Aquila’s Training Week in Aruba Strengthens Service Excellence and Responsible Tourism
View as WebpageYou are receiving news 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 Attendees of industry-wide sessions during Aquila’s Training Week in ArubaAquila’s Training Week in Aruba Strengthens Service Excellence and Responsible TourismORANJESTAD, Aruba (October 2, 2025) — Aquila’s Center for Cruise Excellence, the official training partner of the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA), recently completed a successful Training Week in Aruba, delivering a comprehensive program that elevated service excellence, strengthened collaboration, and advanced sustainability within the island’s tourism and cruise sectors.“At Aquila, our mission is to help destinations and their partners deliver world-class experiences that inspire guests while supporting local communities and the environment,” said Beth Hatt, Founding Partner of Aquila’s Center for Cruise Excellence. “The passion and commitment we witnessed in Aruba are a true testament to the island’s leadership in sustainable, responsible and regenerative tourism.”Day 1: Onboard InsightsTraining Week began on board Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas, where representatives from the Aruba Tourism Authority (ATA), Aruba Ports Authority (APA), tour operators and port agencies heard directly from the ship’s shore excursions manager and environmental manager. Sessions focused on delivering exceptional guest experiences while integrating sustainable practices.Day 2: Islandwide TrainingOnshore sessions engaged a diverse group of participants, including APA staff, tour operators, vendors, port agencies, retailers, restaurants, immigration officers, Arutram and police. Aquila’s workshops covered:Unleashing Excellent Service SkillsEmpowering Guests to Practice Responsible TourismLeveraging Diversity for Enhanced ServiceEffective Strategies for Handling Difficult SituationsUnlocking Your Excellence PotentialAdditionally, a special afternoon session was held focusing on Tour Operator Excellence Coaching, with themes including Innovation and Opportunities in Shore Excursions, Optimal Operations and Crisis Plans, and The Final Pitch with the ROI.Day 3: Cultural ImmersionThe program concluded with a cultural field trip to San Nicolas, led by local art ambassador Tito Bolivar. Participants explored murals, galleries and community developments, reinforcing the value of integrating local culture and heritage into Aruba’s tourism product.Building on the success of this Training Week, Aquila will continue working with the ATA and APA on future initiatives focused on sustainability, service excellence, tour guide certification, and aligning training with the evolving needs of cruise passengers and local communities alike. L-R: Zoë Arends and Monica Bos (ATA), Marc Figaroa (APA), Beth Hatt (Aquila), Mario Arends (APA), and Marouska Heyliger (ATA)About Aquila Center for Cruise ExcellenceAquila 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 in the cruise industry, Aquila is committed to cruise destination success through values-driven partnership with cruise lines and destinations. For more information on Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence and its training programs, visit cruiseexcellence.com.
Afreximbank celebrates fifth edition of Afreximbank TV
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 //// PRESS RELEASE Afreximbank celebrates fifth edition of Afreximbank TV H.E. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Chair of the IATF Advisory Council and former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria during an interview session at an Afreximbank TV studio. Algiers, October 02, 2025 – Afreximbank TV, a digital TV channel that is wholly owned and run by African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) marked its fifth edition with dedicated coverage of the recently concluded Intra-African Trade Fair 2025 (IATF2025) held in Algiers, Algeria. Since premiering in November 2023, the virtual TV channel has steadily grown its audience with over 14.1 million views and 324,200 hours in watch time. The channel’s subscribers currently stand at about 0.5 million; watched by an average of 272,800 people every month. Its broadcasts have a global reach, with Kenya, Algeria, Nigeria, Ghana and Tanzania among its top five markets. Afreximbank TV’s first edition featured coverage of IATF2023 in Cairo, Egypt. Since then, it has broadcast a variety of in-depth, wide-ranging and newsworthy content, including interviews with key opinion shapers, long and short form video testimonials, coverage of flagship events and conversations. The