Ashley Parasram, the visionary director of the Trinidad and Tobago Fine Cocoa Company, has dedicated the past decade to revitalizing the islands’ cocoa industry. His journey began in 2012 when he returned to his birthplace, Trinidad and Tobago, after years abroad. With a background in sustainable development and forestry management, Parasram was drawn to the potential of cocoa as a catalyst for economic and cultural revival.
分类： business
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Sam Bankman-Fried lawyers seek to overturn his fraud conviction
In a pivotal hearing before the US Federal Appeals Court, judges expressed skepticism over arguments presented by lawyers for Sam Bankman-Fried, the disgraced former cryptocurrency tycoon, who is seeking to overturn his fraud conviction and secure a new trial. Bankman-Fried’s defense team, led by attorney Alexandria Shapiro, argued that the initial trial was “fundamentally unfair,” claiming that Judge Lewis Kaplan improperly restricted Bankman-Fried’s testimony, thereby favoring prosecutors. Shapiro contended that the prosecution’s narrative was “morally compelling” but misleading, emphasizing that nearly all FTX creditors had been repaid 120% of their investments, with $8 billion already returned and an additional $1 billion in legal fees covered. Bankman-Fried’s legal team also argued that key evidence supporting his claim that FTX had sufficient funds to cover customer withdrawals was excluded, rendering the verdict unjust. However, the appellate judges appeared unconvinced, with one noting “very substantial evidence of guilt” in the trial record. Judge Barrington Parker questioned whether the jury’s verdict would have differed even if Bankman-Fried had been allowed to testify about his lawyers’ involvement in drafting certain documents. Bankman-Fried, once hailed as a billionaire cryptocurrency mogul and founder of FTX and Alameda Research, saw his empire crumble when it was revealed he had misused billions in customer funds to cover losses, finance political donations, and support personal and corporate spending. In March 2024, he was sentenced to 25 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and ordered to forfeit $11 billion after being convicted on seven charges, including wire fraud, securities fraud, and money laundering. Prosecutors described his actions as one of the largest financial frauds in US history, with Judge Kaplan condemning his “exceptional greed and disregard for the truth.” Meanwhile, reports suggest Bankman-Fried’s inner circle has lobbied former President Donald Trump for a pardon, though it remains unclear whether Trump is considering the request.
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Rural Real Estate: Vacancy – General Manager
Rural Real Estate Inc., a prominent player in Grenada’s property market, is on the lookout for a General Manager to spearhead its operations and foster growth. Based in Grenville, St. Andrew, Grenada, this role demands a dynamic and results-oriented leader who can oversee daily activities and propel the company to new heights. The ideal candidate will embody entrepreneurial spirit, organizational prowess, and a passion for unlocking the business’s full potential. Key responsibilities include managing sales, administration, and marketing operations, expanding property listings and sales, leading and motivating staff, and cultivating robust client and partner relationships. Applicants must possess a Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Marketing, or Hospitality (preferred), along with a minimum of five years of experience in real estate, sales, or business management. Proven leadership, exceptional communication skills, and familiarity with AI tools, digital marketing, and CRM systems are essential. A valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle are also required. This is primarily an in-office position with limited remote work flexibility. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their CV and cover letter to [email protected] or contact +1 473 438 4438 for further details. The application deadline is November 15, 2025. NOW Grenada is not responsible for the opinions, statements, or media content presented by contributors. In case of abuse, click here to report.
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Staatsolie verstevigt internationale partnerschappen in offshoresector
Suriname has taken a significant step forward in its offshore oil and gas exploration efforts with the signing of Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs) for Blocks 9 and 10. The contracts were formalized by Staatsolie, the state-owned oil company, in collaboration with international operators Petronas Suriname E&P B.V. (Block 9) and Chevron Suriname Exploration Limited (Block 10).
In Block 9, Petronas Suriname will serve as the operator, partnering with Chevron Suriname Exploration Ltd., QatarEnergy International E&P LLC, and Paradise Oil Company (POC). The ownership distribution in this block is as follows: Petronas Suriname holds 30%, Chevron 20%, QatarEnergy 20%, and POC 30%. For Block 10, Chevron assumes the role of operator, with Petronas Suriname, QatarEnergy, and POC as partners. The ownership breakdown here is Chevron 30%, Petronas Suriname 30%, QatarEnergy 30%, and POC 10%.
