Carib Scope

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  • Eastern Caribbean Central Bank Records EC$121.6 Million Profit

    Eastern Caribbean Central Bank Records EC$121.6 Million Profit

    Against a backdrop of persistent global economic headwinds, geopolitical friction and shifting trade frameworks that have strained small open economies worldwide, the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) has delivered a resilient financial performance for the 12-month period ending March 31, 2026, according to its recently published 2025-2026 Annual Report. The regional central bank recorded a net profit of EC$121.6 million for the fiscal year, alongside a notable jump in foreign reserve assets that has reinforced both the stability of the Eastern Caribbean dollar and the ECCB’s strong underlying financial position.

    Full breakdown of the bank’s balance sheet shows total assets expanded year-over-year to EC$6.68 billion, up from EC$6.14 billion in the prior fiscal cycle. The bulk of this growth came from a EC$503.5 million increase in foreign reserve assets, while domestic assets contributed a more modest EC$40.8 million rise. By the end of the reporting period, total foreign currency reserves hit the EC$6 billion mark, climbing from roughly EC$5.5 billion 12 months earlier. This reserve growth allowed the ECCB to maintain a 97% backing ratio for the Eastern Caribbean dollar, continuing to underpin the long-standing fixed exchange rate of EC$2.70 per U.S. dollar.

    While the institution remained solidly profitable, the 2025-2026 net profit marked a 3.7% (EC$4.7 million) decline from the previous year’s EC$126.3 million earnings. The report notes that higher operating income, fueled by stronger net interest returns and increased earnings from foreign reserve holdings, was partially offset by rising operating expenses, leading to the slight dip in annual profit.

    Total equity of the ECCB also saw robust growth over the fiscal year, rising 7.8% (EC$37.5 million) to reach EC$520.5 million, up from EC$483 million in 2024-2025. This increase included a EC$25.3 million transfer from annual profit to the bank’s general reserve, alongside a EC$12.2 million expansion in other reserves, which incorporates valuation gains linked to the ECCB’s defined benefit pension plan.

    The strong financial performance of the central bank aligns with steady underlying growth across the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU), which expanded by an estimated 2.5% in 2025. That growth was driven by a rebound in tourism and sustained large-scale infrastructure investment across the region. Inflationary pressures moderated in the second half of the year, while the regional banking system retained its resilience, boasting strong capital buffers, abundant liquidity and gradually improving asset quality.

    In his foreword to the annual report, ECCB Governor Timothy Antoine emphasized the institution’s unwavering commitment to upholding monetary and financial stability at a time of heightened global volatility. Antoine noted that evolving trade policies, shifting geopolitical alliances and ongoing cross-border tensions have underscored the critical need for prudent macroeconomic governance and coordinated regional cooperation for the ECCU. Looking ahead, the governor reaffirmed the ECCB’s mandate to preserve monetary stability while advancing three core priorities: expanding financial inclusion, accelerating digital transformation, and fostering sustainable long-term economic growth across the union’s eight member states.

    Beyond its annual financial results, the report outlines the ECCB’s bold new 2026-2031 Strategic Plan, branded *“The Big Push: Collective Action for Shared Prosperity in the ECCU.”* The ambitious five-year framework sets a long-term target to double the size of the ECCU’s overall economy over the next decade, with targeted investments and policy support focused on seven key pillars: strengthening food security, expanding access to affordable renewable energy, improving digital and physical connectivity, deepening regional financial markets, investing in human capital development, accelerating digital transformation across the bloc, and building a more diversified, resilient tourism sector.

  • Government breaks ground on new Cruise Terminal at Port Zante, advancing Saint Kitts’ home-porting ambitions

    Government breaks ground on new Cruise Terminal at Port Zante, advancing Saint Kitts’ home-porting ambitions

    On July 1, 2026, the government of Saint Kitts and Nevis officially launched construction on the long-awaited New Cruise Terminal Development Project at Basseterre’s Port Zante, marking a pivotal step forward in the federation’s plan to establish itself as a top regional cruise home-porting destination. The initiative is being executed by the St. Christopher Air & Sea Ports Authority (SCASPA), as a cornerstone of the national strategy to upgrade the country’s tourism sector, modernize critical maritime infrastructure, and unlock new, sustained economic growth across the islands.

