Carib Scope

分类： business

  • SVG Postal Corporation announces ‘strategic leadership appointments’

    SVG Postal Corporation announces ‘strategic leadership appointments’

    The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Postal Corporation has announced two high-impact strategic leadership appointments, a key step forward in its ongoing efforts to reinforce its executive team, upgrade operational infrastructure, and grow its portfolio of commercial and customer-centric services. Both appointments officially took effect on July 1, bringing two distinct, complementary skill sets to the institution’s modernization agenda.

    Raffique Samuel has stepped into the role of Assistant Director of Operations and Business Development, closing out more than 20 years of dedicated service to the postal organization. According to an official press release from the corporation, Samuel began his career as a frontline postman and worked his way steadily up the organizational ladder, a progression driven by consistent hard work, strict professional standards, and an unshakable dedication to public service. His internal promotion underscores the corporation’s stated commitment to honoring merit, rewarding exceptional performance, and cultivating accessible, meaningful career growth pathways for long-tenured staff.

    The second new appointment, Esteban Richard-Hernández, takes on the position of Manager of Expedited Services and Customer Solutions. Richard-Hernández joins the leadership team with a robust professional background spanning banking, finance, auditing, and corporate governance, bringing cross-sector expertise that the corporation says will be pivotal to advancing its strategic goals. His specialized skills, established leadership track record, and commitment to public service are expected to strengthen the corporation’s efforts to scale its expedited delivery offerings, enhance customer-focused solutions, and unlock untapped new commercial opportunities. His appointment also aligns with the organization’s priority of nurturing a new cohort of forward-thinking leadership equipped to drive innovation and long-term sustainable growth.

    Marlon Bute, Chairman of the Postal Corporation’s Board of Directors, framed the dual appointments as a defining milestone in the organization’s multiphase transformation journey. “The Postal Corporation is entering a new era. These appointments are not simply about filling vacant roles; they are about building a leadership team that will reshape this organization into a modern, innovative, commercially driven institution,” Bute explained in his remarks. He emphasized that the board’s core commitment is building a postal service that delivers operational efficiency, long-term financial sustainability, and unwavering focus on meeting the needs of the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

    That vision includes expanding commercial service options, strengthening expedited and logistics capacity, integrating new technological innovations, and delivering a customer experience that matches global best practices, Bute added. He highlighted Samuel’s decades-long progression from entry-level postman to senior assistant director as a powerful, inspiring example of what commitment, persistence, and operational excellence can achieve within the organization. “It sends a clear message that hard work is recognised and rewarded within this organisation,” Bute noted.

    For his part, Bute said Richard-Hernández embodies the next generation of professional leadership the organization needs to achieve its transformation goals. “He brings fresh ideas, technical expertise, and the energy that will help drive the Corporation’s transformation as we position it for sustained growth and long-term success. Together, these appointments reflect our confidence in the future of the Postal Corporation and our determination to build an institution that every Vincentian can be proud of,” Bute concluded.

  • Duggins sees cultural tourism as key to St. Kitts and Nevis’ economic future

    Duggins sees cultural tourism as key to St. Kitts and Nevis’ economic future

    BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – As global travel patterns continue to shift and the international tourism sector becomes increasingly competitive, Samal Duggins, St. Kitts and Nevis’ Minister responsible for the Creative Economy, is positioning cultural tourism as the driving force behind the federation’s next chapter of inclusive, sustainable economic expansion. Duggins’ bold vision comes fresh off the high-profile, widely acclaimed 2026 St. Kitts Music Festival, a three-night cultural showcase that drew thousands of music lovers from across the Caribbean and around the globe to Basseterre’s iconic Warner Park.

    While Duggins acknowledged that traditional cruise tourism will remain a central pillar of the federation’s local economy for the foreseeable future, he emphasized that cultural tourism unlocks an untapped pathway to resilient, long-term growth that spreads economic benefits more broadly across local communities.

    “Cultural tourism opens an entirely new frontier for our small nation,” Duggins explained in an interview with SKNVibes Entertainment. “Across just 60 square miles, we bring together iconic regional artists, authentic cultural expressions, and globally influential creative voices – this convergence brings the world directly to our shores. The St. Kitts Music Festival is a perfect example of this power, and our annual National Carnival follows the same successful model.”

