Carib Scope

分类： business

  • Belize Builds Caribbean’s First Sugar Refinery

    Belize Builds Caribbean’s First Sugar Refinery

    Belize is poised to revolutionize the Caribbean sugar industry with the construction of the region’s first-ever sugar refinery, marking a significant advancement in agricultural value chain development. The transformative $40 million project, funded by U.S.-based SUCRO Sourcing and implemented through Santander Sugar, represents a strategic leap for Belize’s agricultural sector currently under development with an anticipated operational date of April 2026.

    This groundbreaking initiative will enable Belize to transition from primarily exporting raw, plantation white, and brown sugar to producing refined sugar—a commodity that Belize and numerous CARICOM member states currently import from outside the region. The investment agreement was formalized during the Belize Investment Summit and received formal endorsement from CARICOM through its Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED).

    Beverly Burke, Public Relations Manager at Santander Sugar, revealed that the refinery concept has been part of the company’s strategic vision for over a decade. “A refinery was our plan from the very inception from the day Santander came to Belize,” Burke stated. “It’s a natural fit that represents the next evolutionary stage for our growing operations.”

    The project addresses a significant gap in the Caribbean market, where all refined sugar is currently imported despite the region’s substantial sugar production capabilities. Burke emphasized the expected economic impact: “The economic impact is definitely going to be significant. New Belizean hires will be coming on board to ensure continuity.”

    The refinery initiative promises enhanced regional production capabilities, value-added manufacturing development, and reduced dependency on extra-regional imports while contributing to social security, income tax revenues, and the nation’s overall GDP. The operation aims to deliver affordable, accessible refined sugar while maintaining competitive pricing and sustainable operations.

  • Costa Fascinosa begins home port operations at Sans Souci, strengthening Santo Domingo as a Caribbean cruise hub

    Costa Fascinosa begins home port operations at Sans Souci, strengthening Santo Domingo as a Caribbean cruise hub

    Santo Domingo has cemented its position as a premier Caribbean cruise destination with the formal inauguration of home port operations for the Costa Fascinosa at the Port of Sans Souci. This strategic development, orchestrated by the Dominican Port Authority (APORDOM), represents a significant advancement for the nation’s maritime tourism sector and will serve as the vessel’s operational base throughout the current cruise season.

    APORDOM Executive Director Jean Luis Rodríguez characterized this milestone as a cornerstone of the government’s broader strategy to establish the Dominican Republic as the Caribbean’s foremost cruise hub. The initiative is designed to amplify passenger volumes, stimulate economic activity through enhanced port operations, and solidify the country’s competitive standing in the global maritime tourism market.

    The commencement of operations was marked by a ceremonial exchange of commemorative plaques between port authorities and cruise line representatives. This time-honored maritime tradition symbolizes mutual cooperation, institutional confidence, and the cultivation of enduring partnerships. APORDOM has reiterated its dedication to implementing measures that boost the operational efficiency, competitive edge, and international prominence of Dominican ports, thereby reinforcing Santo Domingo’s emergence as a pivotal embarkation point for Caribbean cruise itineraries.

  • Crypto Capital Eyes Nevis — But Can Private Governance Work In The Caribbean? | News Americas Now

    Crypto Capital Eyes Nevis — But Can Private Governance Work In The Caribbean? | News Americas Now

    A contentious proposal to establish a semi-autonomous, technology-focused community on the Caribbean island of Nevis has ignited intense debate throughout the federation of St. Kitts and Nevis. Dutch cryptocurrency entrepreneur Olivier Janssens is advancing the ambitious ‘Destiny’ project, which aims to create a self-contained enclave tailored for global entrepreneurs, digital asset investors, and technologists seeking crypto-friendly infrastructure and alternative governance frameworks.

    The initiative operates under the recently enacted Special Sustainability Zones Authorization Act, which permits designated zones for testing innovative approaches to governance, technology, and sustainability. The project has already begun acquiring substantial coastal land parcels along Nevis’s southern coast, with architectural plans including luxury villas, commercial offices, medical facilities, and supporting infrastructure designed by prominent global firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill.

