News Americas, BELMOPAN, Belize, Weds. Aug. 27, 2025: The Belize Postal Service, (BPS) has announced the immediate suspension of certain shipments containing goods to the United States, citing sweeping new U.S. customs rules that take effect on August 29.

The suspension follows an executive order issued by U.S. President Donald Trump under his “America First” campaign, which eliminates the long-standing de minimis duty-free exemption for low-value imports. Previously, goods valued up to US$800 could enter the U.S. duty-free. Now, every shipment – no matter how small – will be subject to customs duties from the very first dollar.

New Burdens on Senders

According to the BPS, the new rules place the responsibility for customs duties squarely on the sender, who must pay all applicable taxes to U.S. Customs and Border Protection before the item enters the country. “Without this exemption limit, every shipment of goods, no matter how small or how valuable, must be declared and cleared with U.S. Customs,” the agency explained.

Postal officials noted that unresolved questions around liability, tax collection procedures, and implementation have made compliance difficult, prompting the temporary suspension of goods shipments.

While the rules apply broadly, a few narrow exemptions remain. These include:

Gifts valued under US$100 (including postage), sent between individuals.

Shipments containing only documents.

Local Impact

The BPS confirmed that all post offices in Belize would stop accepting goods shipments bound for the U.S. as of Wednesday. In its public notice, the agency said: “We are making every effort to enable the resumption of all shipments as soon as possible in compliance with the new regulations. We sincerely regret any inconvenience this temporary suspension may cause and appreciate your understanding.”

Wider Context

The change is part of Washington’s broader strategy to tighten trade flows and increase tariff revenues. Critics say the move could heavily disrupt small exporters and online sellers in countries like Belize that rely on affordable, low-value shipments to the U.S. market.

With the United States remaining Belize’s largest trading partner, the suspension of goods shipments is expected to cause immediate challenges for businesses, e-commerce entrepreneurs, and individuals who rely on postal trade links for supplemental income.

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Sun. August. 25, 2025: As the oil rich South American CARICOM nation of Guyana counts down to the finale of its September 1, 2025 general and regional elections, the stakes could not be higher for investors. With the country’s oil-driven boom attracting global capital and reshaping its economy, political parties are unveiling competing visions for how to manage revenues, diversify industries, and attract investment.

While all major parties promise to transform Guyana into a regional economic powerhouse, their blueprints diverge sharply – from heavy tax cuts and cash transfers to governance reforms and infrastructure megaprojects. Here’s where they stand.

PPP/C: Building on Oil Wealth with Infrastructure and Diversification

The incumbent People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) is pitching itself as the safe pair of hands for Guyana’s expanding economy. Its manifesto stresses transparent oil and gas management through a strengthened Sovereign Wealth Fund and independent regulation, alongside renegotiation of contracts where needed.

The PPP/C’s investment agenda includes:

Tax incentives — reversal of VAT on exports, building materials, data, and machinery for agriculture, mining, and forestry.

Infrastructure megaprojects — a Berbice deep-water port, a high-span Demerara River bridge, the Linden–Lethem road to Brazil, and over 2,000 miles of hinterland roads.

Diversification — incentives for world-class hotels, industrial parks, renewable energy, ICT training, and agribusiness.

Human capital — 20,000 online scholarships, free university within five years, and stronger partnerships with private employers for skills training.

For investors, PPP/C with Irfaan Ally at the helm says it is offering a stable fiscal regime, pro-business tax reforms, and a pipeline of large-scale infrastructure to lower logistics costs and open new markets.

APNU: A Stability Pitch with Fiscal Discipline

The opposition A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), led by Aubrey Norton, frames its plan as a corrective to what it calls mismanagement of oil wealth. Its investment appeal lies in promising a demand- and investment-driven economic model with a focus on inclusivity, fiscal discipline, and good governance.

Highlights include:

Oil management — sustainable, intergenerational use of petroleum revenues while keeping Guyana attractive for foreign investors.

Governance — transparent financial frameworks, stronger parliament and electoral reforms, and coalition-driven policymaking.

Regional integration — policies to strengthen trade and investment ties while safeguarding Guyana’s sovereignty.

Social protection — stability through a comprehensive safety net “from womb to tomb,” intended to underpin consumer demand.

