The Public Service Union (PSU) in Belize is intensifying its efforts to address concerns over the transition of the Belize Tax Service into a Semi-Autonomous Revenue Authority (SARA). A major point of contention is the potential removal of the PSU as the bargaining agent for tax service employees, a move that has sparked significant debate. PSU President Dean Flowers has urged the Government of Belize to respond to these concerns promptly, warning of further actions if no resolution is reached. Flowers emphasized the union’s dual focus on safeguarding public revenues and protecting the welfare of approximately 200 employees who could be impacted by the transition. Despite setting an October 3 deadline for a response, the government has yet to address the union’s concerns. Flowers criticized comments from the Director General of the Belize Tax Service, Michelle Longsworth, suggesting that the PSU’s role would be eliminated post-transition, labeling such statements as ‘foolish.’ Longsworth, in a written response, clarified that once SARA is established, employees would no longer be classified as public officers but as employees of the new authority. She assured that their rights to representation and collective bargaining would be protected, though the specifics of how current PSU members would be affected remain under review. The transition has raised questions about the future of labor representation in Belize’s tax administration, with both sides emphasizing the need for careful consultation to ensure employee rights are upheld.
分类： business
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Public Officers Enjoy 4.5% Salary Increase
Public officers in Belize are celebrating a significant milestone this week as they receive a 4.5% salary increase, a long-awaited adjustment promised by the Government of Belize. This development follows months of intense negotiations, protests, and public demonstrations led by unions advocating for better compensation amid rising living costs. The salary hike, which took effect this week, has been met with widespread gratitude, particularly among lower-paid workers who stand to benefit the most. Teachers and pensioners are also set to receive their adjusted pay by the end of the month, marking a victory for the joint union efforts. Dean Flowers, President of the Public Service Union (PSU), expressed satisfaction with the outcome, emphasizing the importance of this adjustment in helping public officers cope with the escalating cost of living. The successful negotiation underscores the critical role of unions in advocating for workers’ rights and ensuring dignified living conditions for retirees.
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PSU Dismisses Former President’s Claims of Owed Payments
In a recent development, the Public Service Union (PSU) has firmly dismissed claims made by its former president, Gerald Henry Jr., regarding unpaid leave compensation. Henry alleges that the union owes him over $6,000 for 54 days of accumulated leave, a sum he claims was promised by the Ministry of the Public Service. The dispute, which has been ongoing since 2021, has yet to yield a favorable outcome for Henry. Current PSU President Dean Flowers addressed the matter, stating that the claim lacks legal foundation and is a ‘waste of time.’ Flowers emphasized that the union remains open to dialogue but will dismiss claims that do not align with applicable laws. The protracted legal battle highlights the complexities of labor disputes within public service organizations.
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Wales gas-to-energy power plant 68 percent complete after 14-month delay
The ambitious 300-megawatt natural gas-fired power plant in Wales, West Bank Demerara, has reached 68.3% completion despite a 14-month delay caused by extensive soil stabilization efforts. LINDSAYCA Guyana Inc. Chairman Nelson Drake revealed the update during the 2025 International Business Conference, highlighting the US$100 million investment required to prepare the site for construction. The project, initially delayed due to disputes with Puerto Rico-based CH4, is now on track to commence electricity generation between January and March 2026. The soil stabilization process, deemed critical for the project’s success, utilized advanced technology to ensure the site could support the heavy infrastructure, including four main turbine foundations made of 44,000 cubic meters of cement. Drake emphasized the complexity of the project, noting that 89% of engineering, 90.46% of procurement, and 23% of construction have been completed. Over 75% of the equipment, including gas turbines, steam turbines, transformers, and cooling towers, has already arrived in Guyana. The natural gas liquids facility, currently in Houston, is expected to be on-site by year-end. Once operational, the plant will utilize 50 million cubic feet of gas produced by ExxonMobil, generating significant energy savings and reducing electricity costs by 50% for Guyanese households. The project is also projected to contribute US$200 million annually to the Guyana government’s treasury through energy savings and condensate sales.