    Duggins pointed to concrete economic data to back his argument, citing the 2025-2026 National Carnival which drew more than 22,000 international visitors to the federation and generated nearly EC$30 million in total economic activity across the hospitality, retail, and transportation sectors. Beyond direct event revenue, he argued that strategic investments in the creative sector deliver far-reaching dividends: they create sustainable local jobs, stimulate widespread economic activity, and elevate St. Kitts and Nevis’ profile as a dynamic cultural destination among both regional and global audiences.

    The minister also celebrated the exceptional turnout for the 2026 St. Kitts Music Festival, noting that opening night drew one of the largest crowds he has observed in his decades of engagement with the event. For Duggins, the overwhelming success of festivals and cultural events like this makes an irrefutable case: the creative industries can no longer be dismissed as casual side hobbies, but must be recognized as a formal, high-potential economic sector capable of generating substantial revenue and life-changing professional opportunities.

    Today’s creative professionals, he added, can build thriving, lucrative careers in the industry, a reality that reflects the growing global value of the creative economy. Drawing from his own personal experience, Duggins shared that he dreamed of working as an entertainer as a child, but faced widespread social pressure to pursue a more traditional, corporate or public service career path.

    “I don’t regret my academic journey – I thrived in school and learned skills that serve me well today,” Duggins said. “But at my core, I always wanted to be an entertainer.” As minister, his top priority is removing the outdated social stigma that still surrounds creative careers, so that future generations of young talent can pursue their professional passions without facing the same pressure he encountered.

    Duggins also reserved praise for the outstanding quality of local performers featured at this year’s music festival, highlighting the dramatic progress local artists have made over the past two decades. Having performed on the St. Kitts Music Festival stage himself back in 2004, he has witnessed the evolution of the federation’s local creative ecosystem first-hand.

    “Today, our local artists stand shoulder to shoulder with the best talent in the world,” he said. “It’s often hard to distinguish between local and international acts, because the quality of their performances and the energy they bring to the crowd are on par with the biggest names in the industry.”

    This ongoing growth and refinement of local artistic talent, Duggins argued, reinforces his confidence that St. Kitts and Nevis is well on its way to establishing itself as a leading regional hub for the creative economy, with cultural tourism leading the federation’s economic future.

  • JOB VACANCY: Automotive Service Manager

    JOB VACANCY: Automotive Service Manager

    A vacant position for an Automotive Service Manager has been announced, opening up a key leadership opportunity for experienced professionals in the automotive maintenance and customer service sector. This role will sit at the heart of a busy automotive facility, tasked with overseeing daily service operations, leading a team of trained technicians and service advisors, and ensuring customers receive timely, high-quality repair and maintenance support.

    Ideal candidates for the position are expected to bring a combination of practical industry experience, demonstrated leadership capabilities, and strong customer service acumen. Key responsibilities will include managing service department workflows, coordinating between technicians, advisors, and parts suppliers to reduce wait times, handling customer inquiries and concerns, setting performance targets for the service team, and ensuring all operations align with manufacturer and industry safety standards. Additionally, the successful applicant will be responsible for monitoring department profitability, controlling inventory for service parts, and implementing process improvements to boost overall operational efficiency.

    Employers filling this role typically prioritize candidates with prior experience working in automotive service settings, along with proven communication skills that allow them to collaborate effectively with both staff and customers. Many employers also prefer candidates who hold relevant industry certifications and have experience working with modern automotive diagnostic and service management software. This opening represents a valuable opportunity for a motivated professional to step into a leadership role within the automotive industry and contribute to the long-term success of a growing automotive business.

  • Construction of Barbuda Cargo Port to Begin Within 60 Days

    Construction of Barbuda Cargo Port to Begin Within 60 Days

    After months of planning, stakeholder negotiations and regulatory approvals, the long-awaited construction of a dedicated cargo port on the Caribbean island of Barbuda is finally set to get underway within the next 60 days. The infrastructure project, which has been flagged as a top economic priority for the Antigua and Barbuda government, addresses a longstanding gap in the island’s logistics network that has driven up shipping costs and limited business growth for decades.

