Exxon Mobil And Partners Report $5.8 Billion Earnings From Guyana Oil In First Public Disclosure

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. May 26, 2023: As Guyana marks its 57th anniversary of independence from Britain today, reports indicate that Exxon Mobil Corp and its partners reported a substantial earnings figure of US $5.8 billion in 2022 from offshore oil production in the South American, CARICOM nation.

The audited results were disclosed as part of an appeal against a court ruling that found the group in breach of insurance obligations related to oil-spill coverage. This marks the first public disclosure of the profits earned by Exxon, Hess Corp, and CNOOC Ltd from their offshore operations in Guyana, where they account for the entire oil output of the country. Production in Guyana began in 2019, and the consortium has steadily increased its production capacity.

In the appeal, Exxon emphasized its technical and financial capabilities to effectively respond to any adverse events, assuring the authorities of its spill-mitigation technology and its ability to cap major oil spills promptly. The group holds $600 million in liability insurance for the Liza One offshore platform.

According to the financial statements, Exxon earned $2.74 billion, Hess earned $1.53 billion, and CNOOC pocketed $1.55 billion from offshore oil production in 2022. By the end of the year, the consortium was producing around 375,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd) from two offshore vessels and has plans to ramp up production to 1.2 million bpd by 2027.

In terms of taxes, Exxon incurred approximately $281 million in expenses in Guyana last year, compared to none in 2020. The financial statement, audited by Guyanese firm TSD Lal & Co, also revealed that the group holds approximately $19 billion in assets in Guyana. At the end of the year, Exxon’s assets in the country were valued at $10.76 billion, while Hess and CNOOC held assets worth $4.28 billion and $3.9 billion, respectively, according to the filing.

Caribbean Travel News And Deals

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. May 26, 2023: Here are the top Caribbean travel news and deals this Memorial Day week in 60 seconds.

Canada and the US may be warning nationals to reconsider travel to Jamaica but that has not stopped celebrities like Skylar Astin of ‘So Help Me Todd’ fame from vacationing there. He was seen in an Overwater Bungalow at Sandals South Coast Resort on May 23, 2023 in White House, Jamaica.

Meanwhile, Gavin Casalegno from “The Summer I Turned Pretty”was also in Jamaica on a pre-summer getaway and was spotted At The Sandals South Coast Resort.

Academy Award winner and “So Help Me Todd” actress Marcia Gay Harden choose Beaches Resort in in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos for her family getaway.

Grammy winning star Shaggy was at Sandals Dunn’s River where he performed at the opening of the new Sandals resort on May 19th in Ocho Rios, Jamaica.

Also performing at the grand opening for Sandals Dunn’s River was Stomp, a percussion group, originating in Brighton, England, that uses the body and ordinary objects to create a physical theatre performance using rhythms, acrobatics and pantomime.

interCaribbean Airways will provide additional service between St. Kitts (SKB) and Barbados (BGI) throughout the week of the St. Kitts Music Festival – on Thursday, 22 June, and Saturday, 24 June, bolstering opportunities for regional travel.

Frontier Airlines will now operate the non-stop flight from Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) to Montego Bay (MBJ) three times weekly. Flight schedules are subject to change without notice, so travelers are encouraged to check FlyFrontier.com for the most updated information.

Fly to Montego Bay from New York JFK and stay from Wed, Jun 28 – Fri, Jun 30 at the Ocean Eden Bay Adults All Inclusive for just $862 per person. Choose flight and book HERE

Latest AI Trends to Skyrocket Your Marketing Team’s Efforts in 2023: A Guide for Caribbean and Latin America Business Owners

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Thurs. May 25, 2023: In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, staying ahead of the competition requires leveraging cutting-edge technologies. Artificial Intelligence (AI), has emerged as a game-changer, empowering businesses to enhance their marketing strategies and achieve unprecedented success. In this story, we explore the latest AI trends specifically catered to Caribbean and Latin America business owners, enabling them to skyrocket their marketing team’s efforts in 2023.

