Carib Scope

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  • Central Bank projects tourism revenues to surpass US$12.5 billion in 2026

    Central Bank projects tourism revenues to surpass US$12.5 billion in 2026

    Against a backdrop of mounting global geopolitical tension and economic volatility, the Dominican Republic’s tourism sector is emerging as a surprisingly resilient powerhouse, new projections from the Central Bank of the Dominican Republic (BCRD) show. The country’s central bank forecasts that total tourism-generated revenue will cross the $12.5 billion threshold by the end of 2026, cementing the industry’s position as the foundational pillar of the nation’s economic stability and primary source of foreign exchange.

    In a recent report titled “Dominican Republic Facing an Oil Shock of Uncertain Nature: An Analysis of the Impact of the Middle East War on the Economy,” BCRD outlined the strong early-year performance that is driving this optimistic forecast. Data from the first quarter of 2026 reveals the Dominican Republic welcomed 3,710,374 international visitors between January and March — a new all-time record for the first three months of any year. Of that total, 2,603,777 guests arrived via commercial air travel, while another 1,106,597 came through cruise ship ports.

    The growth trend accelerated through the first quarter, with March 2026 marking a historic milestone for the country: for the first time ever, air arrivals topped 900,000 in a single month. This surge was fueled by robust expansion in key European source markets. Tourist arrivals from Germany jumped 36% year-over-year, while France and the United Kingdom both posted 17% growth, outperforming expectations for travel demand amid global headwinds.

    The Dominican Republic Hotel and Tourism Association (Asonahores) has embraced BCRD’s analysis, noting the sector’s outperformance comes even as global shocks, including the ongoing armed conflict in the Middle East and rising global oil prices, threaten economic stability across much of the developing world. Asonahores emphasized that tourism has acted as a critical economic buffer insulating the Dominican Republic from broader global uncertainty.

    These strong numbers are more than just a win for the travel industry — they signal widespread international confidence in the Dominican Republic’s standing as a safe, competitively priced, and high-demand travel destination, the association said. “Tourism continues to demonstrate that it is much more than an economic activity; it is an engine of stability, foreign exchange earnings, jobs, and investment for the entire nation,” Asonahores said in a statement.

    Beyond tourism metrics, the broader Dominican economy has also retained investor confidence amid global turmoil. As of May 20, BCRD data shows the country’s Emerging Markets Bond Index (EMBI) spread stood at 177 basis points — well below the Latin American regional average of 264 basis points. This stable sovereign risk rating further confirms global investors’ positive outlook for the Dominican economy, industry leaders noted.

    Asonahores attributed the tourism sector’s consistent strong performance to sustained collaborative work between the Dominican public and private sectors. Targeted policy investments in international tourism promotion, expanded air connectivity with major global markets, upgraded tourism infrastructure, and pro-investment regulation have all combined to boost the country’s competitiveness as a top Caribbean travel destination, the association added.

  • Supermarket mogul dead at 88

    Supermarket mogul dead at 88

    A towering figure in Bahamian business and economic development, grocery industry pioneer Rupert Roberts Jr, OBE, has died at the age of 88, just one day before what would have been his 89th birthday. He passed away peacefully on Tuesday night at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, surrounded by his immediate family — wife Margaret, daughter Candy and granddaughter Paige — according to an official statement released by the Super Value group he founded. Roberts is survived by his wife, three children, multiple grandchildren and great-grandchildren, a wide network of extended family, and thousands of employees across his business enterprises.

    Roberts’ career in retail began long before he launched his own brand. He cut his teeth at City Markets, working his way up from an entry-level supervisor role to store manager at a time when the entire Bahamian grocery sector was overwhelmingly dominated by foreign-owned companies. Breaking into an industry with little space for local entrepreneurs, he founded Super Value in 1965, turning a single standalone store into the nation’s largest Bahamian-owned supermarket chain over nearly six decades of steady growth. Today, the brand operates 13 locations across New Providence, balancing offerings of international consumer brands with dedicated shelf space for Bahamian farmers and local suppliers — a priority Roberts championed throughout his career. The company expanded its footprint in 2012 with the launch of Quality Markets, a subsidiary brand that extended its reach further across the local retail landscape.

    Beyond the grocery sector, Roberts built a diverse business portfolio spanning real estate and multiple commercial ventures, including stakes in South Bimini International Ltd, Bahamas Paper Converting, Discount Mart Limited and Global Bahamas Limited. Alongside his commercial success, he maintained a longstanding commitment to charitable giving and community development across the archipelago, embedding social impact into his professional legacy.

