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Caribbean Businesses Embracing Digital Transformation, PwC Survey Reveals

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Mon. March 25, 2024: A PwC Caribbean Digital Readiness Survey 2024 reveals significant strides in digital transformation among Caribbean businesses, emphasizing the critical role of artificial intelligence in driving change.

Nearly half of the businesses report seeing returns on digital investments, with a focus on customer experiences, decision-making, and brand enhancement.

PwC’s Global Hopes and Fears Survey, which finds that the majority of workers do not appear to have clarity on how their job requirements may change. What’s more, workers whose jobs don’t require specialised training appear the least likely to see change coming.

Only 15% of these respondents say the skills required to do their jobs will change in the next five years, compared with 51% of their counterparts whose jobs are more specialised.
Encouragingly, 68% of Caribbean respondents see their leader as a champion for digital transformation. However, only 59% believe their leadership is sufficiently digitally savvy and helps the workforce think in new ways.

When respondents were asked about the barriers to upskilling their workforce, the top three were: Lack of time (40%), lack of budget (36%) and lack of strategic focus on training (28%).

The survey underscores the importance of CEO leadership in digital transformation, the rise in Digital IQ, and the challenges posed by cyber vulnerabilities and legacy systems. It highlights the need for continued investment in digital tools, skills, and infrastructure to maintain competitive advantage and respond to the fast-evolving digital landscape.

For a comprehensive overview, visit PwC’s website​ (PwC)​.

NYC Gala To Honor Eminent Caribbean Leaders At Esteemed University Of The West Indies Event

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Weds. March 20, 2024:  The countdown is on to the 27th annual American Foundation for The University of the West Indies (AFUWI) fundraising gala, set for Thursday, April 18th, from 6:30 p.m. at the classy 583 Park Avenue venue in New York City.

This year’s honorees of the 27th annual AFUWI gala are from top left: His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, the ninth President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces as well as the current chairman of the Caribbean Community, (CARICOM.); Mr. Don Christian, a Partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP; Attorney Darren Skinner, Co-General Counsel of the law firm of the Washington, D.C. office of Arnold & Porter; Bottom L-R: Mr. Anthony Mark Desnoes Hart, Executive Chairman of the Caribbean Producers Jamaica Ltd.; Ms. Michele Chow-Tai, the Managing Director of Business Development at Fairview Capital Partners; and Rev. Patrick Perrin, recently retired as a United Methodist Elder after serving St. John’s United Methodist Church of Elmont, in Valley Stream, New York. (AFUWI image)

This year’s gala, presented under the theme, “The Legacy Continues,” will build upon the history of providing hundreds of scholarships over the past decade. These scholarships have opened doors for Caribbean students from underprivileged backgrounds, allowing them to achieve their dreams of pursuing higher education.

“The AFUWI annual gala awards has been a significant funding source for the scholarship program, giving us the finances urgently needed to assist with tuition expenses for many young, talented, and ambitious Caribbean nationals who would not be able to fulfill their aspirations of a college education because of their dire financial circumstances,” said Ann-Marie Grant, executive director of the American Foundation for The University of the West Indies, (AFUWI). “We are so thankful to all our donors who, by contributing to this endeavor, help to create their own impactful legacy.”

This Year’s Distinguished Honorees Are:

His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, the ninth President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces, and current chairman of the Caribbean Community, (CARICOM).

Mr. Don Christian, a partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, with a 35-year career in technology, aerospace, defense, and more. He is also a trustee at Howard University and the McDonogh School and the founder of the Jamaica Howard University Affinity Network, (J-1 or JHUAN), which has raised over $250,000 for Jamaican students.

Mr. Anthony Mark Desnoes Hart, the executive chairman of Caribbean Producers Jamaica Ltd. and a key figure in its establishment. He previously served as CEO, and is also a founding shareholder of the company, which is currently listed on the Jamaica Stock Exchange, (JSE).

Attorney Darren Skinner, co-general counsel of the Washington, D.C. office of Arnold & Porter, a law firm that provides sophisticated regulatory, litigation, and transactional representation to nearly half of the Fortune 100 and many other clients.