    Currently, most cargo bound for Barbuda has to be routed first through the main island of Antigua, before being transferred to smaller vessels for the final sea crossing. This indirect route adds significant time and expense to every shipment, from construction materials and grocery imports to equipment for the island’s key tourism industry. Local business owners have repeatedly called for a dedicated on-island cargo facility to cut down on these overhead costs and make Barbuda a more attractive destination for outside investment.

    Officials involved in the project say the new port will be designed to accommodate larger cargo vessels, expand storage capacity for imported goods, and reduce turnaround times for commercial shipping. Beyond streamlining supply chains, the construction phase itself is expected to create dozens of local jobs for Barbuda residents, from construction workers to logistics and support staff. Once completed, the port is projected to boost the island’s overall competitiveness by lowering import costs for consumers and opening new opportunities for local exporters to ship native products like seafood and crafts to regional and international markets.

    Project leaders also note that the port will improve the island’s disaster preparedness capacity, a critical consideration for Caribbean nations that face regular threats from hurricanes and tropical storms. In past emergency events, slow and complicated cargo logistics have hampered the delivery of relief supplies to Barbuda, but the new facility will enable much faster deployment of aid following a natural disaster. The government has partnered with regional development financial institutions to fund the project, with construction expected to take approximately 18 months to reach full completion, according to the latest project timeline.

  • Antigua Turf Club Defends Racetrack Redevelopment Plan, Says Talks Stalled Over Tax Concession

    Antigua Turf Club Defends Racetrack Redevelopment Plan, Says Talks Stalled Over Tax Concession

    The long-proposed redevelopment of Antigua’s iconic racetrack has hit a major snag, with the Antigua Turf Club (ATC) confirming that negotiations with government authorities have ground to a halt over a single sticking point: a requested tax concession for the multi-million dollar infrastructure project.

    In a formal statement issued this week, ATC leadership pushed back against growing public criticism of the proposed redevelopment, which aims to transform the aging racetrack into a mixed-use entertainment and sports hub capable of attracting regional and international equestrian events, as well as driving new tourism traffic to the Caribbean nation. Club representatives emphasized that the revamp would deliver widespread economic benefits to Antigua, including hundreds of construction jobs in the short term and sustained employment in hospitality, event management, and equestrian sports once the site opens.

    According to ATC, the tax concession is not an extraordinary demand, but a critical requirement to keep the project financially viable. The organization noted that large-scale infrastructure developments in the tourism and leisure sector regularly receive tax incentives from the Antiguan government to encourage private investment, and the racetrack project fits squarely within existing policy frameworks designed to boost economic growth. Without the requested tax break, project costs would surge to levels that make the redevelopment unfeasible for private backers, the club added.

    Critics of the plan have raised concerns that the concession would represent a major loss of potential government revenue, and have questioned whether the public will see enough proportional benefit from the project to justify the tax break. ATC has countered that the long-term revenue gains from increased tourism, new business activity, and expanded employment will far outweigh any short-term foregone tax revenue. The organization also reiterated its commitment to working with the government to find a compromise that unlocks the project, stating that it remains committed to delivering a transformative facility that benefits all Antiguans.

    At present, no new negotiation talks have been scheduled, leaving the future of the high-profile redevelopment uncertain.

  • Poultry Industry Says It Can No Longer Absorb Losses as Prices Increase

    Poultry Industry Says It Can No Longer Absorb Losses as Prices Increase

    For Belizean households, chicken has long been an affordable dietary staple that anchors weekly meal plans. Starting in mid-2026, however, families across the country are facing higher grocery bills as the nation’s poultry producers announce a new round of price increases, driven by cascading global cost pressures that producers can no longer absorb internally.

    The Belize Poultry Association (BPA), which represents the nation’s primary poultry producers, confirmed the price hike in an announcement July 6, noting that multiple interconnected cost increases across the supply chain have left the industry with no other option but to pass expenses on to end consumers. According to BPA manager Armando Cowo, the most dramatic strain on production costs comes from a steep jump in the price of imported feed premix, a critical additive sourced from Europe that is required to produce domestic chicken feed.

