Aquila Aruba Training: Boosting Service Excellence & Tourism
The Aquila Aruba Training recently took place in Oranjestad, Aruba. Organized by Aquila’s Center for Cruise Excellence, the official partner of the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA), the program focused on improving service quality, promoting responsible tourism, and strengthening sustainability across Aruba’s cruise and tourism sectors. As a result, participants attended hands-on sessions that enhanced collaboration and elevated service standards. This made the Aquila Aruba Training a landmark event in Aruba’s tourism industry. At Aquila, our mission is to help destinations and their partners deliver world-class experiences that inspire guests,” said Beth Hatt, Founding Partner of Aquila’s Center for Cruise Excellence. “During the recent training, we saw firsthand the passion and commitment of local teams. Moreover, their efforts highlight the island’s leadership in sustainable, responsible, and regenerative tourism. Day 1: Onboard Insights During the sessions, participants attended the Aquila Aruba Training on board Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas. Representatives from the Aruba Tourism Authority (ATA), Aruba Ports Authority (APA), tour operators, and port agencies joined the program. Additionally, attendees heard directly from the ship’s shore excursions manager and environmental manager. Furthermore, the training focused on delivering exceptional guest experiences while integrating sustainable practices. As a result, participants gained practical insights that could be immediately applied to enhance service quality and sustainability in Aruba’s cruise and tourism sectors. Day 2: Islandwide Training During the sessions, Aquila’s workshops focused on unleashing excellent service skills and empowering guests to practice responsible tourism. Additionally, they covered leveraging diversity for enhanced service. Furthermore, participants learned strategies for handling difficult situations and unlocking personal excellence potential. Special Afternoon Session:Aquila also held a special session on Tour Operator Excellence Coaching. It covered themes such as innovation and opportunities in shore excursions, optimal operations and crisis planning, and the final pitch with ROI insights. Day 3: Cultural Immersion The program concluded with a cultural field trip to San Nicolas, led by local art ambassador Tito Bolivar. Participants explored murals, galleries, and community developments. This experience reinforced the value of integrating local culture and heritage into Aruba’s tourism product. Looking Ahead:Building on the success of this Training Week, Aquila will continue working with the ATA and APA on future initiatives. These will focus on sustainability, service excellence, tour guide certification, and aligning training with the evolving needs of cruise passengers and local communities. Aquila is the leading destination training provider for the global cruise industry. They offer training strategies for international destinations, tour companies, tour guides, and front-line operators. With over 35 years’ experience, Aquila is committed to cruise destination success through values-driven partnerships with cruise lines and destinations For more information about Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence and its training programs, visitcruiseexcellence.com. View as WebpageYou are receiving news about the Aquila Aruba Training from Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence and Marketplace Excellence Corporation. For Immediate ReleaseSource: Aquila Center for Cruise ExcellenceContact: Natalia Lopez +1 201 861-2056E-mail: natalia@marketplaceexcellence.com
Afreximbank TV Fifth Edition Celebrates Milestone
Afreximbank TV has hit its fifth edition milestone which featured dedicated coverage of the recently concluded Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2025) in Algiers. Since its launch, Afreximbank TV has quickly grown into a dynamic platform for storytelling, conversations, and coverage of Africa’s trade and development journey, bringing voices and perspectives from across the continent to a global audience. This latest edition underscores the channel’s role in amplifying Africa’s narrative and spotlighting the continent’s contributions to global trade. Please find the full press release attached for your use. Best, Gbagha Spiff //// Interview Highlight: H.E. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo H.E. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Chair of the IATF Advisory Council and former President of Nigeria, spoke during Interview Highlight: H.E. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo H.E. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Chair of the IATF Advisory Council and former President of Nigeria, spoke during an interview at an Afreximbank TV studio. Fifth Edition of Afreximbank TV Algiers, October 02, 2025 – Afreximbank TV, a digital channel wholly owned by African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), marked its fifth edition. The channel provided dedicated coverage of the Intra-African Trade Fair 2025 (IATF2025) in Algiers, Algeria. Audience Growth and Reach Since its premiere in November 2023, the channel has steadily grown its audience. It has over 14.1 million views and 324,200 hours in watch time. Subscribers currently number about 0.5 million, with an average of 272,800 viewers each month. Its broadcasts reach a global audience, with Kenya, Algeria, Nigeria, Ghana, and Tanzania among the top markets. Content and Programming Afreximbank TV’s first edition covered IATF2023 in Cairo, Egypt. Since then, it has broadcast a variety of content, including interviews with key opinion shapers, short and long-form