Carib Scope

分类： business

  • EU slams China dairy duties as ‘unjustified’

    EU slams China dairy duties as ‘unjustified’

    BEIJING — China has escalated its trade confrontation with the European Union by implementing provisional anti-subsidy tariffs ranging from 21.9% to 42.7% on imported EU dairy products, effective immediately. The move has drawn sharp criticism from Brussels, which labeled the measures as “unjustified” and based on insufficient evidence.

    The tariffs target various dairy commodities including fresh and processed cheeses, curd, blue cheese, and specific milk and cream products. China’s Ministry of Commerce stated that these measures follow an anti-subsidy investigation initiated in August 2024, prompted by a formal request from the Dairy Association of China. Preliminary findings from the investigation allegedly demonstrate a direct correlation between EU subsidies and significant harm to China’s domestic dairy sector.

    European Commission trade representatives immediately challenged the validity of China’s conclusions. “Our assessment indicates the investigation relies on questionable allegations and inadequate evidence, making these measures both unjustified and unwarranted,” a Commission spokesperson stated, adding that the EU is currently reviewing the preliminary determination and will submit formal comments to Chinese authorities.

    This dairy tariff imposition follows closely on Beijing’s recent decision to enforce five-year anti-dumping duties on EU pork imports, which took effect December 17th with rates between 4.9% and 19.8%. These developments represent the latest escalation in a broader trade conflict that began when the EU moved toward implementing substantial tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, citing unfair subsidy practices.

    The ongoing trade tensions occur against the backdrop of a significant trade imbalance, with the EU reporting a $350 billion trade deficit with China in 2024. French President Emmanuel Macron recently indicated Europe’s willingness to consider stronger measures, including additional tariffs, if the trade disparity remains unaddressed. Beyond commercial disputes, the two economic powers also remain divided on geopolitical issues including the Ukraine conflict, where the EU has repeatedly urged China to leverage its influence with Moscow.

  • Burger King New Kingston reopens following major renovation

    Burger King New Kingston reopens following major renovation

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Burger King Jamaica has triumphantly reopened its New Kingston establishment, marking a significant milestone exactly one year after a devastating fire caused extensive damage to the premises. The fast-food outlet resumed operations last week following an extensive renovation program, signaling the company’s strengthened dedication to enhancing customer experience and elevating operational benchmarks. This reopening occurs alongside ambitious plans for island-wide expansion in the near future.

    Orion Aitken, Senior Brand Manager for the New Kingston location, revealed that the restaurant has undergone complete modernization with state-of-the-art equipment and redesigned layouts specifically engineered to maximize guest comfort. “Patrons visiting our renovated New Kingston facility will encounter what essentially constitutes an entirely new establishment,” Aitken stated. “The redesign prioritizes operational efficiency and service excellence while ensuring customer satisfaction and maintaining stringent safety protocols for all stakeholders.”

    Throughout the renovation period, Burger King implemented comprehensive employee support measures, reassigning team members where feasible and maintaining support through ongoing staff initiatives. The majority of personnel have now returned to work across various locations, resuming their service roles within the community.

    This reopening underscores Burger King’s commitment to upholding premium standards throughout its restaurant network while continuing to serve one of Kingston’s most vibrant commercial districts. The upgraded facility represents a crucial component of Burger King’s broader growth strategy across Jamaica, driven by parent company Restaurant Associates Limited (RAL).

    RAL continues to make substantial investments in its quick-service restaurant portfolio, with each new or renovated location representing an average investment of approximately $250 million while creating significant employment opportunities within local communities.

    To celebrate the reopening, Burger King New Kingston will host a Customer Appreciation Day on December 30, offering the first 500 customers a complimentary large serving of fries. This gesture acknowledges the brand’s return to the community and expresses gratitude to loyal patrons.

    Rashai Graham, Community Communications and Strategy Executive for RAL, commented: “New Kingston serves as a vital commercial hub, and we’re delighted to welcome customers back to a revitalized Burger King that embodies our commitment to quality, safety, and exceptional service.” Graham further announced RAL’s plans to open two additional locations at Old Harbour and Spanish Town Road before year-end, continuing the company’s mission of strategic expansion and community investment throughout Jamaica.

  • Exclusive TSTT bundle for PSA members

    Exclusive TSTT bundle for PSA members

    In a significant development for Trinidad and Tobago’s public sector workforce, Telecommunications Services of TT (TSTT) has established a landmark partnership with the Public Services Association (PSA) to introduce specialized affinity bundles for the union’s extensive membership base.

    The collaboration, formally announced on December 21, brings together TSTT’s comprehensive service offerings—including bmobile mobile services, Amplia broadband internet, and home security solutions—into consolidated packages specifically designed for PSA members. The initiative aims to address the evolving digital needs of public servants while providing substantial cost savings.