    Roberts also left an indelible mark on Bahamian banking. Following the 1984 Bahamianisation of Commonwealth Industrial Bank Limited — later renamed Commonwealth Bank — he was appointed as the institution’s first domestic chairman. During his tenure, the bank’s total assets surged by more than 700% to surpass $125 million, while net income grew from $1.3 million in 1984 to $4 million by 1992. Though he stepped down from the chairman role in 1988, he retained his seat on the bank’s board of directors for 36 years, continuing to shape its strategic direction for decades.

    In the later stages of his public life, Roberts emerged as one of the most prominent and outspoken voices in national conversations around food pricing, inflation, import costs, taxation and strained supply chains. As ordinary Bahamian households struggled with soaring grocery bills, his insights and advocacy consistently placed him at the center of national economic debate.

    One of his final interviews with local outlet The Tribune came after he spent nine weeks receiving treatment in the United States, having been airlifted abroad for medical care. In that conversation, he shared a heartfelt message of gratitude for the outpouring of support and prayers from across the country, and urged Bahamians to prioritize their health, warning: “You could develop an illness that The Bahamas is not equipped to solve. A medical condition can develop into something more expensive than you can afford.” Even amid his ongoing health challenges, Roberts made clear he had no plans to step away from work, saying: “No, no…not at all! They advised me to keep going and never stop!”

    Following news of his passing, tributes poured in from across Bahamian politics, business and civil society on Wednesday. Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis, who recalled working under Roberts at City Markets in the 1960s before Roberts rose to become one of the nation’s top business leaders, honored Roberts as a foundational figure in The Bahamas’ economic growth, highlighting his decades of philanthropy and community support.

    Opposition Leader Michael Pintard praised Roberts as a fierce advocate for Bahamian agriculture and local production, pointing to his consistent work to expand shelf space for domestic goods in retail outlets across the country. Pintard also noted that Roberts maintained an independent stance on business and economic policy, collaborating constructively with both major political parties while prioritizing national interest over partisan alignment. “I respected the fact that he did not allow politics to cloud his judgment in terms of what was in the best interest of the country, and so today I join thousands of Bahamians who mourn his passing and who thank God for the kind of life that he lived that contributed to so many persons’ upliftment, and so may he rest in peace,” Pintard said.

    Don Williams, chairman of the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation, described Roberts as a leading voice for the private sector whose input shaped national discussions on pricing, retail operations and sustainable business growth. Former Retail Grocers Association president Philip Beneby remembered him as a true trailblazer for the domestic grocery industry, who partnered with stakeholders across the sector to drive growth for decades. Civil society group the Organisation for Responsible Governance also confirmed that Roberts had served on its board since the organization’s founding, playing a key role in advancing its governance and sustainability mandates.

  • SBAJ welcomes Anderson’s appointment to NaRRA

    SBAJ welcomes Anderson’s appointment to NaRRA

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s top small business advocacy group is throwing its support behind the newly appointed leader of the country’s flagship infrastructure agency while calling for long-overdue changes to how major infrastructure contracts are awarded.

    The Small Business Association of Jamaica (SBAJ) has extended congratulations to retired Major General Antony Anderson, who was tapped to serve as the first chief executive officer of the National Road Reconstruction Agency (NaRRA), the newly formalized body tasked with guiding the country’s large-scale road network upgrades.

    Prime Minister Andrew Holness first revealed Anderson’s appointment during a dedicated post-Cabinet media briefing held Wednesday at the Jamaica House banquet hall. Alongside the announcement, Holness confirmed that the NaRRA Bill — the legislation that formally established the agency — had been successfully passed into law, with Anderson set to take up his new leadership role starting June 1.

    In an official statement released to the public Thursday, SBAJ President Garnett Reid framed Anderson’s appointment as a milestone coming at a critical juncture for Jamaica’s infrastructure development trajectory. Reid emphasized that Anderson’s decades of decorated public service have equipped him with extensive expertise, a well-documented history of delivering results, and deep institutional knowledge that makes him well-suited to lead the new agency.

    Reid also called on all public and private stakeholders to extend full collaboration and backing to Anderson, noting that robust coordinated support will be key to helping him execute NaRRA’s mandate effectively and efficiently.