videos, flagship event coverage, and live conversations. All content is aired free-of-charge in English and French. Channel Mission and Statement “Through Afreximbank TV, we leverage storytelling to amplify Afreximbank’s impact and lead discussions on Africa’s trade transformation,” said Mrs. Anne Ezeh, Director of Communications & Events.She added that the channel remains committed to showcasing Africa’s strengths, capabilities, and contributions to global value chains. Popular Videos and Podcasts More than five videos have reached over 1 million views, including: The most watched podcast is Afreximbank Annual Meetings 2025, with over 1.2 million views and 30,700 hours of watch time. Live Coverage of IATF2025 During IATF2025, Afreximbank TV delivered live coverage of sessions. High-profile interviews included: H.E. Wamkele Mene, Secretary General of the AfCFTA Secretariat H.E. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Chair of IATF Advisory Council IATF2025 Highlights IATF2025 was attended physically and virtually by more than 112,000 visitors from 132 countries. The fair took place from 4 to 10 September. Over the seven days, US$48.3 billion in trade and investment deals were signed. The event welcomed 2,148 exhibitors. More Information For more details, visit www.intrafricantradefair.com. About the Intra-African Trade Fair Organised by African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), African Union Commission (AUC), and African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) provides a unique platform for facilitating trade and investment information exchange. In addition, it supports increased intra-African trade and investment, particularly in the context of implementing the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). Moreover, IATF brings together continental and global players to showcase and exhibit their goods and services. During the fair, participants also have the opportunity to explore business and investment opportunities across Africa. Furthermore, the event provides a platform to share trade, investment, and market information with stakeholders. Similarly, it allows attendees to discuss and identify solutions to challenges confronting intra-African trade and investment. Additionally, the Trade Fair is open to businesses and investors from non-African countries interested in doing business in Africa. As a result, the fair contributes to the continent’s transformation through industrialisation and export development. For more information, please visit the Afreximbank TV fifth edition details page. Media contact: media@intrafricatradefair.com / press@afreximbank.com Gbagha Spiff Client Executive 25 Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6AE+44 20 7796 4133 | www.hudsonsandler.com
Exuma Pigs: Thriving and Spreading Across The Bahamas
Exuma Pigs Swimming at Big Major Cay Exuma Pigs, the country’s most famous swimming pigs, still swim laps at Big Major Cay. Additionally, tour operators and the tourism ministry’s advisory recommend tighter stewardship to protect these iconic animals. Protecting Exuma Pigs: Rules and Stewardship They post rules, provide “pig-approved” foods, and install feeding troughs so guests don’t toss snacks on the sand. The approved list includes fruits, vegetables, bread, and pig feed. This approach works because keeping feed in the water prevents pigs from ingesting gritty sand, which vets once linked to pig deaths. Importantly, the ministry prohibits junk food and alcohol to safeguard the Exuma Pigs. This approach works because keeping feed in the water prevents pigs from ingesting gritty sand, which vets once linked to pig deaths. Importantly, the ministry prohibits junk food and alcohol to safeguard the Exuma Pigs, the country’s most famous swimming pigs, are still doing laps at Big Major Cay. Additionally, tour operators and the tourism ministry’s advisory recommend tighter stewardship to protect these iconic animals. For example, there are posted rules, “pig-approved” foods, and a feeding trough so snacks aren’t tossed on the sand. The approved list is simple: fruits, vegetables, bread, and pig feed. This approach works because keeping feed in the water prevents pigs from ingesting gritty sand, which vets once linked to pig deaths. Importantly, junk food and alcohol are strictly prohibited to safeguard the Exuma Pigs. Exuma Pigs Go National: Growth Across The Bahamas Swimming-pig encounters now operate beyond Exuma: Rose Island off Nassau (Sandy Toes), Meeks Patch by Spanish Wells, Eleuthera, and Abaco market their own pigs. This growth proves that the product has gone national and viral, with multiple island options. Scrutiny and Safety Enforcement In 2023, the Ministry of Tourism investigated a Grand Bahama operator after a viral video alleged rough handling. Officials found no evidence of mistreatment but reminded operators and guests to follow the rules. Bottom line: book reputable outfits, feed only approved foods, and skip the stunts no riding or grabbing piglets. Feeding Guidelines and Safety Tips A quick refresher for readers and guides: Best treats include cut watermelon, apples, carrots, lettuce, plain bread, or bagged pig feed from your tour. Worst ideas are chips, cookies, anything salty or spicy, alcohol, and feeding on dry sand. If you’re nervous or empty-handed, show your palms so an eager hog doesn’t mistake your fingers for food. Regarding safety concerns, whispers about pigs being “pig-napped” occasionally appear on local forums, but these claims are hard to verify. Therefore, stick with licensed operators who keep a headcount and follow welfare protocols. For more details, visit https://new.magneticmediatv.com/ If we all behave, the original Exuma crew can keep paddling—and their upstart cousins around the islands can, too.