Personalization for Enhanced Customer Experiences
AI-powered personalization is revolutionizing the way businesses engage with their customers. By leveraging data-driven insights and machine learning algorithms, Caribbean and Latin America business owners can deliver tailored experiences that resonate with their target audience. From personalized recommendations to customized messaging, AI enables businesses to forge deeper connections and drive customer loyalty.

Chatbots and Virtual Assistants for Seamless Communication
Efficient communication is vital for businesses to meet customer needs promptly. AI-driven chatbots and virtual assistants offer round-the-clock support, instantly addressing customer queries and providing valuable information. By integrating chatbot technology, Caribbean and Latin America business owners can enhance customer service, improve response times, and free up their team’s resources for higher-value tasks.

Predictive Analytics for Data-Driven Insights
Predictive analytics powered by AI empowers Caribbean and Latin America business owners to make informed decisions based on data-driven insights. By analyzing historical data and market trends, AI algorithms can provide valuable predictions, helping businesses optimize marketing campaigns, identify emerging opportunities, and stay ahead of industry shifts.

Voice Search Optimization for Improved Discoverability
Voice search is rapidly gaining popularity, presenting a significant opportunity for businesses in the Caribbean and Latin America. By optimizing their online content for voice search, such as through voice-friendly keywords and structured data, business owners can enhance their discoverability and capture a larger audience, tapping into the growing market of voice-enabled devices.

AI-Enhanced Content Creation
Creating high-quality content is crucial for engaging audiences. AI-powered tools can assist Caribbean and Latin America business owners in generating compelling content at scale. From automated content generation to intelligent content curation, AI can streamline the content creation process, freeing up time and resources for other strategic marketing initiatives.

Data Security and Privacy
As AI adoption grows, ensuring data security and privacy becomes paramount. Caribbean and Latin America business owners must prioritize robust data protection measures, adhere to regulatory requirements, and adopt ethical AI practices. By instilling trust and transparency, businesses can strengthen customer relationships and safeguard sensitive information.

Final Thoughts

AI has become a driving force in revolutionizing marketing strategies for Caribbean and Latin America business owners. By leveraging AI-powered personalization, chatbots, predictive analytics, voice search optimization, and content creation tools from one platform under one roof, businesses can amplify their marketing team’s efforts and achieve remarkable success. However, it is crucial to balance AI adoption with data security and privacy considerations. Embrace these latest AI trends to unlock the full potential of your marketing efforts and position your business for growth in 2023.

Unlocking Expansion Capital: How Latin American, Central American, And Caribbean Developers Can Easily Raise Funds For Existing Projects

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Weds. May 24, 2023: As digital nomads move to Latin America, Central America, and the Caribbean, the regions are witnessing a surge for housing. Real estate development, particularly in the commercial sector, with a focus on apartment complexes and villas are in high demands.

However, many developers face the challenge of raising sufficient capital to fund their expansion projects due to a historical lack of access to capital in these region. But while there is indeed a lack of access to capital for start-ups currently, capital is currently available for developers with existing properties that are seeking expansion capital according to Invest Caribbean, the global private sector investment agency of the Caribbean.

Bridge Loans: Fueling Growth Opportunities

Bridge loans have emerged as a viable financial tool for developers seeking expansion capital according to Invest Caribbean. These short-term loans bridge the gap between the immediate financing needs of a project and its long-term financing options. For Latin American, Central American, and Caribbean developers, bridge loans offer a flexible and efficient way to raise capital for existing projects, enabling them to seize growth opportunities and maximize their potential.

Accessing Expansion Capital with Ease

One of the key advantages of bridge loans is their accessibility. Traditional financing options may present challenges for developers, such as lengthy approval processes, stringent requirements, and limited availability. However, bridge loans are designed to provide a faster and more streamlined funding solution. Developers can leverage their existing projects’ value to secure the loan quickly, enabling them to move forward with their expansion plans without unnecessary delays.