    At the core of the controversy lies a proposal to implement private arbitration mechanisms for resolving certain legal disputes within the zone, potentially bypassing the nation’s established court system. Proponents argue this represents a forward-thinking approach to attract new capital streams to the Caribbean, particularly from global investors seeking jurisdictions receptive to digital asset innovation and fintech advancement. Janssens maintains the project would provide expedited, predictable dispute resolution for international commercial transactions while remaining compliant with national laws.

    However, the proposal has generated significant apprehension among local residents, legal professionals, and political leaders. Critics express concerns about creating a ‘state within a state,’ questioning the extent of governmental oversight that would remain if dispute resolution shifts to private judicial mechanisms. Additional worries center on land use patterns, environmental consequences, strain on public infrastructure, and the broader implications of privatized governance models in small island nations.

    The Destiny project aligns with the emerging ‘network state’ concept promoting digitally interconnected communities with shared governance frameworks operating alongside traditional nation-states. While gaining traction in technology circles, previous attempts to implement similar models elsewhere have encountered regulatory resistance, legal challenges, and financial instability—particularly during cryptocurrency market volatility.

    Analysts note that the interest from crypto investors highlights a broader trend of global capital seeking alternative development models in the Caribbean, especially in technology, digital services, and infrastructure. The critical challenge for governments involves distinguishing between speculative ventures and projects capable of delivering sustainable economic benefits while respecting legal frameworks and social cohesion.

    The project’s ultimate realization will depend on multiple factors: governmental supervision, community involvement, investor confidence, and successful integration of private governance mechanisms with public legal systems. This development serves as a significant case study examining both the potential benefits and risks of crypto-driven initiatives in small island economies, potentially influencing how Caribbean governments approach unconventional investment and governance proposals in an evolving global landscape.

  • Cellphone Repair Technicians Raise concerns during meeting on new Consumer Protection Act

    Cellphone Repair Technicians Raise concerns during meeting on new Consumer Protection Act

    In a significant regulatory development, the Prices and Consumer Affairs Division convened a crucial meeting with cellphone repair technicians on December 10th, 2025, to outline the comprehensive requirements of the newly enacted Consumer Protection Act 2025. The gathering, hosted at the Inland Revenue Department’s Conference Room under the leadership of Director Orrin Steele, brought together over 20 industry professionals to discuss the practical implications of the groundbreaking legislation.

    The session revealed several transformative provisions that will fundamentally reshape operational protocols within the repair sector. Among the most notable mandates is the requirement for technicians to maintain detailed service records including consumer contact information, accurate descriptions of goods, replacement value estimates, labor cost breakdowns, and precise service timelines. These records must be formally presented to consumers in either printed or electronic format for written approval before commencing repairs.

    While technicians expressed concerns about potential increases in operational costs, many acknowledged the long-term benefits of enhanced tracking capabilities for customer management and dispute resolution. The pricing transparency requirement emerged as particularly challenging, with technicians noting the difficulty in establishing fixed rates for services like unlocking, which fluctuate according to market conditions. The Division recommended implementing price ranges that reflect these variable market dynamics.

    The legislation introduces severe penalties for misrepresentation of non-genuine parts, including fines up to $5,000 ECD or potential imprisonment for offenders. Technicians must now explicitly disclose the use of non-original components and clearly indicate this information on all receipts.

    Additional provisions address post-repair retention periods, with the Division recommending a 90-day limit for storing repaired devices—a guideline that must be explicitly stated in service contracts. The Act also establishes clear protocols for additional repair authorization, protecting consumers from unauthorized charges while requiring technicians to obtain explicit consent before performing supplementary services.

    The meeting also clarified policies regarding returns and layaway agreements, establishing that consumers cannot return non-defective parts for price-matching purposes while outlining specific conditions under which cancellation fees may be applied to layaway arrangements.

    This collaborative dialogue between regulatory authorities and industry practitioners marks a significant step toward enhanced consumer protection while addressing the practical concerns of small business operators navigating the new regulatory landscape.