Ms. Michele Chow-Tai, the managing director of Business Development at Fairview Capital Partners, where she spearheads strategic planning and client strategies to enhance the firm’s private equity and venture capital endeavors. Ms. Chow-Tai is also actively involved in several boards, including the National Association of Securities Professionals – New York Chapter and the Greater New Haven Chambers of Commerce.

Rev. Patrick Perrin, who from Jamaica to New York, has dedicated most of his life to guiding his congregation and youth. Rev. Perrin recently retired as a United Methodist Elder after serving St. John’s United Methodist Church of Elmont in Valley Stream, New York, ending 32 years of service to the United Methodist Church.

Each ticket, table, sponsorship, or donation helps to fund education in the Caribbean and create the next generation of leaders in a region that struggles with a lack of access to capital. Get your tickets today for the AFUWI 27th annual gala at https://www.afuwi.org/

ABOUT AFUWI

The American Foundation for The University of The West Indies, (AFUWI), a US-based non-profit, seeks to transform the lives of exceptionally talented young women and men who are in dire financial circumstances by providing access to higher education so they can break the cycle of generational poverty and make an economic impact in their local communities and throughout the Caribbean region. During the past 10+ years alone, AFUWI has provided approximately 600 tuition scholarships to students across the Caribbean region, donated $7.5M in goods, and brokered multiple relationships with other tier-one institutions. All contributions – cash or in-kind – are tax-deductible to the full extent of state and federal laws. Donate to support education today at afuwi.org

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ABOUT UWI

The University of the West Indies, (UWI), initially known as the University College of the West Indies, is a public university network that fulfills the higher education needs of 17 English-speaking Caribbean nations and territories. These include both members of the Commonwealth and British Overseas Territories.  The UWI aims to foster economic and cultural growth across the West Indies, enhancing regional independence. Initially affiliated with the University of London, UWI has become a cradle of excellence in various fields, including arts, sciences, business, and politics, with its alums and faculty earning global recognition such as Nobel Prizes, Rhodes Scholarships, and more. The UWI operates across multiple campuses: Mona in Jamaica, Cave Hill in Barbados, St. Augustine in Trinidad and Tobago, Five Islands in Antigua and Barbuda, and the Open Campus serving the broader Caribbean.

ExxonMobil Announces New Oil Discovery In Guyana

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News Americas, GEORGETOWN, Guyana, Fri. Mar. 14, 2024: ExxonMobil Guyana announced today that it has made its first discovery for 2024 at the Bluefin site in the Stabroek block offshore Guyana.

The discovery included about 197 feet (60 metres) of hydrocarbon-bearing sandstone, drilled by the Stena Drillmax drillship at a depth of 4,244 feet (1,294 metres) of water.

Located roughly 8.5 kilometres southeast of the Sailfin-1 well, in the Stabroek block’s southeastern part, the Bluefin well adds to the block’s impressive discovery record.

President of ExxonMobil Guyana, Alistair Routledge, stated, “Our ongoing exploration efforts are further unlocking the block’s potential for sustainable oil and gas production. This discovery underscores our team’s ability to leverage our expertise, technology, and commitment to responsibly and efficiently harness Guyana’s energy resources.”

This discovery adds to the over 30 finds in the Stabroek block since 2015, marking a significant contribution to the region’s energy development.

Oil Giants Face Off In Battle For Oil Supremacy In Guyana

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By David Lewis

News Americas, WASHINGTON, D.C., Fri. Mar. 15, 2024: Not since the 1996 “cola wars” when Coca-Cola secretly purchased Pepsi’s operations in Venezuela from the Cisneros Group have we had U.S. global corporate majors competing head to head in any market in the Americas. That deal of $500 million in 1996 ($983 million in 2023 dollars) is a standard on B-school case studies of M&A business.

Today, it is greatly overshadowed by the $53 billion competition between ExxonMobil and Chevron for the purchase of the Hess Corp. share in the Stabroek Block in Guyana, the world’s new major oil and gas “hot spot.”

Exxon Mobil operates the Stabroek Block and holds 45 percent interest. Hess holds 30 percent interest, and CNOOC from China holds the remaining 25 percent interest. Production capacity at the field is expected to reach more than 1.2 million barrels per day by the end of 2027, according to Exxon’s 2023 end-of-year report.