    Cowo explained that the price of the association’s upcoming shipment of premix, which is imported from the Netherlands, has risen far beyond previous projections. This increase, paired with steady upward movement in global grain prices over the past several months, has pushed feed costs sharply higher. Both corn and soy, the core base ingredients for poultry feed, have seen consistent price gains since earlier this year, adding another layer of expense to feed production that local producers cannot offset.

    Feed costs are not the only driver of the price hike, Cowo emphasized. Rising global fuel prices have inflated costs across every stage of the poultry supply chain, making the entire energy-intensive industry far more expensive to operate. From the initial planting and harvesting of grain by local agricultural producers, to the import of hatching eggs via air transport, to on-farm operations, feed delivery, processing, and final distribution of finished poultry products, every step relies on fuel. As energy costs climb, all suppliers along the chain adjust their prices to recover higher expenses, and those increases accumulate to raise the final cost of chicken for consumers.

    This is the second poultry price adjustment for Belize in 2026. The BPA previously raised prices by six cents per unit in March, a move attributed entirely to rising labor costs across the industry. This latest increase stems from imported inflation, Cowo said, a global economic pressure that ripples through small domestic markets like Belize despite no local policy or production changes driving the trend.

    For working-class Belizean households that rely on chicken as an affordable primary protein source, the new price increase will put additional strain on monthly food budgets, at a time when multiple consumer goods have already seen upward price adjustments amid broader global economic volatility.

  • Historic Swing Bridge Rebuild Moves Belize Forward

    Historic Swing Bridge Rebuild Moves Belize Forward

    A decades-long wait for critical infrastructure upgrades is set to end for Belize City, as plans for a full reconstruction of the city’s iconic 100-year-old Swing Bridge – the last remaining manually operated swing bridge in Central America – move forward. The landmark project, backed by a $28 million partnership between the governments of Belize and Japan, is the centerpiece of a sweeping city-wide modernization initiative that will reshape transportation, trade and public space across the capital.

    Belize City Mayor Bernard Wagner framed the reconstruction as a transformative step for the city, acknowledging that construction will bring short-term disruptions for local residents and commuters but emphasizing that the long-term gains far outweigh temporary inconveniences. “You have to go through the fire to grow. You can’t want good things without being willing to accept temporary challenges,” Wagner said in a public address, noting that the bridge upgrade is one of multiple interconnected infrastructure improvements underway across Belize. These include renovations to the Belcan Bridge, comprehensive upgrades to the George Price Highway and Philip Goldson Highway, the development of an entirely new Port of Belize, and the construction of a new floating waterfront boardwalk.

    To mitigate traffic congestion expected during construction when schools reopen and commuter volumes rise, city officials have already formally approved a new one-way street system that will launch in the coming weeks to manage vehicle flow. Wagner added that the city’s team is working in close collaboration with the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing (MIDH), a well-organized government body that will oversee on-time, on-budget delivery of the project. The administration is prioritizing transparent, regular communication to keep residents updated on construction timelines and traffic adjustments.

    In a complementary move to streamline the project and cut long-term costs, the Government of Belize has acquired the San Cas Bottom Dollar property on North Front Street for $5 million. Officials confirmed that purchasing the parcel eliminates the need for costly utility relocations that would have otherwise driven up project expenses, saving taxpayers millions of dollars in unplanned overhead. The site will also serve as dedicated storage and office space for contractors working on the bridge reconstruction, further simplifying project logistics.

  • High demand, limited supply and delays reshape property landscape

    High demand, limited supply and delays reshape property landscape

    Barbados’ real estate sector is experiencing a broad upswing, with both foreign and domestic investment on the rise, though gaps in regulatory oversight are creating serious risks for consumers and the island’s global reputation, the head of the country’s leading real estate industry body has revealed in an exclusive interview with Barbados TODAY.

    Chris Hassell, president of the Barbados Estate Agents and Valuers Association (BEAVA), framed the current market challenges as growing pains of a rapidly maturing industry, arguing that targeted, incremental legislative changes rather than sweeping overhauls are enough to address existing gaps. The association is committed to working alongside policymakers to build a sector that grows sustainably with confidence, fairness and full transparency for all market participants, he said.

