At the closing session of the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Public Forum on Friday, September 13, Barbados took center stage, emphasizing its status as the birthplace of rum and showcasing the spirit’s deep economic and cultural significance for the island nation. The Public Forum, held in Geneva, Switzerland, coincided with the WTO’s 30th anniversary. With the theme “Re-globalisation:...
Barbados is now part of the Kinesis Free Accelerator programme, a new initiative designed to enhance the growth and sustainability of startups with social and environmental impact across Latin America and the Caribbean. The programme, funded by USAID and operated by Agora Partnerships, was recently launched during an interactive event. Kinesis operates across several countries, including Chile,...
Recent reports have highlighted comprehensive analyses of tourism arrivals across Caribbean destinations and forecasts for the upcoming travel season. These insights are crucial for the region's tourism industry, a cornerstone of its economic vitality. The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), renowned for its extensive tourism research spanning macro and micro trends that influence the region's...
BIBA Hosts Official Launch Event for October's Global Business Week Barbados is set to host Global Business Week from October 20 to 26, 2024, as announced by BIBA, the Association for Global Business. The launch event highlighted the island's ongoing efforts to remain competitive despite recent changes in corporate tax rates. Addressing concerns about companies leaving Barbados after the corporate...
IDB Invest, which is part of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and works with private companies, has raised $750 million by selling a bond under its Global Debt Program. A bond is basically a loan investors give to an organization, and in return, they get interest over time. This bond will last for 2.5 years, and it pays 3.625 percent interest every six months. The price of the bond was set at a...
Barbados is poised to make history with the launch of the world’s first vehicle powered by renewable natural gas (RNG) derived from Sargassum seaweed, Blackbelly sheep manure, and rum distillery wastewater. This innovative project, a result of over a year of research by the University of the West Indies at Cave Hill, marks a major step in renewable energy development. The initiative, spearheaded by...
Virgin Voyages is ringing in the new year with a series of festive sailings through the Caribbean. As 2024 draws to a close, travelers are invited to celebrate New Year’s Eve against the backdrop of sun-soaked beaches and crystal-clear waters. The cruise line will offer a range of options for ringing in 2025. Scarlet Lady and Valiant Lady will embark on Caribbean journeys from Miami, with stops at...
The Strand Turks and Caicos, a premier luxury resort community situated along 2,230 feet of pristine oceanfront in Providenciales, is gearing up for its grand opening on November 23, 2024. With limited availability, this highly anticipated resort promises to redefine exclusivity in the Caribbean, offering a blend of luxurious accommodations, world-class amenities, and unforgettable experiences that...
Starting January 2025, Barbadians will need to obtain advance permission before traveling to the United Kingdom, as part of the UK government’s plan to digitize its border and immigration systems for enhanced security. On Tuesday, the British government announced implementation dates for its new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme, which will soon impact travelers from the...
The Barbadian government is addressing long-standing concerns about the ease of doing business in the country with several new initiatives, according to Minister of Energy and Business, Senator Lisa Cummins. During the launch of Global Business Week 2024, Senator Cummins outlined key strategies aimed at simplifying business processes, modernizing outdated legislation, and making the island more...