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GARFIN monitoring CLICO payout after court ruling
In a significant development for thousands of policyholders, the Grenada Supreme Court has approved an initial distribution of approximately EC$9.5 million to CLICO International Life (CIL) policyholders, marking a long-awaited step toward financial recovery. The decision, announced on 12 May 2025, comes 14 years after the company’s collapse in 2011, which left many Grenadian families without life insurance benefits and retirement savings. Despite this progress, the payout represents only 6.59% of the total admitted claims, which amount to EC$144.9 million. The distribution follows a small claims scheme, with claims under EC$50 receiving no payment due to high processing costs, while claims between EC$50 and EC$1,000 will be paid in full. Policyholders with claims between EC$1,000 and EC$15,576 can choose between a lump sum payment of EC$1,000 or 5.5% of their total claim amount, while claims over EC$15,576 will receive 5.5% of their claim value. The Grenada Authority for the Regulations of Financial Institutions (GARFIN) has urged policyholders to review correspondence and respond promptly if they have not received personalized letters by 31 October 2025. The Judicial Manager has also launched a dedicated website to provide updates on the ongoing judicial process, ensuring transparency and communication with affected parties.
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New fuelling facility enhances services for yachting community
Camper & Nicholsons Port Louis Marina, in collaboration with Sol Grenada Ltd, has officially launched a state-of-the-art marine fuelling system at Port Louis Marina. The inauguration ceremony, held on 10 October 2025, marked a significant milestone in enhancing marine services in Grenada. The new system is designed to cater to the needs of modern superyachts and sailing vessels, solidifying Grenada’s reputation as a top-tier destination in the southern Caribbean. The event was attended by key stakeholders and dignitaries, including Zara Tremlett, General Manager of Camper & Nicholsons Port Louis Marina; Stacey Liburd, CEO of the Grenada Tourism Authority; Frank Redhead, CEO of the Grenada Ports Authority; Collin Francis, General Manager of Sol EC Ltd; and Hon. Lennox Andrews, Acting Prime Minister. The ceremony featured a ribbon-cutting and a symbolic “mock fill” demonstration, showcasing the system’s efficiency. Tremlett emphasized the facility’s role in providing world-class amenities, while Francis highlighted Sol’s commitment to safety and quality. The Grenada Tourism Authority sees the development as a boost to the island’s tourism economy, encouraging longer stays and increased spending.
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PM Dickon Mitchell praises progress at Grenada National Resort
Grenada’s Prime Minister, the Honourable Dickon Mitchell, led an official inspection of the Grenada National Resort (GNR) construction site on October 2, marking a significant milestone for the nation’s tourism and investment landscape. Developed by Heng Sheng International, GNR stands as the largest Citizenship by Investment (CBI)-approved project in Grenada, strategically located in the island’s picturesque northern region near Levera Beach. The resort is poised to set a new standard for luxury tourism and residential investment in the Caribbean, featuring world-class amenities such as a 500-suite ocean-view hotel, an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones II, a casino complex, and premium apartments and villas available for purchase. Accompanied by senior government officials, including Finance Minister Dennis Cornwall and Investment Migration Agency Chairman Richard Duncan OBE, Prime Minister Mitchell expressed his admiration for the project’s rapid progress. “I visited in March, but I didn’t expect such significant advancements in just six months. This project will have a transformative impact on local employment and tourism,” Mitchell stated. Heng Sheng Chairman Yuanfa Li guided the delegation through the site, highlighting key developments, including the completion of the golf club structure, the foundation of the casino, and the ongoing construction of the golf course. The first 10 floors of Hotel Tower 1 have been completed, with the 11th floor underway. Li emphasized the team’s commitment to efficiency and quality, projecting the topping out of Hotel Tower 1 by year-end. The visit underscored the strong partnership between the Grenadian government and Heng Sheng, aimed at delivering a landmark project that will redefine luxury tourism and create a lasting economic legacy for Grenada.
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Government and GDB partner to empower young entrepreneurs
The Government of Grenada, in collaboration with the Grenada Development Bank (GDB), has unveiled a transformative initiative aimed at empowering young entrepreneurs. The Ministry of Youth and Sports (MOYS) and GDB recently formalized their partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the Youth in Business Fund. This program is designed to provide concessional loans, grants, and technical support to young individuals, with a particular focus on agribusiness ventures. The initiative aligns with the government’s broader strategy to foster youth entrepreneurship, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth. Permanent Secretary Kim Frederick represented MOYS, while General Manager Royston Cumberbatch signed on behalf of GDB during the ceremony held at the bank’s headquarters in St. George’s. The fund targets individuals aged 18 to 35, including unemployed and underemployed youth, fishers, agricultural workers, and agroprocessors. It will support businesses in areas such as apiculture, hydroponics, vertical farming, crop and livestock production, agro-processing, and climate-smart agriculture. Beneficiaries can access loans with a fixed interest rate of 1%, repayment terms of 5–7 years, and a maximum amount of EC$30,000, alongside grants of up to EC$3,000. Permanent Secretary Frederick emphasized the program’s potential to empower youth, create jobs, and enhance Grenada’s agricultural output. General Manager Cumberbatch echoed this sentiment, highlighting the role of youth as the backbone of the economy and the importance of providing them with practical financial and business support. To qualify, participants must register with the Youth in Business Project and complete mandatory training. This initiative marks a significant step toward sustainable economic development and youth empowerment in Grenada.