    Hassell outlined three core challenges currently facing the market, starting with the proliferation of unlicensed, unregulated real estate operators. Buoyed by high demand and tight supply, many unqualified people have entered the space as side earners, operating outside the strict anti-money laundering rules and Financial Intelligence Unit best practices that govern all formally registered agents. Under current global standards, real estate agents are classified as Designated Non-Financial Business Professionals (DNFBPs), requiring adherence to rigorous compliance standards that registered agents have embraced, Hassell noted. He added that two recent high-profile cases of attempted fraud by unlicensed actors have already damaged the sector’s reputation, and called for mandatory minimum practice standards enshrined in legislation, aligned with frameworks used across other CARICOM member states. BEAVA is currently partnering with a senior local law firm to develop formally drafted, legally grounded regulatory recommendations to submit to the government, he confirmed.

    The second key pain point is duplicated Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance requirements. Under current rules, real estate agents, mortgage lenders and legal representatives are all required to collect the same customer identification information separately, forcing clients to fill out identical disclosures up to three times per transaction. Hassell proposed a single centralized KYC repository for property transactions, which would cut redundant work for customers and streamline compliance processes for all industry stakeholders.

    Third, the sector lacks accessible, reliable aggregated sales data, making it difficult for agents and valuers to identify accurate comparable properties to inform valuations. Hassell said expanding valuers’ access to centralized sales data would improve the speed and accuracy of property valuations, in turn boosting investor confidence in the market. He also highlighted a related opportunity to encourage more Barbadian property owners to formalize land ownership through registered title. State-backed registered title provides definitive proof of ownership, speeds up future sales transactions, and prevents costly family land disputes that often leave properties underutilized. While the registration process has its own barriers that require case-by-case consideration, Hassell noted it is a valuable tool for estate planning that strengthens the entire market by making transactions cleaner and more certain.

    Despite these challenges, Hassell emphasized that most current frictions stem from a busy, growing market rather than systemic decline, and noted key differences in the barriers facing foreign versus domestic buyers. For international purchasers, the length of time required to close a Barbadian real estate transaction remains a major pain point, even in ideal scenarios, compared to other global property markets. Traditional bureaucratic delays related to Central Bank foreign currency registration, title searches and town planning approvals all extend closing timelines, while the lack of reliable comparable data makes it harder to accurately assess property values.

    For domestic Barbadian buyers, two core challenges stand out. First, there is a critical shortage of inventory at the lower end of the market. General construction costs per square foot have risen sharply across the board, leaving very few affordable housing options available. This leaves local buyers caught between a lack of available properties matching their budgets and the significant cost uncertainty and logistical hurdles of building a custom home. Second, there is widespread inconsistency in domestic mortgage lending processes. Too often, buyers receive pre-approval certificates confirming eligibility for a specific mortgage amount, find their desired property, and are ultimately denied the full loan amount after full due diligence is completed, causing sales to collapse. Greater consistency between pre-approval and final approval would eliminate significant unnecessary stress for buyers, Hassell said.

    Turning to the overall health of the sector, Hassell confirmed the market is currently thriving in a clear seller’s market defined by limited inventory, strong widespread demand, and growing competition that often leads to multiple offers at or above listing price. He identified three core drivers of the current boom: the long-term legacy of the popular Welcome Stamp remote work residency program, Barbados’ successful removal from international financial watchlists, and the country’s longstanding political and economic stability. Increased air connectivity from new source markets has further boosted demand for property, he added.

    Foreign and local buyers currently dominate distinct segments of the market. Foreign investment continues to lead growth in the luxury and ultra-luxury property tiers, with international buyers increasingly viewing Barbados not just as a vacation destination, but as a long-term base for extended living, family relocation, and wealth preservation. Domestic buyers dominate the higher-volume mid-market, concentrated in standalone homes and land lots. The Welcome Stamp program, which attracted thousands of long-term international residents to the island, has been a resounding success that reshaped the market and opened new opportunities, Hassell said, lifting rental yields for landlords while tightening affordable housing supply – a gap that now represents a major development opportunity.

    Hassell noted there is clear unmet domestic demand for apartments priced between $750 and $1,250 per month in rent, and freehold homes priced between $250,000 and $500,000, creating a clear opening for developers to meet this need. He also pointed to encouraging growth in demand for commercial warehouses and storage facilities, a key sign of a diversifying, maturing local economy.