Flexible Financing for Diverse Projects

Commercial real estate encompasses a wide range of projects, from hotel developments to apartment complexes and beyond. Bridge loans cater to this diversity by offering flexible financing options that can be tailored to the specific needs of each project. Whether it’s renovating an existing hotel, constructing a new apartment complex, or repurposing a commercial property, developers can leverage bridge loans to finance their expansion ventures effectively.

Maximizing Returns and Accelerating Growth

By utilizing bridge loans, Latin American, Central American, and Caribbean developers can unlock the potential of their existing projects. Access to expansion capital enables them to expedite construction timelines, implement value-enhancing upgrades, or acquire additional properties, ultimately maximizing returns on investment. The flexibility and speed of bridge loans allow developers to capitalize on market opportunities promptly, contributing to accelerated growth and success.

Building Strong Partnerships

Bridge loans are typically provided by specialized financial institutions or private lenders experienced in real estate financing. Collaborating with these partners not only provides the necessary funds but also fosters long-term relationships with experts who understand the regional market dynamics. Developers can leverage their knowledge and expertise to navigate the unique challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities in Latin America, Central America, and the Caribbean.

For Latin American, Central American, and Caribbean developers, raising expansion capital for existing projects is now easier than ever with the introduction of bridge loans. These flexible and accessible financing options empower developers to seize growth opportunities, maximize project potential, and accelerate success. By leveraging bridge loans, developers can embark on transformative ventures that shape the commercial real estate landscape in these vibrant regions.

Remembering My Friend Harry Belafonte

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By Dr. Monty Alexander

NEWS AMERICAS, NEW YORK, NY, Tues. May 23, 2023: On April 25, 2023, the world bid farewell to Harry Belafonte, a true icon of music, cinema, and activism. I not only mourn the loss of an extraordinary individual, but also a dear friend.

Growing up in Jamaica, my home, Harry played a significant role in my life. In 1956, his album “Jump Up Calypso” emerged, validating the heritage music of Jamaica. The delightful songs sung by Harry, such as “Banana Boat” and “Island in the Sun,” brought smiles to everyone’s faces.

Long before the rise of Bob Marley and the popularization of reggae, Harry was already putting Jamaica on the map with Calypso, or as we called it then, mento. He brought Caribbean rhythms and influences to the forefront of popular music, paving the way for generations of artists who followed in his footsteps.

Harry possessed both striking looks and a compelling voice. When he appeared in movies, his talent as an actor shone brilliantly. I recall watching him in the 1959 film “The World, The Flesh and The Devil,” and I distinctly remember my mother having a crush on him. In fact, Harry Belafonte was adored by many ladies of that era.

As I began my own journey in music, Harry became one of my influential figures. His attitude, grace, integrity, and warmth left a lasting impact on me. Our friendship flourished when I moved to the United States, as we shared a common Jamaican heritage. Despite being an American born in Harlem, his parents hailed from Jamaica, and he even attended high school there for a few years.

Harry always treated me with great kindness. Whenever he saw me, he would joyfully exclaim, “cousin!” Our bond grew stronger over time.

I also cherish the memory of Harry’s contributions to the civil rights movement in America. He leveraged his celebrity status and rallied his Hollywood friends, including Paul Newman, Tony Bennett, and his dear companion from The Bahamas, Sidney Poitier, to join Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in raising awareness for the cause before marching in Selma.

Harry’s activism extended beyond the borders of the United States. He utilized his fame and influence to shed light on human rights abuses in South Africa and other parts of the world. He embraced his platform as a performer to champion the issues closest to his heart, inspiring countless others to do the same. Harry Belafonte was not only an extraordinary entertainer but also an unwavering advocate for social justice and civil rights.

In recent years, I had the privilege of spending time with him on several occasions. Our last meeting occurred on December 16th, 2021, when Harry received the distinguished title of Chevalier of the Legion of Honor from the President of the Republic of France. I was honored to be among the select few non-family members present at the private ceremony held in his New York City home. Though time had passed, and Harry seemed quieter than usual, we shared a wonderful moment, exchanging smiles and embraces. During that special event, Mrs. Belafonte, Pamela Frank, took this lovely picture that I share with great honor and pride.