    But beyond welcoming the new leadership, Reid outlined a core priority the SBAJ is pushing for under Anderson’s tenure: guaranteeing that local small and medium-sized contractors get a fair share of the billions in infrastructure investment set to roll out through NaRRA.

    “My only hope is that small and medium-sized contractors get some of the contracts from the NaRRA investments,” Reid stated plainly.

    He underscored that structured, transparent procurement processes will be non-negotiable to correct a long-standing gap in Jamaican infrastructure development. For decades, smaller local construction firms have been sidelined for major projects, with most large contracts going instead to bigger, often international companies.

    Reid further made the economic case for prioritizing local businesses, arguing that awarding contracts to Jamaican firms keeps investment capital circulating within Jamaica’s domestic economy, fuels growth of local small enterprises, and builds long-term resilience for the national economy. In contrast, he explained, when large multinational corporations win major infrastructure contracts, a large share of the financial benefits from those investments flow off the island, leaving minimal lasting impact on local communities.

    Looking ahead, the SBAJ says it is eager to build a collaborative, productive working relationship with both Anderson and the entire NaRRA team. The group’s end goal is to ensure that Jamaica’s ongoing national infrastructure expansion doesn’t just improve the country’s roads — it also drives inclusive, sustainable economic growth that benefits Jamaican businesses and workers at the grassroots level.

  • JetBlue unveils “Quisqueya la Bluebella” aircraft honoring Dominican culture

    JetBlue unveils “Quisqueya la Bluebella” aircraft honoring Dominican culture

    In a celebratory ceremony held at Las Américas International Airport in the heart of Santo Domingo, major U.S. carrier JetBlue has pulled back the curtain on its latest one-of-a-kind branded aircraft, dubbed “Quisqueya la Bluebella” — a vibrant, loving nod to Dominican heritage and the airline’s deep, long-standing ties to the island nation.

    The specially customized plane, an Airbus A320, showcases striking original artwork crafted by local Dominican artist Willy Gómez. Gómez’s design beat out other submissions to win the honor earlier this year, after a public voting campaign that invited community input to select the final artwork that would adorn the aircraft.

    Taking its creative inspiration from the beloved patriotic slogan “Quisqueya la Bella” (Beautiful Quisqueya, the historic indigenous name for the Dominican Republic), the design weaves together dozens of iconic symbols that define Dominican national identity. Scattered across the plane’s fuselage are images of dominoes, a staple of Dominican social life, alongside traditional instruments for merengue and bachata — the country’s world-famous musical genres. Completing the tropical, distinctly Dominican scene are lush tropical flowers, swaying palm trees, rolling ocean waves, and the Cigüa Palmera, the country’s official national bird. A bold colloquial phrase “Tamo’ aquí,” which translates to “We’re here,” is also prominently featured, serving as a public declaration of JetBlue’s enduring commitment to the Dominican community both on the island and across the diaspora in the United States and beyond.

    Speaking at the official unveiling event, JetBlue President Marty St. George took the opportunity to reflect on the airline’s more than two decades of operations in the Dominican Republic. He framed the custom aircraft as more than just a marketing piece, calling it a heartfelt tribute to Dominican national pride, centuries of rich culture, and the boundless creativity of the Dominican people.

    Today, JetBlue connects four major Dominican destinations — the capital city of Santo Domingo, Santiago, the popular tourist hub of Punta Cana, and Puerto Plata — to markets across North America. The airline currently holds the title of the carrier with the largest number of routes linking the Dominican Republic and the United States, a position it has built up over its 20-plus years of service in the region.

    Beyond revealing the new aircraft, JetBlue also made a major service announcement at the ceremony: this upcoming summer travel season, the airline will operate an average of 45 daily flights to and from the Dominican Republic, marking a substantial expansion of its already robust schedule. Alongside growing its commercial service, the company reaffirmed its pledge to continue supporting local community initiatives across the country that benefit Dominican residents.

  • Mining leads Dominican economy with 10.7% growth, says Joel Santos

    Mining leads Dominican economy with 10.7% growth, says Joel Santos

    Against a backdrop of widespread global economic instability, the Dominican Republic’s mining industry has outperformed all other national economic sectors to deliver double-digit growth in the first four months of 2026, according to senior government officials. Joel Santos, the country’s Minister of Energy and Mines, announced the new growth figures last week, citing official data compiled by the Central Bank of the Dominican Republic through its widely followed Monthly Indicator of Economic Activity (IMAE).

