Four Seasons Resort Nevis has announced the appointment of Avi Phookan as its new General Manager, effective September 22, 2025. A distinguished hotelier with a wealth of international experience, Phookan is set to bring his expertise in luxury hospitality and sustainability to the Caribbean destination. His most recent role was as General Manager of Four Seasons Resort Lanai in Hawaii, where he spearheaded innovative guest experiences and championed award-winning environmental initiatives. Phookan expressed his enthusiasm for joining the Nevis team, emphasizing his commitment to honoring the island’s rich heritage, supporting local communities, and delivering exceptional guest experiences that embody the essence of Nevis and the Four Seasons brand. With a career spanning North America, the Middle East, Central America, and the Caribbean, including leadership roles in Grand Cayman and St. Kitts, Phookan’s global perspective and operational acumen are expected to elevate the resort’s standing as a premier luxury destination. A graduate of Institut Hôtelier César Ritz in Switzerland and holder of a certification in Hotel Real Estate Investments and Asset Management from Cornell University, Phookan’s credentials underscore his readiness to lead Four Seasons Resort Nevis into its next chapter of excellence.
分类： business
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Arajet increases its flights to the US: it opens a new Orlando Sanford-Punta Cana connection.
Orlando Sanford International Airport has achieved a groundbreaking milestone in air connectivity with the official announcement of Arajet’s new direct service to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, set to commence on October 26, 2025. This marks Arajet as the first Dominican airline to operate from Central Florida and the first international commercial flight in Sanford Airport’s history. The service will feature three weekly flights—on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays—utilizing Arajet’s state-of-the-art Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, offering enhanced connectivity, comfort, and competitive pricing for travelers seeking to explore the Caribbean’s premier tourist destination. The announcement event saw the participation of key figures, including Dominican Republic’s Consul General in Orlando, Antonio Rosario, who emphasized the significance of this route for the Dominican diaspora. Sanford International Airport officials, including Executive President Nicole Guillet Martz and Board Members Kenneth Bentley and Benny Crosby, also celebrated the economic and connectivity benefits for Central Florida. Arajet’s Vice President of Communications and External Relations, Manuel Luna, reiterated the airline’s commitment to connecting the diaspora with their roots and positioning the Dominican Republic as a Caribbean hub. Jessica Weinerth, Arajet’s Vice President of Sales and Distribution, highlighted the airline’s expansive network, which now connects 28 destinations across 13 countries in the Americas and the Caribbean. Raquel Reyes, Director of the Dominican Republic Tourism Promotion Office for Central Florida, underscored the increased seat availability and the convenience of Sanford Airport for local passengers. Arajet was also honored as Company of the Year at the ninth annual Best of Sanford Excellence Awards, recognizing its leadership in international connectivity and contributions to tourism and economic development. Tickets for the new route are now available, with promotional fares offered to passengers.
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Sunrise Airways to Launch Antigua–Barbados Flights This Winter
Sunrise Airways is set to enhance its regional connectivity with the introduction of a new service linking Antigua and Bridgetown, Barbados, during the Northern Winter 2025/26 season. The airline announced that the route will commence on 29 October 2025, operating two weekly flights using Embraer ERJ145 aircraft. Departures from Antigua are scheduled for 10:00 on Fridays and 12:15 on Wednesdays, with a flight duration of just over an hour. Return flights from Bridgetown will depart at 12:05 on Fridays and 15:00 on Wednesdays. This strategic expansion underscores Sunrise Airways’ commitment to strengthening short-haul travel options across the Eastern Caribbean islands. The launch event on 1 July 2024 saw the participation of government officials, highlighting the significance of this new route for regional tourism and economic development. The airline’s move is expected to provide travelers with greater flexibility and convenience, fostering closer ties between the two popular Caribbean destinations.