  • Nicholas Barnard elected Chamber of Commerce President

    Nicholas Barnard elected Chamber of Commerce President

    The Saint Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture has undergone a significant leadership transition with the election of Nicholas Barnard as its new President. Mr. Barnard, who serves as Managing Director of St. Lucia Linen Services Ltd, assumes the role previously held by Ross Gardner of Carasco & Son, who concluded his two-term tenure without seeking re-election.

    This leadership change marks a strategic shift for the premier business advocacy organization, which plays a crucial role in representing private sector interests, facilitating networking opportunities, and influencing economic policy formulation in Saint Lucia. Barnard, having previously served as Vice President under Gardner’s administration, brings continuity and fresh perspective to the position.

    The newly constituted Board of Directors features a diverse representation of Saint Lucia’s business leadership: Eldris Mauricette of Tropical Shipping as First Vice President, Jason King of St. Lucia Distillers Group as Second Vice President, and Ross Gardner as Immediate Past President. The board further comprises nine distinguished directors from various sectors including shipping, retail, insurance, technology, and manufacturing.

    The Chamber’s new leadership team is poised to strengthen collaboration with government entities and other stakeholders to foster a business environment characterized by safety, fairness, and operational effectiveness. The board is scheduled to convene its inaugural meeting on Thursday to establish strategic priorities and operational frameworks for the coming term.

  • ABHTA Concludes 2025 Training Series with Successful Supervisory and Maintenance Courses

    ABHTA Concludes 2025 Training Series with Successful Supervisory and Maintenance Courses

    The Antigua & Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA) has successfully concluded its 2025 Professional Learning Series with two comprehensive training programs that have significantly enhanced sector-wide capabilities. The initiative featured a 6-Week Supervisory Management Leadership Development Course and an 8-Week Maintenance Course focusing on Electrics & Basic Maintenance, delivering substantial professional advancement for participants across the tourism and hospitality industry.

    The virtual Supervisory Management Leadership Development Course, expertly facilitated by veteran tourism and hospitality trainer Ms. Shirlene Nibbs with over three decades of industry experience, provided six weeks of immersive instruction. The curriculum addressed critical leadership domains including effective communication strategies, workplace relationship management, performance evaluation techniques, and essential supervisory competencies. Participant Zorah Beazer, Claims Manager at State Insurance Company Limited, reported transformative learning outcomes: “This experience provided invaluable perspectives on workplace challenges and significantly enhanced my problem-solving capabilities. Ms. Nibbs’ exceptional facilitation encouraged multidimensional thinking through both expert guidance and peer exchange.”

    Ms. Nibbs reflected on the program’s exceptional outcomes: “This year’s record participation demonstrated remarkable engagement and dedication. Participants exhibited sustained motivation throughout the six-week journey, culminating in creative final presentations that evidenced substantial behavioral and professional development. The administrative excellence of Ms. Anthea Watkins and her support team was instrumental in achieving these results.”

    Concurrently, the 8-Week Maintenance Course: Electrics & Basic Maintenance conducted at the Sandals Merrick Fray Training & Development Centre provided hands-on technical education under the guidance of Mr. Kim Burdon, an aircraft maintenance engineer with 35 years of cross-industry expertise. The comprehensive curriculum covered fundamental electricity principles, motor theory, control systems wiring, refrigeration fundamentals, and practical troubleshooting methodologies.

    Donald Bennett, Maintenance Technician at Curtain Bluff Antigua, attested to the program’s effectiveness: “The course delivered exceptionally informative content highly relevant to my technical role. Mr. Burdon’s hands-on teaching methodology and encouragement to advance our skills created engaging and clear learning experiences that warrant future advanced training.”

    Mr. Burdon expressed his teaching philosophy: “Maintenance represents a fascinating multidisciplinary field. These past months have been immensely rewarding through knowledge sharing with dedicated professionals. I remain committed to knowledge transmission across diverse maintenance specializations before that expertise is lost to time.”