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‘AI amplifies human intelligence’, says expert
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Amid growing concerns about artificial intelligence (AI) replacing human roles, Adrian Dunkley, founder and CEO of Star Apple AI, reassured human resource professionals that AI’s true potential lies in enhancing human intelligence, not replacing it. Dunkley’s remarks were delivered during the Human Resource Management Association of Jamaica’s (HRMAJ) launch of HRM Week 2025, held from October 5 to 10 under the theme, ‘Transforming Work: Human-Centered Leadership in the Age of AI.’
Speaking at the HRMAJ webinar titled ‘Empowering People with AI,’ Dunkley emphasized that AI serves as a tool to amplify human capabilities rather than diminish them. ‘AI didn’t replace human intelligence; it amplified it,’ he stated. He highlighted the transformative potential of AI in freeing employees from routine tasks, enabling them to focus on creativity, innovation, and meaningful connections. ‘The real opportunity lies in using AI to make work more human,’ he added.
Dunkley also shared insights from Caribbean organizations already leveraging AI, noting an average weekly time savings of five hours per employee. He underscored the importance of leadership in fostering trust and collaboration, stating, ‘When leaders help employees understand and experiment safely with AI, confidence and collaboration grow.’
Dr. Cassida Jones Johnson, President of HRMAJ, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the rise of emotional intelligence as a critical leadership skill in the AI era. ‘As AI takes over routine and analytical tasks, emotional intelligence is fast becoming the defining skill of successful leaders,’ she said. Dr. Jones Johnson also stressed the irreplaceable value of human insight, emotion, and connection, asserting that the most effective leaders combine intelligence with empathy and ethics.
HRMAJ further highlighted the growing importance of empathy, creativity, adaptability, and ethical decision-making in leadership, citing World Economic Forum predictions that these skills will be in high demand by 2030. The association also emphasized the significance of neurodiversity, psychological safety, and inclusive leadership in building resilient and innovative workplaces.
HRM Week 2025 set the stage for HRMAJ’s annual conference, scheduled for November 12–13, 2025, at the Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston. The conference will explore the theme ‘From Strategy to Impact: Mastering Leadership Excellence Through HR,’ further delving into the intersection of AI and human-centered leadership.
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Mystic India Opens in Panama
What started as a celebrated wedding catering service has now evolved into Panama’s first fine dining Indian restaurant. Mystic India, after nearly a decade of creating unforgettable culinary experiences at grand Indian weddings across Panama, has officially launched its permanent establishment. This new venture offers residents and visitors a unique blend of authentic Indian flavors, artistic presentation, and exceptional hospitality. Since 2014, the Mystic India team has been traveling annually to Panama to cater lavish Indian weddings, earning a reputation for consistency, quality, and unmatched flavor. Their dedication has secured the trust of numerous Indian families who repeatedly invite them to celebrate their most cherished occasions. ‘We’ve had the honour of being invited to cater weddings in Panama for over a decade,’ a spokesperson for Mystic India shared. ‘Each year, our team travels to Panama to create unforgettable culinary experiences. Guests would often ask, ‘Why don’t you open a restaurant in Panama?’’ That opportunity recently arose, and the team seized it, transforming their years of passion and expertise into a permanent culinary landmark. The result is Mystic India, a stunning new restaurant that redefines the perception of Indian cuisine in Panama. With elegant décor, warm service, and an inventive menu, Mystic India has quickly captivated food lovers across the city. The restaurant’s soft opening was met with overwhelming enthusiasm, with a fully booked first night and steady reservations ever since. The buzz continues to grow as the team prepares for its grand opening on October 18, marking a new era for fine dining in Panama City. ‘Mystic India isn’t just about food — it’s about sharing culture, celebration, and connection,’ shared founder Karina Mahbubani. ‘Panama has always welcomed us with open arms during weddings and special events, and now, we’re honoured to make it our home.’ With its blend of traditional recipes, modern presentation, and impeccable consistency, Mystic India promises to be a destination where every meal feels like a celebration.