By industry standards, the development of this project has been remarkably efficient with the current consortium in place – making new discoveries and developing new projects at astonishing rates. That has been good for all involved, including Guyana, both at the government level and in the rapidly growing private sector. The small country notched the world’s highest rate of GDP growth in both 2022 and 2023, according to the IMF.

In October, Chevron announced it was acquiring Hess, including its share in the Stabroek, for $53 billion. But now, ExxonMobil is reaffirming its right of first refusal, which was spelled out in the contract, that could potentially block the sale. Just two weeks ago, Exxon Mobil stated it intends to “preserve our right to realize the significant value we’ve created and are entitled to in the Guyana asset.”

The company is “working closely with the Guyanese government to ensure their rights and privileges” and has moved to push the case to arbitration in order to retain its pre-emption rights.

The outcome of this dispute could have significant implications for the global oil industry, particularly in the emerging basin of Guyana, which is considered vital to the crude markets. The situation underscores the strategic importance of the Stabroek block and the lengths to which companies will go to secure a stake in high-potential oil assets. Chevron has hinted previously that without the Guyana assets, it would not be interested in Hess.

It is fundamentally good business practice for any management team to assess their available options – especially when this kind of money is on the line. It is a simple fiduciary duty to shareholders.

Much of Hess’s financial value is attributable to just how well this project has performed. As the anchor incumbent, ExxonMobil is right to consider its options before changing that balance.

It is curious that Exxon Mobil has taken several months to exercise its first refusal right, but such rights do not expire and are embedded in the original contract.

The potential derailment of Chevron’s ambitious acquisition underscores the intricate dynamics of global oil exploration agreements and the competitive tensions among the world’s oil giants. The resolution of this dispute will not only determine the fate of the Hess acquisition but also set a precedent for how rights of first refusal are interpreted and enforced.

Ultimately, the Chevron deal may still happen. But no company would let such a prize slip away without at least having a closer look.

Now, with ExxonMobil’s filing for arbitration at the International Chamber of Commerce in Paris, the matter will head to the courts. None of us are privy to what these companies are negotiating and on what terms. However, we know that the result will be a plus for Guyana: either two major global oil companies in its market or a larger incumbent investment stake by ExxonMobil. Either way, Guyana wins.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Dr. David E. Lewis is Vice President of Manchester Trade and co-chair of the Caribbean Policy Consortium. He has worked on trade and investment issues in Guyana since 1991, when he led the first U.S. Investment Mission under the Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI).

Caribbean Heritage Former Athlete Embraces Major  Corporate Role At Google

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News Americas, New York, NY, Thurs. March 14, 2024: Jamaican-Canadian former professional ice hockey player, Chelsea Ziadie, who retired from the sport in 2020, is embracing the challenge of her major new role with corporate giant Google.

Ziadie, a Harvard graduate and daughter of former Jamaican soccer players Debbie Doyle Ziadie and the late Christopher Ziadie, was recently promoted to the position of Senior Account Manager, Google Customer Solutions.

Former Jamaican Canadian professional athlete and rising star, Chelsea Ziadie is now at Google. (PHOTO COURTESY OF ANTHONY LEGG)

 In her new capacity, Ziadie now works on developing and executing business strategies for nearly 60 small to medium sized Google business accounts.

“I specialize in growth in the retail and commerce sectors,” she says. “And in addition to my core role, I am also a Sales Inclusion Taskforce Ambassador as well as a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Pillar Lead- working with my colleagues to ensure that Google continues to prioritize and develop inclusivity and overall wellbeing for its employees across the organization.”

Prior to joining Google in 2021, Ziadie was also employed at Morgan Stanley as a Financial and Wealth Advisor Associate, managing accounts worth several million dollars.

Ziadie in her days as a hockey player ( PHOTO COURTESY OF SYDNEY CLAIRE)

Her latest professional accomplishment is a far cry from her days as a rising star in the fast paced world of women’s ice hockey, in which she was deeply immersed for much of her life until stepping away some four years ago. Yet according to Ziadie, “There’s no doubt in my mind that my ability to transfer many of the skills that I employed in my sport- leadership, tenacity, team building and empathy- assisted me in making the transition from the locker room to the boardroom. In many ways, being part of a professional sports team is the same as being part of a business organization- everyone has a role to play in helping the team to win.”