WIN: Tax Cuts, Wage Increases, and Private Sector Buy-In

The new player, We Invest in Nationhood (WIN), which has taken the country by storm and mobilized thousands of voters of all races in just over three months, has made the boldest pitch to both households and businesses. Led by US sanctioned businessman Azruddin Mohamed, WIN promises sweeping reforms designed to put more money into circulation and stimulate private sector activity.

Key proposals include:

Tax cuts — VAT reduced from 14% to 10%, PAYE from 25% to 20%, and expanded zero-rated goods.

Private sector engagement — collaboration to raise minimum wages and boost productivity.

Trade and logistics incentives — duty- and VAT-free ATVs, outboard engines, and steep reductions on vehicle imports.

Revenue sharing — annual conditional transfers from natural resources and a negative income tax top-up for poor households.

Production push — investment to reduce import dependency and modernize local manufacturing and agriculture.

WIN’s strategy blends populist subsidies with pro-business tax reform, signaling a consumption-driven model that could boost investor activity in retail, logistics, and domestic supply chains.

AFC: Redistribution and Governance Reform

The Alliance For Change (AFC), under its “Better Must Come” banner, has rolled out a 100-day action plan heavy on cash transfers and subsidies. It is also positioning itself as the party willing to renegotiate ExxonMobil’s contract, while enshrining direct oil revenue transfers to citizens.

Its investor-related agenda features:

Tax relief — VAT cut to 12%, higher income tax thresholds, subsidies on basic food items, and duty-free concessions for farmers’ 4×4 pickups.

Social spending — $100,000 per adult, $75,000 per schoolchild per term, and major increases in pensions and disability support.

Governance reform — stronger GECOM oversight, constitutional reform within two years, and transparency in oil management.

Labour stability — multi-year wage agreements for teachers, nurses, and security forces.

For investors, the AFC’s platform signals a populist redistribution agenda combined with institutional reforms. While it could increase consumer demand in the short term, questions remain over fiscal sustainability.

Investor Outlook

Despite their differences, all four parties converge on one reality: Guyana’s oil wealth must be leveraged to diversify the economy and attract capital.

PPP/C emphasizes infrastructure, diversification, and pro-business tax policies.

APNU stresses stability, transparency, and sustainable fiscal frameworks.

WIN is betting on aggressive tax cuts and household transfers to drive demand and private sector growth.

AFC blends redistribution and governance reform with a harder stance on multinational oil contracts.

For international investors, the election is less about whether Guyana will remain attractive, and more about which model of growth will prevail — one anchored in long-term stability or one driven by stimulus.

By Darsh Khusial

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Mon. Aug. 18, 2025: On July 2nd, 2025, Stabroek News published a letter from the Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, (CFO), of ExxonMobil Guyana Limited, (EMGL) disputing Chris Ram’s assertion that the 2024 financials for the Stabroek Block consortium (consisting of EMGL, HESS Guyana, and CNOOC Guyana) represent “a fundamental distortion that demands immediate investigation, attention, transparency and disclosure.” The Exxon Guyana CFO’s response to Ram’s assertion that the accounting was flawed was vague and lacking in depth. However, it contained a veiled threat in this statement: “The accusation that we manipulate accounting standards to improve our financial results is unfounded and defamatory.”

In 2024, the oil extracted and sold totaled US$18 billion. To put that in context, Guyana’s 2025 budget was US$6.6 billion. Thus, distortions in the oil consortium’s financial statements are materially significant for Guyana.

Exxon is a company valued at more than US$600 billion, making it one of the largest companies in the world. As a large US public company, its stock is owned directly and indirectly by millions of shareholders. Its primary priority is to maximize shareholder value, which is reflected in its stock price. Accusations that one of its major subsidiaries’ financials are distorted could raise doubts about the company’s valuation among analysts and shareholders. Hence, one would expect that the company would correct this matter immediately or vehemently defend its reputation by taking the matter to court, not respond through a vague letter.

Mr. Ram promptly stood by his assertions in a letter dated July 3rd, 2025, where he provided specifics on why EMGL’s accounting is indefensibly lacking. He further stated, “Exxon shows no respect for the people of Guyana, weaponizing accounting complexity to avoid informed public scrutiny.” It has been more than a month since Ram stood by his assertion, while the EMGL silence has been deafening but insightful.