    Unlike traditional stopover ports that only host cruise ships for day visits, this purpose-built facility is designed to support full home-porting operations. This means cruise lines will be able to launch and conclude entire itineraries in Saint Kitts, allowing the destination to shift far beyond its historic role as a temporary port of call. Industry and government leaders project this shift will deliver widespread economic benefits: higher overall visitor spending, increased demand for overnight hotel stays before and after cruises, growing demand for expanded air connectivity, and new revenue opportunities for local businesses and communities across the federation.

    The new terminal will be outfitted with cutting-edge amenities to deliver a smooth, streamlined experience for travelers. Key features include upgraded high-volume passenger processing systems, advanced security and baggage screening technology, and modern digital immigration processing tools, all built to match the efficiency and quality of infrastructure at the country’s Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport.

    Speaking at the official groundbreaking ceremony, SCASPA Chief Executive Officer Adeola Moore framed the project as a major milestone in the authority’s ongoing work to build competitive, growth-focused infrastructure for the nation. “This project reflects SCASPA’s commitment to investing in facilities that are modern, efficient, resilient, and future-ready,” Moore stated. “Once completed, the terminal will significantly enhance the guest arrival and departure experience through improved passenger processing, state-of-the-art security and baggage screening systems, and modern immigration technologies comparable to those at the Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport.”

    Minister of Tourism Marsha Henderson emphasized that the development represents more than just an infrastructure upgrade—it is a foundational investment in the long-term prosperity of Saint Kitts and Nevis. “This new cruise terminal represents vision, partnership, innovation and confidence in the future of Saint Kitts and Nevis as one of the Caribbean’s premier cruise destinations,” Henderson said at the ceremony. “Today, we take a bold step beyond being a port of call as we position Saint Kitts and Nevis to becoming a transit port, joining the likes of Antigua and Barbados.”

    Henderson went on to outline the multifaceted benefits of the home-porting model for the local economy, noting that it will drive higher visitor spending, boost hotel occupancy rates, strengthen air connections to the islands, and create new opportunities for local small and medium businesses across the entire tourism supply chain. “This project is far more than an investment in infrastructure. It is an investment in our people, our businesses, and the long-term prosperity of our nation,” she added.

    The minister also confirmed that all preparations for the launch of home-porting operations remain on track for a November 2027 opening. She shared that major cruise line P&O Cruises has reported strong early booking momentum for itineraries that will depart from the new Port Zante terminal, while regional and local travel advisor sales programs are in the final stages of development.

    For the Saint Kitts and Nevis government, the project underscores its ongoing commitment to building modern, resilient infrastructure, advancing sustainable tourism growth, and securing the federation’s position as a leading Caribbean cruise destination for decades to come.

  • Antigua Slipway Launches Second Phase of Marine Railway Redevelopment

    Antigua Slipway Launches Second Phase of Marine Railway Redevelopment

    Antigua Slipway, a key player in the Caribbean’s maritime infrastructure sector, has officially initiated the second phase of its transformative marine railway redevelopment initiative, marking a major milestone in the island nation’s effort to boost its blue economy and shipping capabilities.

    The project, which first broke ground in 2022, targets a complete overhaul of the aging marine railway that has served Antigua’s commercial shipping, yacht maintenance, and fishing industries for more than six decades. The first phase, completed in late 2023, delivered critical upgrades to the railway’s foundation and power systems, clearing the way for the more complex work now underway.

    In this second stage of development, crews will focus on installing a higher-capacity winching system, expanding the railway’s loading capacity to accommodate vessels up to 1,200 tons – a 50% increase from the facility’s previous limit. Additional upgrades include resurfacing the 300-meter slipway track, adding modern hydraulic stabilization systems, and constructing a new on-site maintenance workshop for railway equipment. Project leaders expect the work to take approximately 12 months to complete, weather permitting.

    Local economic officials have highlighted the redevelopment’s far-reaching benefits for Antigua and Barbuda. Once fully operational, the upgraded facility is projected to cut vessel turnaround times by nearly 40%, attracting more international yachting clients and commercial shipping operators that currently seek maintenance services in other regional hubs. It is also estimated to create more than 80 new full-time construction jobs during the second phase, with 35 permanent positions added once the project is fully completed.

    Environmental sustainability is also a core focus of the expansion. Project designers have incorporated erosion control measures along the waterfront, implemented a stormwater management system to reduce runoff pollution into the Caribbean Sea, and sourced 30% of construction materials from local suppliers to cut the project’s carbon footprint.