A career in professional sports- even temporarily- was perhaps always in the cards for Ziadie, considering her unique family background.

She was born in Montreal into a family of athletes. In addition to both her parents having represented Jamaica in soccer at the international level, her uncles Nicholas and Craig Ziadie and her grandfather the late Dennis Ziadie were all national soccer players for Jamaica also. Additionally, her older brother Ryan briefly pursued a pro career in ice hockey as well.

 After spending her early childhood years in Jamaica, she moved with her mother and brother back to Montreal. There, she played  soccer and ice hockey, ultimately going on to the prestigious Hotchkiss School in Connecticut where she represented the institution in both sports as well as in track and field.

As a teenager, Ziadie was a part of Team Quebec and Team Canada Under 18 Women’s Hockey, winning a bronze medal at the Canada Winter Games in 2011. Moving on to Harvard , she was part of the school’s Varsity Ice Hockey team, became an Ivy League Champion and was awarded several accolades during her four year college sojourn, including the 2018  MVP Award- all while pursuing her BA Degree in Sociology and Economics.

It was in 2018 after graduating from Harvard that she signed her first professional ice hockey contract with the Metropolitan Riveters in the National Women’s Hockey League (NWHL) and Professional Women’s Hockey Player Association (PWHPA).

She would remain with the league for two years, juggling her ice hockey career with her job at Morgan Stanley- a challenging experience but one that provided invaluable lessons in the art of multitasking.

“I would routinely wake up at 4am and leave my Manhattan apartment to travel to New Jersey for my 6:30am practice,” Ziadie recalls,  “And then return to the city to start my full day of work as a financial professional in the corporate world. My ability to balance both professions was due entirely to my  discipline and time management skills, which continue to serve me very well today.”

Ultimately, she elected to retire from the sport after two years in the league when the 2020 season was cancelled due to COVID. Having played for over twenty years she decided that amidst the uncertainty, the time had come to hang up her skates. However, she is happy to note the changes that have taken place in the sport in the years since her retirement.

“The sport was -and still is- a growing one for women in North America, and at that time the financial support unfortunately wasn’t available to compensate players sufficiently for us to make it a full time profession. So I chose to step back to focus fully on my business career. But I’m happy to see that as the popularity of the sport has increased, so have the contracts that players can now negotiate.  And I’m hopeful that the trend continues so that ice hockey will become yet another sport that young girls can aspire to actually earn a living from.”

She remains grateful for the role that professional sports has played in enhancing her personal and professional lives, in much the same way it did for her parents.

“My parents have always been my greatest role models and I saw firsthand how they applied the lessons they learnt as sporting professionals to the careers they undertook afterwards.  They were my biggest motivators as I pursued my own athletic endeavors. My mom is still my number one cheerleader and although my dad passed away in late 2022, I still feel his presence encouraging me constantly, urging me to stay focused and to go for my goals.”

For now, her current goal is to apply her lifelong commitment to excellence to her new role at Google.

“Working at Google has been an incredible opportunity to collaborate with truly creative thinkers and growth oriented individuals,” said Ziadie. “One area that I will continue to focus on while here is the blending of my finance background with my new experience in tech, which I hope will ultimately lead to my working on the Google Growth fund.”

St Kitts and Nevis Paves the Way for its Global Citizens to “Connect, Collaborate and Celebrate” at the Investment Gateway Summit

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News Americas, Basseterre, St. Kitts, Fri. March 08, 2024: The Government of St Kitts and Nevis have ushered in a new era of investing through the “Investment Gateway Summit”, calling for its economic citizens to visit their home. Global investors and high-net-worth individuals (HWNIs) can explore endless opportunities whilst being hosted by the Government. 

St. Kitts & Nevis

The Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis, Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, along with his Government, extends a personal invitation to citizens and investors to attend the exclusive inaugural Investment Gateway Summit from 11 to 15 May 2024.  

This significant event is an opportunity for Kittian and Nevisian citizens around the world to return home to discover how the twin-island federation is utilising economic diversification to advance developments and our citizens. 

