Carib Scope

分类： business

  • Call for ‘People-First’ Action at CANTO 2026

    Call for ‘People-First’ Action at CANTO 2026

    PORT OF SPAIN, TRINIDAD & TOBAGO (February 9, 2026) – The CANTO Connect 2026 conference concluded with a transformative vision for Caribbean telecommunications, asserting that digital infrastructure represents merely the foundation for regional progress. The consensus emerged that true global competitiveness will be determined by human capital development, strategic governance, and disciplined execution.

    Held under the theme “Elevate the Caribbean – From Connectivity to Global Competitiveness,” the four-day summit brought together telecommunications operators, regulatory authorities, policy makers, and industry partners to advance the region’s digital transformation beyond mere access toward tangible economic impact.

    The Human Resource Leadership Forum featured a pivotal address by Dominic Boon, Vice President of People at Liberty Caribbean (operators of Flow, Liberty Business and BTC), who emphasized the critical human and institutional dimensions of this transition. “HR must originate from business strategy before guiding people strategy,” Boon stated. “Leadership demands visible presence, unwavering advocacy, and vocal commitment to forge inclusive, accountable, and future-ready work environments.”

    Boon detailed Liberty Caribbean’s people-centric framework designed to cultivate regional leadership capabilities. This comprehensive approach incorporates continuous learning cultures, incentive structures focused on employee wellbeing, AI-powered workforce technologies, and collaborative playbooks to accelerate regional implementation.

    The executive highlighted compelling metrics: 85% of their leadership team comprises Caribbean talent, demonstrating intentional investment in local capability development, while gender parity sees women occupying 50% of leadership positions. “Diverse perspectives enhance decision-making quality and enable organizations to better reflect and serve their communities,” Boon explained. “This human-focused strategy transforms physical infrastructure into enduring competitive advantage.”

    With the workplace evolving at unprecedented speed, Boon stressed HR’s vital role in preparing workforces for forthcoming challenges through digital skill development, leadership pipeline reinforcement, and adaptive organizational cultures.

    Forum participants unanimously agreed that domestic talent cultivation, contemporary governance models, and people-oriented policies are indispensable for converting digital infrastructure into employment opportunities, innovation ecosystems, and inclusive economic growth.

    As the conference concluded, delegates expressed resolute optimism. With technical connectivity foundations established across the Caribbean, the subsequent phase of scaling talent, governance, and partnerships now requires coordinated, deliberate action between public and private sector stakeholders.

  • BCWJ Warns of International Action Over BTL Severance

    BCWJ Warns of International Action Over BTL Severance

    The Belize Communication Workers for Justice (BCWJ) has escalated its confrontation with Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL), issuing a stern warning about potential international intervention regarding unresolved severance payments for 175 former employees. Union representative Emily Turner expressed profound disappointment with BTL’s contradictory communications and persistent delays in addressing the compensation issue, despite weeks of sustained protests. The labor dispute has gained additional complexity due to BTL’s concurrent pursuit of an $80 million acquisition of telecommunications provider Speednet/SMART while leaving severance obligations unmet. Turner revealed the union’s strategic connections with international labor organizations, specifically mentioning affiliations with the Caribbean Congress of Labour. While emphasizing the union’s preference for diplomatic resolution, Turner unequivocally stated that BCWJ stands prepared to mobilize its international networks if domestic negotiations continue to falter. The situation represents a significant test of corporate responsibility versus expansion ambitions in Belize’s telecommunications sector.

  • 13,500 IBCs Struck Off as Antigua and Barbuda Tightens Compliance Framework

    13,500 IBCs Struck Off as Antigua and Barbuda Tightens Compliance Framework

    In a decisive move to enforce regulatory compliance, the government of Antigua and Barbuda has undertaken a massive cleanup of its offshore financial sector, removing approximately 17,000 international business companies (IBCs) from its corporate registry. Prime Minister Gaston Browne revealed the scale of this operation during a recent appearance on the ‘Browne and Browne’ show, framing it as evidence of the nation’s strengthened commitment to financial oversight.

    The purge targeted two distinct groups of companies. The first, comprising roughly 13,500 entities, were involuntarily ‘struck off’ the registry for failing to meet statutory compliance requirements. A further 3,500 companies opted for voluntary dissolution as regulatory scrutiny intensified. Prime Minister Browne emphasized that these actions demonstrate proactive enforcement, countering any perception of jurisdictional neglect.