    The PSA, representing over 16,000 members across more than 100 public service organizations, celebrated the launch during its anniversary week at the TSTT Hospitality Suite at Queen’s Park Oval, St. Clair. The event featured key leadership from both organizations, including TSTT Acting CEO Keino Cox, Chairman Kern Dass, Vice President of Consumer and Business Sales Reyanne Sobers, and PSA President Felisha Thomas.

    According to TSTT executives, the bundled services are structured to accommodate public officers at various life stages, from young professionals beginning their careers to families managing multiple digital needs and retirees seeking affordable connectivity. The packages combine mobile, broadband internet, TV/landline, and home security services at preferential rates unavailable to the general public.

    Mr. Cox emphasized the strategic importance of the initiative, stating: ‘We are launching a converged product designed specifically for PSA members—a bundle that brings bmobile, Amplia, and bmobile Secure together in one simplified offer. As we continue our transformation from Telco to TechCo, our mission is clear: to provide citizens with the digital tools they need to participate fully in today’s world.’

    PSA President Felisha Thomas welcomed the partnership as a meaningful quality-of-life improvement for members, noting: ‘This initiative is not just about discounts or perks; it is about making life easier for our members. When public officers thrive, families and communities benefit. When we support our members, we are investing in the future of Trinidad and Tobago.’

    The affinity plan represents TSTT’s continued evolution toward becoming a comprehensive technology solutions provider while acknowledging the critical role public servants play in national development. Chairman Kern Dass emphasized that the partnership reflects ‘a shared commitment to the future of Trinidad and Tobago’ and ensures those who serve the nation receive supported access to essential digital infrastructure.

    The TSTT/PSA Affinity Plan is now available to all eligible PSA members, marking a new chapter in corporate-union collaboration focused on delivering tangible benefits to those serving in the public sector.

  • When private sector becomes government client

    When private sector becomes government client

    In a stark assessment of Trinidad and Tobago’s economic landscape, Dr. Fuad Khan delivers a piercing critique of the nation’s private sector, revealing what he describes as a fundamental transformation from development partner to permanent state client.

    The analysis identifies a structural condition where private sector performance has become intrinsically tied to government spending patterns rather than market innovation. When state expenditure contracts, business confidence plummets; when government spending flows, temporary growth emerges. This dependency cycle signals a profound dysfunction within TT’s economic framework.

    A truly independent private sector typically drives progress through anticipating demand, investing ahead of policy developments, and competing internationally. However, Dr. Khan observes that TT’s business community increasingly organizes strategies around public procurement cycles, tax concessions, and regulatory protections. Lobbying has effectively replaced innovation as the primary business strategy, while compliance has superseded creativity.

    This dependency manifests across multiple sectors. Construction and infrastructure activities fluctuate directly with government capital expenditure. Energy services discussion about diversification rarely translates into action without state financing guarantees. Financial sector innovation remains superficial with minimal focus on funding productive enterprises. Retail and distribution sectors prioritize protected domestic markets over regional expansion.

    The consequences are measurable and severe: minimal research and development investment, weak export capacity, stagnant productivity growth, and lagging technology adoption. These indicators reflect a business culture that favors insulation over innovation, ultimately creating a self-reinforcing cycle where navigating institutional weaknesses becomes a competitive advantage.

    Young and innovative enterprises suffer most acutely in this environment, lacking the political access, legacy scale, or financial leverage to compete effectively. Many stagnate, relocate, or never launch, resulting in lost economic dynamism replaced by the illusion of stability.

    While government policy enabled this dependency, Dr. Khan emphasizes that the private sector actively embraced it. The choice to abandon export ambition, underinvest in technology, and accept protection represents a voluntary surrender of competitive spirit.

    True economic transformation requires a fundamental shift toward exports, technology investment, skills development, regional integration, and genuine competition. This transition will inevitably involve failure, consolidation, and discomfort—but remains essential for sustainable growth. Until TT’s private sector chooses independence over access, it will remain a client rather than a leader in national development.

  • Caribbean Tourism and cruise leaders align on resilience, recovery and shared growth

    Caribbean Tourism and cruise leaders align on resilience, recovery and shared growth

    MIAMI – In a landmark gathering aboard Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, Caribbean tourism ministers and industry executives convened this month for the “Iconic Summit” to address hurricane recovery and sustainable tourism strategies. The event, part of the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) second annual Caribbean Weekend, highlighted the cruise industry’s critical role in regional resilience.

    Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley detailed the company’s comprehensive response to Hurricane Melissa’s devastation, which included delivering over 100 pallets of essential supplies to Jamaica’s Falmouth port and coordinating relief distribution in severely affected communities. In discussions with CTO Secretary-General Dona Regis-Prosper, Bayley emphasized the company’s deep-rooted commitment: “We consider ourselves integral to the Caribbean community, consistently responding to crises with immediate support.”

