In a strategic move to enhance digital employment services, Dadli Jobs—Antigua and Barbuda’s premier online job platform—has officially launched an official WhatsApp Channel. This new communication stream is designed to provide job seekers with a streamlined, notification-focused feed that delivers authenticated job listings directly to their mobile devices. The initiative aims to create a clutter-free environment where users receive only verified opportunities, eliminating the noise often associated with social media job searches. By leveraging WhatsApp’s extensive reach and high engagement rates, Dadli Jobs seeks to modernize the country’s workforce connectivity framework. This development represents a continued investment by the platform into reducing systemic barriers to employment and revolutionizing how career information is accessed in the Caribbean nation. The channel will serve as a direct conduit between employers and potential candidates, fostering a more efficient and accessible job market.
分类： business
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Tourism Minister Fernandez pleased with progress of the MOONGATE development ahead of its 2026 opening
Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism sector is poised for a significant enhancement with the imminent opening of MoonGate Hotel and Spa, an ultra-modern, self-sustaining luxury property scheduled to begin accepting reservations within four months. Situated at the iconic Half Moon Bay on the island’s east coast, this boutique resort embodies a strong eco-conscious ethos, targeting the discerning luxury travel market.
Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez recently conducted an inspection tour of the development, expressing strong approval of its progress. Accompanied by Policy and Planning Director St. Clair Soleyn, and guided by project directors Gaye Hechme and Camron Fraser along with General Manager Trevor MacDonald, Minister Fernandez highlighted the property’s alignment with the nation’s strategic tourism vision.
The development’s Phase One, now nearing completion, features 47 suites including 26 standard suites, 14 premium suites, and seven penthouse accommodations. Phase Two will expand the property with an additional 22 luxury one- and two-bedroom suites.
MoonGate will offer guests an extensive array of premium amenities including a sophisticated reception area with piano lounge, plant-based bistro, full-service restaurant and bar, landscaped gardens, infinity swimming pools, state-of-the-art fitness facilities, and a comprehensive wellness center and spa.
Minister Fernandez emphasized the project’s strategic importance: ‘MoonGate represents exactly the direction Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism industry is heading—thoughtfully designed, environmentally conscious, and aligned with contemporary traveler expectations. This development enhances our east coast offerings while demonstrating our commitment to sustainable, high-quality investment that delivers lasting economic benefits.’
The project will generate substantial employment opportunities with over 120 local residents scheduled to be employed at the resort, contributing to the nation’s economic development through luxury tourism investment.
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Eli Fuller responds to open invitation by PM Browne
ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – A significant dialogue is set to unfold between Antigua and Barbuda’s political leadership and tourism industry representatives following Prime Minister Gaston Browne’s invitation to address longstanding structural imbalances in the sector. Prominent tourism stakeholder Eli Fuller has accepted the Prime Minister’s offer for a Saturday discussion on Point FM, signaling a potential turning point for local entrepreneurship in the islands’ dominant economic industry.
The forthcoming conversation, initiated through Browne’s public invitation this week, aims to develop concrete strategies for expanding domestic ownership and more effectively incorporating the nation’s cultural heritage into its tourism offerings. Fuller responded with enthusiastic acceptance, expressing hope that the dialogue would finally address systemic challenges that have persistently disadvantaged local investors.
In his detailed online response, Fuller highlighted the paradoxical reality that foreign investors frequently encounter fewer barriers to tourism sector entry than native Antiguans and Barbudans. “Local people face competitive disadvantages across multiple tourism sectors,” Fuller asserted, emphasizing that current frameworks inadvertently favor external capital over domestic entrepreneurship.
This acknowledgment from the highest levels of government comes after years of advocacy from industry professionals. Fuller revealed he had raised identical concerns during a tourism conference with former opposition leader Harold Lovell several years prior, indicating the persistent nature of these structural issues.
While welcoming the Prime Minister’s engagement as a positive development, Fuller maintained a cautiously optimistic stance, stressing that dialogue must translate into actionable policies. “I’m encouraged that Gaston Browne is articulating the right priorities,” Fuller noted, “but previous ministers have made similar commitments without delivering substantive change. What we require now is implementation, not just discussion.”
The Saturday forum represents a critical opportunity to rebalance Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism economy, potentially creating more equitable conditions for local business owners while preserving the islands’ unique cultural identity within their primary industry.
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Massy Group’s revenue increased 6% to US$650m
Massy Group has demonstrated formidable financial strength in its first-quarter results for the period ending December 31st. The conglomerate announced a 6% year-on-year revenue increase, reaching US$650 million, signaling a powerful start to its fiscal year.
The Board of Directors, encouraged by these results, declared an interim quarterly dividend of TT$3.54 per share. This decision reflects confidence in the company’s sustained profitability and commitment to shareholder returns.
Financial metrics showed impressive gains across key performance indicators. EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) surged by 12% to US$79 million, while profit after tax from continuing operations climbed 9% to US$33 million. Correspondingly, earnings per share from continuing operations rose by 9% to US$0.02.
