The Antigua and Barbuda Investment Authority (ABIA) has unveiled the BRIDGE Facility, a groundbreaking funding initiative designed to empower micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) across the Caribbean. This program, spearheaded by the Caribbean Export Development Agency and backed by the European Union under the Global Gateway initiative, seeks to drive the region’s transition toward sustainable and digitally advanced business models. The BRIDGE Facility offers substantial financial support for projects focused on green transition and digital transformation. MSMEs can secure up to EUR 100,000 for initiatives in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, circular economy, blue economy, and green technologies. Additionally, up to EUR 50,000 is available for projects in e-commerce, automation, cybersecurity, digital products, and supply chain digitization. A key requirement for applicants is to contribute at least 40% of the project cost, ensuring commitment and long-term sustainability. Interested businesses are encouraged to review the full guidelines, complete the application form, and utilize the provided budget templates available on the Caribbean Export Development Agency’s website. The deadline for submissions is November 9, 2025, at 11:59 PM AST. For further inquiries, contact [email protected]. This initiative marks a significant step in fostering economic resilience and innovation in the Caribbean, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change and embrace digital advancements.
分类： business
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You NEED It, We BUILD It
In the bustling world of home improvement and custom furniture, Mr. Kevon Dennis stands out as a trusted craftsman dedicated to transforming living spaces. Specializing in a wide array of custom-built furniture, including kitchen cupboards, pantries, clothes closets, vanities, chest of drawers, and bed frames, Mr. Dennis ensures every piece is tailored to meet the unique needs of his clients. With a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, his workmanship promises a ‘Job Well Done every time.’ Clients can reach out to Mr. Dennis via phone at 1 869-764-4795 or through email at Kevvon7@icloud.com. His mission is simple yet profound: to deliver exceptional craftsmanship that exceeds expectations and enhances the functionality and beauty of every home.
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Inposdom handles over 500,000 international shipments in first half of 2025
Santo Domingo – The Dominican Postal Institute (Inposdom) has reported significant milestones in the first half of 2025, processing over 500,000 international shipments, moving 2.75 million items, and handling more than 246 metric tons of goods. These achievements underscore Inposdom’s expanding role in the Dominican Republic’s e-commerce and export logistics sectors. The United States, Europe, and the Virgin Islands emerged as the primary destinations, with the U.S. accounting for the majority of shipments. Key exports included vehicle parts, artisanal products such as tobacco and beauty items, and electronic equipment, including cell phone components. Shipments to the U.S. alone surpassed 200,000 kilograms, reflecting a consistent upward trend in Dominican exports. Erick Guzmán, Director of Inposdom, revealed that the postal service now supports over 18,000 active users, with more than 45,000 citizens utilizing its services nationwide this year. Guzmán attributed this growth to the sector’s recovery and enhanced operational efficiency. To optimize underutilized postal facilities, Inposdom is partnering with public institutions to transform these spaces into multi-service centers. A notable collaboration with the Government Office of Information and Communication Technologies (OGTIC) has led to the establishment of GOB Points within postal offices, enabling citizens to access essential public services such as passport renewals and certificate issuance without additional rental costs.
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Dominican Republic leads Latin America in low inequality and steady economic growth
The Dominican Republic has emerged as a regional leader in economic performance and social development, according to a recent report by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC). Over the past decade, the country has maintained an impressive average economic growth rate of 5%, significantly outpacing the regional average. This robust growth has been accompanied by substantial reductions in poverty, with the poverty rate dropping to 18.2% and extreme poverty to 4.9%. Additionally, the Dominican Republic achieved the lowest inequality index in Latin America, with a Gini coefficient of 0.39 by 2023.
The findings were detailed in the ECLAC report titled ‘Strengthening Protection to Eradicate Poverty and Advance Towards Inclusive Social Development in the Dominican Republic,’ which was presented to President Luis Abinader. Alberto Arenas de Mesa, Director of ECLAC’s Social Development Division, outlined three key policy priorities for the country: expanding and modernizing the social protection system, promoting labor inclusion for women, youth, and informal workers, and strengthening social institutions through comprehensive legislation and enhanced intersectoral coordination.
Dominican economic authorities project continued growth, with national GDP expected to increase by 3.5% this year, followed by a 5% rise in 2024. These projections solidify the Dominican Republic’s position as the largest economy in the Caribbean and the seventh-largest in Latin America. The country’s sustained economic momentum and commitment to inclusive development serve as a model for the region.
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Bus Consolidation Committee Moves Forward with National Transport Reform
The National Bus Consolidation Pro Tempore Advisory Committee is making significant strides in establishing the Consolidated National Bus Company, a transformative public-private partnership aimed at modernizing Belize’s transportation infrastructure. During a pivotal meeting on October 3, the committee reviewed progress and outlined the next steps in this ambitious transition.
Officials revealed that the new entity has already secured a commanding 71 percent of the national market share, thanks to commitments from existing bus operators. Financial audits of these operators are currently in progress, with an opening balance sheet anticipated by mid-November. This financial groundwork will be instrumental in determining equity participation and shaping the company’s financial projections.
Stakeholder consultations have gained momentum, engaging a diverse array of participants, including bus operators, financial institutions, and international partners. These discussions are centered on fostering transparency, inclusivity, and gathering critical insights as the sector moves toward consolidation.