The PSCs grant the involved parties exclusive rights for exploration, development, and production in their respective blocks. The initial exploration phase, spanning three years, will focus on collecting and processing 3D seismic data to map subsurface structures and identify potential oil and gas reserves.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Patrick Brunings, Suriname’s Minister of Oil, Gas, and Environment, emphasized the country’s commitment to sustainable development. ‘We will continue to attract companies to invest in our basin and use the revenues to make Suriname greener and more sustainable—what we call Suriname 3.0,’ he stated.
The contracts, valid for thirty years, were signed by Annand Jagesar (General Director of Staatsolie), Danny Tan (Country Head of Petronas Suriname), Ali Al-Mana (Manager of Upstream International at QatarEnergy), Andrew Deighan (Americas Exploration Director at Chevron), and Rekha Bissumbhar (Director of POC). The event was attended by Minister Brunings and David Abiamofo, Minister of Natural Resources.
Blocks 9 and 10 are located in shallow waters approximately 50 kilometers off the coast of Saramacca. Block 9 covers an area of 2,674 km², while Block 10 spans 2,972 km², with water depths reaching up to 50 meters.
Minister Abiamofo praised the negotiation team and highlighted the government’s support for the initiative. ‘The success of Blocks 9 and 10 will not only drive economic development but also create opportunities for capacity building, employment, and community development,’ he remarked.
This milestone underscores Staatsolie’s strategy to responsibly develop Suriname’s offshore oil and gas potential in partnership with renowned international entities. The agreements mark a pivotal step in positioning Suriname as a key player in the global exploration and production sector.
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Minister: Fund Access, Trust Loans reforms coming
In a bold move to revitalize the financial landscape for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), the Barbadian government has unveiled plans for a comprehensive restructuring of Fund Access and Trust Loans by 2026. Business Minister Senator Lisa Cummins announced the initiative during her keynote address at the Innovation Growth Market (IGM) 200 Conference, held at the Hilton Barbados Resort. The reform aims to address the limitations of the current debt-financing model, which Senator Cummins described as ‘outdated’ and ill-suited for modern enterprises.
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Court blocks bank from collecting EC $800K from elderly couple who guaranteed their children’s business loan
The High Court has delivered a landmark ruling against FirstCaribbean International Bank, mandating the withdrawal of its claim against an elderly couple who guaranteed an EC $800,000 loan for their children’s business. The court found that the bank failed to ensure the couple fully understood the risks associated with the agreement. Justice highlighted that Alburn and Veronica Samuel were not advised to seek independent legal counsel before signing as guarantors for Tyrells A1 Building Centre in 2010. The judge emphasized that the parents’ relationship with their children established a “relationship of influence,” which should have prompted the bank to exercise greater caution. The court noted that FirstCaribbean provided no evidence that it adequately explained the agreement to the couple or encouraged them to obtain legal advice, rendering their guarantees invalid. While the ruling dismissed the bank’s claim against the parents, it upheld its right to recover approximately EC $3.8 million in loans from the business partnership itself. Additionally, other relatives, whose properties were used as collateral, were absolved of liability after the court determined that the bank altered the loan terms without their consent. These relatives were awarded roughly EC $96,000 in damages and EC $10,000 each for defamation due to incorrectly published auction notices. FirstCaribbean was also ordered to pay the Samuels EC $7,500 in legal costs, with an additional EC $166,000 awarded to other defendants.
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Straughn to private sector: Seize opportunities with CAF membership
Barbadians are being encouraged to capitalize on investment opportunities across the Caribbean and Latin America as Barbados prepares to become a full member of the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF). Finance and Economic Affairs Minister Ryan Straughn emphasized this vision during the introduction of the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean Bill in Parliament on Tuesday. The bill, which seeks to elevate Barbados’ membership status, will unlock access to up to US$18 billion in concessional financing for the government, local businesses, and individuals. Straughn highlighted that this financial access will empower Barbadians to acquire businesses regionally and beyond, fostering economic growth and integration. He urged a shift in mindset from concerns about foreign ownership to proactive regional investment by Barbadian enterprises. Straughn also called on local credit unions to innovate and support this vision, enabling Bajan companies to expand their reach. As the smallest member of CAF, Barbados will join a prestigious group of regional economies, marking a significant milestone in its financial and economic integration with Latin America and the Caribbean.