Segment performance revealed diversified strength throughout Massy’s portfolio. The integrated retail division, encompassing Massy Distribution and Massy Stores retail outlets, grew revenue by 4% to US$400 million, maintaining its position as the Group’s largest contributor. This growth was fueled by volume expansion, enhanced merchandising strategies, and continued improvements in customer experience.
The gas products segment recorded a 10% year-on-year EBITDA increase to US$21 million, while the motors and machines portfolio achieved a remarkable 17% third-party revenue growth to US$200 million compared to the prior-year quarter.
President and CEO James Mc Letchie acknowledged shareholder support and expressed optimism about Massy’s strategic direction. Despite acknowledging challenges including inflationary pressures, foreign exchange constraints, and competitive market dynamics, Mc Letchie emphasized the company’s focus on executing its long-term strategy through consistent performance, strengthened governance, responsible capital allocation, and sustainable growth investments.
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PM Says Order and Cleanliness Essential to Luxury Tourism
In a strategic address at the World Government Summit in Dubai, Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne unveiled a comprehensive national policy linking environmental management and public order directly to economic competitiveness in the luxury tourism sector. Browne asserted that sustaining high-value tourism requires deliberate measures against urban disorder and environmental neglect, positioning his government’s crackdown on illegal vending and littering as essential economic interventions rather than mere regulatory actions.
The Prime Minister articulated that destinations competing in the premium tourism market can no longer treat environmental stewardship as optional. ‘We cannot sustain a luxury product in an environment of disorder, disrepair and filth,’ Browne stated, emphasizing that cleanliness and urban order fundamentally impact visitor confidence and national credibility. This approach reflects the growing consumer preference for eco-conscious travel, with tourists increasingly selecting destinations demonstrating authentic sustainability practices and responsible management of natural and cultural assets.
Browne detailed ongoing initiatives including urban redevelopment programs in St. John’s and surrounding areas, framing these efforts as part of a broader tourism sector reset. The government’s multifaceted strategy combines infrastructure enhancement, stringent environmental management, and governance standards improvement. Browne warned that destinations failing to address disorder and environmental degradation risk obsolescence in an increasingly competitive global market, presenting Antigua and Barbuda’s comprehensive approach as a necessary adaptation to evolving tourism dynamics.
The Prime Minister further identified national civic pride as a central component of tourism competitiveness, arguing that environmental discipline and public responsibility shape international perceptions of the twin-island nation. This repositioning strategy aims to transform Antigua and Barbuda into a premier luxury destination by aligning physical infrastructure, community spaces, and environmental standards with the expectations of discerning global travelers.
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VES kritisch over verlaging goudroyalty: Regering beloont illegaal gedrag
The Association of Economists in Suriname (VES) has expressed strong opposition to the government’s recent decision to reduce royalty rates on gold exports from small-scale mining operations. Secretary Swami Girdhari characterized the policy shift as fundamentally flawed, arguing that it effectively rewards illegal gold smuggling activities rather than combating them.
President Jennifer Simons defended the measure during a radio interview on ABC Actueel, explaining that the royalty reduction from 5.5% to 4.5% aims to discourage gold smuggling by easing the financial burden on legitimate mining operators. The administration believes lower rates will incentivize compliance with tax obligations.
However, the VES maintains that this approach represents a dangerous precedent. Girdhari emphasized that “gold smuggling constitutes a criminal offense that damages society. Entrepreneurs engaged in such activities should face prosecution and punishment, not accommodation.” The association further notes the contradiction between this policy and the government’s stated principle that those with greater resources should bear heavier fiscal responsibilities.
The economists highlight additional inconsistencies with the government’s 2026 draft budget, which specifically calls for strengthened tax collection policies, enhanced monitoring mechanisms, and sector-specific approaches to improve compliance within the gold industry. “By reducing royalties now, the government undermines its own announced policy agenda,” Girdhari stated.
The VES recalls that the previous administration’s recovery plan initially proposed increasing royalties from 2.75% to 7.5%, though ultimately settled at 5.5%. This historical context demonstrates the considerable influence of gold industry lobbying efforts, which appear to persist within the current government structure.
Notably, international gold prices have more than doubled in recent years, currently exceeding USD 155,000 per kilogram, while production costs have remained relatively stable. This market dynamic generates substantial profits—even windfall gains—for gold operators, making royalty compliance economically feasible without reduction measures.
The association concludes that smuggling represents an economic crime requiring stringent enforcement rather than concessionary policies. Girdhari posed a rhetorical question: “If retailers suddenly stopped paying value-added tax, would the government reduce VAT rates? If entrepreneurs ceased income tax payments, would those taxes be lowered accordingly? Equal justice must apply to all.”
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DP World selects Dominican Republic for its largest regional logistics hub
DUBAI – In a significant development for Caribbean trade infrastructure, Dominican President Luis Abinader convened with Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman and CEO of DP World, at the logistics behemoth’s Jebel Ali headquarters. The high-level discussion, a centerpiece of the President’s agenda during the World Governments Summit, centered on the firm’s landmark commitment to establish its most extensive logistics center in Central America and the Caribbean within the Dominican Republic.