    The data shows that the mining sector expanded by 10.7% year-on-year between January and April, marking the strongest rate of expansion across any segment of the Dominican national economy. Santos attributed this robust growth trajectory directly to a sharp uptick in gold and silver output across the country’s active mining operations. This strong performance from the mining sector has acted as a major tailwind for the Dominican economy as a whole, pushing total cumulative economic growth to 4.0% for the first four months of 2026. That figure marks a notable improvement from the 2.7% overall growth recorded in the same period one year prior.

    Santos stressed that this impressive outcome was secured even as the global economy contends with persistent headwinds, including ongoing geopolitical uncertainty stemming from the Middle East conflict and sustained upward pressure on international crude oil prices. Against this volatile global landscape, he reaffirmed that the Dominican mining industry continues to hold a strategic position in shielding the domestic economy from external shocks.

    “ The mining sector is the quintessential counter-cyclical sector of the Dominican economy,” Santos explained. He noted that global metal prices have a long-established trend of rising during periods of global economic and geopolitical crisis, creating a natural buffer that stabilizes overall domestic economic activity when other export-reliant sectors face pressure.

    Beyond its counter-cyclical stabilizing role, Santos highlighted the Dominican Republic’s extensive diverse mineral reserves as a foundational pillar of long-term economic development. The country holds abundant deposits of gold, silver, copper, nickel, bauxite, and limestone, all of which drive key economic outcomes ranging from export earnings to foreign direct investment, job creation for local workers, and consistent public sector tax revenue.

    Looking back at 2025 full-year data, Santos shared that total mining sector exports exceeded $2.5 billion U.S. dollars last year, while total tax contributions from mining operations hit approximately 45 billion Dominican pesos. In addition to the strong mining results, the minister noted that the broader energy sector also posted solid gains early this year, recording cumulative growth of 3.5% between January and April.

  • Wisynco — Worthy Park Rum Mixes

    Wisynco — Worthy Park Rum Mixes

    Jamaica’s Wisynco Group has launched a new line of ready-to-drink (RTD) rum-based cocktails under the iconic Worthy Park brand, tapping into a rapidly expanding global RTD beverage trend while delivering a high-quality, locally rooted option for Jamaican consumers. The new product lineup includes four distinct flavor profiles: Worthy Park Tropical Fusion Rum Mix, Worthy Park Grapefruit Rum Mix, Worthy Park Mojito Rum Mix, and Worthy Park Ginger Beer Rum Mix. All products are centered around a core ingredient of Worthy Park White Rum, sourced directly from Lluidas Vale in St Catherine, Jamaica, keeping production and sourcing fully local. Today, the new Worthy Park Rum Mix line is distributed across the entire island of Jamaica, with availability through every major retail and hospitality channel including supermarkets, local bars, and wholesale distributors. The development of the product line came as a direct response to two key market observations: the explosive global growth of the RTD cocktail category, and an unmet local need for a product that balances convenience, affordability, and the high flavor standard that Jamaican consumers expect from homemade rum mixes. When the line made its official debut in February this year, it generated immediate buzz across social media platforms, with consumers sharing their experiences and praising the products for their flavor that closely matches handcrafted, freshly prepared cocktails. The brand has centered its target audience on adults aged 18 to 34, a demographic that actively seeks flavorful, convenient beverage options to enhance casual social gatherings and everyday moments. Early reception of the new RTD line has been overwhelmingly positive, with countless consumers taking to social media to share their approval of the product’s flavor and premium quality. The brand’s steady month-over-month growth can be attributed to a winning combination of strong consumer demand, wide market accessibility, and uncompromised quality that aligns perfectly with what modern consumers prioritize: great taste, on-the-go convenience, and solid value. Priced at just $270 Jamaican dollars per can, the product delivers a premium tasting experience that remains accessible to a wide range of consumers. Looking ahead, the Wisynco Group has set ambitious long-term goals for the Worthy Park Rum Mix line, aiming to establish it as the go-to RTD beverage option for consumers seeking a refreshing, high-quality drink to complement relaxed social moments. The brand’s growth strategy focuses on forging deeper, more meaningful connections with consumers by embedding itself in the moments that matter most to Jamaicans, from large public events and private social gatherings to everyday casual occasions. Parallel to this in-person engagement, the brand will prioritize expanding its visibility both online and in physical retail spaces, ensuring it remains top-of-mind for consumers whenever they shop for beverages. Ultimately, the company aims to position Worthy Park Rum Mix not just as a single product line, but as a staple part of how Jamaicans enjoy their most memorable moments. Despite the early success, the brand faces notable challenges in an increasingly crowded and competitive market. As the RTD cocktail category continues to expand globally and locally, more brands are entering the space to compete for the same consumer base, and the new line also faces competition from the broader established beverage market. For Worthy Park Rum Mix, the core challenge extends beyond just retail visibility: it requires building a long-lasting, loyal connection with consumers that keeps the brand relevant, differentiated, and the preferred choice for shoppers. Company representatives emphasize that Jamaican consumers should support the new line because it is a fully Jamaican-made, Jamaican-owned product. Wisynco is a publicly traded company majority owned by Jamaican shareholders, with deep roots in driving local economic growth, progress, and shared success. In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, the company has reaffirmed its commitment to core values of food security, sustainability, and support for Jamaica’s local producer ecosystem. Despite the disruptions and challenges brought by the storm, Wisynco remains dedicated to delivering on its promises, continuing to roll out new product innovations, and maintaining consistent supply of its most critical brands for consumers and retail partners. The launch of the Worthy Park Rum Mix line has also supported the local economy through the creation and retention of new jobs tied to the product line, a testament to the company’s ongoing commitment to local growth. Company leadership notes that this continued resilience through post-hurricane challenges reflects the strength of the company’s team, its operational systems, and its shared purpose of driving Jamaican progress.