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Cruise Connect 2025 Charts Bold Path for Caribbean Cruise Tourism
The second annual Cruise Connect Conference, hosted by Antigua Cruise Port, a subsidiary of Global Ports Holding (GPH), concluded with resounding success at the Royalton Antigua in Five Islands. This landmark event brought together international cruise executives, government officials, tourism authorities, and private-sector stakeholders to foster dialogue, collaboration, and innovation in Caribbean cruise tourism. Building on the momentum of its inaugural edition, the conference delivered actionable insights on addressing evolving passenger demands, strengthening partnerships, and driving sustainable growth across the industry. Key highlights included Hon. Charles Fernandez, Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation, and Investment, emphasizing the government’s commitment to enhancing cruise infrastructure. Erika Tache, GPH Vice President of Shore Excursions, Landside, and Guest Experiences, showcased groundbreaking innovations in guest experience design. Richard Diaz, Senior Director of Destination Development at Virgin Voyages, underscored the Caribbean’s strategic importance and the need for authentic, sustainable tourism experiences. Colin C. James, CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, stressed the alignment of cruise development with national tourism strategies. Ceylan Erzi, GPH Marketing Director, highlighted GPH’s efforts to foster sustainable partnerships across its global network of 33 cruise ports. Lancelot Arnold, GPH Regional Director for the Eastern Caribbean, championed regional unity and capacity-building. St. Clair Soleyn, Director of Policy and Planning in the Ministry of Tourism, called for robust policy frameworks to support public-private partnerships. Gasper George, General Manager of Antigua Cruise Port, shared updates on the port’s upland development project, aimed at enhancing homeporting capacity and unlocking new opportunities for Antigua and Barbuda. The conference’s success paves the way for the next edition in Saint Lucia, reinforcing the Caribbean’s leadership in cruise tourism innovation.
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Population crisis threatens Dominica’s economic future, economist warns at business forum
Economist McCarthy Marie has once again highlighted the critical issue of Dominica’s declining and aging population, emphasizing its profound implications for the nation’s economic sustainability. Speaking at a recent Dominica Business Forum (DBF) event titled “Complexity of Trade, and Doing Business in Dominica,” Marie underscored the urgent need to address this demographic challenge. With 2022 statistics revealing 777 deaths compared to only 658 births—a net decline of 119—Marie warned that the island’s population of approximately 67,000 is insufficient to sustain a thriving economy. “The economy is not a separate entity; it is what we do,” he stated, stressing that without a robust population to produce and consume, economic activity will inevitably decline. Marie also critiqued Dominica’s trade strategy, advocating for a shift from low-cost, volume-based production to high-value, niche products. Drawing parallels to Fiji’s success with bottled water, he suggested that Dominica could similarly brand and market premium goods for global markets. DBF President Daryl Bobb echoed the need for open dialogue and civic engagement, urging citizens to actively participate in shaping the nation’s future. The forum painted a picture of a nation at a crossroads, grappling with demographic decline, trade limitations, and civic reluctance. The call to action is clear: Dominica must rethink its economic strategies and empower its people to drive meaningful change.
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‘We are not standing still’
In response to mounting financial losses and a shrinking traditional advertising market, the RJRGleaner Group has initiated a bold 12-month turnaround strategy. The plan, unveiled during an investor briefing at the AC Hotel Kingston, focuses on corporate restructuring, a groundbreaking partnership with the Jamaica Observer, and a concerted effort to monetize its vast but underutilized digital audience. This move comes as the company reported a net loss of $180 million for the first quarter ending June 30, 2025, highlighting the urgency of the situation. Chairman Joseph Matalon emphasized the challenges faced by the group, stating, ‘The past year has been very challenging… but we are not standing still. We have taken decisive steps to reshape this group for the future.’ The strategy includes a shift from a siloed operational structure to a unified model, with dedicated leaders for each business line focused solely on profitability. Centralized sales and marketing teams will craft a cohesive strategy to monetize the company’s audience across all platforms. The group is also leveraging its dominant online presence, targeting the Jamaican Diaspora, particularly in the United States, where advertising revenue per million impressions is significantly higher than in Jamaica. Additionally, a landmark memorandum of understanding with the Jamaica Observer aims to reduce operational costs through a joint venture in printing and distribution. Despite these efforts, CEO Anthony Smith cautioned that the turnaround will be gradual, with tangible results expected in the latter half of the year and beyond. The company’s auditor, Baker Tilly, flagged critical areas of concern, including the valuation of its investment property portfolio and the impairment of its goodwill balance. The success of this ambitious plan will determine whether the RJRGleaner Group can navigate the digital transition and restore its financial health.
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Farmers hoping for fresh investment in sugar industry after deal collapse
The Barbados Sugar Industries Limited (BSIL) is actively seeking a new investor following the breakdown of the government’s divestment agreement with the Barbados Sustainable Energy Co-operative Society Limited (Co-op Energy). BSIL Chairman Mark Sealy expressed concerns over the financial challenges faced by farmers, who have already invested heavily in equipment, land, and sugarcane cultivation. Sealy emphasized that the farmers lack the substantial capital required to upgrade the sole remaining sugar factory and manage government-run agricultural land. He dismissed rumors of farmers having significant financial resources, stating that their cash flow is severely depleted. The government recently terminated a March 2023 memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Co-op Energy, which aimed to transfer the Barbados Agricultural Management Company’s (BAMC) sugar portfolio into two co-operative-run entities. Despite the setback, Sealy highlighted the critical role of the sugar industry in Barbados’ economy, tourism, and food security, particularly in producing molasses for high-end rums and maintaining the island’s aesthetics. He assured that the industry has continued to operate smoothly without Co-op Energy’s involvement and stressed that Barbados cannot afford to abandon the sugar industry, as it would lead to significant environmental and economic consequences.