    CTO Chairman Ian Gooding-Edghill, Barbados’ Minister of Tourism, acknowledged Royal Caribbean and regional partners for their humanitarian efforts in Jamaica and Haiti. He advocated for enhanced collaboration between governments and private enterprises, stating, “Our tourism future hinges on collective innovation and belief in the region’s limitless potential.” He underscored the necessity of data-driven policies, improved connectivity, and community-centered growth.

    Bayley proposed comprehensive “master planning” for sustainable tourism management, highlighting opportunities for cruise lines and destinations to collaborate on youth employment initiatives. He outlined Royal Caribbean’s sustainability commitments, including investments in environmental technologies, shore power systems, and robust port infrastructure.

    Despite hurricane-related challenges, the Caribbean welcomed millions of cruise visitors in 2025, reinforcing tourism’s economic significance. The summit concluded with a unified message: integrating resilience into every development plan is imperative as climate threats intensify.

    The event blended purposeful dialogue with cultural elements, including a Wizard of Oz performance and an appearance by the ship’s “Chief Dog Officer,” reinforcing that tourism resilience requires collective engagement across all sectors.

  • InterCaribbean Airways announces expansion, Barbados Hub strengthened with new routes

    InterCaribbean Airways announces expansion, Barbados Hub strengthened with new routes

    InterCaribbean Airways has unveiled a significant strategic expansion of its Barbados operations, set to commence on March 8, 2026. The enhancement introduces five new nonstop routes from Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI) while substantially increasing flight frequencies across its Caribbean network.

    The new direct destinations include Tortola’s Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (EIS), Providenciales’ Howard Hamilton International Airport (PLS), Port of Spain’s Piarco International Airport (POS), Georgetown’s Eugene F. Correia International Airport (OGL), and St. Maarten’s Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM). The airline will maintain a robust weekly schedule: three flights to Tortola, three to Providenciales, four to Port of Spain, three to Georgetown (Ogle), and two to St. Maarten.

    This expansion notably establishes interCaribbean’s presence in Trinidad, one of the Caribbean’s largest aviation markets, while creating over twenty new one-stop connecting options through the Barbados hub. The enhanced connectivity provides travelers with streamlined access throughout the Southern and Eastern Caribbean regions.

    Concurrently, the airline is boosting frequencies on existing routes from Barbados. Kingston services will increase to four weekly flights, St. Kitts to five, Antigua to ten, and Georgetown (excluding Ogle) will see eleven weekly flights.

    Lyndon Gardiner, Chairman of interCaribbean Airways, emphasized Barbados’s strategic importance: “Barbados is central to regional connectivity in the Caribbean, and we’re investing accordingly. With these additions, we’re deploying more aircraft and increasing frequencies to provide comprehensive network access from Guyana to Jamaica, Turks and Caicos, British Virgin Islands, and now St. Maarten and Trinidad.”

    This growth initiative is supported by the airline’s fleet of 11 ATR turboprop aircraft, enabling service to 24 cities across 18 Caribbean countries. Barbados, Tortola, and Providenciales serve as primary operational hubs within this expanding network.

    Bookings for the new routes and enhanced schedules are currently available through interCaribbean.com, telephone reservations, online travel agencies, and global travel agents.

  • PSA: LIAT Flight Schedule Notice

    PSA: LIAT Flight Schedule Notice

    An airline has confirmed the temporary removal of an aircraft from its operational fleet after identifying an unspecified technical malfunction. This precautionary measure has resulted in significant schedule modifications, with numerous flights facing potential delays, alterations, or outright cancellations.

    The carrier issued a formal apology to passengers for the resultant travel disruptions, emphasizing that customer and crew safety constitutes its paramount concern. Company representatives confirmed that the affected aircraft will remain grounded until it undergoes comprehensive inspections and meets all stringent safety protocols mandated by aviation authorities.

    Operational teams are currently deploying all available resources to mitigate passenger inconvenience. Strategies include extensive schedule adjustments and reallocating aircraft where feasible to facilitate passenger journeys. Despite these efforts, the airline acknowledges that some operational interruptions may persist throughout the resolution process.

    Affected travelers are advised to vigilantly monitor their registered email accounts for real-time updates regarding their itineraries. The airline has committed to providing continuous transparency as additional information emerges regarding the technical resolution and schedule normalization, thanking customers for their continued patience during this operational challenge.

  • Celebrity visits strengthen Saint Lucia’s position on global tourism stage

    Celebrity visits strengthen Saint Lucia’s position on global tourism stage

    Saint Lucia is systematically transforming its tourism landscape through a meticulously engineered celebrity engagement strategy that is generating unprecedented global visibility. The island nation’s tourism authority (SLTA) has implemented a multi-faceted approach combining strategic partnerships, digital marketing excellence, and cultural event integration to position itself as an elite leisure destination.