The chart below, interactive copy, shows the total amount of oil produced and sold per year in US dollars, which totals US$43.5 billion. Guyana should receive a 2% royalty and a 50/50 profit share. However, if the accounting is questionable, then surely Guyana’s 2% royalty and 50/50 profit share, both derived from the oil companies’ financials, are incorrect?

In April 2019, the Stabroek Block oil contract was amended to ensure the oil companies could not claim the 2% royalty as a cost. However, in their 2024 income statements, EMGL claims a Royalty Expense of US$164 million. We note that neither HESS Guyana nor CNOOC Guyana income statements lists such an expense. Thus, instead of parroting ‘the sanctity of contract’, the government should investigate whether EMGL’s US$164 million royalty expense was illegitimate under the updated contract terms.

In 2018, Ram showed – using the oil consortium’s own financial statements – that the pre-contract costs were overstated by US$90 million or 24%. Now, Guyana’s profit share from the US$43.5 billion is approximately 12.5%, assuming costs are 75%. Thus, total cost is approximately US$32.6 billion and Guyana’s 12.5% is US$5.4 billion. If the cost were inflated by 24%, then the uninflated cost would be US$26.3 billion, which means Guyana’s 12.5% profit share should be US$8.6 billion or an extra US$3.2 billion. To put that in perspective, that is 1.5 times Guyana’s budget before oil production began in December 2019.

If one recalls, the original capital cost for Liza Phase 1 was US$4.4 billion, but after Guyanese oil expert Dr. Mangal disputed several claims, the Consortium then reduced the cost by US$700 million. It was then reduced again, to a final amount of US$3.5 billion. That is an overstatement of expense by 26%.

There is a pattern here of inflated expenses. These financial irregularities should trigger immediate investigation by any government, given the billions of US dollars at stake.

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

News Americas, ST. MICHAEL, Barbados, Aug. 11, 2025: After fifteen years of redefining the all-inclusive experience, Blue Diamond Resorts is taking the next step in its evolution. Beginning August 11, 2025, the company will officially transition to Royalton Hotels & Resorts, consolidating its brand identity under the name that has defined its guest experience across the Caribbean.

This change marks a natural evolution for the company, whose success has been closely tied to the growth and recognition of its Royalton-branded properties across seven leading sun destinations. With an aligned portfolio and refreshed visual identity, the move consolidates brand equity and reinforces the company’s leadership in the modern all-inclusive space, while maintaining the same essence and operations.

“This is more than a name change. It is a strategic alignment of our brand portfolio that highlights the strength and recognitionof Royalton,” said Jordi Pelfort, President of Royalton Hotels & Resorts.

As part of the brand realignment, the adults-only brand formerly known as Hideaway at Royalton will now be referred to as Royalton Hideaway, A Resort Within a Resort. The refreshed name reinforces its place within the Royalton ecosystem, while continuing to offer the same Togetherness concept and elevated adults-only experience that guests have come to expect.

Planet Hollywood Hotels & Resorts will also evolve to become Planet Hollywood Hotels & Resorts by Royalton, reinforcing the connection between its all-ages cinematic concept and the strength of the Royalton name. Guests can continue to enjoy its signature Vacation Like a Star experience, now under a unified identity.

Pelfort added: “With every brand now part of the Royalton family, our identity has never been more unified or more powerful. Royalton is no longer just a brand. It is a household name that guests remember and trust. As we celebrate 15 years of excellence, this evolution marks a defining moment in our history. Blue Diamond Resorts will always be part of our DNA. Its mission, vision, and spirit remain at the core of who we are.”

With this transition, the company’s portfolio will continue to include well-known brands such as Royalton Luxury Resorts, Royalton CHIC Resorts, Royalton Vessence Resorts, the rebranded Royalton Hideaway Resorts, Planet Hollywood Hotels & Resorts by Royalton, Mystique by Royalton, and Grand Lido Negril.

This announcement follows a year of expansion and innovation for the company, including the launch of Royalton Vessence Resorts, the recent announcement of Royalton CHIC Jamaica Paradise Cove, and new resort developments underway in the Caribbean.