Celebration Key Grand Bahama Opens with Carnival Cruise
Carnival’s new Bahamian destination, Celebration Key Grand Bahama, opened on July 19, 2025. Carnival Vista made the inaugural call. Within days, traffic ramped up. On July 22, the first two-ship day (Glory + Conquest) brought over 7,000 guests. On July 25, Mardi Gras tied up alongside Carnival Pride, delivering 9,000 guests in a single day. Momentum was key. Carnival reports that the pier opened with capacity for two large ships at once. An extension is already underway. Full Cruise Schedule at Celebration Key Grand Bahama By the close of the opening phase, Carnival’s own planning guidance had 15 ships slated to rotate through Celebration Key Grand Bahama from eight homeports, tallying more than 80 visits through Labor Day weekend. In other words: a full calendar from Day 1. August Ramp-Up at Celebration Key Grand Bahama August wasn’t a lull; it was the ramp-up. In the first full month after opening, Carnival Venezia made its inaugural call on August 2. Carnival Magic built the cadence with Celebration Key scheduled as Day 2 on its August 17 sailing (arriving the next morning), and Carnival Paradise called on August 30—a neat early-mid-late pattern that signaled the port was moving from launch to routine operations. Packed September Schedule at Celebration Key Grand Bahama That rhythm set up a packed September. The published port schedule shows near-daily calls often two ships a day with marquee visits from Carnival Celebration, Vista, Sunrise, Glory, Liberty, Freedom, Pride, Venezia, Mardi Gras, Horizon, Dream, and more, typically in the 7:00–18:00/8:00–17:00 windows. In short: by the end of summer, Celebration Key Grand Bahama was behaving like a high-traffic Bahamian stop, not a novelty. September 2025 Ship Calls The September 2025 port schedule listed 51 ship calls at Celebration Key Grand Bahama. These calls came from at least 15 different Carnival vessels, including Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, Vista, Horizon, Dream, Glory, Freedom, Sunrise, Liberty, Pride, Venezia, Elation, Paradise, Magic, and Sunshine. Ship visits occurred on nearly every day of the month. Often, two ships arrived per day. Scheduled times were generally in the 08:00–17:00 or 11:00–19:00 bands, depending on the itinerary. Cruise Mapper also notes that schedules may change due to weather conditions. High-Traffic Bahamian Port Performance With a touted target of welcoming 2 million visitors annually, Carnival Cruise Line’s Celebration Key Grand Bahama is already behaving like a high-traffic Bahamian port—multiple calls per day, marquee ships in the mix, and headline days pushing 7,000–9,000 guests. Looking Ahead: Q3 Visitor Count We’ll keep watching for Carnival’s official Q3 visitor count once the company publishes it, but September’s schedule alone shows a destination running near full clip.
Dominican Republic Poverty Line: Nearly 500,000 Citizens Rise
If you want a Caribbean roadmap that’s more than slogans, look east to the Dominican Republic Poverty Line efforts. The country built a measurement system, tied it to a live social registry, and crucially publishes the results on the Dominican Republic Poverty Line dashboard. Their report shows that monetary poverty fell from 27.7% in 2022 to 23.0% in 2023. In 2024, it dropped further to 19.0%, helping about 413,686 people move out of poverty. That’s real progress, not just numbers. Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) Central to the model is a national multidimensional poverty index (MPI or IPM-RD). It does more than track income. The index measures five dimensions with 24 indicators, including education, housing, services, and health. This system gives the government a complete picture of deprivation and helps identify households at risk. Dominican Republic Poverty Line: Integrating Social Registry Data The measurement feeds into a social registry, SIUBEN (Registro Social Universal de Hogares). Ministries use the constantly updated database to find households, target benefits, and keep records current. In short, it bridges statistics with cash and services delivered to the right homes each month. Public Transparency and Open Data on Poverty The country runs public scoreboards an interactive poverty portal and periodic poverty bulletins—so anyone, including journalists and donors, can check the figures, not just rely on press releases. The methodology and updates are laid out by the statistics office, making the series comparable over time. Impact on Citizens: Key Results of the Dominican Republic Poverty Line A big annual drop in 2023 poverty 27.7% → 23.0%, with extreme poverty down to 3.2% was followed by another decrease in 2024 to 19.0%. The 2024 bulletin explicitly notes that ~413,686 people exited poverty. Rural gaps and vulnerability remain, but the trend is clear, and transparency allows verification. Why the Dominican Republic Poverty Line Model Works The model works because it measures more than income, maintains a live registry to act quickly, and publishes results via regular bulletins and an open portal. This playbook is a strategy that other countries in the region could adopt without reinventing the wheel. For more information, visit here
