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Closing The Skills Gap To Create More Jobs In The Caribbean

By Lilia Burunciuc

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Tues. June 24, 2025: Earlier this year, I met a young graduate who had spent the entire summer searching for a job that matched her education – without success. As the weeks passed and her options narrowed, she applied to a local meat shop, hoping to find some form of employment. But even there, she was turned away – she was “overqualified” to pack chicken legs.

Her story is not unique. Across several Caribbean countries, young people are discovering that academic qualifications, while essential, do not always open the doors they expected. Businesses, in turn, report difficulty filling positions, not because of a lack of applicants, but because many job seekers simply don’t have the technical skills or experience required. This disconnect – between the supply and demand of skills – is one of the most persistent growth constraints in the region.

In Grenada and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, for example, firms consistently rank the shortage of a skilled workforce among the top two obstacles to doing business. The impact of this shortage is striking: in 2020, 50% of all job vacancies in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines requiring skilled workers remained unfilled due to a lack of qualified applicants. In neighboring Saint Lucia, 40% of employers reported that the skills and education of workers hindered the country’s competitiveness. Meanwhile, the problem extends beyond businesses – 61% of youth report difficulties finding jobs or earning a living, often because their academic qualifications do not align with the demands of the labor market.

The ramifications are wide-ranging. Youth unemployment in Grenada and Saint Lucia exceeds 40%, among the highest in the Eastern Caribbean. For those who do find work, many are employed in roles for which they are underqualified—57% of workers in Saint Lucia lacked the necessary qualifications for their roles in 2019 – or that fail to fully utilize their education and skills. While such employment may offer income, it can also lead to mismatches between workers’ capabilities and job demands, leaving many young people frustrated and limiting the potential of businesses to operate at full productivity.

These challenges reflect deeper structural issues, including inadequate quality of basic education and insufficient collaboration between post-secondary institutions and the private sector. Post-secondary institutions often operate in isolation from industry, leaving students with academic credentials but without the practical or technical skills employers need.

Compounding the issue, the Eastern Caribbean spends around14% of their education budget on post-secondary education, compared to 25% in Latin America and 32% in OECD countries. With outdated laboratories, limited digital infrastructure, and low capacity to support inclusive education, many institutions are ill-equipped to prepare students for the demands of today’s labor market.  These challenges are further amplified by the emigration of highly skilled workers, who often leave the region in search of better opportunities abroad. This loss of talent reduces the availability of skilled professionals at home and weakens the return on public investments in education.

The skills shortage not only impacts individual job seekers; it undermines the broader economy by stifling productivity, reducing business competitiveness, and limiting opportunities for innovation.

Partly due to missing skills, Eastern Caribbean firms are not adequately investing in and engaging in innovative activities. Only 2.7% of firms in Grenada and 3.2% of firms in Saint Lucia have human resources dedicated to research and development.

Research and development are vital for fostering creativity, developing new technologies, and improving business processes. For the Caribbean, investment in research and development is particularly important to address challenges in key sectors such as tourism, agriculture, and renewable energy, unlocking new opportunities for sustainable growth.

However, many firms perceive the cost of innovation as too high relative to the market size. In small economies, businesses often believe that investing in innovation won’t yield sufficient returns due to limited local demand or the high costs of implementing new technologies. This perception discourages companies from pursuing innovation, limiting their growth and competitiveness.

There is no single solution to these challenges – but there are clear areas for action. First, post-secondary education should receive more attention to ensure institutions are equipped to deliver relevant, high-quality training. Modernizing curricula to include both technical and transversal skills—such as problem-solving, adaptability, and digital literacy—is essential for preparing youth for the demands of today’s economy.

Equally important is fostering closer collaboration between educational institutions and the private sector. While some institutions already maintain partnerships—particularly in tourism—there is a need to expand these efforts across a wider range of sectors. Deeper and more diversified collaboration can help ensure that training programs align with evolving industry needs, encourage workplace-based learning opportunities, and support research and development initiatives that foster innovation and job creation.