  • Holly Bostock appointed Red Stripe managing director in leadership transition

    Holly Bostock appointed Red Stripe managing director in leadership transition

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Iconic Jamaican brewery Red Stripe has unveiled a major leadership reshuffle that will make corporate sustainability and public affairs veteran Holly Bostock the first woman to lead the brand in its 100-year history. Effective July 1, 2026, Bostock will step into the role of managing director, while incumbent Daaf van Tilburg will take up a new regional leadership position with parent company Heineken’s Asia Pacific (APAC) division.

    The announcement, made public by the brewery Thursday, frames the leadership handover as the opening of a new growth-focused chapter for Red Stripe, which operates in one of the most competitive and fast-evolving beverage markets in the Caribbean. Industry observers note the appointment also marks a landmark shift for gender diversity in Jamaica’s manufacturing and brewing sectors, aligning with global corporate pushes for more inclusive leadership pipelines.

    Van Tilburg, who took the helm at Red Stripe in July 2023, earned his regional promotion after a tenure marked by strong operational results and strategic transformation. During his three years at the Jamaican brand, he led a refinement of the company’s commercial strategy, reinforced the value of Red Stripe’s core product portfolio, launched multiple market-facing innovations, and deepened long-standing partnerships with retail and hospitality partners across the island.

    One of his most notable achievements was steering the successful turnaround of Celebration Brands Limited (CBL), Red Stripe’s joint venture for sales and distribution. Under his leadership, CBL upgraded its on-the-ground sales execution, lifted customer service standards, and improved engagement with vendors across Jamaica.

    Beyond commercial results, van Tilburg prioritized corporate resilience and local community engagement, most notably leading Red Stripe’s support for national recovery efforts after Hurricanes Beryl and Melissa hit the island. Reflecting on his time leading the brand, van Tilburg called the role an incredible privilege, noting that “the passion, resilience, and talent of the Jamaican team are truly inspiring. I am proud of what we have achieved together and confident the business will continue to thrive.”

    In his new role as APAC Managing Director, van Tilburg will oversee a diverse portfolio of Heineken operating companies across the region, guiding their progress on core strategic priorities: growth acceleration, productivity improvements, and long-term operational adaptation. Heineken cited van Tilburg’s proven strategic thinking and track record of driving transformation and performance across global markets as key factors in his appointment.

    For Bostock, the promotion to Red Stripe’s top role builds on a successful three-year tenure leading Heineken St Lucia. During her time in that position, the business delivered consecutive annual growth in revenue, gross profit, and operating profit, posted record cash flow results, and implemented a sustainable debt and dividend framework designed to future-proof operations and deliver long-term value to shareholders.

    Bostock launched her Heineken career in 2010 through the company’s competitive International Graduate Programme, and has since built a cross-functional, global career spanning multiple regional markets. She cut her teeth in senior roles in public affairs, communications, and sustainability at Heineken’s global headquarters, before moving into regional leadership as corporate affairs director for Heineken Myanmar and later Heineken Vietnam. This trajectory has equipped her with deep international experience and cross-market strategic insight that Red Stripe’s board says will be invaluable in her new role.

