The Caribbean’s development landscape is entering a new era of large-scale, innovation-driven investment, with Jamaica set to launch the region’s first university smart city—a project that signals growing investor confidence in transformative developments across the region. The University of the Commonwealth Caribbean (UCC) has unveiled plans for EcoVista, a 283-acre smart city in Trelawny,...
Barbados has taken a major step toward digital transformation with the official launch of BiMPay, the island’s new national instant payment platform designed to enable seamless real-time transactions for individuals, businesses, and government agencies around the clock. The system officially went live during a launch ceremony on Friday evening, where Prime Minister Mia Mottley completed the...
The Caribbean’s private sector is set to benefit from expanded access to trade finance and investment opportunities following a new strategic partnership between IDB Invest and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB). The collaboration aims to strengthen financing mechanisms for businesses across the region, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), while supporting trade, investment, and...
The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has taken a major step toward expanding development financing across the region following approval of a groundbreaking US$200 million First-Loss Portfolio Credit Guarantee supported by the Government of Canada. Approved during the Bank’s 56th Annual Meeting, the initiative is expected to significantly strengthen CDB’s lending capacity, creating up to US$400...
Barbados is set to take a major step forward in digital finance with the official launch of BiMPay, a new national instant payment platform designed to enable real-time transactions across banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions. Developed by the Central Bank of Barbados, the system is expected to modernize the way individuals and businesses send, receive, and manage payments throughout the...
IDB Invest is significantly increasing its investment activity in Barbados, with plans to provide between US$80 million and US$100 million annually to support critical infrastructure, housing, water, sanitation, and private sector development projects. The announcement was made by James Scriven during the organization's Sustainability Week 2026 conference, held at Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam Lord’s...
Guyana and Barbados have announced a series of major regional integration initiatives, including digital ID card travel, enhanced financial connectivity, a new diaspora bond programme, and the proposed Trident Arrow Investment Fund. The announcements were made during a press conference at the Guyana National Stadium as Guyana celebrated its Diamond Jubilee anniversary, with President Dr Mohamed Irfaan...
The Caribbean hospitality sector continued its strong performance throughout the first four months of 2026, with hotels across the region reporting rising occupancy levels, higher room rates, and continued revenue growth despite ongoing expansion in resort inventory and room supply. According to new data released by hotel analytics firm STR, Caribbean hotels maintained strong momentum heading into the...
Regional tourism leaders, hoteliers, airlines, and travel industry executives gathered last week at Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa for the 2026 Caribbean Travel Forum, where discussions focused on the long-term sustainability, profitability, and competitiveness of Caribbean tourism. Hosted by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, the high-level forum brought together public and private...
Barbados is strengthening its position as a leading regional investment destination following a landmark partnership between Invest Barbados and the Caribbean Economic Forum ahead of the inaugural Caribbean Economic Forum 2026. The high-level forum, scheduled for June 18–19 at the Hilton Barbados Resort, is expected to bring together approximately 150 global investors, development finance...