content is aired free-of-charge in English and French. “Through Afreximbank TV, we are leveraging the power of storytelling to not only amplify Afreximbank’s critical interventions and its development impact but also lead the conversation on Africa’s trade transformation. As Global Africa works towards a more prosperous and interconnected future, we have to own and shape our narrative globally,” said Mrs. Anne Ezeh, Afreximbank’s Director of Communications & Events. Mrs Ezeh added that Afreximbank TV remains committed to depicting Africa’s capabilities, strengths, uniqueness, budding prosperity and contribution to the global value chains. More than five videos on the channel have reached over 1 million views including: CANEX Music Factory: Championing African Talent; GDIZ: Weaving Bright Futures in Benin’s Textile Industry; Eva’s Coffee: ShowcaseHER Success; PAPSS: Connecting the Continent; and Oando: Empowering Female Leaders. The most watched podcast on the channel is Afreximbank Annual Meetings 2025, with over 1.2 million views and 30,700 hours in watch time. During IATF2025, Afreximbank TV delivered live coverage of the various sessions, in addition to high-profile interviews with leaders including H.E. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Chair of the IATF Advisory Council and former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; H.E. Wamkele Mene, the Secretary General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, among others. Attended both physical and virtual by more than 112,000 visitors from 132 countries, IATF2025, which took place from 4 to 10 September, ended on a remarkably high note with US$48.3 billion in trade and investment deals signed over the seven days of the continental exposition. It welcomed 2,148 exhibitors. For more information, please visitwww.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) is intended to provide a unique platform for facilitating trade and investment information exchange in support of increased intra-African trade and investment, especially in the context of implementing the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). IATF brings together continental and global players to showcase and exhibit their goods and services and to explore business and investment opportunities in the continent. It also provides a platform to share trade, investment and market information with stakeholders and allows participants to discuss and identify solutions to the challenges confronting intra-African trade and investment. In addition to African participants, the Trade Fair is also open to businesses and investors from non-African countries interested in doing business in Africa and in supporting the continent’s transformation through industrialisation and export development. 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
Still Swimming—and Spreading: Exuma’s pigs are fine, and now they’ve got rivals across The Bahamas
The country’s most famous “Bahamians” are still doing laps. Tour operators and the tourism ministry’s own advisory point to tighter stewardship at Big Major Cay (Pig Beach, Exuma)—think posted rules, “pig-approved” foods, and a feeding trough so snacks aren’t tossed on sand. The approved list is simple: fruits, vegetables, bread and pig feed. The logic is equally simple: keep feed in the water and out of the sand, which vets once linked to pig deaths when animals gulped gritty beach bites. Junk food and alcohol are out, full stop. What’s changed most is the competition. Swimming-pig encounters now operate well beyond Exuma: Rose Island off Nassau (Sandy Toes), Meeks Patch by Spanish Wells, Eleuthera, and Abaco all market their own pigs—proof that the product has gone national (and viral) with multiple island options. That growth brings scrutiny. The Ministry of Tourism investigated a Grand Bahama operator in 2023 after a viral video alleged rough handling; officials later said they 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, no grabbing piglets). A quick refresher for readers and guides: Best treats = cut watermelon, apples, carrots, lettuce, plain bread, or bagged pig feed from your tour. Worst ideas = chips, cookies, anything salty or spicy, alcohol, and feeding on dry sand (risk of sand ingestion). If you’re nervous or empty-handed, show your palms so an eager hog doesn’t mistake fingers for food. And those whispers about pigs being “pig-napped”? Claims pop up on local forums from time to time, but are hard to verify—another reason to stick with licensed operators who keep a headcount and follow welfare protocols. If we all behave, the original Exuma crew can keep paddling—and their upstart cousins around the islands can, too.
