Business

GAIA Inc. Signs MOU For Public Private Partnership

Building on the Barbados-UAE State-to-State Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) earlier this year, supporting closer cooperation of commercial activities, the Grantley Adams International Airport (GAIA) Inc. and the Office Of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed Dalmook Al Maktoum of Dubai and Agencias Universales S.A. of Chile announced today a MOU to finalise contractual arrangements towards a new Public-Private Partnership (PPP) for the investment, development and operation of the airport, a hemispheric cargo hub, expanded airlift and additional luxury hotel capacity.

Background

The Government of Barbados is keen for more and better employment opportunities for all Barbadians. In the international transport sector, this can only come through an investment in Grantley Adams International Airport of approximately BDS$300 million that improves the customer experience, upgrades the infrastructure, develops retail revenues, a hemispheric cargo hub, and links these investments with initiatives for new airlift and hotel capacity. The Government of Barbados recognises that without substantial investment, the airport will not be able to maintain standards and certifications in the long run.

At the same time, the Government of Barbados is in a debt-reduction program to safeguard the value of the Barbados dollar. As a result of that program, the ratio of national debt to national income peaked at 176.8% in 2018 and, despite the pandemic, is now at 119.6% – almost halfway to the long-run sustainable target of 60%. But this track leaves little room on the Government’s balance sheet for substantial addition of debt for required airport investments.

The Government of Barbados also has no desire, under any circumstances, to sell the Grantley Adams International Airport. Consequently, the best avenue for new investment is a Public-Private Partnership which brings investment and international airport management experience and expertise in return for sharing airport revenues.

Partnership

The proposed Public-Private Partnership follows the earlier MOU between the Governments of Barbados and the UAE that looked towards closer commercial interests, especially in the transport and travel sectors.

The Government of Barbados is pleased that in The Office of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed Dalmook Al Maktoum, it has found a partner with the shared priorities of protecting and expanding national employment through investment, training, service excellence and certification, employee and customer safety, net-zero targets, higher revenue growth and better integration between airport-cargo-air lift and hotels.

The partner group, led by the Office of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed Dalmook Al Maktoum of Dubai and Agencias Universales S.A. of Chile, has substantial experience in airport passenger and cargo operations in over 20 countries across three continents. In addition to the approximately BDS$300m to be invested in the airport by the Office of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed Dalmook Al Maktoum of Dubai, The Office is committed to coordinating and facilitating investments in new hotels and airlift.

Quotes

Barbados’ Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Ian Gooding-Edghill said: “We are excited about the prospect of more jobs, training and certification across the eco-system of the airport, airport services, and tourism sectors. I know that change can be unsettling, even if positive, so a critical component of this potential PPP is that there will be no change in the ownership of our airport and no change in the terms and conditions of employees. We have also tried hard to keep all workers and their representatives updated and consulted about developments, opportunities and challenges. I commit to continue to do so and keep the public updated.

“To that end, I will announce a town hall meeting shortly to present the plan and answer any questions Barbadians may have. I thank the Government’s Negotiating Committee, and its Chairman, Avinash Persaud, for getting us here with the strong support of the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Francine Blackman, GAIA Inc.’s Board and Chairman, Dr. Jerry Emtage, and GAIA Inc. staff, led so well by CEO Hadley Bourne.”

Chairman of Grantley Adams International Airport Inc. Dr. Jerry Emtage said: “I welcome our potential new partners and look forward to seeing the broader positive impact on Barbados of an upgraded airport, greater airlift and more hotel rooms. I thank my Board members for their help in weighing up many complex issues.”

Grantley Adams International Airport Inc. CEO Hadley Bourne said: “My team and I have spent many months discussing with our potential new partners at commercial and technical levels. I can vouch for their expertise and understanding of our issues, challenges and opportunities. I am pleased that we have a strong investment plan to maintain and upgrade the airport. I believe visitors, staff and Barbadians will appreciate the differences they will see in a couple of years. I thank my team who worked assiduously supporting the negotiation and planning, in particular, Gale Yearwood.”

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Dalmook Al Maktoum said: “We are very pleased to collaborate with the Government of Barbados on this project. We are looking forward to positively contributing to the economy of Barbados by creating jobs, improving airport infrastructure and facilities and promoting tourism in the country.”

Mr. Fernando Rodriguez, CEO of Agencias Universales S.A., said: “We are very excited about our partnership with the Government of Barbados and the Office of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed Dalmook Al Maktoum of Dubai. We are committed to the success of this project and making every Barbadian proud of their airport and the upgrades to come.” (PR/GIS)

Grantley Adams International Airport Inc. and The Office of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Dalmook Al Maktoum of Dubai and Agencias Universales S.A. of Chile sign a Memorandum of Understanding towards a new Public Private Partnership for the investment, development and operation of the airport, a hemispheric hub for cargo, expanded airlift and additional luxury hotel capacity.

Business

GALA DINNER CELEBRATES 40TH ANNIVERSARY

The Light & Power Employees Co-operative Credit Union Ltd. (LPECCUL) marked an impressive milestone on Saturday night, hosting a memorable 40th Anniversary Gala Dinner at the Accra Hotel. The evening was a celebration of history, resilience, and growth, honouring LPECCUL’s four decades of commitment to financial empowerment and community service in Barbados.

Guests arriving at the gala were greeted with the warm sounds of steelpan music by Ms. Allana Goodridge, a graduate and former junior member of the credit union, who set an elegant tone for the evening. The festivities were expertly guided by Master of Ceremonies Paula Palmer, who delighted the crowd with a mix of exciting prizes and giveaways sponsored by Stade’s Distillery Visitor Centre.