    This initiative forms part of a broader, critical reassessment of the offshore industry’s economic contribution to the twin-island nation. PM Browne openly questioned the sector’s current value, stating, ‘It’s a difficult sector right now, and I don’t find that the yield that we’re getting from it is sufficient.’ The comments were made in the context of Antigua and Barbuda’s recent evaluation by the Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes, highlighting the government’s aim to align with international standards and shed any reputation as a lax financial haven.

  • Shuggy says he’s going to Trinidad to “study” Carnival

    Shuggy says he’s going to Trinidad to “study” Carnival

    Kelvin “Shugy” Simon, Member of Parliament for St. Mary’s South, is embarking on a knowledge-exchange mission to Trinidad and Tobago to analyze how their world-renowned Carnival has evolved into a powerful economic engine. The fact-finding visit aims to extract valuable insights that could transform Antigua and Barbuda’s summer festival into a more profitable and culturally significant event.

    The parliamentary representative emphasized the substantial economic potential currently untapped within Antigua’s festival landscape. His strategic approach involves studying Trinidad’s successful long-term development model, particularly their methodologies for maximizing both revenue generation and cultural preservation through Carnival celebrations.

    Beyond immediate economic benefits, Simon highlighted the broader imperative of enhanced regional cooperation through CARICOM frameworks. He articulated that Trinidad’s exemplary approach provides a replicable blueprint for other Caribbean nations seeking to amplify their cultural festivals’ economic impact while strengthening regional cultural ties.

    The initiative represents a proactive effort in policy learning and economic diversification, positioning cultural heritage as a viable economic sector rather than merely a traditional celebration. This cross-border knowledge transfer could potentially establish new standards for festival economics throughout the Caribbean region.

  • MoonGate Hotel and Spa targets 2026 opening in Antigua and Barbuda

    MoonGate Hotel and Spa targets 2026 opening in Antigua and Barbuda

    The Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda is poised to significantly enhance its luxury tourism portfolio with the development of MoonGate Hotel and Spa, a new boutique resort scheduled to commence operations in 2026. Situated on the island’s scenic east coast at Half Moon Bay, the project represents a strategic investment in the high-end travel market.

    During an official site visit, Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez received comprehensive updates on the construction milestones and emphasized the project’s role in fortifying the nation’s competitive stance in the eco-luxury tourism segment. Minister Fernandez articulated that MoonGate exemplifies a pivotal industry transition toward prioritizing quality, environmental stewardship, and sustainable economic growth.

    Architecturally, the resort is conceived with sustainability as its foundational principle, seamlessly integrating modern design with advanced eco-friendly technologies. This approach directly caters to the escalating global consumer demand for travel options that minimize environmental impact without compromising on luxury.

    The development is being executed in distinct phases. The initial phase, which is currently approaching its final stages, will introduce 47 suites. This inventory will encompass a range of accommodations from standard and premium categories to exclusive penthouse units. A subsequent phase is planned to deliver an additional 22 luxury suites, configured as one- and two-bedroom residences.

    Beyond lodging, MoonGate will feature a diverse array of premium amenities. These will include multiple gourmet restaurants and bars, meticulously curated landscaped gardens, swimming pools, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a comprehensive wellness spa offering a full suite of services.

    A significant local benefit of the development is the anticipated creation of over 120 permanent employment opportunities for the citizens of Antigua and Barbuda, providing a substantial boost to the community’s workforce. The project is thus viewed not merely as a hospitality venture but as a catalyst for long-term socioeconomic advancement, aligning national economic objectives with evolving trends in global luxury travel.

  • AI-driven quality assurance needed for local BPO sector, says Epstein

    AI-driven quality assurance needed for local BPO sector, says Epstein

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s business process outsourcing (BPO) industry is confronting a pivotal transformation as artificial intelligence redefines global customer service standards. Industry leaders are advocating for a comprehensive strategic overhaul, moving beyond superficial automation toward deeply integrated AI-driven operational models.

    Yoni Epstein, CEO of ITEL, a significant participant in the global service sector, emphasized that regional customer experience (CX) delivery models frequently treat AI as an ancillary feature rather than a central catalyst for operational and strategic evolution. “The era of peripheral AI implementation in CX operations has concluded,” Epstein stated. “The industry is transitioning from headcount-based services to intelligence-driven solutions delivering actionable insights and quantifiable outcomes. Enterprises resisting this paradigm shift will face mounting challenges in distinguishing themselves within an intensely competitive international marketplace.”

