Royal Caribbean is rewriting the rules of cruising by transforming the traditional long vacation at sea into action-packed weekend escapes. Once known for weeklong journeys across the Caribbean, the cruise line is now making short three- and four-night sailings the centerpiece of its strategy — delivering the scale of a mega ship and the thrills of a private island into a long weekend. For travelers...
Two Barbadian engineers have made history by becoming the first in the Caribbean to earn certification in industrial robotics, a landmark achievement that positions Barbados at the forefront of advanced technology in the region. Kyle Batson and Antonio Toppin, engineers at Barbadian tech startup TouchStar Robotics, successfully completed advanced training at the global headquarters of FANUC in...
Panama is preparing to roll out more than US$20 billion in new investments over the next year, with projects centered on the Panama Canal and other major development initiatives — and Barbados is being encouraged to get on board. During a recent visit to Barbados, Panama’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Javier Martínez-Acha Vásquez, delivered the keynote address at the Barbados International...
Barbados has officially opened its first Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Global Training Centre (GTC) at the National Union of Public Workers headquarters, marking a major step in preparing its citizens for the future of work. Backed by Chinese funding and aligned with international standards, the centre is part of a global network designed to advance specialised education,...
A transformative new $1.3 billion hospitality and real estate project is taking shape in Saint Lucia, setting the stage for the island’s largest tourism development to date. The multi-phase A’ila Resorts project, located at Mount Pimard in Rodney Bay, is already under construction and advancing ahead of schedule. Unveiled at the Caribbean Investment Summit in Antigua, the development represents a...
Prime Minister Mia Mottley is calling for deeper transport connections between Barbados, Latin America, and the wider Caribbean to strengthen trade, tourism, and regional influence. Speaking at the unveiling of interCaribbean Airways’ new aircraft, Spirit of Barbados (VQ-TBB), at Grantley Adams International Airport on Tuesday, Mottley described the moment as one of national pride but also a chance...
Barbados Port Inc. (BPI) has taken a major step toward deepening regional trade and collaboration by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Panama Maritime Authority. The agreement, finalized last Friday, is designed to expand commercial linkages, promote sustainable maritime practices, and unlock new opportunities for mutual economic growth. The MoU creates a framework that positions...
The world of ultra-luxury, small-ship cruising is welcoming a new icon. Following in the wake of Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons, Orient Express is preparing to make its mark on the seas with the debut of its first ultra-luxury yacht. Starting next year, the legendary brand will launch the Orient Express Corinthian, which it calls the “world’s largest luxury sailing yacht.” The vessel’s inaugural...
Sagicor Financial Company Ltd has reported significant gains in revenue and investment income from its insurance business in Barbados for the first half of 2025. According to the company’s unaudited condensed financial statements for the six months ending June 30, Sagicor Life Barbados recorded insurance revenue of $130.6 million, up from $124.8 million in the same period last year. For the second...
Banks Holdings Limited (BHL), one of Barbados’ leading beverage conglomerates, has officially joined the Coca-Cola family following a US$186 million acquisition involving multiple Caribbean companies. On August 1, BHL chairman Luis Alvarez and country manager Shafia London confirmed that Coca-Cola’s KOSCAB Holdings Ltd acquired majority ownership of SLU Beverages Ltd on July 31. SLU Beverages,...