    The ABHTA extended gratitude to all facilitators, Sandals Grande Antigua management and staff, particularly Carlene Spencer for maintenance course support, and all participating members and properties. The Association reaffirmed its commitment to expanding professional development opportunities in the coming year, with training inquiries directed to 462-0374 or 4928.

    As the collective voice of Antigua & Barbuda’s hospitality sector, the ABHTA continues to advance industry standards through education, advocacy, and promotional initiatives that enhance visitation and economic benefits while serving member interests across hotels, restaurants, airlines, and tourism-related enterprises.

  • Electricity Rate To Increase In 2026

    Electricity Rate To Increase In 2026

    The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) of Belize has unveiled its preliminary ruling recommending an upward adjustment to electricity tariffs as part of modifications to the Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) Annual Review Proceeding for 2025. This development signals increased energy costs for consumers beginning next year.

    In an official communiqué, the regulatory body confirmed it has finalized draft amendments compliant with the Electricity (Tariffs, Fees and Charges) Byelaws. While BEL sought approval for a $0.0555 per kilowatt-hour augmentation to the Mean Electricity Rate (MER), the Commission has counter-proposed a moderated increase of $0.0337 per kilowatt-hour. This adjusted rate would establish a new MER benchmark of $0.4427 per kilowatt-hour if formally ratified.

    The PUC clarified that the proposed tariff revision aims to alleviate BEL’s financial constraints while enabling cost recovery for sustainable service provision. Regulatory authorities emphasized implementing consumer protection measures, particularly for socially vulnerable and residential customers beneath the GST threshold. The rate restructuring methodology will distribute increases strategically to mitigate household bill impacts.

    Prime Minister John Briceño addressed the contentious issue during recent House of Representatives proceedings, justifying the necessity of utility rate elevations amid escalating operational expenditures and regional market dynamics. The Prime Minister highlighted that BEL has maintained rate stability since the current administration took office in 2020, despite confronting COVID-19 economic disruptions, inflationary pressures, and unprecedented heat waves that drove imported electricity costs to $1 per kilowatt-hour from Mexican suppliers during 2024’s supply crises.

    Briceño detailed BEL’s collaborative efforts with major commercial consumers, particularly tourism establishments in San Pedro, to activate private generators during grid instability episodes. This cooperative approach involved compensatory arrangements for higher self-generation costs when imported electricity prices surpassed retail rates.

    While acknowledging public apprehension regarding cost-of-living increases, the Prime Minister contextualized Belize’s electricity pricing as comparatively lower than regional Caribbean counterparts. He emphasized the unsustainability of BEL’s current practice of selling electricity beneath procurement costs, drawing analogies to commercial viability requirements in other sectors. The administration contends that after five years of rate suppression, this adjustment becomes inevitable to prevent eventual taxpayer-funded bailouts of the utility provider.

  • PMAC vestigt hoofdkantoor in Suriname

    PMAC vestigt hoofdkantoor in Suriname

    Paramaribo has officially been designated as the new headquarters location for the Port Management Association of the Caribbean (PMAC), marking a significant strategic shift in regional maritime governance. The Suriname Port Management Company (SPMC) confirmed the establishment of the regional port organization’s secretariat in the Surinamese capital, elevating the nation’s status within Caribbean maritime affairs.

    PMAC represents 27 Caribbean ports and maintains an extensive international network of 42 associate members specializing in port-related services, technological innovation, and professional training programs. The formal transfer of administrative operations occurred in November during an official delegation visit to Paramaribo.

    SPMC, which has held PMAC membership since 2010, was selected for this prestigious role due to its demonstrated active engagement, commitment to enhancing transnational diversity within the organization, and ongoing developments within Suriname’s port and maritime sectors. The appointment of Mrs. Mary-Ann Abdoelkariem as Executive Secretary further influenced the decision-making process.

    This strategic placement provides Suriname with substantial influence over regional port policy formulation and direct access to expertise in port modernization, digital transformation, operational efficiency, and specialized training. The presence of PMAC’s headquarters significantly enhances capacity-building opportunities and strengthens Suriname’s international visibility as an emerging maritime hub.

