Barbados is gearing up to introduce the third phase of its Barbados Economic Recovery and Transformation (BERT) programme, aimed at strengthening the nation’s resilience in what Central Bank Governor Dr. Kevin Greenidge calls an increasingly “shock-prone world.” Speaking at the Central Bank’s first-quarter economic briefing on Wednesday, Greenidge emphasized that the country’s recovery from...
The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) will host its 55th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors in Brasília, Brazil from June 9 to 12, 2025. The gathering will bring together regional leaders, global development partners, and policy experts to advance strategies aimed at building institutional resilience, economic strength, and inclusive growth across its Borrowing Member Countries (BMCs). Held under...
Barbados is among several Latin American and Caribbean nations poised to benefit from a new strategic alliance between the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), its private-sector arm IDB Invest, and the OPEC Fund for International Development. The three institutions have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at unlocking co-financing opportunities in critical sectors across the region....
Big changes are coming to St Lucy as a multimillion-dollar development featuring nearly 400 homes and a luxury hotel is set to rise where the Arawak Cement Plant now stands at Checker Hall. On Friday, executives from TCL Group — owners of the Arawak site — revealed they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with leading construction firm Jada Group. Together, they plan to turn the...
Barbados has recorded a notable 31 per cent increase in visitor arrivals from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region in 2024, as luxury-seeking travellers from the Middle East continue to discover the island’s long-haul appeal. According to the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI), the year-on-year growth in arrivals reflects a surge in interest from countries across the GCC—comprising...
Marriott International is introducing a bold new chapter in its hospitality portfolio with the upcoming launch of the first-ever W all-inclusive resort, set to open June 15 in Uvero Alto, Punta Cana. Designed as an adults-only escape with a fresh, vibrant edge, the new W Punta Cana promises a reimagined take on the all-inclusive experience. Guests can begin their day with sunrise yoga on the beach,...
Barbados and other CARICOM nations have successfully secured an exemption from a proposed United States tariff plan that threatened to drive up the cost of goods and disrupt shipping to the region. Following weeks of unified lobbying by CARICOM governments, private sector leaders, and regional stakeholders, the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has ruled that the Caribbean will not be subject...
The Caribbean’s most important travel industry event returns from May 18–22, 2025, as the Caribbean Travel Marketplace (CTM) once again brings together the leading voices shaping the future of regional tourism. Hosted this year in Antigua and Barbuda, the event serves as a powerful platform for networking, business development, and innovation — with a spotlight on the entire Caribbean as a united...
The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors has greenlit a major new energy initiative—the Caribbean Resilient Renewable Energy Infrastructure Investment Facility—targeting Grenada, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Developed in collaboration with the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank and regional governments, the initiative aims to drive the transition to clean, reliable, and...
Caribbean Export Development Agency (CEDA) is preparing to roll out a new grant programme aimed at fostering digital transformation and green innovation across the region. Set to launch within the next two months, the initiative targets entrepreneurs and firms developing solutions that promote climate resilience or digital competitiveness. “This is your opportunity to start with a little seed and...