BRIDGETOWN, Barbados - STAFF LAYOFFS are looming at CIBC FirstCaribbean Bank in light of heavy expenses having to be set aside for bad loans.
The bank, which boasts branches in 17 Caribbean territories, is particularly concerned about its heavy loan loss provisioning in Barbados and The Bahamas, and has therefore undertaken a restructuring programme that could lead to layoffs, starting with voluntary separation packages in the next few weeks.
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados - The Barbados tourism sector has taken a nosedive so far for the year, and an imminent cut in flights to the island from at least one major source market could result in a further blow.
For the nine-month period ending September 30, the sector recorded a decline of 6.3 per cent in long-stay arrivals when compared to the same period last year, according to a dismal industry performance report presented yesterday.
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC -- A LIAT DASH-8 aircraft was Wednesday afternoon forced to return to Barbados about midway into a flight to Guyana due to a problem with an "avionics fan".
The aircraft landed without incident around 3:12 p.m.(local time) and a fire tender was on standby on the apron.
The passengers, who 45 minutes earlier, had boarded Flight 521 for Guyana, disembarked in an orderly manner, after being informed that the aircraft was returning to the Sir Grantley Adams Airport.
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – The Barbados-based Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) says it will mount a “Caribbean Kitchen Pavilion” at this year’s ANUGA Food Show in Germany.
It said the October 5-9 event would allow the region to showcase 12 Caribbean food suppliers from seven different countries, displaying a range of beverages, condiments and selected items.
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados - When the Caribbean Court of Justice hands down its decision in the case Shanique Myrie vs Barbados on Friday it will of critical regional importance. It has implications at the political level and more important, for the CCJ itself.
If the case goes against Miss Myrie, we have no doubt those opponents of the court in Jamaica, particularly within the Opposition Jamaica Labour Party and some members of the legal fraternity, will be shouting about why that country should not fully sign on to the CCJ.
GEORGETOWN, Guyana - JAMAICANS may perhaps be too focused with ongoing internal political problems afflicting both the governing Peoples National Party (PNP) and the opposition Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) to reflect on the significant strides being achieved in moving their country out of the long period of depressing social and economic woes.
If an apt comparison could be made to illustrate the changes being pursued for Jamaica’s new path to economic progress and social stability, then Barbados, in the Eastern Caribbean, would easily come to mind.
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados - HAT BARBADOS HAS a serious health challenge on its hand cannot be denied, downplayed or dismissed. We speak of a spike in the incidence of dengue fever that must be a cause of concern for all of us on the island and indeed visitors to our shores. Our fears are made all the more worrisome by the news that there has been one confirmed death so far this year from the mosquito-borne illness. Part of the problem we now face with an upsurge in the mosquito problem has to do with the persistent showers recorded within recent months.
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – The Barbados-based Caribbean Tourism Organization is urging regional governments to introduce various policies, including legislation and tax rebates, so as to ensure the survival of the tourism industry.
In a message marking World Tourism Day on Friday, CTO chairperson, Beverly Nicholson-Doty, said there was need for a “multi-sectorial approach – combining public policy and incentives; private-sector financing and endorsement; backed by effective community and visitor education and awareness programmes” to ensure the sustainability of the industry.
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados - Rats and mosquitoes plus some severe flu attacks are causing health authorities to put the public on alert.
Concerned about the incidence of leptospirosis and a tripling in the number of dengue fever cases, health officials disclosed yesterday there was a spike in “influenza-like illnesses” in the last few weeks and the severity of some of those cases was troubling.
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados - CLICO HOLDINGS BARBADOS Limited has been placed in receivership with immediate effect, thereby speeding up the likelihood of repayment for CLICO International Life’s (CIL) 25 000-plus policyholders.
Two years after being appointed judicial manager of CIL insurance company, Deloitte Consulting Inc. yesterday placed CLICO Holdings under receivership, stating that its decision was in keeping with the basis of its appointment to act in the interest of CIL’s policyholders