Carib Scope

分类： business

  • CAL Cargo appoints new GSSAS for UK, Western Europe

    CAL Cargo appoints new GSSAS for UK, Western Europe

    Caribbean Airlines Cargo has significantly enhanced its European market presence through strategic alliances with two prominent General Sales and Service Agents (GSSAs). This development establishes a bilateral trade corridor that facilitates smoother commercial exchanges between Caribbean and European markets.

    The aviation division has appointed APG Inc. Western Europe and ANA Aviation Services Ltd. as its official representatives across numerous European territories. APG Inc. will oversee cargo operations for Caribbean Airlines (coded BW) across an extensive network comprising 24 European countries, including major economies such as Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and the Nordic regions. This comprehensive coverage spans from Andorra to Vatican City, ensuring widespread market penetration and operational visibility.

    Concurrently, ANA Aviation Services Limited, operating under its commercial identity Network Airline Services, will manage the airline’s cargo interests throughout the United Kingdom. Leveraging its established industry expertise and robust regional presence, the organization will provide cargo solutions across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

    Marklan Moseley, General Manager of Cargo and New Business at Caribbean Airlines, emphasized the strategic importance of these partnerships: “These collaborations are engineered to deliver seamless, reciprocal trade facilitation for our clientele on both continents. With APG and Network Airline Services, shippers now benefit from reliable local contacts possessing profound market understanding and dedication to service quality that mirrors our commitment to customer excellence.”

    The newly formed partnerships are projected to generate enhanced commercial opportunities while providing customers with localized support for bookings, pricing structures, and service-related inquiries. This expansion represents Caribbean Airlines Cargo’s continued dedication to strengthening transatlantic trade connectivity and reinforcing its position as a key logistics provider between the Caribbean and European markets.

  • Home-based businesses bring new twist to Xmas favourite: Ponche de Ganja

    Home-based businesses bring new twist to Xmas favourite: Ponche de Ganja

    In an innovative twist on Trinidad’s holiday traditions, home-based entrepreneurs are transforming classic Christmas beverages into cannabis-infused medicinal products, creating an unexpected but lucrative market. While cannabis remains largely illegal for sale and public consumption in Trinidad and Tobago, artisans are leveraging social media to build demand for therapeutic-infused versions of ponche de creme and sorrel—traditional holiday drinks typically enjoyed during the festive season.

    The movement gained momentum during the pandemic when hospitality workers facing unemployment sought alternative income sources. Tron, founder of Rum and Resin, launched his operation with a team of retrenched workers, while Blue established Bloom Delights—both operating anonymously due to legal constraints. Their businesses have evolved from side hustles into full-time ventures, responding to growing consumer demand for diverse cannabis delivery methods beyond conventional edibles.

    These entrepreneurs emphasize the medicinal rather than recreational applications of their products. Their offerings include cannabis-infused teas for sleep and immunity support, as well as formulations using marijuana roots to address asthma and gout. Customer bases consist primarily of professionals and parents seeking relief from anxiety, depression, and stress-related conditions. One notable case involves a woman using cannabis products to supplement treatment for hormonal thyroid issues when conventional medications proved unavailable locally.

    Global shifts in cannabis perception are influencing local attitudes. The recent reclassification of marijuana under the U.S. Controlled Substances Act from Schedule I to Schedule III—recognizing its medical applications—has created ripple effects in Trinidad’s underground market. This scientific validation coincides with findings from the FDA supporting cannabis use for treating anorexia and chronic pain.

    Despite growing acceptance, legal barriers persist. The Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Act of 2019 decriminalized possession of up to 30 grams of cannabis but maintained prohibitions on sales and public consumption. This legal limbo forces artisans to operate in a gray market, limiting production scales and creating quality control challenges. Some unscrupulous vendors reportedly use imported marijuana or synthetic additives that compromise therapeutic properties and consumer safety.