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IGNITE 2025: The Must-Attend Summit for Caribbean Founders and Investors
Port-of-Spain, Trinidad & Tobago – September 18, 2025 – Caribbean Dragons, a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering innovation and investment across the Caribbean and Latin America, is gearing up to host its flagship event, IGNITE 2025. Scheduled from October 13 to October 15, 2025, at the Central Bank Auditorium in Port-of-Spain, this summit is poised to be a pivotal gathering for startups, investors, and industry leaders.
IGNITE 2025 is not just another conference; it’s a platform where transformative deals are made. Andrew Seepersad, Head of Strategy & Operations at Caribbean Dragons, emphasizes the event’s significance: ‘The biggest challenge for early-stage founders is access to key resources such as capital, mentorship, and the right networks. IGNITE 2025 brings them all together in one place.’
Last year’s summit marked a turning point for Caribbean startups, thanks to a strategic partnership with the British High Commission, which opened doors for founders aiming to scale internationally. The Investors’ Workshop attracted major financiers, many of whom are now exploring regional ventures as part of their alternative portfolios.
This year’s lineup includes high-profile speakers such as Marcus Dantus, a Shark at Shark Tank Mexico and founder of Startup Mexico. The summit will delve into critical topics like building regional capacity, exploring high-value opportunity areas such as FinTech and HealthTech, and sharing success stories from local and international founders.
Seepersad highlights the broader mission: ‘Caribbean startups face capital constraints and scalability hurdles. IGNITE is about building investor confidence and ensuring founders can effectively navigate international markets.’ Looking ahead, Caribbean Dragons plans to expand IGNITE across the region, with Jamaica or Guyana as potential hosts as early as 2026.
With over 100 startups expected to attend, corporate sponsors from finance, tech, and hospitality sectors, and a growing global audience, IGNITE 2025 is set to be the birthplace of the next big Caribbean entrepreneurship success story. For tickets and more details, visit www.caribbeandragons.org/ignite.
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Forex: $160.48 to one US dollar
KINGSTON, Jamaica — On Thursday, September 18, the US dollar experienced a slight decline against the Jamaican dollar, closing at $160.48, a decrease of 26 cents, as reported by the Bank of Jamaica’s daily exchange trading summary. This shift reflects ongoing fluctuations in the global currency market. Additionally, the Canadian dollar also saw a dip, ending the day at $116.29, down from $117.36. Similarly, the British pound weakened, closing at $217.95 compared to its previous rate of $220.49. These movements highlight the dynamic nature of international currency exchanges and their impact on local economies. Analysts suggest that such fluctuations may be influenced by broader economic trends and geopolitical factors affecting global markets.
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CDB backs new initiative to boost Cayman Island’s MSME sector
In a significant move to bolster the micro, small, and medium-sized enterprise (MSME) sector, the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has announced a strategic partnership with the Cayman Islands Centre for Business Development (CICBD). The initiative, backed by a substantial grant of nearly US$80,000, is designed to fortify the business support ecosystem, encourage inclusive economic participation, and stimulate sustained economic growth in the Cayman Islands. Premier and Minister for Financial Services and Commerce, André M Ebanks, lauded the collaboration, emphasizing its alignment with the government’s vision for a more vibrant and dynamic business environment. He highlighted the initiative’s focus on reducing barriers, enhancing access to financing, and building resilience among Caymanian entrepreneurs, ensuring that MSMEs remain pivotal in job creation, innovation, and economic diversification. The CDB’s new policy framework will prioritize empowering women, youth, and entrepreneurs in non-traditional industries, while also boosting business confidence and investment. It aims to foster ongoing dialogue between policymakers and the private sector, ensuring that entrepreneurial voices are integral to national development strategies. Lisa Harding, Division Chief of Private Sector at the CDB, underscored the initiative’s alignment with the bank’s broader strategy to enhance competitiveness, build resilience among MSMEs, and contribute to sustainable national development. The project is also expected to yield critical insights into the role of MSMEs in GDP, employment, and revenue generation, while strengthening the government’s ability to formulate investment-friendly policies and improve service delivery by business support organizations. Additionally, the policy development process will leverage regional expertise and technical resources to conduct a thorough assessment of the MSME landscape, identify key challenges, explore growth opportunities, and provide actionable recommendations to create a more conducive environment for small businesses to thrive.