DP World’s strategic decision is underpinned by the nation’s robust economic stability, attractive investment policies, and its pivotal geographic positioning. The envisioned project transcends conventional port operations, encompassing a major expansion of the adjacent free trade zone. This holistic approach is designed to create a multifaceted logistics ecosystem aimed at drawing new international enterprises, fostering job creation, and stimulating productive domestic linkages.
As a global leader handling an estimated 30 million containers per year via its extensive network of ports and supply chain solutions, DP World’s deepened investment signals strong confidence in the region. The company already operates the critical Port of Caucedo, a regional terminal currently undergoing a transformative $760 million capacity enhancement to evolve into a full-service logistics platform. This new hub represents a further escalation of these long-term expansion objectives.
Preceding the official meeting, President Abinader undertook a comprehensive tour of DP World’s state-of-the-art facilities, gaining firsthand insight into the operational technologies, innovation frameworks, and management paradigms that cement the company’s status as an international trade leader.
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SSB Board Requests More Information Before Speednet Vote
In a significant development for Belize’s telecommunications sector and national economy, the Social Security Board (SSB) has postponed its decisive vote on Belize Telecommunications Limited’s (BTL) proposed acquisition of Speednet. The much-anticipated meeting, which was strategically moved from Belize City to Belmopan on February 5, 2026, to circumvent potential protests by United Democratic Party (UDP) supporters, concluded without a resolution. Board directors conducted a comprehensive review of the preliminary transaction details, paying particular attention to the potential ramifications for the social security fund and broader economic implications. Following extensive deliberations, the board determined that insufficient information was available to reach an informed decision. Officials emphasized that the deferral signifies no approval has been granted at this juncture, with the board requesting additional documentation and analysis before reconsidering the multimillion-dollar telecommunications merger that has generated substantial concern among workers and social security contributors nationwide.
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Former BTL Workers Ramp Up Pressure for Severance
Belize City, Belize – Former employees of Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) have intensified their campaign for severance payments allegedly owed for decades, creating a significant corporate standoff. The Belize Communications Workers for Justice (BCWJ), representing over 170 former telecom workers, staged renewed protests outside BTL headquarters this week.
The dispute centers on severance entitlements that date back to 1994, when BTL transitioned to a contributory pension scheme. Despite a ruling from the Caribbean Court of Justice supporting the workers’ claims, compensation remains unresolved. Protest organizers Emily Turner and Michael Augustus, both former union presidents, delivered a clear ultimatum to management: prioritize worker settlements over corporate expansion plans, including the proposed Speednet acquisition.
Financial estimates of the liability vary considerably. While BTL Chairman Markhelm Lizarraga has cited approximately $14 million, the BCWJ contends the actual figure could approach $50 million due to accumulating obligations. The situation is further complicated by revelations that BTL may have spent over $20 million on legal fees fighting these severance claims – potentially exceeding the settlement amount itself.
Adding to the tension, protesters expressed disappointment with the current Communication Workers Union’s silence regarding their cause. Turner noted that despite formal requests for support, the union has remained observant rather than actively supportive. Augustus, who helped revitalize the union during his leadership, emphasized their determination to avoid returning to what they characterize as previous eras of union complacency.
Authorities have limited planned protest activities, denying permission for demonstrations scheduled for February 6th – the same day BTL promised to deliver a response regarding the severance payments. The developing situation highlights ongoing tensions between corporate ambitions and worker rights in Belize’s telecommunications sector.
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New Artisan Market Boosts Community Tourism in San Pedro
San Pedro Town has inaugurated a new artisan market, marking a significant advancement in Belize’s community-based tourism strategy. The facility, officially opened on February 5, 2026, represents a collaborative effort between local government and national tourism authorities to create sustainable economic opportunities while celebrating local culture.
Mayor Wally Nuñez emphasized the market’s role in showcasing local talent and creating genuine opportunities for residents. “This project reflects the power of partnership,” Nuñez stated during the opening ceremony, acknowledging support from the Belize Tourism Board and government ministers.
Tourism Minister Anthony Mahler contextualized the development within broader infrastructure improvements, noting that previous tourism facilities had significant deficiencies. “Most projects we’ve worked on over the last two and half to three years have been community-based initiatives like this one,” Mahler explained, highlighting the integration of local communities into the tourism economy.
Area Representative Andre Perez detailed additional infrastructure developments accompanying the market project, including nearly seven miles of paved streets, a rebuilt bridge that was near collapse, and a forthcoming hospital serving Ambergris Caye and neighboring Caye Caulker. Perez stressed the importance of sustainable growth amid rapid development, stating that while the town is “playing catchup with infrastructure, we’re coming along.”
The artisan market represents a strategic shift toward experiential tourism that benefits local residents directly. Rather than conventional tourism development, officials described the approach as prioritizing people, culture, and sustainability—what they term “growing tourism the right way.” The market provides space for artisans to sell authentic Belizean crafts and souvenirs while ensuring economic benefits remain within the community.
This initiative forms part of a comprehensive infrastructure improvement program designed to enhance the visitor experience while distributing tourism revenues more equitably among local residents. Officials view the project as a model for future community-based tourism development throughout Belize.