    Political change may be imminent. The United National Congress party has pledged to develop a regulated cannabis industry for medical and export purposes if elected, projecting a global market worth over $100 billion by 2030. Their proposal includes support for small farmers, quality control systems, and age restrictions prohibiting use under 25.

    For now, entrepreneurs like Tron and Blue navigate significant legal risks while advocating for reform. As Blue notes, ‘Most people in this industry understand the medicinal benefits—it’s about making money while giving back to society. What we need is a proper framework to prevent abuse.’ Their success demonstrates both the economic potential and therapeutic value of a properly regulated cannabis industry in Trinidad and Tobago.

  • Digital skills for 2026 side hustle

    Digital skills for 2026 side hustle

    As the Christmas season reaches its peak, countless individuals share a common reflection: the desire for financial transformation by next year’s holidays. The path to altering one’s income trajectory in 2026 requires neither academic重返 nor technical mastery, but rather the acquisition of marketable digital capabilities that can be cultivated within weeks and converted into viable side ventures generating foreign exchange earnings.

    The contemporary digital landscape, powered by artificial intelligence and no-code platforms, has dramatically lowered entry barriers while simultaneously intensifying market competition. Success now hinges on delivering concrete outcomes rather than offering generic services. Here are the most practical digital skills to develop during the holiday respite and monetize in the coming year:

    1. Short-Form Video Editing & Content Repurposing: With short-form video dominating digital attention, businesses urgently need specialists who can transform long-form content into engaging platform-specific clips. This high-demand skill focuses on identifying pivotal moments, adding captions, and adapting content across formats without requiring on-camera presence or expensive software.

    2. Authentic UGC Creation for Brands: User-generated content creation has evolved beyond influencer marketing. Brands now seek genuine, creator-style videos demonstrating products organically. This accessible skill requires only a smartphone, natural lighting, and storytelling proficiency, making it one of the fastest routes to initial online earnings.

    3. No-Code Website Development: Despite social media’s dominance, businesses still require functional websites and conversion-optimized landing pages. Mastering platforms like WordPress or Shopify to create clean, effective layouts provides substantial value through rapid execution rather than technical complexity.

    4. AI-Assisted Website Construction: Artificial intelligence has accelerated website development, yet most business owners lack proficiency with these tools. Expertise in AI website generators like Loveable or Bolt AI represents a valuable service niche where clients prioritize results over technical methods.

    5. Marketing Automation Configuration: Numerous businesses continue performing repetitive tasks manually. Proficiency with automation tools like Zapier, Mailchimp, or Calendly allows specialists to reclaim operational time for clients—a service that demonstrates immediate, tangible value.

    6. AI Content Refinement: While AI generates content rapidly, most outputs require human refinement. Editing AI drafts for tone, accuracy, and brand alignment addresses the growing need for publish-ready content rather than mere volume.

    7. Freelance Service Packaging: Many skilled professionals struggle with freelancing due to inadequate service positioning. Mastering the art of structuring compelling profiles and outcome-oriented service packages creates significant competitive advantage.

    8. Social Media Optimization: Numerous businesses maintain incomplete or inefficient social media presences. Optimizing bios, content structures, and highlights delivers disproportionate value through minimal effort while establishing relationships for larger projects.

    9. Email Marketing Infrastructure: As one of digital marketing’s highest-ROI channels, email remains underutilized. Skills in platform setup, list building, and sequence creation provide consistently relevant value regardless of industry trends.

    10. Digital Research Expertise: For analytically inclined individuals, providing competitor analysis, keyword research, and market insights offers substantial value in business decision-making, combining AI efficiency with human interpretation.

    The fundamental objective extends beyond quick profits. Developing these skills creates financial leverage, generates optional income streams, reduces single-income dependency, and enables global earning potential. The Christmas break offers ideal conditions for skill acquisition, while the new year provides momentum for monetization. Consistent effort promises a dramatically different financial reality by next December.