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Barbados to join Latin American development bank as smallest full member
Barbados is poised to become the smallest full member of the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF), a move that will grant the island nation access to $18 billion in loan financing. This funding will benefit not only the government but also the private sector and individuals. Finance and Economic Affairs Minister Ryan Straughn introduced legislation on Tuesday to ratify Barbados’ membership, marking its transition from Series C to Series A status. This upgrade will enhance the country’s influence in the bank’s operations and expand its eligibility for funding opportunities. CAF, headquartered in Caracas, Venezuela, is a regional development bank owned by its member countries and financial institutions. It focuses on promoting sustainable development, regional integration, and social inclusion across Latin America and the Caribbean. To achieve Series A membership, Barbados will pay over $1 million in membership dues, necessitating the repeal of existing legislation and its replacement with the new bill. Minister Straughn emphasized the strategic importance of this move, particularly as the World Bank shifts its stance on climate-related development projects under the influence of the U.S. administration. He highlighted that CAF offers greater insulation and flexibility for Barbados to secure concessional loans, especially for middle-income countries like Barbados and The Bahamas, which face unique vulnerabilities. Unlike other institutions where non-borrowing members dominate lending policies, CAF is governed primarily by its borrowing members, ensuring decisions align with their collective interests. Straughn likened CAF to a credit union for Latin America and the Caribbean, where member contributions translate into ownership and influence. He also stressed the importance of maintaining access to concessional financing during crises beyond the country’s control. CAF provides concessional loans, grants, and technical assistance for projects in infrastructure, energy, water, transport, and climate resilience, often linking financing to transformative development outcomes for the region.
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Nieuwe website moet toegang tot kapitaal voor ondernemers vergroten
The Ministry of Economic Affairs, Entrepreneurship, and Technological Innovation (EZOTI) in Suriname has officially unveiled its new digital platform, financieringswijzer.sr. Designed to assist entrepreneurs and startups, the platform aims to streamline the process of identifying funding opportunities from banks, funds, and investment programs. The launch event took place in the ballroom of the Lallarookh Building, marking a significant step toward enhancing the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the country. The platform serves as a centralized portal, enabling users to systematically explore available financial instruments tailored to their specific needs. According to EZOTI, this initiative addresses a critical barrier: the lack of accessible information on securing funding. Karishma Mathoera, Director of Entrepreneurship, emphasized the platform’s role in fostering sustainable economic growth, stating, ‘This platform makes a tangible contribution to strengthening Suriname’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.’ Entrepreneurs like Wensley Perea, CEO of AMEA Cashew & Pineapple Industry, shared their experiences in navigating funding challenges within the agricultural value chain. Ifeyinwha Bonheur, Senior Private Sector Specialist at the World Bank, highlighted the importance of collaboration among government, banks, and investors to improve access to capital for local businesses. Minister Andrew Baasaron, who officiated the launch, reiterated the government’s commitment to promoting entrepreneurship and creating sustainable employment. He noted that financieringswijzer.sr enhances transparency and equal opportunities for entrepreneurs across all districts.
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From Paradise to Legal Battle: Howler Jungle House Dispute Turns Ugly
Nestled in the lush rainforests of Belize’s Burrel Boom Village, the Howler Jungle House and Cabanas once symbolized a tropical paradise. What began as a modest wood cabin a decade ago has since expanded into four luxury accommodations, thanks to a partnership between local entrepreneurs Shanna and Kenny Williams and three American investors. However, this idyllic venture has now descended into a bitter legal dispute, with allegations of fraud and mismanagement at its core. The investors claim they were misled, citing inflated costs, questionable expenses, and a lack of transparency. Meanwhile, the Williamses vehemently deny these accusations, asserting their business practices were ethical and above board. As the legal battle intensifies, the future of this once-promising retreat remains uncertain.