Business
November 21, 2023
FTC Sticks to Decision on BL&P Electricity Rate Increase, Consumers Awaiting Final Ruling
"The Fair Trading Commission (FTC) maintains its decision to deny the full electricity rate increase requested by Barbados Light & Power Company (BL&P), pending a final order that will determine potential refunds."
November 20, 2023
FTC Upholds Electricity Rate Decision, BL&P Motion Dismissed: Final Rates for Barbadians Expected by Year-End
The Fair Trading Commission (FTC) has decided not to change its electricity rate decision issued in February, dismissing Barbados Light & Power Company's motion for review. The interim rate increase will continue, and a final decision on rates is expected before the year-end. The FTC will review BL&P's compliance filing.
November 20, 2023
Water Outages on Barbados' South Coast Impact Businesses and Residents: Belle Pumping Station Shutdown Causes Losses for Local Establishments.
"Water outages on South Coast impact businesses and residents, causing financial losses and inconvenience. Repair work led to low water pressure and outages in St Michael and Christ Church communities."
November 20, 2023
Four Cruise Liners Docked at Bridgetown Port, Including Marella Voyager from TUI Group
Four cruise ships, including the Marella Voyager, docked at Bridgetown Port with over 6,000 passengers. The TUI Group will homeport two ships in Barbados for the 2023-2024 cruise season, strengthening their relationship. Minister of Tourism Ian Gooding-Edghill praised this move for the tourism industry.
November 20, 2023
Barbados Supports United Nations in International Taxation for Transparency and Fairness
Barbados is supporting a push for the United Nations to help bring more “transparency and fairness” in international taxation.
November 19, 2023
Barbados Bar Association Proposes Tough New Laws to Regulate Lawyers, Addressing Theft and Misconduct
"The Barbados Bar Association anticipates the implementation of new laws governing lawyers, emphasizing the importance of discouraging theft from clients and maintaining the reputation of the legal profession and Barbados as a business jurisdiction."
November 18, 2023
Iconic Concorde Supersonic Jet Hangar in Barbados to Reopen as Cruise Ship Terminal, Easing Congestion at Grantley Adams International Airport
Closed for over five years, the Concorde Experience Barbados is reopening as the Concorde Terminal for cruise ship passengers, aiming to ease congestion at the Grantley Adams International Airport.
November 18, 2023
Barbados Trust Fund Limited Disburses $22 Million in Loans to Promote Locally Produced Goods
The Barbados Trust Fund Limited (BTFL) has disbursed $22 million in loans over the past five years, supporting local businesses in introducing their products to domestic and global markets. The BTFL continues to provide additional support to businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
November 17, 2023
Barbados Light & Power Company Files Application for Clean Energy Transition Rider, Potentially Resulting in Monthly Electricity Bill Increases
Barbados Light & Power Company Limited (BL&P) has applied for regulatory approval to recover costs from a battery storage installation, potentially resulting in a $41 increase in monthly electricity bills for homeowners. The approval is separate from the previous rate increase decision.
November 17, 2023
Barbados' Zane Maloney Named Andretti's Global Reserve Driver in Formula E for Season 10
Zane Maloney, the 20-year-old Red Bull Formula 2 driver, has been named Andretti's Global reserve driver in Formula E, also serving as a development driver for Season 10.
November 17, 2023
Amazon Trims Jobs in Alexa Unit, Pivots towards Generative AI
Amazon.com (AMZN.O) is reducing jobs in its Alexa voice assistant unit to align with shifting business priorities and a focus on generative AI. The cuts affect "several hundred" employees, with no specific numbers disclosed.
November 17, 2023
Barbadian Consumers to Face Shipping Delays Affecting Christmas Season and Beyond
Barbadian consumers should prepare for increasing shipping delays this Christmas season and beyond due to reduced ship crossings at the Panama Canal and transshipment issues at the Kingston Port in Jamaica. Expect delays of two to four weeks for items depending on their origin.