The implementation timeline remains firmly on track, with the Consolidated National Bus Company slated to commence operations on January 1, 2026. The rollout will introduce enhanced safety standards, upgraded and new terminals, and the phased introduction of modern buses over the next two to three years.
The committee underscored that this initiative is not a nationalization effort but a strategic public-private partnership designed to bolster public transportation and align Belize with global sustainable development goals.
The committee comprises representatives from key entities, including the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing, the Statistical Institute of Belize, the University of Belize, the National Trade Union Congress of Belize, the Ministry of Economic Transformation, the Attorney General’s Ministry, the media, bus operators, commuters, the business community, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
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Caribbean Development Bank hosts 22nd annual meeting for Independent Accountability Mechanisms Network
The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) is co-hosting the 22nd Annual Meeting of the Independent Accountability Mechanisms Network (IAMNet) in Barbados from October 6 to 9, 2025. This prestigious event, organized in collaboration with the Inter-American Development Bank’s Independent Consultation and Investigation Mechanism (MICI) and the Office of the Compliance Advisor Ombudsman (CAO) of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency, has drawn nearly 70 accountability professionals from development finance institutions worldwide. Attendees include representatives from the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and other global financial entities. IAMNet, established to foster cooperation among independent accountability bodies, aims to promote best practices in addressing complaints related to development projects, particularly those concerning environmental and social impacts. CDB President, Mr. Daniel Best, emphasized the importance of accountability in development finance, stating, ‘As development challenges grow more complex, strong accountability frameworks become even more critical.’ The conference agenda addresses pressing issues such as the stagnation of Sustainable Development Goals progress, declining aid budgets, and climate-related disasters. Key topics include IAM policy reviews, safeguarding mechanisms for complainants, accountability in climate projects, technological innovations, and strategies to combat retaliation. A dedicated session on October 8 will focus on capacity building for civil society organizations, early conflict resolution, and strengthening collaborations between IAMs and development advocates. Mr. Best highlighted the critical role of accountability in the Caribbean, noting, ‘In the Caribbean, accountability isn’t a luxury; it’s a matter of survival.’ Since 2015, CDB has maintained the Office of Integrity, Compliance, and Accountability, ensuring institutional integrity and ethical practices through its Projects Complaints Mechanism and whistleblowing procedures.
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World economy not doing as badly as feared, says IMF chief
The global economy is demonstrating unexpected resilience despite facing prolonged uncertainties and subdued medium-term growth prospects, according to Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Speaking in Washington on Wednesday, Georgieva noted that while the global economy is performing ‘better than feared, it remains worse than necessary.’ The IMF now anticipates only a slight slowdown in global growth this year and next, buoyed by stronger-than-expected conditions in the United States and several advanced and emerging economies.
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RED STICKER REALITY
In the aisles of supermarkets, bright red stickers promising ‘special offers,’ ‘value packs,’ and ‘buy one, get one free’ deals are a common sight. For many shoppers, these promotions are a welcome relief during tough economic times. However, a closer look reveals that not all deals are as they seem. A recent mini-poll conducted by the Jamaica Observer highlighted mixed experiences among consumers. While some shoppers found genuine value in these promotions, others encountered products nearing their expiry dates or even infested with bugs.
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Canadian visitors to top 600,000 with US$750m revenue, says Bartlett
Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, has unveiled an ambitious vision to attract 600,000 Canadian visitors annually and generate US$750 million in tourism revenue by 2030. This announcement comes as the Caribbean nation experiences a significant 22% increase in airlift capacity from Canada for the upcoming winter season, signaling growing confidence in Jamaica’s appeal as a premier travel destination. Bartlett shared these key performance indicators (KPIs) during his address at the Edith Baxter Memorial Award ceremony, which honors outstanding contributions to Jamaica’s tourism sector. He emphasized Canada’s role as a vital and rapidly expanding source market, attributing the surge in airlift capacity to the strong trust placed in Jamaica by airline partners. Donovan White, Director of Tourism, echoed this optimism, highlighting the importance of strengthened trade partnerships in achieving these targets. The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) noted that the island’s diverse offerings—ranging from all-inclusive resorts and boutique accommodations to cultural experiences and adventure tourism—continue to resonate deeply with Canadian travelers. Bartlett underscored that these goals are not merely aspirational but achievable, citing expanded airlift, ongoing infrastructure investments, and Jamaica’s unique appeal as key drivers of success. To support this vision, the JTB plans to intensify its marketing efforts in Canada, leveraging digital engagement, travel trade collaborations, and consumer-focused campaigns to showcase the island’s authentic experiences and value. While Jamaica has welcomed 485,000 visitors so far, slightly below the 500,000 target for 2025, the tourism sector remains optimistic. With enhanced connectivity and a strong winter season anticipated, Jamaica is poised to lay a solid foundation for sustained growth toward its 2030 objectives.
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Forex: $161.61 to one US dollar
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The US dollar demonstrated a slight upward trend in Jamaica’s foreign exchange market on Wednesday, October 8, closing at $161.61, marking a modest increase of five cents compared to the previous day. This data was reported in the Bank of Jamaica’s daily exchange trading summary. In contrast, the Canadian dollar experienced a decline, ending the day at $116.06, down from its previous close of $116.35. Similarly, the British pound also saw a dip, settling at $215.80, a decrease from $216.31. These fluctuations highlight the dynamic nature of currency markets and the varying performance of major global currencies in Jamaica’s financial landscape.