Haiti CARIFESTA Fashion: Hibiscus & “Ti Peyizaj” Spotlight
Haiti CARIFESTA Fashion: Blooming Wearables at CARIFESTA XV Not just that, Haiti created—what they created: wearables blooming with the national hibiscus and storybook village scenes. The Haiti CARIFESTA Fashion collection showcases how artisans turn identity into fabric, celebrating culture, heritage, and design resilience. Each piece tells a story, connecting traditional motifs with modern wearable art. By blending national symbols with contemporary fashion, Haiti demonstrates that style can also be a statement of identity and pride. CARIFESTA XV’s Grand Market featured Haiti’s pavilion, which read like a moving boutique. Visitors could see clothing, sandals, and bags—all artisan work with bright floral motifs and hand-rendered scenes visible from across the aisle. They could also admire intricate beadwork, hand-painted fabrics, and vibrant embroidery that bring Haitian culture to life. This is Haiti CARIFESTA Fashion at its best. The designs are vibrant, photograph beautifully, and tell a story. They also inspire other Caribbean designers. Tourists and collectors were drawn to the pavilion, eager to explore pieces that showcase a blend of creativity, skill, and cultural storytelling. Why Hibiscus Matters in Haitian Fashion Haiti’s national floral emblem is the hibiscus (“choublak”), so seeing it stitched, beaded, or hand-painted onto accessories isn’t random—it represents Haitian identity on fabric. The hibiscus motif also appears widely in Haitian design language beyond CARIFESTA, reinforcing cultural pride Haiti CARIFESTA Fashion: Ti Peyizaj Village Scenes The village scenes (“ti peyizaj”) aren’t just cute. Those market and village vignettes come out of Haiti’s naïf/folk art tradition—long-standing motifs that migrated from canvas to textiles and accessories through hand-painting and beadwork. Some Haitian labels and ateliers regularly translate these visuals onto handbags and clothing; the same craft lineage was visible in Bridgetown, highlighting how Haiti CARIFESTA Fashion blends heritage with wearable art. Beyond Runway Hype Proof it wasn’t just runway hype. CARICOM’s feeds framed the Grand Market as a fashion and craft hub with daily designer showcases, while news recaps and Haitian pages highlighted the handicraft mix—sculpture, embroidery, jewelry, clothing, and bags. This demonstrates that Haiti CARIFESTA Fashion is both culturally authentic and commercially celebrated across the Caribbean. That’s your receipts.
Margaritaville Grand Turk: Why It’s a Must-Visit Destination
Margaritaville Grand Turk: The Beach Bar on the Stock Market A beach bar with a ticker Margaritaville Grand Turk is listed on the Jamaica Stock Exchange. You won’t hear traders chanting “Buy Grand Turk,” but you will sometimes see a little green arrow next to Margaritaville (Turks) Ltd the beach-bar operator at the Grand Turk Cruise Center listed as MTL. In simple terms: when you see green, the share price ticked up. With a micro-cap like this—thinly traded, few shares changing hands that pop can happen on a couple of small orders. It looks dramatic on screen, though the dollar impact is usually modest. Why Margaritaville Grand Turk Stock Pops So why does it pop at all? This stock is a tidy window into cruise-day energy. Grand Turk’s economy has a clear rhythm: ships in, dollars in. When a ship pulls alongside the pier, pool chairs fill, playlists climb, bartenders sprint, taxi ranks turn over, and souvenir cups march back to the gangway. Hours later, the last sun-kissed guest heads down the pier and the island resets. That on/off pulse explains the occasional green arrows on the stock screen. Margaritaville Grand Turk: The Setup That Made It Possible The Grand Turk Cruise Center opened in 2006 as a purpose-built hub: beach, pier, shops, a massive pool, a FlowRider, and the Caribbean’s best-known Margaritaville Grand Turk. That design keeps visitors in easy flip-flop range of food, drinks, and retail maximizing time on shore and spend per passenger. It’s why the island can post over a million cruise visitors in a year despite its tiny footprint. Understanding the Green Arrow and Its Impact A pop in MTL stock is not proof of big new profits or major shifts in the business. MTL trades “by appointment”—occasional, low-volume prints that can nudge the quote. Regular little green arrows (upticks) or red ones (downticks) reflect trading noise more than deep fundamentals. On-island, a “busy pier day” is very real: servers and bartenders earn better tips, drivers grab extra fares, vendors move bracelets, DJs get rebooks, and fishers supply tomorrow’s menu. The green tick is just a screen-level shorthand for a day when more locals likely got paid. History, Risk, and the Big Picture Cruise didn’t invent Grand Turk, but it organized the workday. The port brings a reliable wave of customers on the days it counts. A notable history fact: on February 20, 1962, after orbiting Earth three times, John Glenn’s Friendship 7 recovery flowed through Grand Turk. The “Splashdown Grand Turk” exhibit near the Cruise Center still tells that story tiny island, outsized role. Cruise momentum is real but concentrated. Weather, itinerary shifts, or policy changes can pinch fast. The smart play for the island is to keep per-passenger spend rising while widening the pie into tours, heritage, markets, and conservation that aren’t hostage to a single pier day.For more information, visit “Click Here”