    Hassell pushed back against concerns that the current market represents an unsustainable speculative bubble, framing it instead as a tight but rational market positioned for steady growth. As long as Barbados maintains its political and economic stability, he remains cautiously optimistic, noting the market is mid-cycle and settling into sustainable growth rather than experiencing an unsustainable price spike.

    Foreign investors consistently favor well-known, high-amenity properties, with gated communities, condos and townhouses close to beaches and core services remaining in highest demand. Many international buyers first visit as tourists, develop an attachment to the island and its people, and ultimately purchase a second home or investment property, Hassell explained. Modern buyers increasingly prioritize turnkey, low-maintenance properties within managed developments that can be locked and left empty when not in use, generating rental income during the parts of the year the owner is not in residence.

    Hassell added that high-end property investment is not limited to foreign buyers, with Barbadian buyers increasingly active in the luxury segment too. Luxury villas hold their value well through economic cycles, anchored by iconic west coast developments such as Sandy Lane Estates, Royal Westmoreland and Apes Hill, with a growing new trend for ultra-luxury developments on smaller footprints. Hassell pointed to small boutique developments of 13 to 15 units close to the sought-after Platinum Coast as a fast-growing segment. Many buyers are also willing to look further inland from the beach to get more space and value for their investment.

    For local buyers, demand is strongest for affordable homes and rentals in the mid-price range, but local investment extends across the market, with more Barbadian investors taking on renovation projects in prime locations to convert old family properties into short-term vacation rentals or small commercial office spaces.

    Hassell stressed that for most people, a real estate transaction is the largest financial purchase they will ever make, making it critical to work with a registered BEAVA agent to navigate the process. Real estate transactions in Barbados require specialized knowledge of conveyancing rules, and foreign buyers must navigate additional requirements related to Central Bank registration and exchange control regulations. Working with a qualified registered professional who understands local protocols is the best way to avoid risk, he said.

    While Hassell declined to share a specific annual figure for total real estate transaction volume or investment, he confirmed the sector is a substantial core contributor to Barbados’ economy, with wide-ranging spillover impacts across the tourism, construction and financial services sectors. It also serves as a key leading indicator of global confidence in Brand Barbados, he added.

  • Ten jobs to go at BESCO after harvest as cost pressures mount

    Ten jobs to go at BESCO after harvest as cost pressures mount

    Facing ongoing financial challenges that have put the island nation’s sole sugar production facility at risk, Barbados Energy and Sugar Company (BESCO) announced Monday it will eliminate 10 positions following the 2026 sugar harvest in a targeted cost-cutting move designed to safeguard the business’s future.

    The layoffs form the core of a narrow restructuring initiative intended to align the firm’s headcount and operating expenses with its current market conditions, company leaders confirmed. In an official statement, BESCO framed the personnel cut as an “extremely difficult” call that was not made lightly, emphasizing full awareness of the profound personal disruption the decision will bring to impacted workers and their households. “This is a painful decision for the company because it affects people who have contributed to BESCO and to Barbados’ sugar industry,” the statement read. “At the same time, BESCO has a responsibility to make decisions that protect the viability of the business and preserve the possibility of continued operations in future crop years.”

    BESCO officials noted the restructuring is a direct response to long-running operational and financial headwinds that have impacted not just the firm, but the entire Barbadian sugar sector. Following the government’s divestment of public sugar operations, BESCO has operated as an entirely private entity with no access to state subsidies. Unlike its publicly run predecessor, the firm must cover all expenses—from factory maintenance and cane processing to sugar and molasses production, payroll, and other core obligations—exclusively through commercial revenue. This operating model has forced a full review of staffing levels and overall cost structures to build a more financially sustainable operational foundation, the company explained.

    “The decision is not a reflection on the value of the individuals affected,” the statement clarified. “It reflects the commercial reality facing BESCO and the need to ensure that the company is not carrying cost structures that it cannot sustain. Our priority is to handle this process respectfully, lawfully, and with as much care as possible.”