Celebration Key’s First Summer in Grand Bahama
Carnival’s new Bahamian destination Celebration Key opened on July 19, 2025 with Carnival Vista making the inaugural call on Grand Bahama. Within days, traffic ramped up: the first two-ship day on July 22 (Glory + Conquest) brought over 7,000 guests, and on July 25 the Mardi Gras tied up alongside Carnival Pride, delivering 9,000 guests in a single day. Momentum was the point: Carnival says the pier opened with capacity for two large ships at once, with an extension already underway. By the close of the opening phase, Carnival’s own planning guidance had 15 ships slated to rotate through the destination from eight homeports, tallying more than 80 visits through Labor Day weekend. In other words: a full calendar from Day 1. 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 Aug 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. 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 was behaving like a high-traffic Bahamian stop, not a novelty. The September 2025 port schedule listed 51 ship calls at Celebration Key, drawn 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. Calls were spread across practically every day of the month, often two ships per day, with times generally in the 08:00–17:00 or 11:00–19:00 bands depending on itinerary, according to Cruise Mapper which also factors in potential changes due to unsavory weather conditions. With a touted target of welcoming 2 million visitors annually, Carnival Cruise Line’s Celebration Key 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. 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. Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.
Dominican Republic gets nearly 500,000 Citizens North of the Poverty Line
If you want a Caribbean roadmap that’s more than slogans, look east. The Dominican Republic built a measurement system, tied it to a live social registry, and—crucially—publishes the results. Amazingly, their report exposed that monetary poverty fell from 27.7% (2022) to 23.0% (2023), then down again to 19.0% in 2024—about 413,686 people crossing the line. That’s not vibes; that’s people moving out of poverty. Central to the model is a national multidimensional poverty index (MPI)—the IPM-RD—so progress isn’t just about income. It tracks five dimensions with 24 indicators (think education, housing, services and health proxies), giving government a fuller picture of deprivation and who is at risk of being left behind. That measurement plugs into a social registry that works—SIUBEN, the Registro Social Universal de Hogares. It’s not a spreadsheet; it’s a constantly updated database used by ministries to find households, target benefits and keep records current. In short, it’s the operational bridge between statistics and cash or services landing in the right kitchen this month. And the numbers aren’t hidden. The country runs public scoreboards—an interactive poverty portal and periodic poverty bulletins—so anyone (including journalists and donors) can check the figures, not the press release. The methodology and updates are laid out by the statistics office, making the series comparable over time. So what actually moved? A big annual drop in 2023—poverty 27.7% → 23.0%, with extreme poverty down to 3.2%—followed by another leg down in 2024 to 19.0%. The 2024 bulletin is explicit about the scale: ~413,686 people exiting poverty. Is that the whole story? No. Rural gaps and vulnerability still matter, and the World Bank’s 2023 assessment flags the uneven geography of progress and the need to keep strengthening systems. But the direction is hard to ignore—and the transparency lets you audit it. Why it works, and why neighbours should copy it: measure more than money (so you see deprivations income alone misses), keep a live registry to act quickly on what the data shows, and publish, then improve with regular bulletins and an open portal. It’s a playbook the rest of the region can borrow without reinventing the wheel. Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.
Fashion Focus: Haiti’s Hibiscus & “Ti Peyizaj” Lit Up CARIFESTA
Not just that Haiti created—what they created: wearables blooming with the national hibiscus and storybook village scenes.At CARIFESTA XV’s Grand Market, Haiti’s pavilion read like a moving boutique: clothing, sandals, bags—artisan work with bright floral motifs and hand-rendered scenes you could spot from across the aisle. That’s the angle: design as resilience—and it photographed beautifully. Why hibiscus matters in the shotsHaiti’s national floral emblem is the hibiscus (“choublak”), so seeing it stitched, beaded, or hand-painted onto accessories isn’t random—it’s identity on fabric. It’s also widespread in Haitian design language beyond CARIFESTA. The village scenes (“ti peyizaj”) aren’t just cuteThose market/village vignettes come out of Haiti’s naïf/folk art tradition—long-standing motifs that migrated from canvas to textiles and accessories (hand-painting and beadwork). Some Haitian labels and ateliers regularly translate these visuals onto handbags and clothing; the same craft lineage showed up in Bridgetown. Proof it wasn’t just runway hypeCARICOM’s own feeds framed the Grand Market as a fashion + craft hub with daily designer showcases, while news recaps and Haitian pages highlighted the handicraft mix (sculpture, embroidery, jewelry, clothing, bags). That’s your receipts. Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.