Expanding regional frameworks, such as shared learning standards and qualification recognition, would allow for greater mobility of talent and ensure consistent skill development across the region.  For small island states, such collaboration also offers a practical advantage: the ability to pool resources and benefit from cost-sharing opportunities, making education and training systems more efficient and sustainable.  Finally, addressing barriers to innovation by creating incentives for businesses to invest in research and development and improving digital infrastructure will help unlock the region’s economic potential.

The World Bank is working with Caribbean countries to support these goals. The OECS Skills and Innovation Project is one example. With $36 million in financing, the project focuses on enhancing youth skills, fostering regional collaboration, and strengthening a culture of innovation. By supporting 40,000 young people with targeted training, establishing common learning standards, and encouraging partnerships between businesses and post-secondary institutions, the initiative aims to build an ecosystem where innovation and skills development drive growth.

Beyond the Eastern Caribbean, countries like Guyana and Belize are also stepping up efforts to close the skills gap. In Guyana, the World Bank is supporting the government’s investment in a broad set of skills needed to power its rapidly expanding economy—with a strong emphasis on technical and vocational education and training. Meanwhile in Belize, where women’s labor force participation remains significantly lower than men’s, a forthcoming project will focus on early childhood development and female empowerment—with a dedicated component aimed at expanding women’s employment opportunities through skills development and support for businesses in the care and education sectors.

The Caribbean holds immense potential. Tapping into that potential will require a coordinated effort, long-term investment, and a shared commitment to aligning skills with opportunity. Encouragingly, that work is already underway.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Lilia Burunciuc is the World Bank Director for Caribbean countries. Ms. Burunciuc, a Moldovan national, is
responsible for maintaining the partnership with the countries to address their development challenges. She has extensive experience on leading policy dialogue with governments on various aspects of development.

Should More Caribbean Nations Embrace Film Tax Incentives And Co-Production Treaties?

News Americas, BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, June 24, 2025: With global demand for diverse content on the rise and the Caribbean offering some of the world’s most breathtaking filming locations, many industry leaders say the region is missing a golden opportunity to capture its share of the booming film and television market.

That message was clear at the second Cross Cultural Forum, hosted by CaribbeanTales Media Group in Bridgetown, Barbados from June 13-18th, where stakeholders discussed decolonizing co-production with film producers around the world, including the US, the UK, Canada, South Africa and the Caribbean. But the failure by many Caribbean nations to implement robust film tax incentives and co-production treaties to attract major productions globally was also exposed.

Invest Caribbean’s Felicia J. Persaud, l, moderating the CCF panel on June 14, 2025 in Bridgetown, Barbados.

Despite growing international competition, only a handful of Caribbean countries — including Trinidad and Tobago, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and the Cayman Islands — currently offer meaningful tax benefits or financing structures for film and TV productions.

Felicia J. Persaud, CEO of Invest Caribbean, who moderated a panel on investment and financing at the event, told News Americas she was shocked to learn that few Caribbean nations are tapping into this sector and putting laws in place to grow the sector and create cross border co-productions.

Success Stories Exist, But Gaps Remain

The Dominican Republic has become a regional leader, offering a 25% transferable tax credit, 18% VAT exemptions, and duty-free importation of film equipment. These policies, combined with diverse locations and year-round filming conditions, have attracted major international productions to the country.

Trinidad and Tobago provides rebates of up to 35% on eligible expenses, plus an additional 20% for hiring local labor, while Puerto Rico boasts a 40% tax credit on local spend for residents and a 20% credit for non-resident workers, making it a magnet for both Caribbean and Hollywood producers.

The Cayman Islands recently entered the game, offering cash rebates of up to 35%, alongside its tax-neutral business environment.

Yet, many other Caribbean nations — including top destinations like Barbados, St. Lucia, and Antigua — lack formal tax credits or structured programs to attract productions, limiting economic opportunities.

Kaye Greenidge, CEO of Invest Barbados, confirmed at the forum that Barbados is still working toward finalizing a comprehensive incentive system, despite existing benefits like VAT exemptions for registered providers.