This personal invitation from Honourable Dr. Drew, is an experience not to be missed to learn about the Sustainable Island State Agenda from the Government and key speakers , while connecting and building with visionary leaders, global businesspeople, and economic citizens. 

During the five-day Summit, economic citizens can engage and interact with national leaders and global experts. They can also explore the natural wonders the islands have to offer, with unique premium experiences to share with the world. 

Please click here to secure your exclusive spot at the Investment Gateway Summit. 

What to Expect from the Summit?

As an economic citizen, this will be your opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals in various businesses and network with businesspeople. 

Economic Citizens will have the opportunity to experience firsthand what initiatives St Kitts and Nevis are engaging in and the progress of each development. 

Learn about St Kitts and Nevis’ economic outlook for 2024 and beyond in addition to understanding how economic diversification can inspire change. Investment-led projects in the twin-federation and how you can become part of these exciting developments will be presented. 

Gain insights into the Sustainable Island State Agenda and why it is an essential element in the “Investment Gateway Summit” in May 2024. 

The Sustainable Island State Agenda key focus is on seven pillars: 

1. Food security 

2. Green energy transition 

3. Economic diversification 

4. Developing the Creative Economy 

5. Post-pandemic recovery 

6. Attract and support sustainable organisations 

7. Extend social protection and safety for vulnerable individuals 

These seven pillars form part of the Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC), which is an exciting new investment option under the Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme. 

The SISC is an opportunity to contribute to the development of a new nation. It’s a secure and sustainable option for savvy investors looking to make a strategic investment. 

Collaborative sustainable development initiatives will nurture economic and community development and extend shared values of excellence. 

“Connect, Collaborate and Celebrate” with Us

If you’re interested in promoting your brand, business services, or exploring sponsorship opportunities, feel free to leave a comment here along with your inquiry in the contact form. We’ll promptly respond with details on available packages. 

Tickets are limited – make sure to get your early bird tickets! 

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St Kitts and Nevis

Seven Canadian Trailblazers To Be Honored at the 15th Annual University of West Indies Toronto Benefit Awards

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NEWS AMERICAS, Toronto, ON, March 7, 2024 (Toronto, ON) – The 15th Annual University of West Indies (UWI) Toronto Benefit Awards celebrates the 2024 Honorees of its fundraiser in support of scholarships for Caribbean students on Saturday April 20th, 2024 at the prestigious Ritz-Carlton Hotel, 181 Wellington Street, Toronto at 5:30pm EST.  The sold-out gala affair is hosted by The University of the West Indies (UWI), top ranked among the world’s best universities, with Scotiabank as Lead Sponsor for the 15th consecutive year.

“The UWI Toronto Benefit Awards has provided 850 scholarships and bursaries to Caribbean students over the years” exclaimed Elizabeth Buchanan-Hind, Executive Director of University’s Institutional Advancement Division. “We know that education is the pathway to success as is evident with those who graduated and have gone onto great careers because they were able to attend The University of West Indies and get a world class education.”

Primary sponsors for this year’s event include Dr. Donette Chin-Loy Chang, Sprott Inc., The Hibbert Family Foundation, and BDO.

Under this year’s theme, Lighting the Way Together, this not-to-be missed night on the Toronto social calendar cultivates a high-profile guest list of corporate executives, public personalities and  community members committed to giving back to the Caribbean diaspora.

The distinguished 2024 Honourees are:

Luminary Award: The Honourable Mr. Justice Hugh L. Fraser, O.C., FCIArb., CollArb, OLY – Mediator, Arbitrator and Human Rights Activist

G. Raymond Chang Award: Mr. Raj Kothari, FCPA, FCA, MBA – Business Leader and Humanitarian

Chancellor’s Award: Air Canada – Global Organization serving the Caribbean

Vice Chancellor’s Award: Dr. Pamela Appelt, OD – Court of Canadian Citizenship Justice (Ret.), Humanitarian; Mr. Stanley J. Julien – Head, Special Accounts Management Unit – Canada, BMO Bank of Montreal, Business and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Leader; Mr. Deland Kamanga, CFA – Group Head, BMO Wealth Management, Financial Specialist and Philanthropist; Dr. Claudette McGowan – Chief Executive Officer, Protexxa, Global Cybersecurity Leader and Human Rights Activist, Business Leader and Philanthropist