A highlight of the evening was the special achievement award presentation by Mr. Anton Lovell, CEO of Co-Operators General Insurance Company Limited. Mr. Lovell recognised LPECCUL for its outstanding success and commended the longstanding partnership between the two institutions, underscoring the strength of their collaboration.

The evening’s keynote speaker, Lt. Col. Trevor Browne, a founding member of LPECCUL, delivered a compelling speech on the origins of the credit union. He shared insights into its formation, early challenges, and eventual growth, citing the various business ventures and investments made over the years. Lt. Col. Browne emphasized the importance of credit unions in Barbados expanding their focus to attract and support younger members, highlighting the value of investing in youth-led businesses as a way forward.

Closing the event, LPECCUL President Sheena Edwards delivered a heartfelt Vote of Thanks. She expressed deep appreciation to the evening’s special guests, including representatives from credit unions across Barbados, eight of LPECCUL’s original 40 founding members: Anthony Seale, Charles Holder, Donald Hoyte, Oliver Jones, Ian Bridgeman, Julie Alleyne, Keith Burnett and Lt. Col. Trevor Browne, and former company manager Curtis Smith. She also extended her gratitude to the dedicated LPECCUL staff, The Light & Power Employees Co-operative Credit Union Ltd.whose hard work and commitment have been instrumental to the credit union’s enduringsuccess.

The 40th Anniversary Gala Dinner was a celebration not only of LPECCUL’s history but also of its ongoing mission to inspire financial independence and support the community. As LPECCUL continues to innovate and expand its services, the credit union remains committed to fostering financial success for all members.(PR)

Business

Barbados To Host Regional Economic Conference

Local, regional, and international economics, finance, and development experts will gather in Barbados from November 6 to 8, 2024, for the 55th Annual Monetary Studies Conference (AMSC).

The event, which the Central Bank of Barbados is co-hosting with the Caribbean Economic Research Team (CERT), will be held under the theme: “Macroeconomic Management in an Era of Polycrises.”

“We are living at a time when our islands face multiple issues, ranging from high debt levels to climate change, to an aging population to geo-political tensions such as the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war and the Israel-Hamas conflict,” Director of Communications, Information, and Outreach at the Central Bank, Novaline Brewster, said.

“Each of these on its own would represent a challenge. Combined, they could threaten the stability of our economies and the livelihoods of our citizens. The AMSC gives us an opportunity to bring together some of the leading minds to share their insights and offer research-based approaches to addressing these various crises.”

Ms. Brewster revealed that to complement the more technical sessions, on the second day of the conference, November 7, at 4:00 p.m., American economist Professor Jeffrey Sachs will deliver the 37th Adlith Brown Memorial Lecture, the topic for which will be the same as the conference’s theme.

“In addition to the Adlith Brown lecture, we will be hosting a panel discussion entitled: “The Role of Central Banks in Facilitating the Mobilisation of Regional Investment for Development Support” on the final day, November 8, at 10:15 a.m. The panel for that event will comprise several of our regional central bank governors,” she revealed.

Both the panel discussion and the lecture will be livestreamed on the Central Bank of Barbados’ Facebook page and YouTube channel.

Central Bank of Barbados will host the 63rd gathering of this group as Barbados’ Governor, Dr. Kevin Greenidge, is the current Chair of the committee. (PR/GIS)

Business

Barbados to Host Regional Economic Conference

Local, regional, and international economics, finance, and development experts will gather in Barbados from November 6 to 8, 2024 for the 55th Annual Monetary Studies Conference (AMSC). The event, which the Central Bank of Barbados is co-hosting with the Caribbean Economic Research Team (CERT), will be held under the theme “Macroeconomic Management in an Era of Polycrises.” “We are living at a time when our islands face multiple issues, ranging from high debt levels to climate change to an aging population to geo-political tensions such as the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war and the Israel-Hamas conflict,” said Novaline Brewster, Director of Communications, Information, and Outreach at the Central Bank. “Each of these on its own would represent a challenge. Combined, they could threaten the stability of our economies and the livelihoods of our citizens. The AMSC gives us an opportunity to bring together some of the leading minds to share their insights and offer research-based approaches to addressing these various crises.”

The three-day conference will feature sessions related to financial development and financial stability, adjusting to climate change, digital innovations and transformation, regional integration and governance, and regional economic development. Brewster revealed that to complement the more technical sessions, on the second day of the conference, November 7, at 4:00 p.m., American economist Professor Jeffrey Sachs will deliver the 37th Adlith Brown Memorial Lecture, the topic for which will be the same as the conference theme. “In addition to the Adlith Brown lecture, we will be hosting a panel discussion entitled “The Role of Central Banks in Facilitating the Mobilisation of Regional Investment for Development Support” on the final day, November 8, at 10:15 a.m. The panel for that event will comprise several of our regional central bank governors.” Both the panel discussion and the lecture will be livestreamed on the Central Bank of Barbados’ Facebook page and YouTube channel.

The Annual Monetary Studies Conference, the oldest academic conference of economists in the Caribbean, is held in a different territory each year to coincide with the second of the Bi-Annual Meetings of the CARICOM Committee of Central Bank Governors. Central Bank of Barbados will host the 63rd gathering of this group as Barbados Governor Dr. Kevin Greenidge is the current Chair of the committee.