    Industry analysts note that the upgrade positions Antigua Slipway as a leading maritime service center in the Eastern Caribbean, supporting the country’s growing tourism and logistics sectors while reinforcing its position as a key stopover for transatlantic and regional shipping routes.

  • Four Elite Island Resorts Chefs Earn Prestigious American Culinary Federation Certified Executive Chef Designation

    Four Elite Island Resorts Chefs Earn Prestigious American Culinary Federation Certified Executive Chef Designation

    Four culinary professionals from Elite Island Resorts, a leading hospitality brand across Antigua & Barbuda, have achieved one of the most respected credentials in the global food service industry: the Certified Executive Chef (CEC) designation from the American Culinary Federation (ACF). The milestone is being formally celebrated by the Antigua & Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA) as a major win for the destination’s burgeoning culinary and tourism sectors.

    The newly certified culinary leaders are Dwaney Roberts, Executive Chef at Pineapple Beach Club; Paul Lawrence, Executive Chef at The Verandah Antigua; James Hibbert, Executive Chef at St. James’s Club Antigua; and Caden Dobson, Executive Sous Chef at St. James’s Club Antigua. Widely regarded as one of the highest professional honors in global culinary arts, the CEC credential is only awarded to candidates who pass a rigorous battery of both practical and theoretical assessments. These evaluations test mastery of advanced cooking techniques, food safety protocols, nutritional science, food service cost control, kitchen operations management, team leadership, and overall operational excellence.

    For each of the four chefs, the achievement caps years of intentional skill-building and unwavering commitment to culinary excellence, with personal journeys rooted in early passion for the craft. Roberts, who has built a 20-plus-year career with Elite Island Resorts, calls the CEC designation the pinnacle of his professional life. “The certification process was both demanding and rewarding, requiring practical and theoretical assessment. Successfully completing it is a testament to my commitment to continuous learning and excellence in the culinary profession,” he said. As Roberts prepares to join a culinary exchange program in St. Lucia, the achievement has boosted his confidence to represent his resort, his employer, and Antigua & Barbuda on an international stage, he added, crediting Elite Island Resorts for investing heavily in his career growth from entry-level to executive chef.

    Lawrence echoed that sentiment, noting that the certification journey pushed him to grow both personally and professionally. “Becoming a Certified Executive Chef wasn’t simply about earning a title, it was about proving to myself that I could meet one of the highest professional standards in the culinary industry,” he explained. The process required months of disciplined preparation, demonstrating technical mastery in the kitchen and deep knowledge of management, nutrition, safety, and leadership. Lawrence emphasized that the milestone reinforces his responsibility to mentor young local chefs and uphold the highest standards for guests, adding that he hopes his achievement inspires other emerging culinary professionals in Antigua & Barbuda to pursue globally recognized credentials. “Excellence is achieved through dedication, continuous learning, and an unwavering passion for the craft,” he said.

    For Hibbert, the CC credential honors a 26-year culinary career that began with learning to cook alongside his grandmother as a child. After studying food and nutrition and honing his skills in a range of kitchen environments, he worked his way up from a line cook role he took in 2000 to his first senior executive position in 2020. “Earning my Executive Chef certification from the American Culinary Federation is a proud milestone that honours my years of consistent focus. I am incredibly thankful to my current employer for actively investing in my career progression,” Hibbert said.

    Dobson’s journey also started in family: he grew up helping his mother in her small restaurant, where he discovered his love of cooking before pursuing formal training at Jamaica’s HEART Trust/NTA. After gaining experience in one of Jamaica’s top luxury hotels, he joined Elite Island Resorts, where he refined his skills in international hospitality and leadership. “Earning my Certified Executive Chef credential from the American Culinary Federation represents the pinnacle of my dedication, continuous growth, and unwavering commitment to culinary excellence,” Dobson said, noting the achievement will drive him to keep innovating and mentor emerging culinary talent.

    Sanjay Ambrose, Managing Director of Elite Island Resorts, congratulated the four chefs on their historic achievement. “We are incredibly proud of these four extraordinary chefs for reaching this pinnacle of professional excellence. Their dedication to mastering their craft reflects the exact standard of culinary quality we strive to deliver to our resort guests every day,” Ambrose said. He added that the milestone underscores the company’s core commitment to investing in local talent development and elevating guest culinary experiences across all of its Caribbean properties. The four new CECs now join an elite global network of fewer than 2,000 certified executive chefs worldwide.