Left to Right (Top): Deland Kamanga, Dr. Pamela Appelt, Raj Kothari,
Left to Right (Middle): Stanley Julien, Dr. Claudette McGowan, Hon. Hugh L. Fraser
Bottom: Air Canada

The Patrons of the UWI Toronto Benefit Awards are Dr. Donette Chin-Loy Chang, Mr. Andrew Chang, Ms. Brigette Chang, and joining them this year are Mr. Kevin Hibbert and Mrs. Ann-Marie Hibbert, both passionate supporters of higher education and the UWI Student Scholarship Fund. Mr. Hibbert was a recipient of the 2023 Vice Chancellor’s Award. 

Lighting the Way Together demonstrates how together, community donations, financial support and inspiration provides a lifeline to students eager to fulfill their educational dreams.

Red Carpet Cocktail Hour – 5:30pm – 7:00pm – 2nd Floor

Dinner, Awards Program, Entertainment – 7:00pm – 10:00pm – 2nd Floor

Air Canada Lyme (After Party) – 10:00pm – Midnight

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Gordon Brothers Offering for Sale by Private Treaty Royal Falcon One Superyacht

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News Americas, London, England, Monday, March 04, 2024: Gordon Brothers, the global asset experts, is exclusively offering for sale by private treaty the Royal Falcon One superyacht.

Royal Falcon One was built in 2019 and is the world’s only luxury catamaran superyacht created by Studio F.A. Porsche. The vessel is a generous four-deck, 10-berth catamaran benefiting from best-in-class design and artisanry.

The superyacht has a range of 1,200 nautical miles and boasts onboard facilities including five VIP suites, four crew cabins, 10-seat dining table, three bars and a relaxing sundeck featuring a lounge area and jacuzzi. A shallow draft enables the yacht to access and anchor in the most secluded coves.

“Royal Falcon One presents a unique opportunity for the discerning buyer to acquire a one-of-a-kind catamaran under 500 gross tons,” said Oliver Veart, Director, Marine & Valuations at Gordon Brothers. “The vessel is berthed in Genoa, Italy and available for prompt delivery in time for the Mediterranean summer season.”

For further details, please contact Oliver Veart at ov****@go************.com. For vessel specifications, please visit our website.

Gordon Brothers has established a dedicated marine services and valuations practice that leverages decades of experience buying, selling and valuing assets in the commercial and industrial economy across Australia, Brazil, Canada, the U.K., Europe, Japan and the U.S. The firm provides advisory services including fleet and vessel renewal analysis, disposition and investment strategies.

About Gordon Brothers

Since 1903, Gordon Brothers (www.gordonbrothers.com) has helped lenders, management teams, advisors and investors move forward through change. The firm brings a powerful combination of expertise and capital to clients, developing customized solutions on an integrated or standalone basis across four services areas: valuations, dispositions, financing and investment. Whether to fuel growth or facilitate strategic consolidation, Gordon Brothers partners with companies in the retail, commercial and industrial sectors to provide maximum liquidity, put assets to their highest and best use and mitigate liabilities. The firm conducts more than $100 billion worth of dispositions and appraisals annually and provides both short- and long-term capital to clients undergoing transformation. Gordon Brothers lends against and invests in brands, real estate, inventory, receivables, machinery, equipment and other assets, both together and individually, to provide clients liquidity solutions beyond its market-leading disposition and appraisal services. The firm is headquartered in Boston, with over 30 offices across five continents.

St Kitts And Nevis Unveils the Investment Gateway Summit

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News Americas, Basseterre, St. Kitts Feb. 29, 2024: The Government of St Kitts and Nevis proudly announces a landmark achievement in its ongoing commitment to realizing the Sustainable Island State Agenda. In a ground-breaking move, the nation unveils an unprecedented initiative aimed at fostering collaboration and investment to propel the twin-federation into a prosperous future. 

This pivotal moment not only signifies a significant stride towards sustainability but also underscores the Government’s visionary approach to uniting its global citizens. In an extraordinary display of inclusivity, St Kitts and Nevis extends its arms to every citizen worldwide, ushering them to partake in shaping the nation’s trajectory. 