Dr. Monty Alexander, C.D., (l), with Harry Belafonte at his home in Manhattan, NY, in December 2021. (Pamela Frank image)

Losing him fills me with deep sadness. Harry, I will miss you and the tremendous difference you made as an activist for people of color and the less fortunate.

Harry’s legacy serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of music. His music brought joy and inspiration to millions around the world, while his activism fostered real and lasting change.

As we remember Harry, let us draw inspiration from his example and continue to utilize music and art as vehicles for promoting social justice and equality for all.

In closing, I would like to share a quote from Harry Belafonte that has always resonated with me: “The artist is the radical voice of society.” Let us all strive to be that radical voice, and to use our talents and platforms to make the world a better place.

Au Revoir Harry. God Bless, and Happy Journey Home.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Dr. Monty Alexander, C.D, is a Grammy-nominated, award-winning Jamaican-born, world renown musician who was recently awarded the Order of Jamaica (OJ) for sterling contribution to the promotion of Jamaican music and the Jazz genre interpretations globally. Hear his version of Harry Belafonte’s ‘Island In The Sun’ at youtube.com/watch?v=XSf96gDBMco

Using AI To Streamline Business Operations Cheaply: A Game-Changer For Latin American And Caribbean Businesses

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Tues. May 23, 2023: In today’s fast-paced business environment, efficiency and organization are key to staying ahead of the competition. If you’re a business owner or manager in Latin America or the Caribbean, here’s an opportunity to use AI cheaply and manage the power of managing your business with your own custom dashboard from the Hard Beat platform.

Introducing Your Custom Dashboard

Gain full control and streamline your business operations with a user-friendly custom dashboard. Tailored specifically for small businesses, especially those in Latin America and the Caribbean, this dashboard empowers you to manage various aspects of your operations in one centralized location.

Simplify Business Management

Efficiency is the name of the game, and our custom dashboard is designed to simplify your daily business management tasks. From tracking sales and inventory to managing customer relationships and financials, promoting on social media and more, your dashboard will provide a comprehensive solution to keep your business running smoothly.

Real-Time Data Insights

Make informed decisions with real-time data insights at your fingertips. This custom dashboard consolidates data from multiple sources, giving you a clear and up-to-date overview of your business performance. Monitor key metrics, identify trends, and seize opportunities for growth and optimization.

Enhanced Collaboration and Communication:

Effortlessly collaborate with your team and facilitate effective communication through our dashboard. Assign tasks, share documents, and streamline workflows to improve productivity and enhance teamwork. Experience seamless collaboration no matter where your team is located.

Scalable and Flexible Solution

Whether you’re a small startup or a large enterprise, our custom dashboard is designed to scale with your business. As your operations grow, our flexible solution can accommodate your evolving needs, ensuring that you have a reliable platform to support your expansion plans.

This game-changing custom dashboard service allows you to take your business to new heights. Streamline your operations, gain valuable insights, and drive growth like never before. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to revolutionize the way you manage your business. Get started today and unlock the full potential of your Latin American or Caribbean business!

Data Is Key Global State Of The Media Report Says – Here’s What Caribbean And Latin American Communicators Should Know

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Mon. May 22, 2023: The latest Global State Of The Media Report from CISION is out and for the 14th year, CISION PR Newswire, a partner of CARIBPR Wire, has broadened its approach to help communciations professionals more deeply understand the state of the relationship with journalists and people behind the numbers.

When it comes to press releases that journalists are more interested in the main word for 2023 is DATA!

A full 40% of journalists surveyed say they are relying more on data this year  – views, engagement, demographic data, etc. – to shape their editorial strategy than they have in previous years. Just over 54% surveyed say they are relying on it the same amount, with a mere 6% saying they are relying on it less.

When asked what kind of content or information they wanted to receive from strategic communicators, 68% of journalists said they wanted data – in the form of original research, such as trends and market data. Their biggest priority is ensuring content is accurate.