Global Examples Show the Way

The importance of co-production treaties — formal agreements between countries to jointly develop film projects — was also highlighted at the forum.

South Africa, for example, has treaties with several nations, enabling producers to access tax credits, financing, and local resources. However, as Jackie Motsepe, COO of KZN Film & Tourism Authority, confirmed that there are currently no co-production treaties between South Africa and any Caribbean nation, representing a missed opportunity for cross-regional collaboration.

In contrast, Canada, the UK, and Australia have leveraged co-production treaties to grow their creative industries. Canada alone has agreements with nearly 60 countries, enabling productions to access significant tax credits, funding, and reduced risk by pooling resources.

“Without co-production treaties, Caribbean filmmakers face barriers to financing and global distribution,” Persaud emphasized. “The region’s creative talent is undeniable — but policy is lagging behind.”

A Call for Regional Action

Industry experts agree: introducing film-friendly tax incentives and co-production agreements isn’t just about attracting Hollywood blockbusters. It’s about creating jobs, building local production capacity, and showcasing authentic Caribbean stories to the world.

“Other countries are ahead because they’ve made film a national economic priority,” Persaud said. “We need to do the same.”

The question remains: will more Caribbean nations seize the moment, or will the region continue to watch lucrative productions — and the economic benefits they bring — go elsewhere?

Common Ways Films Are Financed

Equity Investment
Private investors or companies contribute capital in exchange for a share of future profits.

High risk, high reward — they only recoup money if the film is successful.

Often sourced from:

Private wealth (high-net-worth individuals)

Film funds or investment groups

Production companies

Pre-Sales
Producers sell the rights to distribute the film in specific countries before the film is made.

Based on the script, cast, or director’s reputation.

Often used as collateral to raise other financing (like loans).

Common in international markets, especially with recognizable talent attached.

Tax Incentives & Rebates
Governments offer cash rebates, tax credits, or exemptions for films shot in their country.

Can cover 20% to 40%+ of qualified production spend in locations like Canada, the UK, Puerto Rico, or the Dominican Republic.

Attracts productions to stimulate local economies.

Co-Productions
Two or more companies from different countries collaborate, sharing costs and access to each country’s incentives.

Requires co-production treaties or agreements.

Helps spread risk, access broader talent pools, and tap into global financing.

Gap Financing
A loan that covers the “gap” between confirmed funding (pre-sales, tax credits) and the total budget.

Secured against future revenue streams, like remaining territories or post-sale revenues.

Considered higher risk — lenders charge premium interest rates.

Completion Bonds
Insurance that guarantees the film will be finished on time and within budget.

Required by many investors or lenders to reduce risk.

Completion bond companies may step in to manage the production if issues arise.

Product Placement & Brand Sponsorship
Brands pay to feature their products within the film.

Can offset production costs.

Works best for mainstream, commercial films with wide appeal.

Grants & Public Funding
Non-repayable funds from film commissions, arts councils, or cultural organizations.

Often aimed at supporting local talent or culturally significant content.

Amounts vary, competitive application process.

Crowdfunding
Public contributions through platforms like Kickstarter or Indiegogo.

Typically used for smaller, independent projects.

Can also build early audience engagement.

Example: A Caribbean Film Might Be Financed By:
Equity from private Caribbean investors
Pre-sales to broadcasters or streamers in the diaspora
Tax credits from the Dominican Republic or Trinidad
Co-production deal with Canada or the UK
Local tourism board grants for showcasing the island
Completion bond to reassure international partners.

Why Do U.S. Lenders Remain Wary of the Caribbean?

By News Americas Business Desk

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Mon. June 23, 2025: Despite its postcard-perfect beaches, booming tourism market, high-priced real estate, and growing demand for housing and infrastructure, the Caribbean continues to face an uphill battle when it comes to attracting U.S. lenders and investors.

Multi-million dollar deals can languish for months or be rejected altogether. And even when financing is secured, borrowers often face steep upfront costs and premium interest rates.