    All impacted employees have already been notified of the company’s decision, and BESCO’s management team and human resources department will walk affected workers through all required next steps. The firm will also work directly with displaced staff to finalize severance packages and resolve administrative matters, in full compliance with local labor laws and established human resources best practices.

    Even as it reduces its workforce, BESCO has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to cane processing and the development of a resilient, sustainable business model for sugar and its derivative by-products. The company will continue collaborating with local sugarcane farmers, suppliers, industry regulators, remaining staff, and other key stakeholders to boost operational efficiency, stabilize production, and shore up the long-term viability of the entire Barbadian sugar sector.

    “We understand the national significance of sugar and the concern that any workforce decision will create,” a BESCO spokesperson said. “BESCO’s objective is not simply to reduce costs, but to make the adjustments required to give the business a stronger chance of continuing to serve farmers, customers, workers, and Barbados in the years ahead.”

    The announcement aligns with broader national efforts to strengthen Barbados’ agricultural sector, as the government advances its Agriculture 2030 agenda—a strategic plan focused on modernizing national agriculture, boosting industry-wide efficiency, attracting new private investment, and building commercially sustainable operations across all agricultural subsectors.

    Moving forward, BESCO says it will release regular factual updates and maintain direct communication with key stakeholders to reduce uncertainty and prevent the spread of misinformation about the restructuring process.

  • Flow Launches “We Live For This” Summer Campaign

    Flow Launches “We Live For This” Summer Campaign

    St. John’s, Antigua – On July 6, 2026, leading Caribbean telecommunications provider Flow kicked off its highly anticipated 2026 summer promotional campaign, titled “We Live For This,” inviting customers from across Antigua and Barbuda to join the “Win All Summer” initiative packed with exclusive rewards and experiential prizes. Running through the entire months of July and August, the campaign is crafted around the most iconic summer traditions that make the season special in Antigua and Barbuda, from the high-octane matches of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) cricket tournament to the vibrant celebrations of Carnival, live music festivals, local community gatherings, and the cherished downtime spent with family and friends. At its core, the campaign is built on Flow’s newly launched three-year official partnership with the CPL, one of the Caribbean’s most beloved and widely followed sporting events. This collaboration not only ties the promotion to a major regional cultural touchstone but also lets customers access unique, high-value offers throughout the summer season. To earn entry into prize draws, customers simply need to have or sign up for eligible Flow prepaid mobile plans, postpaid mobile contracts, or residential and business broadband services. Beyond digital entry and prize giveaways, the campaign will engage customers directly through in-person activations across the islands. These include interactive events at Flow retail locations, community roadshows, on-site free giveaways, and local partnership engagements, designed to give all customers multiple accessible ways to join the fun regardless of how they access Flow services. Wayne Hull, Country Manager for Flow Antigua and Barbuda, emphasized the organic alignment between the new CPL partnership and the campaign’s core mission. “Our new partnership with the CPL gave us the perfect foundation to build a campaign around what people genuinely look forward to each summer,” Hull explained. “Cricket, Carnival, music, community are the moments that bring us together. ‘We Live For This’ is how we reward customers for choosing Flow and put them closer to the experiences they love, right through to the CPL Finals in Barbados.” As the leading telecommunications and entertainment provider across the Caribbean region, Flow delivers a full suite of connectivity and content services, including mobile communications, broadband internet, television, and digital solutions to both residential households and commercial businesses. Guided by core commitments to innovation, accessible value, and deep community engagement, Flow’s mission is to connect Caribbean people to the people and experiences that matter most to them. Flow operates under the umbrella of Liberty Caribbean, previously known as C&W Communications, which is managed by Liberty Latin America. Liberty Caribbean ranks as one of the top communications and technology providers across the Caribbean, with active operations in more than 20 regional markets. It delivers broadband, mobile, video, and voice services to residential consumers through its two main consumer brands, Flow and BTC. Via its B2B arm, Liberty Business, the firm also provides enterprise-level connectivity, cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, and data center services to private businesses and government agencies, supporting long-term economic growth across the region as digital transformation accelerates. With a 150-year legacy of serving Caribbean communities, Liberty Caribbean remains deeply rooted in the region, focused on maintaining robust, reliable networks, delivering personalized local customer support, and building tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of Caribbean people and local communities.