  • Goud stijgt boven $4.500; zilver en platina bereiken nieuwe recordniveaus

    Goud stijgt boven $4.500; zilver en platina bereiken nieuwe recordniveaus

    Global precious metals markets witnessed unprecedented milestones as silver, gold, platinum, and palladium all reached historic price levels this trading session. Gold breached the symbolic $4,500 per ounce barrier for the first time on Wednesday, while silver achieved remarkable outperformance with a 150% annual gain that eclipsed gold’s substantial 70% advance.

    The spot price of gold climbed 0.2% to $4,494.49 per ounce after briefly touching an intraday record of $4,525.19. February-delivery gold futures in U.S. markets gained 0.4%, settling at $4,523.10. Silver reached an all-time peak of $72.70 before moderating to $72.32 with a 1.3% daily increase. Platinum surged to $2,377.50 then stabilized at $2,312.70, maintaining a 1.6% gain, while palladium retreated 1.5% to $1,830.37 after hitting a three-year high.

    Market analyst Fawad Razaqzada of City Index and FOREX.com identified multiple supportive factors: “The absence of negative catalysts combined with powerful positive momentum creates ideal conditions. Fundamental drivers include sustained central bank acquisitions, a weakening U.S. dollar, and persistent safe-haven demand.”

    This record-setting performance stems from converging economic forces: escalating geopolitical tensions driving flight-to-safety movements, and growing expectations that the Federal Reserve will implement monetary easing in 2025. President Donald Trump reinforced this outlook Tuesday, emphasizing his preference for interest rate reductions during favorable market conditions.

    Non-yielding assets like gold typically benefit from low interest rate environments. Current market pricing indicates traders anticipate two Fed rate cuts next year.

    Silver’s exceptional performance reflects robust investment demand, its recent designation as a U.S. critical mineral, and expanding industrial applications. Platinum and palladium, essential components in automotive catalytic converters, posted gains of approximately 160% and over 100% respectively, fueled by mining supply constraints, tariff uncertainties, and investment diversification from gold.

    Societe Generale analysts caution that any significant gold price correction would require reduced purchasing from emerging market central banks. Barring such developments, they project the rally will continue, potentially reaching $5,000 per ounce by late 2026.

  • Uber encouraged by ‘numerous’ local sign-ups

    Uber encouraged by ‘numerous’ local sign-ups

    Uber has reported an overwhelmingly positive response from Saint Lucia’s licensed taxi industry just over a week after opening its platform to local drivers. The ride-hailing giant, following its December 16 announcement, revealed significant registration numbers from both individual taxi operators and established associations throughout the island nation.

    The company emphasized its primary objective of providing accessible earning opportunities through its digital platform. “We are encouraged by the positive response we have already seen, with numerous sign-ups from both taxi drivers and associations in the past few days,” Uber stated in a recent communication.

    Addressing unique aspects of Saint Lucia’s taxi industry structure, Uber provided crucial clarifications regarding vehicle ownership and operation scenarios. The company specified that in cases where vehicle owners employ licensed drivers, the active operator must complete registration—provided they meet all requirements and submit necessary documentation.

    Uber’s system accommodates the common practice of shared vehicles by permitting multiple driver profiles to be associated with a single taxi registration number. However, the platform’s technical framework ensures only one driver can remain active on the app at any given time, maintaining operational integrity.

    For fleet owners managing multiple drivers, Uber offers specialized registration options that provide comprehensive visibility over all operations associated with a particular vehicle. This tailored approach demonstrates the company’s adaptability to local market conditions while maintaining its global service standards.

  • Ariza shares customers’ credit information with regional credit bureaus

    Ariza shares customers’ credit information with regional credit bureaus

    Grenada’s financial institutions are now formally implementing the Credit Reporting Act of 2017, with Ariza Credit Union becoming the second primary credit information provider to announce compliance with the legislation. In a public notice dated December 22nd, the credit union informed members that effective December 2nd, 2025, it will share customer credit data with licensed credit bureaus as permitted under the parliamentary-approved act.