    The methodology involves precisely timed hosting of international celebrities during peak cultural events including Jazz Festival and Carnival celebrations. This strategic synchronization creates maximum exposure through both traditional media channels and social platforms. The SLTA has established robust collaborations with luxury resorts such as Windjammer Landing, creating symbiotic partnerships that enhance the island’s premium positioning.

    Digital engagement has proven particularly impactful, with social media buzz directly influencing celebrity visitation patterns. High-profile figures including NBA legend Michael Jordan, boxer Jake Paul, and Hollywood actresses Taraji P. Henson and Tasha Smith have generated substantial organic promotion through their social media content. Their posts showcasing Saint Lucia’s natural beauty and cultural offerings have created a ripple effect of international interest.

    The economic impact is quantitatively measurable through increased occupancy rates during event periods and verified through post-visit tourism data analysis. The SLTA employs sophisticated metrics tracking, including social engagement analytics and visibility measurement during major events, to quantify the return on investment from celebrity engagements.

    Looking forward, the tourism authority plans to expand its ambassador program, incorporating athlete representatives like Julien Alfred, while deepening collaborations with international cultural festivals. The strategy maintains a dual focus on showcasing both luxury amenities and authentic cultural experiences, ensuring broad appeal across diverse traveler demographics while maintaining the island’s premium positioning in competitive global tourism markets.

  • DSB sluit 2024 af met sterke cijfers, dividend en nieuwe betaalmogelijkheden

    DSB sluit 2024 af met sterke cijfers, dividend en nieuwe betaalmogelijkheden

    Suriname’s financial sector witnessed a landmark achievement as De Surinaamsche Bank (DSB), the nation’s largest financial institution, concluded its 2024 fiscal year with exceptional results. With a total balance sheet reaching SRD 36.7 billion (equivalent to approximately $1 billion USD), DSB has solidified its status as Suriname’s premier billion-dollar financial enterprise.

    During a press conference held at their headquarters on Friday, the bank’s executive leadership unveiled impressive financial metrics. DSB reported an operational result of SRD 1.3 billion and a net profit of SRD 546.3 million. The institution will contribute over SRD 500 million in tax payments to the national treasury. Notably, the bank’s equity capital grew to SRD 3.7 billion while its solvency ratio strengthened significantly to 27.2%, up from 24.2% in 2023.

    The management highlighted three particularly noteworthy accomplishments that distinguished their successful year. First, the bank reintroduced its DSB Easy Card, enabling customers to conduct international transactions from any location for services such as streaming subscriptions and online purchases, subject to holders maintaining a USD account with monthly and daily limits of $2,000 and $1,000 respectively.

    Second, the bank executed rapid dividend distributions totaling SRD 160 million to shareholders. Following approval at the General Shareholders Meeting, the amount was promptly credited to shareholders maintaining accounts with DSB, while other shareholders can claim dividends by presenting their receipts.

    Third, in celebration of its 160th anniversary, the bank has undertaken numerous corporate social responsibility projects and extended donations to various institutions. The bank has extended an open invitation to the public to join their year-end celebration at the headquarters on December 31st at noon.

    Looking ahead, DSB’s leadership emphasized their strategic intention to reinforce their dominant market position throughout 2026, with particular focus on playing a central role in Suriname’s emerging oil and gas sector developments. The bank committed to continued substantial investments in innovation and digital transformation initiatives in the coming years.

  • VIDEO: Shoppers cash in on SVG’s first VAT-free day

    VIDEO: Shoppers cash in on SVG’s first VAT-free day

    On December 19, 2025, St. Vincent and the Grenadines witnessed an unprecedented economic event as thousands of citizens participated in the nation’s inaugural Value-Added Tax (VAT) exemption day. This marked the first suspension of the contentious consumption tax since its implementation eighteen years prior in 2007.

    The nationwide tax holiday triggered widespread commercial activity across retail sectors, with consumers capitalizing on significant savings to acquire both essential goods and discretionary items. Numerous shoppers reported saving hundreds of Eastern Caribbean dollars on single transactions, with many immediately reinvesting their unexpected windfall into additional purchases, effectively stimulating secondary market circulation.

    Despite the generally celebratory atmosphere surrounding the economic stimulus measure, the event drew nuanced responses from participants. While many embraced the financial relief, at least one female consumer expressed reservations, questioning whether the EC$500 she saved justified contending with massive crowds and the associated inconveniences of the shopping frenzy. Her sentiment highlights the complex balance between economic policy benefits and practical consumer experience during specially designated shopping events.

    The government’s temporary tax suspension represents a significant fiscal experiment within the Eastern Caribbean currency union, potentially setting precedents for neighboring nations considering similar consumer-focused economic interventions.