Margaritaville Grand Turk Has Real Stock: Here’s Why It Pops!
A beach bar with a ticker—listed on the Jamaica Stock Exchange—and what those little green arrows usually say about ships, spend, and paydays. 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 that’s listed on the Jamaica Stock Exchange (USD market) as MTL. In simple English: 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; it’s usually modest in dollars. So why does it pop at all? Because 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, you can set your watch to what happens next—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 is the context behind those occasional green arrows. The setup that made it possibleThe 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. That design keeps visitors in easy flip-flop range of food, drinks, and retail—maxing time on shore and spend per passenger. It’s why the island can post million-plus cruise visitors in a year despite its tiny footprint. What the green arrow doesn’t meanA pop is not proof of big new profits or a major shift in the business. MTL trades “by appointment”—occasional, low-volume prints that can nudge the quote. You’ll see regular little green arrows (upticks) or red ones (down ticks) that reflect trading noise more than deep fundamentals. It’s color, not a crystal ball. If you’re a reader, take it as a vibe check; if you’re an investor, it’s not investment advice. Why it still matters to peopleOn-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. A little history—and a moonshot cameoCruise didn’t invent Grand Turk, but it did organize the workday. The port brings a reliable wave of customers on the days it counts. And there’s a curveball history note visitors love: 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. The risk reality (no sugar-coating)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 (authentic experiences, culture, provenance) while widening the pie into tours, heritage, markets, and conservation that aren’t hostage to a single pier day. Developed by Deandrea Hamilton • with ChatGPT (AI) • edited by Magnetic Media.
John Watling’s Distillery, Building the Future Through Partnerships
John Watling’s Distillery Co-Founder: “The Future of Tourism Is Partnerships, Not Competition” NASSAU, The Bahamas – 1st October 2025 — In today’s tourism industry, success is no longer measured by rivalry but by the strength of collaboration. That philosophy drives John Watling’s Distillery, and the transformation that has turned the historic Buena Vista Estate into one of Nassau’s most celebrated cultural landmarks. “Through collaboration, you can expand your reach,” says Pepin Argamasilla, a marketing executive and one of the partner’s whose shared vision has established John Watling’s as a cornerstone of Bahamian hospitality. “We looked around and saw companies trying to outsell each other and keep visitors to themselves. And it dawned on us: the number one advertising you can’t buy is word of mouth. So instead of competing, what if we partnered—what if we became part of what other experts in the industry were already doing?” That approach has guided the distillery since the new founders purchased the long-abandoned 1789 Buena Vista Estate. Once neglected, the property now flourishes as a living landmark: home to a working distillery, tavern, the We B Learnin’ Rum Academy, and a lively gathering place. Visitors can bottle their own rum, take part in immersive tastings, try their hand at mixing cocktails, or simply relax with drinks from the tavern, coffee from Louis & Steen’s New Orleans Coffeehouse, or Bahamian-inspired dishes from Vell Monkey Foot Eatery. Partnerships have been central to this renaissance from the very beginning. Early collaborations with Bahamas Experience, Leisure Travel and Majestic Tours laid the foundation. Today, more than 75 tour operators bring visitors to John Watling’s—including Islandz Tours, Pirate Jeep Tours, Snappa Tours and Cheryl’s Taxi and Tour Service, amongst others—cementing the distillery’s role as a hub of Nassau’s visitor economy. Over the years, John Watling’s has cultivated alliances with some of The Bahamas’ most respected businesses. 