Additionally, 44% of journalists say they use social media to pick up on trending topics, and more than half (52%) are using it to monitor elements like news, keywords and competitive media. Communications professionals should not only think about social media as a way to engage with and learn more about journalists, but also as a platform to pull data and arm them with valuable data for their stories.

Data – structured, relevant and verified data – can be what makes your message stand out. There are myriad ways journalists are using data. Whether you are serving up audience demographic data to prove you’ve done your research on their audience, trend reports to show that your story is timely, or unique research your client or organization created that will resonate with the reporter’s audience – opportunities abound to provide data in a meaningful way that serves your shared goal of telling a compelling and accurate story to Caribbean or Latin America media or media globally.

Boosting Productivity and Embracing Digital Technology: Imperatives for Caribbean Businesses

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. May 19, 2023: A recent report by the Inter-American Development Bank, (IDB), has shed light on a critical issue faced by Caribbean businesses – the need to improve productivity and embrace technology to drive growth and competitiveness.

The report, titled “Fostering Innovation and Productivity in the Caribbean,” underscores the urgency for businesses in the region to take proactive measures to enhance productivity and harness the potential of digital transformation.

Caribbean businesses, though brimming with potential, have been grappling with lower productivity levels compared to their global counterparts. This productivity gap not only limits their ability to compete effectively in regional and international markets but also hampers overall economic progress. To address this challenge, it is imperative for businesses in the Caribbean to adopt innovative practices and leverage digital technology to drive efficiency and unlock new opportunities.

Embracing digital technology offers numerous advantages for businesses in the Caribbean. By adopting digital tools and platforms, companies can streamline operations, enhance communication and collaboration, and gain access to new markets and customers. Automation and digitalization can significantly improve productivity, enabling businesses to accomplish more with fewer resources and reduce operational costs.

The IDB report emphasizes the importance of digital infrastructure development and the acquisition of digital skills. Enhancing access to high-speed internet, expanding broadband coverage, and investing in digital education and training programs are crucial steps for businesses to harness the benefits of digital technology fully.

Moreover, the report highlights the need for Caribbean businesses to embrace innovation and entrepreneurship. Encouraging a culture of innovation can drive creativity, problem-solving, and adaptability within organizations. By fostering collaboration between businesses, academia, and research institutions, the region can create an ecosystem that promotes knowledge-sharing, technology transfer, and the development of groundbreaking solutions.

In addition, governments and policymakers play a vital role in creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive. Implementing supportive policies, providing financial incentives for innovation, and streamlining regulatory processes can encourage entrepreneurship and stimulate investments in digital technology.

Ultimately, improving productivity and embracing digital technology are essential components of a comprehensive strategy for Caribbean businesses to enhance their competitiveness and resilience. By prioritizing innovation, investing in digital infrastructure, and equipping their workforce with the necessary skills, businesses can navigate the evolving global landscape and capitalize on emerging opportunities.

The journey towards improved productivity and digital transformation may present challenges, but the rewards are significant. By taking proactive steps today, Caribbean businesses can secure a brighter and more prosperous future, driving sustainable growth and contributing to the overall development of the region. Get mission control for your Caribbean business and give your enterprise a leg up in productivity levels.

Caribbean Travel News And Deals

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. May 19, 2023: Here are the top Caribbean travel news and deals this week in 60 seconds.

Canada has now joined the US in warnings its nationals about travel to Jamaica. Canada warns nationals to “Exercise a high degree of caution if travelling to Jamaica due to the high level of violent crime” while the US like we told you last week, is urging Americans to reconsider travel to Jamaica.

Canada is also warning nationals to exercise caution if travelling to The Bahamas, Guyana, Belize, The Dominican Republic and Trinidad and Tobago due to violent crime in those countries as well.