The Government will host their inaugural event, “The Investment Gateway Summit” in May, marking a historical moment in the country’s journey towards fulfilling the Sustainable Island State Agenda. This momentous event presents an unparalleled opportunity to collaborate and invest in shaping the future of the twin-federation. It’s a personal invitation from the Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis, Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, and his Government to engage citizens and investors to come to the country for this exclusive inaugural Investment Gateway Summit taking place from 11 to 15 May 2024! 

Through this forward-thinking endeavor, the Government unites individuals under a common banner – that of being a proud citizen of St Kitts and Nevis, while fostering opportunities for success as entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators. 

Each day of the five-day Summit promises unique events and interactions with the leaders of the country and global experts to ensure an engaging and interactive experience in the twin-island federation.  

Who will attend the Summit? 

This Summit is all about the St Kitts and Nevis citizens. The event also promises a mix of discerning investors, and high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) seeking prospects; prospective Citizenship by Investment (CBI) applicants and entrepreneurs, CEOs and C-Suite businesspeople and the wider investor immigration community.  

Why is this Summit not to be missed? This is an opportunity to connect with like-minded global citizens, investors, HNWIs and special guests, as well as identify potential new business opportunities in the idyllic twin-island federation. This unique platform will unlock new ventures for growth throughout various sectors of the country’s economy, including agriculture, information technology, renewable energy and tourism. From diverse panel discussions and networking opportunities to exclusive investment highlights and site visits, the Summit is crafted to connect, collaborate and celebrate the country and its global citizens. 

Investment Opportunities in St Kitts and Nevis To showcase St Kitts and Nevis’ commitment to the Sustainable Island State Agenda, the Summit will highlight initiatives that global investors can participate in to nurture community development, empower businesses and foster growth and development. The Government of St Kitts and Nevis together with the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) look forward to hosting this riveting event and opening their nation‘s doors to explore the twin federation’s active investment projects, spectacular beaches, distinct tourism amenities and luxury accommodation. Please click here to secure your exclusive spot at the Investment Gateway Summit. This is not just a unique investment opportunity in a tropical Caribbean country, it is a meeting of minds to form meaningful connections, through engaging workshops and insightful panel discussions. Additionally, the Government aims to build strong communities with shared values of excellence. 

Get Involved Should you like to promote your brand, business services or enquire about sponsorship opportunities, you can leave your comment here with your interest in the contact form, and you will receive a response with available packages. 

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St Kitts and Nevis

These Caribbean Countries Are Now Off The EU’s Blacklist

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Mon. Feb. 26, 2024: The European Union has updated its list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes, removing several Caribbean nations from its so-called Blacklist.

TCI is now off the EU’s blacklist.

The European blacklist, created in 2017 in the wake of scandals such as the Panama Papers and LuxLeaks, is meant to encourage other countries and jurisdictions to “adopt fair tax policies” and “increase tax transparency.”

The EU announced that these three Caribbean countries are now off its “Blacklist.” They are:

1: The Bahamas

2: Belize

3: The Turks and Caicos Islands.

Those still under scrutiny for their tax governance practices are:

1: Anguilla

2: Antigua and Barbuda

3: Trinidad and Tobago

4: US Virgin Islands

The EU encourages these jurisdictions to amend their legal frameworks to address identified tax governance shortcomings. Included in the list are countries that have either not participated in constructive dialogue with the EU regarding tax governance or have not fulfilled their commitments to enact necessary reforms. These reforms are expected to align with the EU’s objective criteria for tax governance, which emphasize tax transparency, fair taxation, and the prevention of tax base erosion and profit shifting.

The list is revised biannually, in February and October, to reflect changes and is overseen by EU finance ministers. Notably, recent assessments by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Forum of Harmful Tax Practices (FHTP) identified issues in the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands related to enforcing economic substance requirements. However, subsequent recommendations were softened, leading to their compliance with standards for jurisdictions with minimal corporate income tax.

Additionally, Belize and Seychelles were previously flagged by the OECD Global Forum for deficiencies in information exchange but have since implemented rule changes that warrant further review. Meanwhile, Botswana and Dominica received positive evaluations for their information exchange practices, leading to their removal from the list.