    The legislative framework establishes a comprehensive credit reporting system designed to facilitate objective credit decisions through accurate information sharing. The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) serves as the exclusive licensing authority for credit bureaus, with EveryData ECCU Limited currently operating as the sole licensed credit reporting agency serving Grenada within the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union.

    Under Section 27 of the Act, credit information providers must furnish data to licensed bureaus from the date credit is provided to a data subject. The law defines ‘data subjects’ broadly to include anyone with contractual relationships with credit providers, loan applicants, guarantors, and those connected through other legitimate purposes.

    The legislation categorizes credit information providers into primary and secondary designations. Primary providers include banks, financial institutions, money services businesses, credit unions, insurance companies, and micro-finance institutions. The Central Bank may additionally designate secondary providers from sectors including telecommunications, utilities, and hire-purchase businesses when deemed in the public interest.

    Notably, existing customers of designated providers do not require separate consent forms for data sharing. Instead, institutions must display notices at physical business locations or on their websites. While credit providers may disclose both positive and negative credit information without prior consent, third parties must obtain explicit consent before inquiring about any data subject’s credit information.

    The fundamental purpose of this data collection initiative is to establish comprehensive credit histories and generate credit scores for individuals, ultimately enhancing the financial system’s integrity and decision-making processes.

  • Antigua, Barbuda welcome nearly 13,000 cruise passengers for second straight day

    Antigua, Barbuda welcome nearly 13,000 cruise passengers for second straight day

    The Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda is experiencing an unprecedented surge in its cruise tourism sector, with six vessels simultaneously delivering approximately 13,000 passengers to St. John’s and Falmouth harbors. This remarkable influx marks the second consecutive day of substantial tourist arrivals, signaling robust recovery and growth in the island’s maritime tourism industry.

    Five ships berthed at St. John’s Harbour while another docked at Falmouth, creating a spectacular maritime panorama. The fleet included renowned vessels such as Majestic Princess, Enchanted Princess, Insignia, MSC Divina, and the luxurious Explora I, representing some of the most prestigious names in the cruise industry.

    According to tourism authorities, this substantial passenger count ranks as the third-highest single-day arrival figure of the current cruise season. The data reveals that December 4 remains the season’s peak with 15,662 visitors, but projections indicate an even more significant milestone approaching. Industry forecasts predict an extraordinary arrival of over 17,000 cruise passengers on January 23, which would establish a new benchmark for single-day tourism arrivals in the nation’s history.

    The economic impact was immediately visible throughout the capital city, as the sudden population surge stimulated vibrant commercial activity. Taxi operators reported exceptional demand, while local vendors, retail establishments, tour companies, and restaurants all experienced substantially increased business volumes. The visitor distribution throughout urban centers and peripheral attractions created a comprehensive economic boost across multiple sectors, demonstrating the cruise industry’s significant multiplier effect on the local economy.

  • Grenada’s first retail bond failed to raise targeted amount

    Grenada’s first retail bond failed to raise targeted amount

    Grenada’s pioneering Retail Bond Programme has concluded its initial offering, generating EC$4.3 million in investments despite falling short of its EC$5 million fundraising objective. The landmark financial initiative, which ran from October 31 to November 21, 2025, marked the nation’s first attempt to engage retail investors through the Regional Governments Securities Market.

    The bond offering attracted participation from over 350 individual investors across the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU) region. The securities were distributed on a first-come, first-served basis through brokers authorized by the Eastern Caribbean Securities Exchange (ECSE). Investment thresholds were set between EC$500 minimum and EC$50,000 maximum per investor.

    Kerry Pierre, Head of the Debt Management Unit at Grenada’s Ministry of Finance, characterized the auction as successful despite not reaching the full target amount. In a pre-recorded interview disseminated by the ministry, Pierre noted that while the EC$5 million goal wasn’t achieved, the initiative demonstrated significant public interest in government securities.

    “We have been very successful in the completion of the auction of the first pilot retail household bond,” Pierre stated during his conversation with Communications Manager Russell John. He acknowledged the learning curve associated with such pioneering financial instruments, explaining that investor participation accelerated as the auction period progressed despite initial cautious engagement.

