Business
November 18, 2023
Iconic Concorde Supersonic Jet Hangar in Barbados to Reopen as Cruise Ship Terminal, Easing Congestion at Grantley Adams International Airport
Closed for over five years, the Concorde Experience Barbados is reopening as the Concorde Terminal for cruise ship passengers, aiming to ease congestion at the Grantley Adams International Airport.
November 18, 2023
Barbados Trust Fund Limited Disburses $22 Million in Loans to Promote Locally Produced Goods
The Barbados Trust Fund Limited (BTFL) has disbursed $22 million in loans over the past five years, supporting local businesses in introducing their products to domestic and global markets. The BTFL continues to provide additional support to businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
November 17, 2023
Barbados Light & Power Company Files Application for Clean Energy Transition Rider, Potentially Resulting in Monthly Electricity Bill Increases
Barbados Light & Power Company Limited (BL&P) has applied for regulatory approval to recover costs from a battery storage installation, potentially resulting in a $41 increase in monthly electricity bills for homeowners. The approval is separate from the previous rate increase decision.
November 17, 2023
Barbados' Zane Maloney Named Andretti's Global Reserve Driver in Formula E for Season 10
Zane Maloney, the 20-year-old Red Bull Formula 2 driver, has been named Andretti's Global reserve driver in Formula E, also serving as a development driver for Season 10.
November 17, 2023
Amazon Trims Jobs in Alexa Unit, Pivots towards Generative AI
Amazon.com (AMZN.O) is reducing jobs in its Alexa voice assistant unit to align with shifting business priorities and a focus on generative AI. The cuts affect "several hundred" employees, with no specific numbers disclosed.
November 17, 2023
Barbadian Consumers to Face Shipping Delays Affecting Christmas Season and Beyond
Barbadian consumers should prepare for increasing shipping delays this Christmas season and beyond due to reduced ship crossings at the Panama Canal and transshipment issues at the Kingston Port in Jamaica. Expect delays of two to four weeks for items depending on their origin.
November 17, 2023
Grantley Adams International Airport Struggles to Handle Influx of Passengers Amid Homeporting Initiative
Management of Grantley Adams International Airport (GAIA) is seeking a new use for the closed Concorde Experience to handle the increasing number of passengers during the homeporting initiative.
November 16, 2023
Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley Recognized as Influential Climate Leader by Time
Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley has been recognized as one of the Time 100 Most Influential Climate Leaders in Business for 2023. Mottley has advocated for climate-vulnerable countries and promoted urgent global financial reform for their recovery after natural disasters.
November 16, 2023
Saudi Arabia-CARICOM Summit Aims to Strengthen Partnerships and Promote Trade and Investment
The Riyadh summit between Saudi Arabia and CARICOM aims to strengthen partnerships and collaboration, with a focus on trade and investment, as outlined in their Joint Action Plan. The summit is co-chaired by Mohammed bin Salman and Roosevelt Skerrit.
November 16, 2023
Extreme Weather Causes Local Produce Shortages and Price Hikes, Predicts Chief Agricultural Officer
Extreme weather conditions have caused local produce shortages and price increases. Chief Agricultural Officer Keeley Holder believes farmers' yields will recover by Christmas despite reduced sweet potato and yam production.
November 16, 2023
Barbados Revenue Authority Workers Continue Industrial Action Over Grievances, Unity Workers' Union Confirms
Workers at Barbados Revenue Authority (BRA) participate in a sick-out sanctioned by Unity Workers’ Union (UWU), demanding prompt resolution of staff grievances. Industrial action expected to continue. Management claims no major impact on operations. Environmental challenges close payment centre. Union represents 106 of the approximate 300 employees.
November 16, 2023
Inability to Pay Rent Emerging as Primary Cause of Homelessness: Barbados Charity Seeks Partnerships with Landlords and Agencies
By Sheria Brathwaite aims to address the issue of homelessness in Barbados by partnering with landlords and welfare agencies to provide housing solutions and prevent people from ending up on the streets.