    Epstein elaborated that international clients, particularly from the United States, now prioritize outsourcing partners demonstrating advanced proficiency in AI-powered quality assurance, sophisticated analytics, and performance management systems. These capabilities necessitate fundamentally redesigned processes, consolidated technology platforms, and innovative success metrics—extending far beyond merely superimposing automation tools on existing infrastructures.

    Warning against shortsighted implementations, Epstein cautioned that deploying AI predominantly for cost reduction or call deflection could ultimately degrade service quality and erode customer loyalty. “The optimal future for CX resides in a balanced hybrid methodology where AI augments human potential rather than supplanting it. Human competencies in empathy, nuanced judgment, and complex problem-solving remain irreplaceable, with technology serving to amplify these distinctive strengths,” he affirmed.

    This perspective aligns with broader technological discourse suggesting AI will function as a capability enhancer rather than a human replacement. Consequently, both prospective and current employees must pursue upskilling to secure long-term career viability. Egbert Von Frankenberg, CEO of Knightfox Apps Design Ltd, previously emphasized the necessity for workforce development, stating that professionals should aspire to master AI utilization, data analysis, and system retraining.

    Jamaican BPO stakeholders recognize the extensive implications of this AI transition for the national ecosystem, encompassing workforce development initiatives, technological investments, and the country’s strategic positioning as a premium CX destination. Wayne Sinclair, President of the Global Services Association of Jamaica (GSAJ), reinforced this outlook: “Sustaining global competitiveness mandates our sector’s evolution from labor-centric models to intelligence-oriented services that generate enhanced client value while preserving high-quality employment opportunities for Jamaican citizens.”

  • What does ‘increasing productivity’ really mean?

    What does ‘increasing productivity’ really mean?

    KINGSTON, Jamaica—For half a century, Jamaica has grappled with persistently weak economic growth and declining productivity, creating a development challenge that transcends simplistic explanations of workforce lethargy. Recent analyses reveal a complex dual labor market structure that lies at the heart of the nation’s economic struggles.

    With a per capita income hovering around US$7,000, Jamaica remains classified as a low-income economy despite multilateral agency assessments. When calculating productivity based solely on the 1.4 million employed workers rather than the total population, average worker productivity reaches approximately US$14,000 annually—roughly equivalent to J$2 million. This metric, while imperfect, provides insight into wage patterns that mask significant disparities across economic sectors.

    Pre-hurricane data from the Statistical Institute of Jamaica revealed striking sectoral variations. Capital-intensive industries including electricity, water, and mining demonstrated the highest productivity levels, exceeding J$6 million per worker, though collectively employing fewer than 20,000 people. Conversely, construction, accommodation, food services, agriculture, and wholesale/retail sectors—which collectively employ over 400,000 workers—fell below the national productivity average.

    The productivity conundrum finds clarification in recent World Bank evaluations identifying Jamaica’s dual labor market structure. The report highlights that over 50% of Jamaican firms employ fewer than 20 workers, creating a vast low-productivity segment alongside a smaller high-productivity sector. Micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) provide more than two-thirds of national employment, predominantly operating in wholesale, accommodation, food services, and agriculture.

    This analysis fundamentally shifts the productivity debate from public sector inefficiencies to private sector structural challenges. Government workers, representing approximately 10% of the workforce, contribute more than three times their proportional share in PAYE taxes, suggesting relative underperformance in private sector productivity and tax contribution.

    The solution requires targeted policy interventions focused on small business development through government-assisted capacity building and collaboration with established productive enterprises. Unlike high-income economies where consumption drives growth, Jamaica’s path to sustainable development requires structural transformation through increased government spending, private investment (both domestic and foreign direct), and export-oriented production to fundamentally reshape the nation’s economic trajectory.

  • Google turns to century-long debt to build AI

    Google turns to century-long debt to build AI

    In a landmark financial move signaling its long-term commitment to artificial intelligence, Alphabet Inc., the parent company of Google, is launching a century bond offering maturing in 2126. This strategic initiative, reported by Bloomberg, forms part of a broader capital raise targeting approximately $20 billion. The extraordinary demand for this ultra-long-term debt is evidenced by orders surpassing an estimated $100 billion, reflecting intense investor appetite to participate in the AI-driven technological transformation.