    Red Stripe emphasized that Bostock’s appointment is not an isolated change, but a direct reflection of the company’s ongoing commitment to cultivating diverse, inclusive leadership at all levels. The milestone also stands as a progressive step forward for gender representation across Jamaica’s brewing and manufacturing industries, which have historically been led by male executives.

    Reacting to her appointment, Bostock said: “It is an honour to join Red Stripe, a company deeply rooted in Jamaican heritage and globally respected for its iconic brands. I look forward to working with the talented team to build on its success, drive sustainable growth, and continue contributing to Jamaica’s economic and social development.”

  • MegaMart Portmore closing

    MegaMart Portmore closing

    After nearly three decades serving shoppers across Jamaica, MegaMart’s original location in Portmore will permanently shut its doors on June 30, marking the end of an era for the retail chain and bringing uncertainty to roughly 200 local workers. The 75,000-square-foot store, which first opened its doors to customers in 1999 as MegaMart’s debut Jamaican outlet, has struggled with sustained losses for years, according to company chairman Gassan Azan.

    In an exclusive interview with Jamaica Observer published Wednesday, Azan described the shutdown as an emotionally charged, extraordinarily difficult choice, noting that the location had long stayed afloat thanks to financial support from the chain’s Montego Bay branch. That safety net vanished late last year, when Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica on October 28, destroying the Montego Bay location and leaving the struggling Portmore store without critical subsidies.

    The closure is part of a broader strategic restructuring plan launched by parent company Cost Club Limited, which is consolidating its operations across two remaining locations: one on Waterloo Road in St Andrew, and a second in Mandeville, Manchester. Company leaders say the consolidation is designed to shore up the health of the overall business and improve long-term financial sustainability. In an official statement shared with the Observer, Cost Club called the Portmore location a cornerstone of MegaMart’s history, and extended gratitude to both loyal customers and dedicated staff for their decades of support and contribution.

    Azan explained that overlapping financial and structural factors pushed the company to finalize the shutdown decision. The Portmore and former Montego Bay properties are bound together under a single lease agreement with multiple pension funds, a structure established years ago through a sale-and-leaseback transaction. With this 15-year agreement set to expire in the near future, the company faced major uncertainty around future capital investments. Upgrading and modernizing the Portmore store to meet current consumer standards would require an estimated $3 million or more in capital to replace outdated equipment and update the space – an investment Azan said makes no sense with the lease’s expiration imminent. In fact, the chain already enacted preliminary cost-cutting measures at the location, cutting closing time from 10:00 pm to 8:00 pm to reduce operating expenses.

    Of the 700 total people employed across the MegaMart network, 200 work at the Portmore location. While Azan confirmed the company plans to reassign some Portmore staff to other locations across the chain, the exact number of workers who will be offered new roles has not yet been finalized.

    Contrary to widespread speculation that the 2023 entry of membership retailer PriceSmart into the Portmore market drove the shutdown, Azan pushed back against that narrative. He noted that PriceSmart caters to a distinct consumer segment and has not had a meaningful impact on MegaMart Portmore’s sales numbers. Instead, he pointed to shifting local retail dynamics: over the past decade, dozens of new neighborhood shopping centers have opened across Portmore, eliminating the need for residents to travel to a single large-format outlet for most of their purchases.

    Azan added that broader national and global retail shifts have also put massive pressure on large-format stores like those in the MegaMart network. The rise of online shopping and the growth of direct consumer imports, particularly in non-food product categories, have eroded the core sales that large-format stores depend on to cover high operational costs. The chain’s large-store model relies heavily on non-food product margins to offset the cost of maintaining a 75,000-square-foot space, and falling non-food sales have left the business model unviable for the Portmore location.

    Azan noted that many other Jamaican retailers are facing identical pressures, even if most are hesitant to discuss their struggles publicly. “It’s primarily the non-food areas that are suffering,” he explained. “MegaMart’s operational costs are much higher than your average supermarket because of the amount of square footage that you’re operating and you’re expecting certain sales from your non-food area. And if those sales don’t materialise, you really don’t get the extra margin to cover the cost of running a store of that size.”

    Looking ahead, Azan said he still holds out hope to reopen a smaller-format MegaMart location in Montego Bay to replace the store lost to Hurricane Melissa, though no firm timeline for reopening has been set. Reflecting on the Portmore shutdown, Azan called the moment bittersweet: “It’s very bittersweet for me to have to deal with this. But I guess it’s part of what’s going on. The advent of online shopping has a lot to do with it — more so than PriceSmart.”