For more information, visit www.royalton.com

About Royalton Hotels & Resorts

Royalton Hotels & Resorts is a leading all-inclusive hospitality company with a curated portfolio of 24 resorts across seven of the Caribbean’s most sought-after destinations, each offering a distinct and immersive signature experience. Its eight brands include the award-winning All-In Luxury® Royalton Luxury Resorts, where Everyone is Family, known for elevated comfort and thoughtful service through signature features like All-In Connectivity and DreamBed. Royalton Hideaway delivers an upscale adults-only escape designed around Togetherness, with exclusive dining and modern accommodations. Royalton Vessence Resorts introduces The Art of Vacation through a wellness-forward approach to all-inclusive travel, centered on balance and mindful connection. Royalton CHIC Resorts invites guests to Party Your Way with vibrant, adults-only getaways full of style and spontaneity, while Mystique by Royalton offers Miles from Ordinary boutique retreats that celebrate natural beauty, local culture, and laid-back sophistication. In Jamaica, Grand Lido Negril presents a unique Au Naturel experience for guests 21 and over, with secluded beachfront luxury.

The portfolio also includes Planet Hollywood Hotels & Resorts by Royalton, where guests can Vacation Like A Star in entertainment-infused settings surrounded by iconic memorabilia, and Planet Hollywood Adult Scene by Royalton, where guests can Dodge the Paparazzi in glam, adults-only escapes defined by privacy and exclusivity.

To learn more about Royalton Hotels & Resorts, please visit www.royalton.com

By NAN Business Editor

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Thurs. Aug. 7, 2025: Despite a sluggish global outlook, several Caribbean economies are forecast to outperform their regional peers in 2025, according to new data from the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC).

Guyana continues to dominate regional growth projections, with GDP expected to surge by 10.3% in 2025.

ECLAC’s Economic Survey of Latin America and the Caribbean 2025, released Tuesday, projects a modest 2.2% average GDP growth rate for the Latin America and Caribbean region next year. However, a few Caribbean nations are defying the trend, with Guyana, Dominican Republic, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines emerging as bright spots amid concerns over slowing tourism demand and global economic headwinds.

Guyana Leads With Double-Digit Growth

Guyana continues to dominate regional growth projections, with GDP expected to surge by 10.3% in 2025, powered by robust investments in the country’s booming hydrocarbons sector. Following a staggering 43.6% expansion in 2024, Guyana’s momentum positions it as the fastest-growing economy in the hemisphere.

Dominican Republic and Saint Vincent Also Outperform

Following Guyana, the Dominican Republic is expected to post a 3.7% growth rate in 2025, driven by strong domestic demand, tourism resilience, and structural reforms.

Meanwhile, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is forecast to grow by 4.0%, placing it among the top five Caribbean performers. The island has benefitted from stable tourism recovery and targeted public investment.

Other Notable Performers

Antigua and Barbuda: 3.5%

Grenada: 3.5%

Suriname: 3.2%

Dominica: 2.5%

Saint Lucia: 2.5%

Barbados: 2.6%

These growth forecasts contrast sharply with larger regional economies like Jamaica (1.3%), Bahamas (1.8%), and Trinidad and Tobago (1.5%), which are projected to remain flat amid global uncertainty.

Tourism and Energy Costs Remain a Drag

The report warns that the overall Caribbean region, excluding Guyana, is expected to grow just 1.8% in 2025, a slowdown from 2.6% in 2024. This is largely due to lower GDP growth in the U.S. – the region’s largest tourism source market – along with persistent challenges like high energy and transport costs, and vulnerability to climate-related disasters.

The Outlier: Haiti and Cuba Face Contraction

Haiti and Cuba remain economic laggards. ECLAC projects Haiti’s GDP will shrink by -2.3% in 2025, following a -4.2% contraction in 2024, citing ongoing political instability and humanitarian crises. Cuba is also expected to contract by –1.5%, reflecting the island’s continued struggle with external financing, sanctions, and weak domestic output.

Looking Ahead

Despite the subdued regional outlook, ECLAC highlights that resource mobilization and policy innovation will be key to unlocking medium-term growth. Caribbean nations that diversify beyond tourism, invest in infrastructure, and harness energy transition opportunities are more likely to weather global volatility.

The report – released at a press conference led by the United Nations regional commission’s Executive Secretary, José Manuel Salazar-Xirinachs – emphasizes that the estimates point to different dynamics among sub-regions and countries.