    The decision to issue 100-year bonds marks a significant shift for a tech behemoth historically funded by its colossal online advertising revenue. This pivot underscores the immense capital requirements of the ongoing AI infrastructure arms race, where Alphabet competes with rivals like Amazon, Meta, and Microsoft. These companies are making staggering investments in data centers, energy generation, and computing power, betting on AI as the fundamental driver of future growth.

    Alphabet’s capital expenditure is scaling at an unprecedented rate. The company allocated $91 billion to computing infrastructure in the previous year and has signaled to analysts an anticipated expenditure between $175 billion and $185 billion for the current year. To manage this surge, Alphabet has increasingly turned to long-term debt, including a 50-year bond issuance late last year.

    The market reaction to this aggressive spending has been mixed. While many investors are bullish on AI’s potential, others express concern that the industry’s investment pace may be unsustainable and has potentially gone overboard. The issuance of century bonds by U.S. corporations is a rarity, hearkening back to the 1990s when companies like Disney, Coca-Cola, and Ford employed similar long-dated debt instruments. Alphabet has not provided official comment on the bond offering.

  • CARICOM Backs Belize, Guyana Sugar Refineries

    CARICOM Backs Belize, Guyana Sugar Refineries

    In a significant move toward regional economic integration, the CARICOM Private Sector Organisation (CPSO) has formally endorsed new sugar refinery initiatives in Belize and Guyana. This strategic development follows a high-level diplomatic engagement between Guyanese President Dr. Irfaan Ali and Belizean Prime Minister John Briceño in early February, which yielded multiple bilateral agreements spanning education, tourism, agriculture, and digital transformation.

    The CPSO emphasized that these refineries will substantially enhance regional refining capabilities while curtailing the Caribbean’s reliance on external sugar sources. Current data reveals that CARICOM nations imported over US$150 million in refined sugar during 2024, predominantly from extra-regional suppliers.

    Belize’s operation, managed by Caribbean Sugar Refinery Limited, will be constructed at the Santander complex in the Valley of Peace. The facility is projected to commence operations by mid-2026. Simultaneously, Guyana’s Demerara Sugar Refinery Inc. will occupy the former Wales Estate site, utilizing transplanted Canadian refinery technology to process raw sugar supplied by the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo).

    Dr. Patrick Antoine, CEO of CPSO, underscored the importance of market stability and policy alignment across CARICOM states, noting that ‘private capital can only transform regional agriculture into agroindustry where such conditions exist.’ The organization further highlighted that these projects, coupled with expanded sugarcane cultivation, represent a transformative shift for the Caribbean’s sugar and sweetener value chain by retaining economic value within the region.

  • Egypt’s Suez Canal regains prominence after ceasefire in Gaza

    Egypt’s Suez Canal regains prominence after ceasefire in Gaza

    The Suez Canal Authority (SCA) has reported a remarkable financial and operational resurgence, with Chairman Osama Rabie revealing substantial growth across key metrics. According to statements published by Al-Ahram newspaper, the strategic waterway witnessed a 24.5 percent surge in revenue, accompanied by a 9.0 percent increase in vessel traffic and a significant 24.2 percent rise in total tonnage transited during the reported period.

    Further amplifying this positive trend, Chairman Rabie disclosed that revenue figures for the most recent month alone demonstrated an 18 percent growth compared to the same month in the previous year.

    This robust recovery is directly attributed to a significant de-escalation of regional geopolitical tensions. The SCA chief explicitly linked the canal’s improved performance to the ceasefire established in the Gaza Strip, which has successfully renewed confidence among major international shipping lines and carriers. This marks a stark reversal from the preceding months of disruption.

    Previously, the canal’s operations were severely hampered by security challenges in the Red Sea. Attacks orchestrated by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, operating under the Ansar Allah movement, targeted commercial shipping. While initially focused on vessels linked to Israel, the campaign expanded to include ships associated with various nations and companies, regardless of their connections. This compelled numerous ship owners and operators to abandon the Suez Canal—a conduit for up to 12 percent of global maritime trade—in favor of longer and more expensive alternative routes around the Cape of Good Hope.

    Consequently, Egypt, which relies heavily on canal tolls as a critical source of foreign currency revenue, emerged as one of the nations most adversely affected by the Red Sea crisis. The recent return to stability has therefore provided a vital economic reprieve for the North African country.