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 in 2024. Signature cocktails such as the Skylarkin’ and Cascarilla Sunrise highlight Bahamian creativity, combining John Watling’s Amber rum with RICARDO Coconut rum by Commonwealth Brewery and John Watling’s Pale rum with AMARO by Bahamas Botanicals. Among its most significant achievements is the creation of JOHN WATLING’S Paradise rum, developed in partnership with Atlantis Paradise Island. Originally launched as Atlantis’ signature rum in its Pineapple Passion cocktail, served in a copper pineapple, it quickly became a best-selling rum throughout The Bahamas and is now exported to the United States. Crafted from a blend of 4- and 6-year-old rums aged in ex-Bourbon barrels before being finished for six months in Oloroso sherry casks, Paradise rum delivers a smooth, complex flavour that reflects both the luxury and authenticity of The Bahamas—perfectly complemented by a Graycliff Cigar. “The days of outcompeting are over if you want to continue to grow,” Argamasilla explains. “Let’s show visitors how to truly enjoy The Bahamas. How dull would it be for a tourist to come to Nassau and only experience one venue? With over nine million visitors each year, there are plenty of guests to share—and so much more for them to discover.” That spirit of partnership extends into cultural preservation. After witnessing damage to historic cannons at the Water Battery on West Bay Street, John Watling’s joined forces with the Antiquities, Monuments and Museums Corporation (AMMC) to restore the site, with completion expected by American Thanksgiving. From 15th October, AMMC will also provide the West Indian Guard for ceremonial cannon firings daily at noon at the Buena Vista Estate. Each day, one guest will pull the trigger—an unforgettable “bragging rights” experience blending history, entertainment and national pride. Collaboration stretches beyond the islands too. In the United States, John Watling’s has offered its products at Total Wine & More across 15 states—including Florida, New York, Texas and California, amongst others—bringing The Rum of The Bahamas to American consumers. On the cruise front, the distillery recently partnered with Royal Caribbean International for the prestigious President’s Cruise 2025, which docked in Nassau on 23rd September. For the occasion, John Watling’s Distillery created a pop-up version of its Rum Academy inside the Nassau Cruise Port’s Art Gallery. Guests bottled their own rum—sealing it with molten wax and custom labels—and enjoyed guided tastings that showcased Bahamian rum-making heritage. “We welcome hundreds of thousands of cruise, stopover and local guests, to the Buena Vista Estate every year,” says Argamasilla. “But this was a unique chance to bring the Rum Academy to them, right at the port. It showed the power of partnership, how collaboration amplifies reach, and what The Bahamas can offer.” The network of partnerships continues to grow. “Up here on the hill,” Argamasilla adds, “we collaborate with the Graycliff Group of Companies, The National Art Gallery, Educulture Junkanoo Museum, Tasty Teas, the D’Aguilar Art Gallery, artist Antonius Roberts, and nearby churches and historic sites—helping to continue to restore and position our neighbourhood as the cultural heart of The Bahamas.” For John Watling’s, the mission extends far beyond the distilling and ageing of fine rums. Its vision is to champion The Bahamas as a destination defined by history, culture and hospitality. As Argamasilla reflects: “At the end of the day, we all have one product—and that product is The Bahamas. The more goodwill we extend, the more goodwill comes back. Partnerships make the pie bigger for everyone. And for those who wish to join us, you know where to find us—but every partnership must be built on mutual respect and benefit.” Located at the historic 1789 Buena Vista Estate on Delancy Street in Downtown Nassau, John Watling’s Distillery offers small-batch handcrafted rums, guided tours, tastings and cultural experiences at its We B Learnin’ Rum Academy seven days a week (excluding national holidays), from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Learn more at www.johnwatlings.com. Passengers from Royal Caribbean’s President’s Cruise enjoy John Watling’s Distillery ‘pop up’ rum tasting and bottle your own rum experiences at the Nassau Cruise
Silver Airways Collapses Mid-Flight, Shuts Down Operations Across Florida and the Caribbean
By Deandrea Hamilton, Editor 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. 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.” The collapse 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.