    The certification milestone does more than recognize individual achievement: it significantly strengthens Antigua and Barbuda’s overall culinary profile by expanding the pool of internationally certified executive chefs working in the country’s $2.6 billion tourism industry, which is the backbone of the nation’s economy. ABHTA notes that the chefs’ success highlights the exceptional quality of local Caribbean culinary talent while reinforcing the value of ongoing professional development and mentorship in the hospitality sector. The industry association has formally congratulated the four chefs on their accomplishment and their contribution to advancing culinary excellence across Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism sector.

  • Industry Week 2026 : The MCI focuses on promoting Haitian industrial know-how

    Industry Week 2026 : The MCI focuses on promoting Haitian industrial know-how

    Against a backdrop of persistent national challenges, Haiti’s Ministry of Trade and Industry (MCI) has laid early groundwork for its landmark Industry Week 2026, convening a cross-sector working session of public and private industry leaders at Port-au-Prince’s Montana Hotel on June 30, 2026. Scheduled to run for three days this coming September, the upcoming event is framed as a strategic, multi-stakeholder effort to breathe new life into Haiti’s underrecognized industrial landscape, creating a structured platform for collaborative reflection, stakeholder consultation, and actionable strategic planning to unlock the nation’s untapped industrial potential.

    In his keynote address to the assembled participants, Minister of Commerce and Industry James Monazard emphasized that close coordination between public bodies, private enterprises, and industry stakeholders will be central to making the 2026 edition a definitive showcase for Haiti’s full industrial ecosystem. According to Monazard, the event’s programming will be centered on interactive panels and targeted thematic workshops, designed to generate tangible, implementable policy and development proposals that address sector-wide barriers and drive long-term growth.

    A core mission of the event, Monazard explained, is to serve as an unrivaled exhibition space where Haiti’s diverse industrial expertise can be shared with both the domestic public and international investor communities, shining a clear spotlight on the country’s full range of domestic production capabilities. Moving beyond the common narrative that frames Haiti’s industrial sector as exclusively focused on textile manufacturing, Monazard emphasized that the nation boasts a broad, diverse landscape of skilled know-how and productive sub-sectors that have long been overlooked and deserve greater recognition and investment.

    Addressing Haiti’s ongoing national challenges head-on, the minister acknowledged the immediate priorities of responding to the urgent humanitarian needs of displaced populations and rebuilding widespread public security. Even amid these pressing concerns, however, he stressed that sustaining core economic momentum and delivering long-term, targeted support to domestic productive sectors remains a non-negotiable priority for national recovery.

    Monazard also highlighted that Industry Week 2026 will serve as a tribute to the remarkable resilience of Haitian entrepreneurs, who have continued to manufacture goods, innovate new products, and create local jobs despite operating in one of the world’s most challenging operating environments.

    Speaking afterward at the Panel Paulemont session, MCI Director General Paulemont reaffirmed the ministry’s full commitment to the initiative, framing it as a pivotal opportunity to deepen the collaborative partnership between the Haitian state and private industry. The ultimate goal of this partnership, he noted, is to build a more structured, competitive national economic landscape that is attractive to domestic and foreign investment alike. Reaffirming the MCI’s commitment to ongoing dialogue and consultation with industry stakeholders, Paulemont emphasized that sustained joint effort between public and private actors is the only path to delivering sustainable long-term recovery for Haiti’s industrial sector, and the ministry remains dedicated to consolidating its collaborative ties with the private industry moving forward.

  • Veteran farmer: Blame middlemen for high food prices

    Veteran farmer: Blame middlemen for high food prices

    At a major national agricultural policy colloquium held this week, a decades-long Barbadian food producer has issued a stark warning about the unsustainable profit inequality plaguing the country’s agricultural supply chain, arguing that outsized markups taken by middlemen are pushing small-scale and new farmers out of business at an alarming rate.

    Richard Armstrong, founder of St Philip-based Armag Farms, which has specialized in yam and sweet potato production for over 40 years, laid out the crisis to delegates at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food and Nutritional Security’s *Looking Forward: Agriculture 2030* forum on Monday. He emphasized that the current distribution model leaves primary producers with far too small a share of the final retail price of their goods, eroding the economic viability of farming across the island.