    PMAC has already commenced operations from its new Surinamese base, recently organizing a ‘Risk and Incident Management in a Port Environment’ training program through the Suriname Port Training Institute, which attracted twelve port professionals from across the region.

    The secretariat is now operational at NV Havenbeheer Suriname on Havenlaan Zuid. PMAC encourages Surinamese maritime sector businesses and organizations to establish contact and leverage regional collaboration and training opportunities available through the association.

  • Russia’s claims against Euroclear exceed 225.7 billion

    Russia’s claims against Euroclear exceed 225.7 billion

    In a significant escalation of financial tensions stemming from the Ukraine conflict, Russia’s Central Bank has initiated legal proceedings against Euroclear, one of the world’s largest financial clearinghouses. The lawsuit, filed with the Moscow Arbitration Court last Friday, alleges that the Belgium-based institution has caused substantial financial damage to the Russian regulator by blocking access to its funds and securities.

    The legal action represents a direct response to the European Commission’s ongoing considerations regarding mechanisms that would enable the direct or indirect utilization of Russian sovereign assets without obtaining proper consent. According to court documents, the Central Bank is seeking comprehensive compensation for multiple categories of losses, including the full value of frozen funds, blocked securities, and significant revenue that would have been generated from these assets.

    This development follows the coordinated decision by the European Union and G7 nations in February 2022 to freeze approximately €300 billion in Russian assets following Moscow’s military operations in Ukraine. Notably, about two-thirds of these frozen assets (€200 billion) are maintained within the European Union, with the majority held in Euroclear accounts.

    The Russian Foreign Ministry has characterized these asset freezes as outright ‘theft,’ emphasizing that the EU’s measures target not merely private investor holdings but specifically Russia’s sovereign wealth. This legal confrontation underscores the increasingly complex intersection of international finance, geopolitical conflict, and sovereign asset protection in the contemporary global economy.

  • Over 44k passengers arrive in St Kitts aboard 22 cruise ships this week – Associates Times

    Over 44k passengers arrive in St Kitts aboard 22 cruise ships this week – Associates Times

    The Caribbean island of St. Kitts witnessed an extraordinary influx of tourism activity during the week of December 7-13, 2025, with 44,307 passengers arriving aboard 22 cruise ships at Port Zante. This substantial maritime traffic demonstrates the island’s growing prominence as a premier Caribbean destination during the peak winter season.

    The week commenced on Sunday, December 7th, with three vessels—Azamara Onward, Norwegian Gem, and Norwegian Getaway—delivering 6,832 visitors. Monday saw an even larger arrival with Ariva, AIDAmar, and Silver Ray bringing 7,893 passengers. The flow continued throughout the week with Celebrity Ascent and Marella Discovery 2 (4,892 passengers) on Tuesday, followed by four ships including Marella Explorer 2 and Celebrity Apex (11,023 passengers) on Wednesday.

    Thursday marked a five-ship day with Celebrity Beyond, Seaborne Ovation, Marella Discovery, Emerald Azzurra, and Star Flyer carrying 5,585 visitors. Friday concluded the heavy traffic with Coral Princess and Wind Surf bringing 2,251 passengers. The week culminated on Saturday with Costa Fascinosa (3,215 passengers from Guadeloupe) and Grand Princess (2,616 passengers from Tortola) docking simultaneously.

    The economic impact was substantial as the majority of passengers disembarked to explore the island’s attractions. Local businesses including taxi drivers, tour operators, craft vendors, restaurateurs, and jewelry merchants experienced significant patronage. Visitors dispersed across the island with many heading to Frigate Bay and Southeast Peninsula beaches, while others explored Basseterre’s historical landmarks including The Berkley Memorial, St. George’s Anglican Church, and Independence Square.

    Tourism activities diversified with passengers engaging in organized excursions to Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, Romney Manor, and Batik at Black Rocks. Adventure seekers ventured to Mount Liamuiga for hiking trails, while others enjoyed snorkeling, sailing excursions to Nevis, golfing, and casino entertainment. The St. Kitts Scenic Railway provided panoramic views of the island’s landscape, further enhancing visitor experiences.