Meanwhile, if you are thinking about travelling to Haiti, forget abou it is the message. Canada insists nationals should Avoid all travel to Haiti due to the threat posed by kidnappings, gang violence and the potential for civil unrest throughout the country

Grammy winning singer, Lionel Richie, has announced “Lionel Richie’s Dancing on the Sand,” a one-of-a-kind Bahamas travel experience taking place from November 30 through December 3, 2023. The experience goes on sale to the general public starting 10am EST today, Friday, May 19, at dancingonthesand.com.

Starting November 4, 2023 Frontier will have weekly nonstop flights between Orlando International Airport (MCO) and V.C. Bird International Airport (ANU) in Antigua and Barbuda. The service marks the only nonstop flight option between the two highly popular destinations.

Did you know you can now use the US’ Global Entry system in Nassau, Bahamas and Aruba and skip through immigration when you land back in the US? U.S. pre-clearance locations at those two airports allow travelers to the U.S. to clear immigration and customs prior to departure instead of on arrival to the U.S.

Get an all inclusive hotel deal in Barbados this Fall at the The Club, Barbados. Book from September 5-10th for two and pay $2,093.30 or $1,046.65 per person. This includes airport transfers. Book now.

And get a flight and hotel stay at the Doubletree By Hilton San Juan, Puerto Rico from May 31st to June 3rd if you travel from Miami for just 1197.40 total. Book now

The Rise of Chatbots: Why Caribbean and Latin American Businesses Must Adopt Them Now

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Thurs. May 18, 2023: In today’s digital age, businesses across the globe are embracing technological advancements to enhance their customer experiences and streamline operations. One such innovation making waves in the business world is chatbots. With the growing popularity of online interactions, chatbots have become a necessity for Caribbean and Latin American businesses looking to stay competitive in the market. According to a recent report from ResearchAndMarkets.com, the global market for digital marketing software is experiencing significant growth, making it crucial for businesses in the region to incorporate chatbots into their digital strategies.

The report highlights that the global market for digital marketing software is expected to expand exponentially in the coming years. This growth is driven by several factors, including the increasing reliance on digital channels for customer engagement, the need for personalized interactions, and the demand for seamless and efficient customer support. For Caribbean and Latin American businesses, the adoption of chatbots presents a valuable opportunity to meet these evolving consumer expectations.

Chatbots are intelligent computer programs designed to interact with users and provide automated responses to their queries. By incorporating chatbots into their websites or messaging platforms, businesses can offer round-the-clock customer support, instant responses to inquiries, and personalized recommendations. These benefits not only improve customer satisfaction but also free up human resources to focus on more complex tasks and strategic initiatives.

One of the key advantages of chatbots is their ability to handle a large volume of customer inquiries simultaneously. As the customer base grows, businesses may struggle to keep up with the influx of queries. By implementing chatbots, companies can ensure prompt and accurate responses to customer inquiries, regardless of the time or day. This 24/7 availability significantly enhances customer experiences, leading to increased customer loyalty and retention.

Moreover, chatbots can collect and analyze valuable data about customer preferences, behaviors, and pain points. By leveraging this data, businesses can gain valuable insights to inform their marketing strategies, product development, and customer relationship management. These insights allow companies to deliver more personalized experiences and targeted marketing campaigns, ultimately driving customer engagement and revenue growth.

As the digital marketing landscape continues to evolve rapidly, Caribbean and Latin American businesses cannot afford to overlook the potential of chatbots, says Hard Beat Communications. Incorporating this technology into their digital strategies can help businesses gain a competitive edge, improve customer satisfaction, and drive business growth. Embracing chatbots is not only a smart move for staying ahead of the curve but also a proactive step towards meeting the changing needs and expectations of modern consumers.

In conclusion, the rising prominence of chatbots in the global market for digital marketing software underscores the importance for Caribbean and Latin American businesses to adopt this technology. By leveraging chatbots, businesses can provide efficient and personalized customer support, analyze valuable customer data, and stay ahead in today’s increasingly digital marketplace. The time to embrace chatbots is now, as they have become a vital tool for businesses striving to succeed and thrive in the digital era.