    “The full value of the food we grow never makes its way back to the farmer working the land,” Armstrong said. “Too much of the profit is siphoned off by intermediaries along the supply chain, while producers bear all the cost and risk.”

    Armstrong noted that the problem is not unique to Barbados, but warned that without urgent intervention, the country will see a growing exodus of farmers, threatening domestic food security. To back his claim, he cited data from a Caribbean Development Bank study showing that only 20 percent of new farming operations survive past their first five years. He also pointed to his own business’s experience: Armag Farms previously expanded into agro-processing, but ultimately abandoned the segment after it became financially unviable, as processors demanded that farmers absorb extra costs to protect processor profits.

    “Agro-processing, pack houses and all the infrastructure people talk about are necessary, but every step along the chain adds cost — and every new player wants their cut of the profit. That cut always comes out of the farmer’s share,” he explained. “For agro-processors to hit their profit targets, the farmer is the one left taking the loss.”

    Armstrong also pushed back against the long-standing policy focus on keeping consumer retail prices low, which he says disproportionately shifts financial pressure onto producers. He shared a recent firsthand example to illustrate the scale of the markup gap: sweet potatoes that left his farm at a farmgate price of $2.62 per pound were later retailed to consumers for nearly $5 per pound, almost a 90 percent markup.

    “Look at that markup. The middleman takes all that extra profit, and the farmer is the one left squeezed,” he said, adding that dozens of young new farmers have confided in him that low farmgate prices have put their entire agricultural careers at risk. “Young producers come to me all the time saying they can’t make a living. They sell their crops to a vendor for pennies on the dollar, then see that same vendor selling the produce in town for four, five, even six times the price they got paid.”

    Senior Ministry of Agriculture officials have echoed Armstrong’s assessment, acknowledging that a significant imbalance exists between farmgate prices and final consumer costs. Sherlock King, the ministry’s Manager of Markets, confirmed that while not all vendors engage in excessive markup practices, the gap between what farmers earn and what consumers pay has reached “huge imbalances.”

    Speaking to Barbados TODAY after the colloquium, King noted that vendors are fully entitled to earn a profit and cover legitimate overheads including transportation, storage and produce spoilage. But he added that vendors have a shared responsibility to balance their own earnings with accessibility of healthy food for consumers, and fair compensation for farmers.

    King said the ministry is not pushing for strict government price controls, instead focusing on educational outreach to help vendors adopt pricing strategies that deliver fair returns for all stakeholders. “The idea is to help vendors understand that if they keep prices reasonable instead of chasing excessive short-term profits, they can move higher volumes of product,” he explained. “When that happens, everyone wins: consumers get affordable healthy food, vendors move more product and earn consistent returns, and farmers get a fairer price that lets them stay in business.”

    King cited other examples of the extreme markup gap, noting that during tomato gluts, farmers sometimes sell produce for as little as 50 cents per pound at the farmgate, only for the same tomatoes to retail for $2.50 per pound to end consumers. The ministry’s intervention, King said, aims to correct this imbalance and build a more sustainable, equitable agricultural supply chain for Barbados.

  • Grenada’s Accountant General to chair regional public financial management engagement

    Grenada’s Accountant General to chair regional public financial management engagement

    From June 29 to July 1 2026, the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) headquarters in St Kitts and Nevis played host to a landmark regional gathering: the 2026 Caribbean Public Financial Management (PFM) and Public Expenditure and Financial Accountability (PEFA) Roundtable. Representing Grenada at the event was Natika Bain-Charles, the country’s top accounting official who also took on a new leadership role for the pan-Caribbean initiative during the roundtable.

    Bringing together accountants general from 19 Caribbean nations alongside seasoned public financial management practitioners, international development partners, leading regional institutions and specialized technical experts, the three-day roundtable was designed to confront shared systemic challenges and unlock collaborative opportunities to reinforce public financial management frameworks across the entire Caribbean region. The centerpiece of the opening day was two high-stakes components: the official Caribbean Accountant General Network Council Meeting and the long-awaited formal in-person launch of the regional network itself.

    Bain-Charles, who was formally appointed as Chairperson of the network’s Executive Committee during the gathering, led the council meeting through pivotal discussions that shaped the organization’s vision, core mission and long-term strategic trajectory. The meeting also included a knowledge-sharing exchange with the Forum of Governmental Accounting of Latin America (FOCAL), where representatives shared insights from FOCAL’s decades of work advancing regional cooperation, technical skills development, and cross-border dissemination of best practices across Latin America.