  • 2026 Nominee For Best (New) Local Product: Camgar Gourmet Coffee Syrup

    2026 Nominee For Best (New) Local Product: Camgar Gourmet Coffee Syrup

    Against the backdrop of Jamaica’s vibrant agricultural sector, a homegrown agro-processing startup is redefining what the island’s world-famous coffee can be. Founded by chief executive Garfield Clarke, Camgar Farm Limited has carved out a unique niche by turning locally harvested Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee into a range of inventive, value-added gourmet food products that blend traditional island flavors with modern culinary innovation.

    The company’s origins trace back to 2020, when Clarke launched his venture at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, with an initial goal of revitalizing a small, underused coffee plantation in the iconic Wallenford coffee growing region. What began as a project to build a sustainable small-scale farming operation quickly evolved after early operational setbacks, including the dissolution of an early business partnership. Clarke pivoted the company’s strategy, shifting focus from raw coffee production to developing value-added consumer products built around Jamaica’s most celebrated agricultural export.

    This strategic shift laid the groundwork for Camgar Farm’s current flagship product line, which launched official commercial sales in July 2023 after three years of product development. Today, the company’s growing portfolio stretches far beyond traditional roasted coffee beans, featuring one-of-a-kind offerings that include Sweet & Spicy Coffee Jelly, smooth Gourmet Coffee Syrup, Coffee Breadfruit Punch, and Coffee Jackass Corn. Each product fuses the rich, bold flavor of Jamaican coffee with beloved local staple ingredients, creating entirely new ways for consumers to experience Jamaican coffee outside of a standard brewed cup.

    From its earliest days, Camgar Farm has centered local production in its business model. All core raw materials, including its coffee base, are sourced directly from small-scale Jamaican farmers and domestic suppliers, a choice designed to lift up the local agricultural community and ensure the authentic island flavor profile that sets its products apart.

    Within Jamaica, the brand has already built a widespread retail presence, with its stocked across a growing network of sales points that span major supermarket chains, specialty food stores, agro-marts, pharmacies, and independent distributors. Key retail partners include Hi-Lo Food Stores locations across Portmore, Pavilion, Liguanea, Barbican, and Manor Park, General Foods, Loshusan Supermarket, Fresh Approach Foods, Grand Depot Ltd, Lee’s Food Fair, Progressive Foods, RADA Agro-Marts, and Alchemist Pharmacy. To expand its nationwide reach, the company also entered a distribution partnership with Frozen Delight Distributor (FDD) to streamline delivery and grow market penetration across the island.

    The young company has already notched several key industry milestones that signal its growing traction in Jamaica’s food manufacturing sector. In February 2024, Camgar Farm earned a coveted spot as a selected participant in the Road Show and Pitch Competition hosted by Jamaica’s Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce (MIIC), a win that delivered widespread industry exposure and independent validation of its innovative product approach. Just four months later, in June 2024, the brand received a nomination in the “Best New Product” category at the prestigious Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards, further boosting its credibility and visibility among consumers and industry peers. Most recently, its popular Gourmet Coffee Syrup launched wide public availability in July 2025.

    Camgar Farm’s target audience spans a diverse range of consumers, including gourmet and specialty food enthusiasts, international tourists visiting Jamaica, members of the large Jamaican diaspora seeking authentic local products, and any consumer searching for unique, premium Jamaican-made culinary experiences. So far, market reception has been overwhelmingly positive: consumers have praised the brand for its creativity, distinct flavor combinations, and one-of-a-kind product offerings, and the company has already attracted interest from potential international buyers alongside strong local demand.

    What sets Camgar Farm apart from competing food brands is its unique market positioning: it merges cutting-edge culinary innovation, uncompromising premium quality, and 100% authentic Jamaican flavors to deliver a gourmet coffee experience that cannot be found anywhere else. This differentiation has helped the brand stand out in both local and regional markets.

    Looking ahead, the company has set ambitious growth goals: it aims to become Jamaica’s leading value-added coffee brand, build out robust regional and international distribution networks, and continue expanding its portfolio of inventive agro-processed food products. However, like many growing small food manufacturers, Camgar Farm faces notable headwinds. Its primary challenges include scaling up production capacity while retaining strict product consistency, controlling rising operational costs, and securing the capital and resources needed to support expansion into export markets. The company also grapples with raw material inventory management challenges, driven by seasonal growing cycles, fluctuating harvest supplies, and the need to maintain stable, consistent production schedules to meet retail demand.