John Watling’s Distillery Partnerships Grow Tourism
NASSAU, The Bahamas – 1st October 2025 John Watling’s Distillery partnerships are reshaping tourism in The Bahamas. Consequently, in today’s visitor economy, success depends not on rivalry but on collaboration. Moreover, this philosophy drives John Watling’s Distillery and has transformed the historic Buena Vista Estate into one of Nassau’s most celebrated cultural landmarks. Pepin Argamasilla, a marketing executive, explains: “Through collaboration, you can expand your reach. However, we noticed companies trying to outsell each other. Then, it hit us: the best advertising is word of mouth. Therefore, instead of competing, we asked what if we partnered and became part of what other industry experts were already doing?” 1. John Watling’s Distillery Partnerships Revive Buena Vista Estate Since the new founders purchased the abandoned 1789 Buena Vista Estate, the property has flourished. Today, it houses a working distillery, tavern, the We B Learnin’ Rum Academy, and a lively gathering place. Visitors can bottle their own rum, enjoy immersive tastings, try cocktail mixing, or relax with drinks from the tavern, coffee from Louis & Steen’s New Orleans Coffeehouse, or Bahamian-inspired dishes from Vell Monkey Foot Eatery. 2. Expanding Tourism Through John Watling’s Distillery Partnerships Early partnerships with Bahamas Experience, Leisure Travel, and Majestic Tours set the foundation. Today, over 75 tour operators bring visitors, including Islandz Tours, Pirate Jeep Tours, Snappa Tours, and Cheryl’s Taxi and Tour Service. These collaborations cement the distillery as a hub of Nassau’s visitor economy. 3. Signature Rums and John Watling’s Distillery Partnerships At the Rum Academy, guests enjoy chocolates from Graycliff Chocolatier paired with John Watling’s 10-Year-Old Bullion Rum, awarded a Gold Medal at Monde Selection in Brussels (2024). Signature cocktails such as the Skylarkin’ and Cascarilla Sunrise highlight Bahamian creativity, combining John Watling’s Amber Rum with RICARDO Coconut Rum or Pale Rum with AMARO by Bahamas Botanicals. Among its most notable achievements is John Watling’s Paradise Rum, developed with Atlantis Paradise Island. Initially served in the Pineapple Passion cocktail, it quickly became a best-seller in The Bahamas and is now exported to the U.S. 4. Protecting Culture via John Watling’s Distillery Partnerships Paradise Rum blends 4- and 6-year-old rums aged in ex-Bourbon barrels and finishes six months in Oloroso sherry casks. This delivers a smooth, complex flavor reflecting Bahamian luxury and authenticity. It pairs well with a Graycliff Cigar. Argamasilla adds: “Outcompeting others is no longer the path to growth. Visitors deserve a richer experience. Nassau has more than one venue; there’s enough for everyone to discover.” Partnerships also extend to cultural preservation. Historic cannons at the Water Battery on West Bay Street needed restoration. John Watling’s partnered with the Antiquities, Monuments, and Museums Corporation (AMMC) to restore the site. Work is expected to finish by American Thanksgiving. Starting 15th October, AMMC will provide the West Indian Guard for daily ceremonial cannon firings at noon at Buena Vista Estate. Guests will even pull the trigger, creating unforgettable moments blending history, entertainment, and national pride. 5. Expanding Reach Through U.S. Retail and Cruise Partnerships John Watling’s products are now available in 15 U.S. states through Total Wine & More, including Florida, New York, Texas, and California. Consequently, The Rum of The Bahamas reaches more American consumers than ever. Royal Caribbean International partnered with John Watling’s Rum for the President’s Cruise 2025, docking in Nassau on 23rd September. The distillery created a pop-up Rum Academy at the Nassau Cruise Port Art Gallery. Guests bottled rum, sealed it with molten wax, added custom labels, and enjoyed guided tastings. This hands-on experience highlights Bahamian rum-making heritage. Argamasilla says: “Hundreds of thousands of cruise, stopover, and local guests visit Buena Vista each year. This event brought the Rum Academy directly to them. It proved the power of partnership and showed what The Bahamas offers.” 6. Local Collaborations and Championing The Bahamas John Watling’s network of partnerships continues to grow. “We collaborate with the Graycliff Group, The National Art Gallery, Educulture Junkanoo Museum, Tasty Teas, D’Aguilar Art Gallery, artist Antonius Roberts, and nearby churches and historic sites,” explains Argamasilla. “Together, we restore and position our neighborhood as the cultural heart of The Bahamas.” Beyond rum, the mission of John Watling’s is to champion The Bahamas as a destination rich in history, culture, and hospitality. Argamasilla reflects: “At the end of the day, our product is The Bahamas. The more goodwill we extend, the more comes back. Partnerships make the pie bigger for everyone.” Learn more at www.johnwatlings.com Photos: Focus Cay Photography