Ben Mizes, Co-Founder of Clever Real Estate and a licensed real estate agent who has closely studied investor behavior in emerging markets, told News Americas that while, “the Caribbean has a lot going for it — beautiful scenery, more tourists coming in, and a growing need for better housing and infrastructure,” many investors still view the region as a risky place to put their money.

“Problems like unclear land ownership, slow permitting processes, and unpredictable politics make things tricky and delay projects,” Mizes explained. “Investors usually prefer places with clear legal systems and reliable data, which is where the Caribbean falls short.”

“To make progress, we need to lower the risks at a policy level, show real returns, and work with investors who get how these markets operate,” he added. “That’s where real growth can start.”

His views are echoed by other investors working across the region. Luke Babich, Founder and CEO of List with Clever, has been leading renewable energy projects in emerging markets, including the Eastern Caribbean.

“From my experience, the biggest challenges are unclear land titling, slow permitting processes, and limited creditworthy offtakers,” Babich told NAN. “Political risk and currency volatility also deter institutional investors.”

But those aren’t the only barriers keeping lenders at bay.

Financial experts point to several underlying challenges that compound investor hesitation. Small market size, fragmented legal frameworks across island nations, and currency volatility present major hurdles. High disaster risk, limited insurance coverage, and the absence of robust credit reporting systems further undermine lender confidence.

Many Caribbean projects also lack the investor-ready packaging – complete feasibility studies, environmental clearances, and professional financial modeling—that global lenders expect, says Invest Caribbean.

“It’s rarely one structure fits all across the islands,” Babich explained. “High compliance and due diligence costs often make even small deals unappealing to institutional lenders.”

Still, both Mizes and Babich agree that positive change is on the horizon.

“When governments provide guarantees or partner with DFIs, deals become more viable,” Babich said.

Mizes points to progress in countries working to modernize land registries, speed up development approvals, and create clearer benefits for investors. “Some countries are moving towards better land records, faster development approvals, and clearer benefits for investors, which is starting to draw in some serious money,” he noted.

Babich cites a recent success story as proof of that momentum. “We closed the deal by leveraging blended finance and strong local legal support. With the right partnerships and risk mitigation, viable projects can get across the line,” he said, referencing a $25 million solar project in St. Lucia.

For Mizes, the key to unlocking the region’s investment potential lies in boosting investor confidence through transparency, reliable enforcement, and tangible returns.

“The Caribbean has all the ingredients for growth — but to unlock serious capital, we need to reduce risks at the policy level, streamline project development, and work with investors who truly understand the region,” Mizes emphasized. “That’s when real growth will begin.”

Guyana Has Received Significantly Lower Oil Income Compared To The Oil Company

By Darsh Khusial

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, June 22, 2025: On Monday, June 16th, during an interview of Christopher Ram on a prominent Guyanese social media platform, outrageous claims were made by one of the co-hosts, a columnist for the Guyana Chronicle. The Chronicle columnist claimed that Guyana has received US$13 billion in oil income and that Guyana had received more than the oil consortium (the subsidiaries of ExxonMobil, Hess, and CNOOC that are registered in Guyana) to date. These claims seemed to have been pulled out of thin air, so we checked the Bank of Guyana Natural Resource Fund (NRF) statements and the oil companies’ financials. The graph below shows the year-by-year details of Guyana’s oil income versus the three named oil companies’ declared pre-tax profits; an interactive version of this chart can be found here.

The oil companies’ pre-tax profits consistently exceed Guyana’s income by a factor of 3-5x since 2021. Guyana’s cumulative income amounts to US$6.28 billion—half of what was claimed by the Chronicle columnist. The oil companies’ total pre-tax profits amount to US$29 billion, a figure that is more than 4 times the amount Guyana has received to date.

The Stabroek Oil Contract states that the profit share between Guyana and the oil companies should be 50/50. The total oil profits Guyana has received to date is US$5.5 billion, whereas the pre-tax oil profits reported by the oil companies are US$29 billion. The oil companies don’t pay taxes! How is this a 50/50 profit share?