    Reflecting on the company’s journey from a small revitalized farm to a multi-product award-nominated brand, Clarke says he has learned key lessons for early-stage food entrepreneurs: investing earlier in formal branding, scalable production systems, and strategic partnerships would have accelerated the company’s growth and market penetration in its early years.

    Clarke and the Camgar Farm team are calling on Jamaican consumers to support the local brand, noting that it represents everything that the island’s agricultural and entrepreneurial community has to offer: homegrown innovation, value-added agriculture, and the transformation of local raw materials into world-class competitive products. Every purchase of Camgar Farm product supports local Jamaican farmers and strengthens the island’s domestic agricultural economy as a whole.

    In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, which devastated parts of Jamaica’s agricultural sector, Clarke emphasized that the company’s mission is more important than ever. The hurricane reinforced how critical it is to strengthen Jamaica’s domestic food security and invest in local agriculture. By supporting local farmers, homegrown agro-processing, and Jamaican-made products, the country can build a more resilient, sustainable, and economically inclusive food ecosystem that benefits future generations of Jamaicans.

  • LUCELEC celebrates success at annual staff awards

    LUCELEC celebrates success at annual staff awards

    St. Lucia’s leading electricity utility provider, St. Lucia Electricity Services Limited (LUCELEC), recently gathered to celebrate the exceptional commitment and contributions of its workforce at the 2025 Staff Awards ceremony. Centered on the theme “Our People. Our Power. Our Success”, this year’s event put a spotlight on standout workers and collaborative teams whose tireless efforts drove the utility’s solid performance over the preceding 12 months, officially recognizing 6 teams and 62 individual employees for their outstanding work.

    During the ceremony, LUCELEC Managing Director Gilroy Pultie walked attendees through the company’s key achievements from the past year, revealing that the firm secured a 120.64 corporate performance score out of a maximum 150. This result marks a notable improvement over the utility’s 2024 performance, signaling meaningful momentum across all operational areas.

    Pultie emphasized that the strong performance was no accident, noting that the company made substantial progress on a slate of strategic initiatives designed to advance LUCELEC’s long-term vision. Even amid growing complexity across economic, technological, and regulatory landscapes, the team has maintained consistent, reliable service for all St. Lucian customers. “This outcome is the direct product of our collective effort, organizational resilience, and willingness to adapt as our industry evolves,” Pultie explained. “This is the standard we must continue building on: teams stepping up to meet challenges, individuals taking ownership of their work, a culture rooted in our core values, and a shared drive to rethink how we operate and innovate.”

    LUCELEC Chairman John Joseph echoed this sentiment, stressing that the company’s skilled, dedicated workforce is the backbone of its strong industry reputation and consistent operational results. “These awards celebrate individuals and teams that deliver results while upholding the highest standards of LUCELEC,” Joseph said. He added that investing in employee growth is the cornerstone of the company’s strategic plan: building internal capabilities, strengthening organizational culture, and nurturing high performance within a values-led framework are critical to sustaining success, and will keep LUCELEC ranked among the most trusted institutions in St. Lucia.

    Among this year’s top honorees were three Employees of the Year: Dona Emmanuel from the Planning Department, Kisha Browne from Credit Control, and Kedia Daniel, the company’s HR Business Partner. Ormond Reece, Senior Manager of Planning, took home the honor of Senior Manager of the Year. On the team side, the Generation Department earned the Large Department of the Year award, while the Office of Strategy Management was named Small Department of the Year. Trisha James received the “Power of Caring Impact Award” as Volunteer of the Year in recognition of her exceptional community outreach work. The ceremony also included special recognition for the LUCELEC Disaster Restoration team, which traveled to Jamaica to support recovery efforts in the wake of Hurricane Melissa.

    Sharon Narcisse, LUCELEC’s Chief Human Resources Officer, reinforced the central role that employees play in the company’s mission. “At LUCELEC, our ‘power’ is about far more than just the electricity we generate and deliver across Saint Lucia,” Narcisse said. “It reflects the energy, commitment, resilience, innovation and teamwork of our people. It is our employees who power this company every single day.”

    The annual Staff Awards ceremony has long been a core part of LUCELEC’s commitment to celebrating excellence, reinforcing a strong inclusive company culture, and nurturing a people-first high-performing organization.