    Though the network was formally established during a virtual inaugural assembly held on December 10 2025, following months of iterative discussion among regional accounting leaders, public officials and international development partners, the St Kitts and Nevis launch marked its official entry into operational work. To date, 21 Caribbean countries have formally signed on to membership in the collaborative body.

    The network was founded to fill a critical gap in regional governance: it provides a structured, sustained platform for cross-border cooperation, peer-to-peer learning, targeted capacity building, and the exchange of specialized information and technical expertise between accountants general across the Caribbean. Beyond knowledge sharing, the organization also aims to drive greater harmonization of public sector accounting standards, operational practices and standardized terminology across all member states, streamlining regional financial cooperation.

    Addressing attendees at the official launch on June 29, Bain-Charles emphasized the historic nature of the moment. “Your presence at today’s historic launch is an indication of a shared commitment among Caribbean Accountant Generals and our Development Partners to build resilient public institutions, strengthen public financial management, and foster a community of practice that will benefit not only our respective countries but all Caribbean Citizens,” she said.

    Beyond the network’s founding activities, the full three-day roundtable program also included a dedicated Caribbean Public Financial Management Forum and a two-day intensive PEFA workshop. The workshop is designed to deepen participants’ understanding of the PEFA assessment framework, its core methodology, and how it can be leveraged to design and implement impactful public financial management reforms across member states.

    In her opening remarks to the PFM Forum, Bain-Charles framed the gathering as a turning point for regional financial governance. “Today marks a defining moment in the evolution of public financial management in the Caribbean, bringing us together as custodians of our region’s financial integrity, united by a common purpose. I encourage you to share your experiences and ideas on how we can further strengthen public financial management for the benefit of all Caribbean citizens,” she noted.

    The landmark roundtable and network launch was brought to fruition through a collaborative partnership between the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank, the World Bank, the Caribbean Regional Technical Assistance Centre and the PEFA Secretariat.

    Grenada’s central leadership role in the new network underscores the country’s longstanding commitment to advancing accountability, transparency, institutional capacity and robust financial governance across the Caribbean public sector. In a statement following the launch, Grenada’s Ministry of Finance expressed enthusiasm for the country’s role in the initiative, noting that it welcomes the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to regional dialogue and support the development of stronger, more resilient public financial management systems across the entire Caribbean region.

  • GTA and IMA Grenada integrate tourism and investment strategy

    GTA and IMA Grenada integrate tourism and investment strategy

    In a significant move to boost Grenada’s long-term economic growth and global visibility, the Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA) and the Investment Migration Agency Grenada (IMA) have formalized a groundbreaking strategic partnership designed to align the Caribbean nation’s tourism promotion and investment migration initiatives.

    The binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the collaboration was signed on June 17, 2026, creating a structured operational framework that addresses key overlapping areas between the two sectors. These core collaborative domains include unified destination branding, attraction of foreign direct investment, coordinated international reputation management, and shared commitment to inclusive sustainable development.

    Under the terms of the new agreement, the two agencies will synchronize their global outreach efforts to deliver a cohesive message about Grenada’s value as a multi-faceted destination: one that welcomes both leisure and business travelers, offers high-value residence options, and delivers strong returns for long-term international investment. Key aligned activities include joint participation in global trade and investment missions, harmonized public messaging across all markets, and strategic sharing of actionable market intelligence to strengthen evidence-based decision making for both organizations.

    Stacey Liburd, Chief Executive Officer of the Grenada Tourism Authority, emphasized that the partnership marks a pivotal shift toward a more integrated approach to positioning Grenada on the global stage. “This Memorandum of Understanding represents a deliberate move towards a more unified national positioning strategy. Tourism and investment migration both influence how Grenada is experienced and understood globally,” Liburd explained. “By aligning our efforts, we strengthen our ability to present a clear, credible and competitive value proposition that supports sustainable growth and long-term national development.”