It is very disturbing that claims are being made which seem to be skewed toward fooling the Guyanese people into believing that they are receiving a fair deal even with the contract as written.

EDITOR’S NOTE: EDITOR’S NOTE: Darshanand Khusial is an executive OGGN Other executive members include Alfred Bhulai, Andre Brandli, Janette Bulkan and Joe Persaud.

Visitor and Contractor Management Systems as Cultural Ambassadors: Enhancing Diversity and Inclusion

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Mon. June 16, 2025: In today’s rapidly globalizing world, workplaces are becoming increasingly diverse, integrating individuals from varied cultures, languages, backgrounds, and experiences. As organizations recognize the immense value of inclusivity and diversity, they also face the challenge of ensuring that every stakeholder – be it an employee, visitor, or contractor—feels welcomed, respected, and equally valued. Visitor and contractor management systems, often seen merely as administrative tools designed for security and logistics, hold surprising potential to act as cultural ambassadors. By providing equitable access, multilingual support, and culturally sensitive interactions, these digital platforms not only streamline processes but also significantly enhance diversity and inclusion within workplaces.

Multilingual and Multicultural Accessibility: Catering Seamlessly to Diverse Visitor Bases

One of the most immediate and impactful ways in which visitor and contractor management systems can foster inclusivity is through multilingual capabilities. Traditionally, language barriers at entry points or registration desks have created moments of confusion, awkwardness, or even inadvertent exclusion. Modern digital management platforms effectively eliminate such obstacles by offering intuitive multilingual interfaces, allowing visitors and contractors from diverse linguistic backgrounds to seamlessly navigate entry processes in their preferred languages.

Case Studies: Organizations Leveraging Digital Solutions to Promote Diversity

Several forward-thinking organizations worldwide have successfully demonstrated how strategically implementing visitor and contractor management systems directly enhances diversity and inclusion:

A logistics and trade organization working across Europe and Asia implemented digital contractor management with embedded cross-cultural communication guides. Contractors praised the clarity and respectfulness of the system, reporting increased job satisfaction and better compliance with safety and procedural guidelines.

A multinational technology firm faced challenges managing global teams of contractors and visitors from dozens of countries. They adopted a visitor and contractor management system incorporating multilingual support, cultural competency training prompts, and interactive, localized onboarding modules. The results were striking—visitor satisfaction surveys showed a 40% increase in perceived inclusivity and reduced administrative miscommunications by over 60%.
 

A healthcare provider implemented a culturally inclusive digital management platform that enabled multilingual registration, culturally sensitive wayfinding, and accessible check-in experiences for people of diverse backgrounds. Post-implementation, employee surveys indicated significantly improved perceptions of inclusivity, while visitor complaints about confusion or disrespect due to cultural misunderstandings dropped substantially.
 

Caribbean Set To Outgrow U.S. Economy Through 2027, Says World Bank

News Americas, New York, NY, Tues. June 10, 2025: The Caribbean region is poised to outpace not only the United States but also Europe and Japan in economic growth over the next two years. According to the World Bank’s latest Global Economic Prospects report released today, the Caribbean’s growth will be driven by Guyana’s ongoing oil boom and the continued rebound of tourism and services across the region.

The Caribbean is projected to grow by 3.9 percent in 2025 and by an impressive average of 6.2 percent across 2026 and 2027. Even when excluding Guyana, regional growth is expected to remain solid at 3 percent in 2025 and 3.3 percent in 2026–27.

By contrast, the U.S. economy is forecast to grow by only 1.4 percent in 2025, followed by 1.6 percent in 2026 and 1.9 percent in 2027.

Among Caribbean countries, Guyana stands out with extraordinary projected growth: 10 percent in 2025, followed by 23 and 24.3 percent in 2026 and 2027, respectively. The Dominican Republic, another high performer, is set to grow by 4 percent in 2025 and an average of 4.3 percent in the two years after, fueled by structural reforms and rising foreign investment.

