Barbados has secured a US$30 million loan from the World Bank aimed at strengthening the nation’s disaster response systems and boosting resilience against natural and public health emergencies. The financing comes through the Disaster Risk Management Development Policy Loan, which includes the Catastrophe Deferred Drawdown Option (Cat DDO)—a rapid-access credit line that allows the government to...
Barbados and China have reaffirmed their shared commitment to climate action and sustainable development, with a renewed focus on zero-carbon initiatives. This came as officials from both countries gathered in Rockley for a networking session aimed at deepening cooperation on clean energy and low-carbon innovation. The event, held at the Accra Beach Hotel and Spa, was organised by the Association of...
“Trade and investment must be at the centre of the Commonwealth’s renewal,” declared Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey during the 2025 Commonwealth Trade and Investment Summit. Her remarks came at a pivotal time of global economic disruption, marked by sweeping tariffs that have unsettled markets worldwide and affected several Commonwealth countries directly. "This is no...
Barbados is charting an ambitious new course to solidify its status as a global insurance hub, with the Financial Services Commission (FSC) unveiling a series of strategic initiatives to boost efficiency, innovation, and regulatory agility in the $174 billion insurance sector. FSC Chairman Oliver Jordan, speaking at the recent Barbados Risk and Insurance Management (BRIM) conference hosted by BIBA –...
In the heart of Barbados’ Scotland District, a once-depleted sand quarry has undergone a stunning transformation into the Caribbean’s largest regenerative hub—Walkers Reserve. This flagship project is fast becoming a national model for sustainable development, climate resilience, and ecological restoration. Led by the Walkers Institute for Regenerative Research, Education, and Design (WIRRED),...
The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) is set to make a strong impact at WTM Latin America 2025, held in São Paulo, Brazil, from April 14-16, 2025. For the first time, the CTO will host a dedicated Caribbean Pavilion, showcasing the diverse tourism offerings of the region. Located at Booth M90, the Caribbean Pavilion will feature representatives from key destinations, including Antigua &...
The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has introduced the SheTrades Caribbean Grow and Go Grant Facility, a USD 500,000 programme designed to strengthen the competitiveness of women-led businesses across the region. The initiative, launched virtually on March 27, 2025, marks a significant step toward enhancing women’s participation in international trade. Targeting women-owned and led micro, small, and...
Demolition of the aging National Stadium at Waterford, St. Michael, is set to begin in two weeks, marking the first step in the construction of a brand-new facility for athletes. The entire project, expected to span over two years, will cost an estimated $80 million. The Ministry of Sports announced the plans yesterday, detailing the phased redevelopment of the stadium. During a press conference at the...
Public Service Vehicle (PSV) operators have welcomed the government's release of $3 million in financing to kick-start the transition to cleaner and more energy-efficient transport—a move that has been anticipated for years. Chairman of the Alliance Owners of Public Transport (AOPT), Roy Raphael, stated that the funding marks the long-awaited beginning of the PSV sector’s Transport Energy Project....
The Caribbean real estate market is undergoing one of its biggest shifts since the pandemic-era boom. High-net-worth buyers are now seeking what brokers call "super-prime" real estate—properties priced at $20 million, $30 million, and even $40 million or more. With luxury listings appearing across multiple islands, the region is solidifying its status as a premier destination for ultra-exclusive...