    Thomas Anthony, CEO of the Investment Migration Agency Grenada, echoed this sentiment, noting that the MOU brings much-needed structure and clarity to areas where the two agencies’ mandates naturally intersect. “This collaboration provides a defined framework for coordination while maintaining the integrity of each agency’s mandate,” Anthony said. “As Grenada continues to attract growing interest from both visitors and investors across the globe, this level of alignment ensures that all engagement is strategic, consistent, and directly beneficial to the country’s broader economic objectives.”

    Beyond global outreach and branding, the partnership also includes commitments to joint stakeholder engagement and targeted capacity-building programs. These initiatives will focus on high-priority areas including integrated international marketing, investor relations best practices, enhanced compliance awareness, and proactive reputational risk management.

    Industry observers note that by formalizing this cross-sector partnership, Grenada has pioneered a more coordinated model of national destination development. In this new framework, tourism promotion and investment migration operate as complementary, mutually reinforcing drivers that build international confidence, increase global visibility, and strengthen the nation’s long-term economic resilience.

    This report is based on a contributor submission to NOW Grenada, which holds no liability for contributor-provided content or opinions.

  • Liat Air Apologises for Schedule Disruptions and Provides Recovery

    Liat Air Apologises for Schedule Disruptions and Provides Recovery

    ST. JOHN’S, Antigua and Barbuda – In a public statement released June 30, 2026, regional Caribbean airline Liat Air issued a formal apology to thousands of passengers, industry partners, and key stakeholders for widespread flight disruptions that unfolded across its entire route network over the preceding 48 hours.

    The unexpected service interruptions were traced to unanticipated technical problems affecting multiple aircraft in the airline’s fleet, a problem that forced operational leaders to temporarily ground a large portion of active flights to address safety concerns. In alignment with the carrier’s longstanding priority of maintaining rigorous aviation safety protocols, all affected aircraft underwent mandatory comprehensive technical inspections and targeted maintenance work before being cleared to return to active passenger service. Liat Air officials emphasized that these precautionary measures, while critical to upholding global aviation safety standards, inevitably led to cascading delays and hundreds of canceled flights that disrupted travel plans for thousands of passengers across the region.

    In the wake of the disruptions, Liat Air has launched a full-scale operational recovery initiative aimed at restoring its regular flight schedule as quickly as possible and preventing additional unplanned service interruptions. Frontline operational and customer service teams have been working nonstop around the clock to rebook stranded passengers on the next available Liat Air flights, secure alternate travel arrangements on partner airline services, and coordinate with local airport authorities to mitigate ongoing congestion. Company leadership confirmed that every available resource is being deployed to return operations to full, stable normalcy in the fastest and safest manner possible.

    Acknowledging the significant inconvenience that the cancellations and delays have caused, including missed connections, disrupted travel itineraries, and extended wait times for passengers across the Caribbean, Liat Air expressed sincere gratitude to customers and industry partners for their patience, understanding, and ongoing loyalty during the recovery period. The carrier reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to returning to full, safe operations and continuing to deliver reliable, accessible air service to all communities across its route network.

  • Transporters call for solution to preserve card payments at fuel stations

    Transporters call for solution to preserve card payments at fuel stations

    In Santo Domingo, a prominent transportation industry leader has sounded the alarm over a controversial proposal from Dominican Republic’s National Association of Gasoline Retailers (Anadegas) that would remove all card payment terminals from the nation’s fuel stations. Williams Pérez Figuereo, a veteran transportation businessman, argues that forcing drivers to rely exclusively on cash transactions would create significant new public safety risks for motorists across the country.

    Pérez Figuereo emphasized that requiring large cash withdrawals for fuel purchases would put transport workers and ordinary drivers at far greater risk of criminal robbery. He reminded stakeholders of a long history of violent attacks on drivers traveling to fuel stations when cash payments were the primary option, noting that the Dominican Republic has invested years of work and policy reform to lower violent crime rates and improve public safety. Rolling back electronic payment options, he warned, would undo years of hard-won progress on public security.

    The proposal put forward by Anadegas stems from longstanding frustration among fuel retailers over high card processing fees, which currently sit between 4% and 7% of each transaction. Rather than eliminating electronic payments entirely, Pérez Figuereo has called for multi-stakeholder dialogue between transportation industry representatives, fuel retailer groups, financial institutions, and national government authorities to craft a compromise solution. He pointed to a successful framework implemented in Mexico, where collaborative negotiations between merchant groups and banks led to reduced transaction fees, allowing retailers to cut costs without eliminating the convenience and safety of card payments for consumers.