Silver Airways Collapse Shuts Down Flights in Florida & Caribbean
The sudden Silver Airways collapse has left Florida, the Bahamas, and the wider Caribbean without a critical air link, and hundreds of airline staff suddenly jobless some reportedly without severance. 1. Silver Airways Collapse Leaves Operations Grounded A failed sale and unsustainable routes have grounded Silver Airways permanently, leaving travelers in Florida, the Bahamas, and the wider Caribbean without a critical air link and hundreds of airline staff suddenly jobless some reportedly without severance. 2. Abrupt Cessation Following Silver Airways Collapse In the early hours of June 11, Silver Airways, a Fort Lauderdale-based regional carrier, abruptly ceased all operations and issued a stark message on its now-defunct website and social media pages: “We regret to inform you that we are ceasing operations as of today.” 3. Collapse Follows Failed Acquisition The shutdown followed the withdrawal of a potential buyer during Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings. That buyer had agreed to purchase Silver’s assets but ultimately deemed the carrier’s Caribbean and regional U.S. routes financially unviable, leaving Silver without the funding needed to continue flying. 4. Passengers Stranded by Silver Airways Collapse Passengers, some en route to the airport, were told bluntly: “Do not go to the airport.” Flights were immediately grounded and customer service lines disconnected. Travelers who purchased tickets with credit cards have been advised to seek refunds directly through their bank or travel agency. 5. Regional Travel Disruptions After Silver Airways Collapse Silver’s shutdown affects key routes between Florida and Caribbean destinations, including the Bahamas a region heavily reliant on small carrier service to maintain tourism traffic and inter-island mobility. Cities like Tampa, Key West, Tallahassee, and Pensacola now face connectivity gaps. On some of these routes, Silver was the sole or most frequent operator. 6. Refunds and Bankruptcy Challenges For those impacted, the U.S. Department of Transportation mandates full refunds when airlines cancel flights without offering alternatives. However, with Silver Airways now shuttered and its support systems offline, travelers must file disputes with credit card issuers. Those who paid via cash or debit face more complex outcomes through the bankruptcy process a process that may take months or longer. 7. Employee Fallout and Industry Volatility Adding to the fallout are reports of unpaid employee wages. Staff were reportedly blindsided by the shutdown and some are owed as much as $100,000 in severance and back pay, raising concerns about how the airline handled its final days. Silver’s demise underscores the ongoing volatility in the U.S. regional airline industry, where rising operational costs and shrinking profit margins are placing smaller carriers at risk. For now, its sudden disappearance leaves a void in the Caribbean travel network and a harsh lesson in the fragility of niche air service. For more information, visit “Click Here“ Editor By Deandrea Hamilton,
Port Antonio Bypass Project: US$81M Construction Begins
The government broke ground for the Port Antonio Bypass project in Portland, marking the start of a new era of mobility, opportunity, and resilience for the parish. As a result, the project will reduce travel time, improve safety, and stimulate economic growth in the region.. 1. Port Antonio Bypass Project: Overview and Phase One Details The project, which will be executed in two phases, entails the construction of an 18-kilometre corridor designed to divert traffic from the congested, coastal town centre, thereby reducing travel time and transportation costs. Phase one will span Norwich to Turtle Crawl Harbour, comprising a seven-kilometre stretch of four-lane roadway with safety-enhancing median barriers, newly constructed bridges, upgraded drainage infrastructure, and designated bus shelters. 2. Economic and Safety Benefits of the Port Antonio Bypass Project “During the ceremony, Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness highlighted the project’s impact. For more details, visit https://www.jis.gov.jm.” “The breaking of barriers that have long held back the full economic potential of this beautiful parish and people.” He emphasized that the Bypass represents an investment in Portland’s growth and tourism potential. It will also attract capital, create jobs, and build wealth for its citizens. Prime Minister Holness added that Port Antonio, a low-lying town frequently affected by weather events, will benefit greatly from relocating the roadway inland. This move will protect residents’ mobility, assets, land, and businesses. 