Here is the projected GDP growth ranking for Caribbean nations from 2025 to 2027:

Country2025 (%)2026 (%)2027 (%)Guyana10.023.024.3Dominican Republic4.04.24.4St. Vincent4.92.92.7Dominica4.33.42.8Grenada3.83.42.7Suriname3.13.33.5Trinidad & Tobago2.81.33.2Belize2.82.42.3Barbados2.82.01.7St. Lucia2.82.31.9Jamaica1.71.71.6The Bahamas1.11.21.3Haiti-2.22.02.5

The broader Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region is forecast to grow by 2.3 percent in 2025, improving to 2.4 percent in 2026 and 2.6 percent in 2027—surpassing both the U.S. and other major economies such as the Euro area (1.6% in 2026 and 1.9% in 2027) and Japan (0.8% and 1%, respectively).

While the regional outlook remains positive, the World Bank cautions that external risks such as rising protectionism, policy uncertainty, and global financial tightening could affect export performance and delay fiscal improvements. Still, the Caribbean stands at the forefront of global growth prospects heading into the latter half of the decade.

Felicia J. Persaud, CEO of Invest Caribbean, reacting to the World Bank data in the Global Economic Prospects, June 2026 report, stated: “The time is now to invest in the Caribbean – and the numbers back it up. To all those who have dismissed the region as too small or unworthy of investment or lending: it’s time to wake up from your slumber.”

Guyana Gets Institutional Fund To Power Real Estate And Infrastructure

News Americas, New York, NY, June 4, 2025: Guyana’s growing prominence on the global investment stage was further underscored this week as Rise Guyana announced the final close of its inaugural private investment fund at USD $29 million – marking the country’s first institutional real estate and infrastructure fund.

Backed by investors across the United States, United Kingdom, Europe, South America, and the Middle East, the fund aims to leverage Guyana’s rapid economic growth and its transformation into the world’s fastest-growing nation, fueled largely by oil discoveries in the Stabroek Block.

“This fund reflects our confidence in Guyana’s transformation and our commitment to building long-term value with local roots and global vision,” said Kristine Thompson, co-founder and managing partner of Rise Guyana.

Guyana’s Stabroek oilfield, which holds an estimated 11 billion barrels of reserves, has propelled the country to the center of global energy discussions. According to Wood Mackenzie, this vast reserve could yield over $190 billion for the Guyanese government in the next 15 years, while generating $182 billion in profits for ExxonMobil and its partners. The high returns, coupled with a low breakeven cost of production under $30 per barrel, make the field one of the most lucrative oil projects worldwide.

Capitalizing on this momentum, Rise Guyana is rolling out a series of transformational infrastructure projects including:

A dual-branded Marriott City Express and City Suites hotel near Ogle Airport and Exxon HQ.

Modular housing manufacturing for scalable, cost-effective construction.

A private aviation hub at Ogle and Timehri airports.

Multi-phase residential developments in fast-developing corridors.

A portfolio of completed multi-family developments.

The fund targets a 30% net internal rate of return, utilizing a barbell strategy to balance stable yield with growth opportunities.

“This is more than a real estate fund – it’s a platform for national transformation,” added Thompson. “We’re combining frontier returns with institutional governance to help shape the physical, economic and social future of Guyana. This is the first of many funds to come.”

As Guyana continues to redefine its economic landscape, Rise Guyana is positioning itself as a key player in shaping a sustainable and inclusive future for the country and its citizens.

Exxon-Led Oil Group Nets $10.4B In Guyana As Output Surges

News Americas, New York, NY, June 4, 2025: Guyana’s booming oil industry continues to break records, as the ExxonMobil-led consortium reported a massive 64% surge in 2024 profits, totaling $10.4 billion from operations in the South American nation. The figure highlights Guyana’s transformative role in global energy markets and its position as a top-tier oil-producing frontier.

