cause of renewed inflationary pressure across small open economies. Leading economists consistently note that smaller nations that depend on energy imports experience far sharper and more immediate economic impacts from global oil market disruptions than larger, more diversified economies.

    With global energy prices already sitting at elevated levels and geopolitical uncertainty showing no signs of easing in the near term, economists expect that this sustained inflationary pressure will continue to shape Belize’s economic conditions for the foreseeable future.

  • Dominican airline Arajet announces new flights to Venezuela

    Dominican airline Arajet announces new flights to Venezuela

    Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic – Low-cost Caribbean airline Arajet has formally announced its scheduled entry into Venezuela’s aviation market, with commercial operations set to launch in the middle of 2026. The move comes months after the Dominican Republic and Venezuela restored formal air connectivity between the two nations, opening the door for new scheduled air services after years of restricted travel links.

    Arajet’s initial service will connect the popular Dominican tourist hub of Punta Cana with Caracas, Venezuela’s capital, operating through Maiquetía International Airport, the country’s primary air gateway. Company executives have already shared long-term expansion blueprints that include adding new routes to two of Venezuela’s other major urban centers, Valencia and Maracoibo, as operations scale up in the coming years after launch.

    In an official statement confirming the expansion, the Dominican-based carrier framed Venezuela as a critical strategic market for its ongoing regional growth push. Company representatives noted that the launch timeline was only made possible after the airline secured all required regulatory approvals from civil aviation authorities in both countries, clearing the final bureaucratic hurdle for the new service.

    This new Venezuela route is a core component of Arajet’s broader expansion strategy across the Caribbean and South America, which focuses on closing gaps in regional connectivity and offering affordable air travel options between underserved markets. To date, the airline has not yet released detailed operational data, including planned flight frequencies and introductory ticket pricing. According to the company’s announcement, these key details will be unveiled to the public in the next several weeks as launch preparations advance.

    Industry analysts note that the expansion positions Arajet to capture growing travel demand between the two nations, which has surged steadily since air borders reopened. For the airline, the move is also a key step to solidify its competitive standing as one of the fastest-growing low-cost carriers in the Latin American and Caribbean region, leveraging new market opportunities created by restored diplomatic and transportation ties.

  • Dominican economy grows 3.9% in February, best performance in 11 months

    Dominican economy grows 3.9% in February, best performance in 11 months

    New preliminary data released by the Central Bank of the Dominican Republic via its Monthly Indicator of Economic Activity (IMAE) shows that the Caribbean nation’s economy delivered its most robust performance in nearly 12 months during February 2026, posting a 3.9% year-on-year expansion. This strong February result lifted the average growth rate across the first two months of 2026 to 3.7%, outpacing many moderate growth projections for regional economies.

    This upward momentum was anchored by outsize gains in three foundational sectors of the Dominican economy: mining, construction, and services. Mining led all sectors with a 9.4% annual expansion, followed by construction at 5.8% and the broad services sector at 3.5%. Within services, multiple sub-sectors posted particularly notable growth: education, healthcare, tourism-linked hospitality (including hotels, bars and restaurants), financial services, and professional business activities all contributed heavily to the overall expansion. Additional modest but steady growth came from other core sectors: agriculture grew 3.2% year-on-year, local domestic manufacturing expanded 2.4%, and free trade zone manufacturing recorded a 1.2% increase.

    A closer look at the driving forces behind sector growth reveals a mix of public and private momentum. Construction activity, one of the top growth contributors, was buoyed by rising public infrastructure spending and growing private investment across residential, commercial, and tourism-focused development projects, paired with increasingly favorable lending rates that lowered borrowing costs for developers. The mining sector’s double-digit expansion stemmed from higher production volumes of gold, silver, and key construction materials, aligned with growing regional demand for commodities.

    Tourism, a longstanding economic pillar for the Dominican Republic, continued its recovery and expansion: the country recorded a 10% year-on-year jump in air arrivals through the first two months of 2026, hitting nearly 1.65 million total international visitors. The financial sector also strengthened its position, with financial intermediation activity growing alongside an 8.1% annual increase in credit extended to the private sector, signaling growing business and consumer confidence. For agriculture, higher overall production volumes and targeted government support programs boosted the sector’s performance for the period.

    Even with the stronger-than-expected growth print, the Central Bank has cautioned that ongoing headwinds remain on the global horizon. Persistent geopolitical tensions and upward pressure on global oil prices continue to create widespread uncertainty for small open economies like the Dominican Republic. In response, the central bank reaffirmed its policy commitment to preserving macroeconomic stability and keeping inflation anchored within target ranges through the remainder of 2026.

  • Seamoss project expands opportunities for women and youth

    Seamoss project expands opportunities for women and youth

    Across Saint Lucia, a transformative development initiative focused on expanding inclusion and economic growth in the local seamoss industry has wrapped up its implementation, leaving lasting positive change for marginalized groups including women and young people.

    Named the Empowering Youth and Women in the Seamoss Industry project, the effort was financed by the British High Commission and brought to life through on-the-ground coordination by the Eau Piquant Seamoss Farmers Association. A core priority of the program was upskilling local women to convert raw seamoss into high-value, natural skincare goods, creating new income streams that align with the growing global demand for plant-based personal care products.

    For many participants, the project has already reshaped their professional and personal lives. Claudia Clovis-David, a stay-at-home mother who previously worked as a seamoss farmer before a hemorrhagic stroke forced her to step back from active harvesting, is one of the program’s success stories. After mastering the process of crafting soap from seamoss and other natural ingredients, she now has a flexible work model that fits her family responsibilities.

    “It’s something that’s flexible, allowing me to be with my family and generate an income at the same time,” Clovis-David shared in an interview with St. Lucia Times. “I enjoy working with seamoss. It has a lot of great benefits, so I’m happy for this opportunity to interact with seamoss again.”

    Beyond supporting adult women entrepreneurs, the initiative also made long-term investments in youth engagement through partnerships with local secondary education institutions. Working alongside Beanfield Secondary School, the project organizers introduced third-form students to modern marketing strategies for seamoss-derived products, culminating in a student competition to design original logos for upcoming product lines. Organizers note that this early exposure is designed to spark lasting interest in the sector, paving the way for greater youth participation in Saint Lucia’s seamoss economy in coming years.

    The project also addressed longstanding accessibility barriers that have excluded many community members from seamoss farming. To make the work safer and more comfortable for people who cannot swim, the initiative funded the installation of purpose-built resting stations in ocean waters adjacent to active farming zones.

    Brian Walker, vice president of the Eau Piquant Seamoss Farmers Association, highlighted that the project’s participatory design was key to its strong outcomes. Unlike many externally funded initiatives that leave local communities out of planning, this program embedded the association in both the development and execution phases, fostering a shared sense of ownership over the work. “This project allowed us to be directly involved in the implementation and planning stage where funding monies were used, and that gives us a level of ownership of what we do and appreciation for the industry as a whole,” Walker explained, before extending gratitude to the British High Commission for its support.

    Doyin Adele-Shiyanbola, resident British Commissioner, echoed that praise, noting she was particularly impressed by how quickly participants have turned their new skills into active businesses. “I heard about how some of the women are already selling their products, and how they wanted to take it to a different level and market it not just in Saint Lucia but globally. I found that really inspiring,” she said.

    Looking ahead, program participants are now preparing to scale their new ventures, with plans to pursue regional and international market opportunities for their seamoss-based products as they launch their small businesses.