GROUND BROKEN FOR US$81M PORT ANTONIO BYPASS
MORANT BAY, June 27 (JIS): Ground has been broken for the US$81-million Port Antonio Bypass in Portland, marking the dawn of a new era of mobility, opportunity, and resilience for the parish. 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. Speaking during Thursday’s (June 26) ground-breaking ceremony, Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, said the occasion marked “The breaking of barriers that have long held back the full economic potential of this beautiful parish and people”. He noted that the Bypass “Represents an investment in Portland’s growth, tourism potential, its ability to attract capital, create jobs and build wealth for its citizens”. Prime Minister Holness noted that Port Antonio, being a low-lying town frequently affected by weather events, stands to benefit significantly from the inland relocation of the roadway, which will safeguard the residents’ mobility, assets, land and businesses. “For decades, Port Antonio has been one of Jamaica’s hidden gems, blessed with natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, but held back by limited access and inadequate infrastructure. The current route through the town centre, while scenic, adds to the traffic congestion in the town. It is vulnerable to flooding and coastal erosion and it cannot accommodate the scale of development we envision for this area,” he stated. Dr. Holness indicated that the Bypass will unlock new commercial zones, stimulate land development and create space for expansion, while preserving Port Antonio’s identity as a quiet coastal retreat with a thriving economic hub. Port Antonio Bypass…2 He indicated that an additional $521 million will be allocated for land acquisition, with more than 200 parcels to be acquired under phase one. The National Land Agency (NLA) has already commenced the acquisition process. “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
CIBC Caribbean and JetBlue Expand Partnership with Introduction of New JetBlue Business Card for Business Clients in Four Caribbean Destinations
Bridgetown, Barbados (June 23, 2025)– CIBC Caribbean and Mastercard have unveiled a third card, the JetBlue Business Credit Card, designed for business clients across four Caribbean markets where JetBlue operates: The Bahamas, Barbados, The Cayman Islands and Jamaica. Developed with customers in mind, the new JetBlue Business Card offers exclusive rewards, valuable travel benefits, and enhanced opportunities to earn and redeem TrueBlue points, underscoring JetBlue’s ongoing commitment to fostering loyalty by becoming an integral part of its customers’ daily business journeys. “We are thrilled to expand our card offerings with the addition of the JetBlue Business Card by CIBC Caribbean which will offer a truly enhanced travel experience for the business traveler,” said Jennifer Fuller, Director Enterprise Payments, Cards and Merchant Services. “As a leading airline in the Caribbean, JetBlue takes great pride in our continued commitment to delivering innovative programs and products to our loyal customers throughout the region,” said Edward Pouthier, Vice President of Loyalty and Personalization at JetBlue. “We’re excited to strengthen our partnership with CIBC Caribbean through the launch of the new JetBlue Business Card, an offering designed specifically for our business customers. This new card provides exclusive rewards and benefits, allowing cardmembers to earn and redeem TrueBlue points across JetBlue’s network of more than 100 destinations and partner airlines, bringing them one swipe closer to their next journey.” The JetBlue Business Credit Card offers TrueBlue points based on eligible spend, and clients with frequent travel to North America and beyond, will also benefit from using the business credit card for purchases instead of using their personal cards. The new business card will allow holders in The Bahamas, Barbados, The Cayman Islands and Jamaica to enjoy Group A priority boarding on select flights, the first checked bag free for up to three eligible travel companions in the same reservation, earn 4X points on eligible JetBlue purchases and get 10,000 TrueBlue points annually. The new JetBlue Business Credit Card by CIBC Caribbean is the latest offering following the launch of the JetBlue Mastercard and JetBlue Select Mastercard by CIBC FirstCaribbean which were introduced in November 2023 in The Bahamas, Barbados, The Cayman Islands, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago. These cards provide cardmembers exclusive rewards, benefits, and an opportunity to earn TrueBlue® points that can be used to travel to more than 100 destinations in JetBlue’s network. CIBC Caribbean CIBC Caribbean is a relationship bank offering a full range of market leading financial services through our