3. Unlocking Growth, Development, and Commercial Opportunities “For decades, Port Antonio has been one of Jamaica’s hidden gems, blessed with natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. However, limited access and inadequate infrastructure have held it back. The current route through the town centre, while scenic, worsens traffic congestion. It is vulnerable to flooding and coastal erosion and cannot support the scale of development we envision,” he stated. Dr. Holness said the Bypass will unlock new commercial zones, stimulate land development, and create space for expansion. It will also preserve Port Antonio’s identity as a quiet coastal retreat with a thriving economic hub. The government will allocate an additional $521 million for land acquisition. Phase one will acquire more than 200 parcels. The National Land Agency (NLA) has already started the process. 4. Part of Broader Infrastructure and Economic Strategy “This is development that will connect the coast to the countryside, the farms to the resorts and the world to Portland,” the Prime Minister added. Dr. Holness further noted that the project forms part of a broader strategy to stimulate Portland’s economic growth, which includes developments such as the construction of the Boundbrook Urban Centre in Port Antonio. The Port Antonio Bypass project is also a continuation of the Southern Coastal Highway Improvement Project (SCHIP) – Jamaica’s largest infrastructure development extending its transformative impact across the eastern corridor. CONTACT: MICKELLA ANDERSON-GORDON JIS REGIONAL OFFICE MORANT BAY
JetBlue Business Card Caribbean Launch for CIBC Clients
CIBC Caribbean launched the new JetBlue Business Credit Card as its latest offering. Previously, it introduced the JetBlue Mastercard and JetBlue Select Mastercard in November 2023 across The Bahamas, Barbados, The Cayman Islands, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago. Together, these cards provide cardmembers exclusive rewards and benefits. They also allow users to earn TrueBlue points, which they can redeem to travel to more than 100 destinations in JetBlue’s network. The new business card gives holders in The Bahamas, Barbados, The Cayman Islands, and Jamaica several benefits. For example, they receive Group A priority boarding on select flights. They also get one free checked bag for up to three eligible travel companions in the same reservation. Additionally, cardmembers earn 4X points on eligible JetBlue purchases and receive 10,000 TrueBlue points annually. 1. Launch of the JetBlue Business Card for Caribbean Business Clients “We are thrilled to expand our card offerings with the addition of the JetBlue Business Card by CIBC Caribbean,” said Jennifer Fuller, Director of Enterprise Payments, Cards, and Merchant Services. “This card will offer a truly enhanced travel experience for business travelers.” 2. Features and Benefits of the JetBlue Business Credit Card Edward Pouthier, Vice President of Loyalty and Personalization at JetBlue, said: “As a leading airline in the Caribbean, JetBlue takes pride in delivering innovative programs and products to our loyal customers throughout the region. We’re excited to strengthen our partnership with CIBC Caribbean through the launch of the new JetBlue Business Card. This card gives business clients exclusive rewards and benefits. It allows them to earn and redeem TrueBlue points across JetBlue’s network of more than 100 destinations and partner airlines. This brings cardmembers one swipe closer to their next journey.” The JetBlue Business Credit Card lets clients earn TrueBlue points based on eligible spend. Clients who travel frequently to North America and beyond will also benefit by using the business card for purchases instead of their personal cards. The card gives holders in The Bahamas, Barbados, The Cayman Islands, and Jamaica several advantages. These include Group A priority boarding on select flights and one free checked bag for up to three eligible travel companions. Cardmembers also earn 4X points on eligible JetBlue purchases and receive 10,000 TrueBlue points annually. 3. CIBC Caribbean: Supporting Regional Business Growth The JetBlue Business Credit Card lets clients earn TrueBlue points based on eligible spend. Moreover, clients who travel frequently to North America and beyond benefit by using the business card for purchases instead of their personal cards. Additionally, the card gives holders in The Bahamas, Barbados, The Cayman Islands, and Jamaica several advantages. For example, they receive Group A priority boarding on select flights and one free checked bag for up to three eligible travel companions. Finally, cardmembers earn 4X points on eligible JetBlue purchases and receive 10,000 TrueBlue points annually. The JetBlue Business Credit Card is the latest offering following the launch of the JetBlue Mastercard and JetBlue Select Mastercard by CIBC FirstCaribbean. These cards launched in November 2023 across The Bahamas, Barbados, The Cayman Islands, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago. They provide cardmembers exclusive rewards and benefits. Cardmembers can also earn TrueBlue® points, which they can redeem to travel to more than 100 destinations in JetBlue’s network. 