    The two-year government-backed bonds offer investors a fixed annual interest rate of 4.25%, with semi-annual payments scheduled for May and November each year. The programme represents a significant step in financial inclusion, allowing everyday citizens to participate directly in government debt instruments previously accessible primarily to institutional investors.

    Pierre emphasized that the experience gained from this inaugural offering will inform future retail bond programmes, potentially paving the way for more successful implementations across the Eastern Caribbean region.

  • CARICOM Private Sector Reaffirms Support for Regional Integration

    CARICOM Private Sector Reaffirms Support for Regional Integration

    In a significant show of regional solidarity, seven major private sector organizations across the Caribbean Community have jointly reaffirmed their steadfast commitment to the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME). This collective endorsement comes five years after the CARICOM Private Sector Organization attained associate institutional status within the regional bloc in October 2020.

    The coalition, representing business interests from Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Barbados, Guyana, OECS nations, Suriname, and Belize, has documented substantial benefits derived from the economic integration framework. According to their assessment, the CSME has generated measurable advantages for corporations and workers throughout the region, facilitating notable expansion in intra-regional commerce, reinforcing regional supply networks, and making meaningful contributions to foreign exchange revenues and economic operations across member states.

    From a strategic perspective, Caribbean business leaders emphasize the complementary nature of both intra-CARICOM trade and the Community’s robust external trading relationships, particularly with the United States as its principal collective trading partner. These interconnected economic channels collectively strengthen regional economic resilience and diversification efforts.

    Amid current global economic volatility, the private sector underscores the critical importance of stability, confidence-building, and constructive multilateral engagement among member nations. The organizations highlighted CARICOM’s continuing relevance as a vital platform for collaborative action, enabling member states to convert economic vulnerabilities into strategic assets through enhanced resilience and deliberate global economic integration.

    The signed statement recognizes the shared responsibility of all regional stakeholders in refining the CSME framework to better serve all member states and their populations. In an era marked by increasing global isolationist tendencies, the vision of CARICOM and CSME is deemed essential for collective regional sustainability.

    Business leaders specifically acknowledged the collaborative and inclusive framework established by CARICOM Heads of Government to pursue complete CSME implementation. The private sector across the region has pledged continued cooperation with governments and other stakeholders to realize this vision, while extending seasonal goodwill to all CARICOM citizens and anticipating continued constructive dialogue in pursuit of regional advancement and security.

  • Prijzen blijven stijgen: inflatie in november 2025 op 11,6 procent

    Prijzen blijven stijgen: inflatie in november 2025 op 11,6 procent

    Suriname’s economy continues to grapple with persistent inflationary pressures, as recent data from the General Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reveals a 0.8% month-over-month price increase in November 2025. The year-on-year comparison shows even more striking figures, with consumer prices surging by 11.6% compared to November 2024 levels.

    While the pace of inflation has moderated compared to previous years, the upward trajectory remains unmistakable. The sustained price pressure continues to burden households, particularly affecting essential expenditure categories. Behind the average inflation rate lies significant variation across product categories, with individual items experiencing price fluctuations ranging from a 54% decrease to an astonishing 600% increase in November alone.

    Over the extended period from December 2023 through November 2025, these disparities widened further, spanning from -67% to +600%. The most substantial price hikes continue to manifest in sectors directly impacting daily life, including healthcare, housing and utilities, food supplies, transportation, and dining expenses outside the home.

    The inflation metrics derive from the Consumer Price Index, compiled using a basket of 316 distinct goods and services. Price observations occur across approximately 630 measurement points throughout Paramaribo, Wanica, Nickerie, Coronie, Saramacca, Commewijne, and Para regions.

    Despite the less extreme price surges compared to earlier years, inflation remains structurally elevated, with many consumers continuing to experience its consequences in their daily economic activities. The data indicates that while the rate of increase has slowed, the cumulative effect of sustained inflation continues to challenge purchasing power and economic stability.