Corporate Banking, Personal and Business Banking and Private Wealth segments. We are located in ten (10) countries around the Caribbean, providing banking services through approximately 2,700 employees in 41 branches and offices. We are one of the largest regionally listed financial services institutions in the English-speaking Caribbean, with US$13 billion in assets and market capitalization of US$1.7 billion. We also have a representative office in Hong Kong that provides business development and relationship management for our fund administration. The face of banking is changing throughout the world, and CIBC Caribbean intends to lead these changes with the expertise, integrity and knowledge gained from banking in the Caribbean since 1836. 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 Support Another Year of Transforming Spaces with Fresh Offerings
Nassau, BAHAMAS — Caribbean Wines & Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ premier wines and spirits distributor supports another year of Transforming Spaces with fresh new products and exciting handcrafted cocktails. To mark the 21st year of Transforming Spaces this past weekend, CWS provided extensive offerings from their portfolio, showcasing their many products. Various galleries during the two-day art tour featured CWS’s products along with brand representatives who provided guests with a deeper knowledge of each product or cocktail. Guests embarked on a spirited journey through fine wines and artisanal cocktails while visiting some of Nassau’s most inspiring art galleries. At the historic Balcony House, French sophistication was on full display with Bouvet Ladubay’s Signature Brut and the delicate Excellence Brut Rosé. UB’s Pro Gallery featured bold Argentinian expressions, including Alta Vista Vive Malbec and the aromatic Alta Vista Estate Torrontés. CWS’s newest spirits made a vibrant impression through curated specialty mixes crafted by award winning mixologist Marv Cunningham. El Tequileño Tequila shone in refreshing margaritas and paloma’s served at CAB Gallery and Studio, while ABK6 ‘Single Estate’ Cognac elevated the experience at Hillside House with Strawberry Honey Cognac Sours and Tropical Mango Sidecars. Christina Wong, Vice President of Transforming Spaces, shared how CWS’ participation in the event has evolved into a highly anticipated affair. “Caribbean Wines & Spirits has been a long-standing and valued sponsor of Transforming Spaces, and their ongoing support truly means the world to us. Every year, our patrons look forward to the signature drinks, it’s become such a fun and refreshing tradition! It’s that kind of thoughtful touch that brings joy to the experience and helps keep the tour memorable.” Wong revealed. Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers and distributors of Coca-Cola and Dasani products and sister company to Caribbean Wines & Spirits also donated products for the two-day art weekend. Patrons of the highly anticipated art tour stayed thoroughly hydrated throughout the weekend with CBC’s generous donations of over 1,300 bottles and cans of Coca-Cola No Sugar, Dasani Water, Dasani Flavored Water, Vita Coco Coconut Water and the newest flavors to hit shelves, Fanta’s Green Apple and Banana. Jonathan Thronebury, Marketing Director of Caribbean Bottling Company, shares why both companies continue their support of Transforming Spaces each year. “We’re proud to partner with initiatives like Transforming Spaces that champion the orange economy and provide a vibrant platform for Bahamian artists. Each year, we thoughtfully strategize how to elevate the experience, pairing premium products with innovative cocktails that complement the artistic journey. Supporting Bahamian culture and community is deeply important to us, and our sponsorship of Transforming Spaces not only celebrates creativity but also offers direct support to the artists who bring it to life.” Thronebury shared. Wong shared the importance of this partnership to the overall success of the two-day tour and her team’s heartfelt gratitude for the continual support. “Beyond the beverages, they understand how important this is for the development of the creative community…We’re sincerely grateful to have them as part of our journey. In a way, what they do, by creating unique drinks, blending flavors, designing experiences, is an art form in itself. Their commitment to supporting the arts in The Bahamas reflects a genuine passion for culture, and we’re proud to partner with them.” Wong expressed. CWS is proud to contribute towards a beautiful weekend of art and culture. Providing exceptional products and hydration to all involved for an elevated cultural experience. For more updates on Caribbean Wines & Spirits product offerings, philanthropic work, and events visit www.cwsbahamas.com today.