4. CIBC Caribbean: Driving Regional Business Growth CIBC Caribbean offers a full range of market-leading financial services through Corporate Banking, Personal and Business Banking, and Private Wealth segments. The bank operates in ten Caribbean countries with approximately 2,700 employees in 41 branches and offices. It ranks as one of the largest regionally listed financial institutions in the English-speaking Caribbean, with US$13 billion in assets and a market capitalization of US$1.7 billion. The bank also maintains a representative office in Hong Kong to provide business development and relationship management for fund administration. Ongoing news releases and more information about CIBC Caribbean can be found at https://www.cibccaribbean.com/about-us/media-centre CIBC is a leading North American financial institution with 14 million personal banking, business, public sector and institutional clients. Across Personal and Business Banking, Commercial Banking and Wealth Management, and Capital Markets, CIBC offers a full range of advice, solutions and services through its leading digital banking network, and locations across Canada, in the United States and around the world. Ongoing news releases and more information about CIBC can be found at www.cibc.com/ca/media-centre. For more information about CIBC Caribbean, visit www.cibccaribbean.com , Facebook, X , LinkedIn, Instagram or YouTube. Media contact: Debra King, Director of Corporate Communications, CIBC Caribbean, Barbados Head Office Telephone: 246 367 2248; Fax: 246 421 7148 and Email: debra.king@cibcfcib.com For Immediate Release
Caribbean Wines & Spirits: Fresh Offerings Transform Spaces
Nassau, BAHAMAS — Caribbean Wines & Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ premier wines and spirits distributor Caribbean Wines & Spirits (CWS) continues its tradition of supporting the annual Transforming Spaces art tour, delighCaribbean Wines & Spirits (CWS) continues its tradition of supporting the annual Transforming Spaces art tour, delighting attendees with fresh products, handcrafted cocktails, and curated experiences. During the 21st year of the event, CWS showcased its portfolio across Nassau’s galleries, providing guests with immersive tastings and expert knowledge of wines and spirits. Their involvement highlights a commitment to both the arts and the local community, making the tour a truly memorable cultural experience. 1. Caribbean Wines & Spirits Celebrate 21 Years of Transforming Spaces To mark the 21st year of Transforming Spaces, CWS provided extensive offerings from their portfolio. Various galleries featured their products alongside brand representatives who guided guests through detailed tastings. Visitors enjoyed an engaging journey of fine wines and artisanal cocktails, experiencing the depth and quality of CWS’s diverse selections. 2.Caribbean Wines & Spirits Showcase Wines and Spirits Across Nassau’s Galleries At the historic Balcony House, French sophistication shone with Bouvet Ladubay’s Signature Brut and Excellence Brut Rosé. UB’s Pro Gallery featured bold Argentinian wines, including Alta Vista Vive Malbec and Alta Vista Estate Torrontés. CWS’s newest spirits also made an impression through specialty cocktails crafted by award-winning mixologist Marv Cunningham. El Tequileño Tequila starred in margaritas and palomas at CAB Gallery, while ABK6 ‘Single Estate’ Cognac elevated experiences at Hillside House with Strawberry Honey Cognac Sours and Tropical Mango Sidecars. 3. Supporting the Community Through Caribbean Bottling Company CWS’s sister company, Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), donated over 1,300 bottles and cans of Coca-Cola, Dasani Water, Vita Coco, and new Fanta flavors. These generous contributions kept patrons hydrated throughout the two-day tour. CBC’s involvement underscores the shared commitment of both companies to support Bahamian culture and enhance the art tour experience. 4. Partnerships That Enrich Art and Culture Christina Wong, Vice President of Transforming Spaces, praised CWS for their long-standing support. Jonathan Thronebury, Marketing Director of CBC, highlighted how the partnership champions the orange economy and supports Bahamian artists. Their combined efforts provide not just beverages, but carefully crafted experiences that complement the artistic journey. The contributions of CWS elevate the cultural weekend, blending creativity, flavor, and community engagement. For more updates on Caribbean Wines & Spirits product offerings, philanthropic work, and events visit www.cwsbahamas.com today.