ExxonMobil alone earned $4.7 billion of its total $33.5 billion in 2024 from Guyana, the company confirmed this week, while partners Hess Corporation and China’s CNOOC reaped $3.1 billion and $2.5 billion respectively – significant jumps from the previous year.

The group’s output reached 652,000 barrels per day (bpd) in the fourth quarter, thanks to key upgrades at floating production facilities. With a fourth production vessel arriving in February and more installations underway, Guyana’s oil output is projected to exceed 900,000 bpd soon, with long-term plans aiming for 1.7 million bpd by 2030.

“This performance showcases the scale of opportunity that Guyana represents,” said an Exxon executive, pointing to the country’s strategic positioning, rapid production growth, and investor-friendly environment with relatively low royalties and taxes.

While consortium expenses in Guyana rose by 42% to $4.9 billion last year, the pre-tax profit reached an impressive $12.8 billion—solidifying Guyana’s status as a cornerstone in the partners’ global portfolios.

As pressure mounts to secure natural gas and diversify energy strategies, Exxon and its partners are also exploring new developments to quantify and utilize Guyana’s gas reserves.

With this continued momentum, Guyana and its neighbors are firmly on track to become one of the world’s last great oil frontiers—offering robust returns while fueling national development.

Apple Purchases And Retires 100,000 Carbon Credits From Guyana In Landmark Sustainability Move

News Americas, New York, NY, Tuesday, June 3, 2025:In a significant stride towards environmental sustainability, global technology leader Apple Inc. has acquired and retired 100,000 carbon credits from Guyana, marking its inaugural engagement with jurisdictional carbon credits under the Architecture for REDD+ Transactions, (ART) framework.

Apple Inc. purchases and retires 100,000 carbon credits from Guyana, reinforcing its commitment to environmental sustainability and supporting the nation’s forest conservation initiatives.

The credits, priced at US$15 each, amount to a total investment of approximately GYD$313 million. Senior Director for Climate and REDD+ at Guyana’s Ministry of Natural Resources, Dr. Pradeepa Bholanauth, confirmed the transaction, highlighting its alignment with Apple’s commitment to offsetting its corporate emissions.

These 2019-vintage credits, representing emission reductions from 2016 to 2020, are part of Guyana’s comprehensive forest conservation efforts encompassing 18 million hectares—about 85% of the country’s landmass. Apple’s 2025 Environmental Progress Report emphasizes that this initiative supports the nation’s historically low deforestation rate while funding low-carbon development priorities.

Apple’s engagement with Guyana’s carbon credits follows a precedent set by Hess Corporation, which purchased US$750 million worth of credits in December 2022. This move underscores the growing corporate interest in high-quality, jurisdictional carbon credits as a means to achieve sustainability goals.

Since achieving carbon neutrality in April 2020, Apple has consistently invested in carbon credits from various countries, including Colombia and Kenya. The company’s latest acquisition from Guyana signifies a strategic shift towards large-scale, jurisdictional approaches to carbon offsetting.

Guyana’s participation in the voluntary carbon market has yielded substantial economic benefits, with earnings of US$237.5 million from carbon credit sales between 2022 and 2024. Projections indicate additional revenues of US$250 million for the 2021–2025 period and US$312 million for 2025–2030, as credits are sold at increasing rates of US$20 and US$25 per tonne, respectively.

This collaboration between Apple and Guyana exemplifies a mutually beneficial partnership, advancing global climate objectives while supporting sustainable development in forest-rich nations.

Invest Caribbean CEO To Co-Moderate Finance Panel At CCF 2025

News Americas, New York, NY, June 2, 2025: The countdown is on to the Cross Continental Forum (CCF) 2025 in Barbados.

Felicia J. Persaud, the trailblazing CEO of Invest Caribbean, is set to co-moderate a pivotal panel at the event on “Decolonizing Financing & Investment.” The session, part of a five-day landmark gathering, aims to radically reshape global media investment frameworks and champion equity for Black and Global Majority content creators.

The countdown is on to CCF 2025 in Barbados where ICN’s Felicia J. Persaud will be among the moderators.

Persaud, a South Florida-based journalist, media and investment entrepreneur, and passionate advocate, has consistently raised awareness about the critical lack of access to capital – particularly for the Caribbean region, will join UK-based finance strategist Nathan Adabadze in leading the June 15th dialogue. Together, they will guide critical conversations with top-tier industry leaders, including Victor Mukete of Afrixembank (Nigeria), Joel Phiri of Known Associates (South Africa), Kerwyn Valley of C15 (Trinidad), and Kaye Greenidge of Invest Barbados.

Their collective goal? To explore new global ecosystems that prioritize inclusive capital flows and dismantle long-standing colonial power structures in media financing. This bold conversation is expected to surface solutions that emphasize cultural sovereignty, equitable partnerships, and sustainable development across Africa, the Caribbean, and beyond.

The Cross Continental Forum, produced by CaribbeanTales Media Group in partnership with the University of the West Indies, unites over 30 producers and 25 industry delegates from the UK, Canada, Africa, and the Caribbean. The forum seeks to reimagine global storytelling through a decolonial lens and is a cornerstone event of the CaribbeanTales International Film Festival’s 20th anniversary celebration.

Each day of CCF 2025 focuses on a different facet of decolonization in media:

June 14: Decolonising Policy & Legislation – Featuring experts from Canada, the UK, the Caribbean, and Africa, this panel tackles systemic legislative and policy barriers to equitable media production. Notable speakers include Joy Lowen (Canada Media Fund), Denitsa Yordanova (British Film Institute), and CARICOM’s Wayn McCook.

June 15: Decolonising Financing & Investment – Moderated by Felicia Persaud and Nathan Adabadze, this panel highlights new financing frameworks for empowering Black content creators and creating sustainable global partnerships.

June 16: Decolonising Content – This session explores authenticity in Black and Global Majority storytelling, with insights from Asha Lovelace (Caribbean Film Festival), Effie T. Brown (Gamechanger Films), and Elon Johnson (Tyler Perry Studios). The evening culminates in a conversation with Oscar-nominated filmmaker Ava DuVernay.

June 17: Decolonising Distribution – A deep dive into dismantling systemic distribution biases, featuring case studies and strategies for independent, decentralized media delivery.

June 18: Decolonising Co-Production – A culminating session that reflects on the forum’s insights and presents concrete action plans for sustainable global collaboration in Black and Indigenous media.

Complementing the panels are a series of public film events celebrating the CaribbeanTales International Film Festival’s two decades of impact:

June 13: Opening reception and screening of short films at Hayman’s Market.

June 14: Screening of HBO’s Get Millie Black followed by an in-depth conversation with Booker Prize-winning author Marlon James at Frank Collymore Hall.

June 15: Screening of Banel and Adama with a talkback featuring UK distributors We Are Parable at the Barbados Museum.

June 17: Screening of Ernest Cole: Lost & Found, directed by Haitian filmmaker Raoul Peck, also at the Barbados Museum.

About the Cross Continental Forum:
The Cross Continental Forum (CCF) 2025 is a production of CaribbeanTales Media Group in collaboration with the Department of Creative and Performing Arts (UWI Cave Hill). It is generously supported by the Canada Media Fund, British Film Institute, Mango Bay Group of Companies, Invest Barbados, Inter-American Development Bank, Picture NL, National Cultural Foundation of Barbados, Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., Barbados Film and Television Association, Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago, Telefilm Canada, and numerous other global partners.

Guiding the forum is a distinguished Steering Group that includes Frances-Anne Solomon (CEO, CaribbeanTales Media Group), Andrew Millington (UWI Cave Hill), CCH Pounder (actor and activist), Dr. Keith Nurse (COSTAATT), Zikethiwe Ngcobo (Fuzebox Entertainment, South Africa), John Reid (former FLOW CEO), Agnieszka Moody (British Film Institute), Chloe Sosa Simms (CBC), and international events producer Diana Webley.

The film screenings are open to the public, and tickets can be obtained at: https://ticketnation.nuwebgroup.com/