International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, announces the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) as a new member of the IFC-facilitated Sustainable Banking and Finance Network (SBFN), making the ECCB the first partner of the SBFN from the English-speaking Caribbean. IFC’s experience working with small island economies like Fiji and Maldives,…

BBC – India’s finance minister has said the country will launch a digital version of the rupee as early as this year. In her annual budget speech, Nirmala Sitharaman also outlined plans for a 30% tax on income from digital assets. It would put profits from trading or transferring cryptocurrencies and non-fungible tokens in the…

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The award-winning, Luxury Included® Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort and Offshore Island welcomed its first guests today following a $55 million renovation, the first of a series of milestones in this commemorative 40th anniversary year for the Sandals Resorts brand. Situated on 15 sprawling acres, the 404-room Sandals Royal Bahamian revels in the…

NDTV – The United Arab Emirates will introduce a corporate tax from mid-2023, the finance ministry said Monday, in a major change of course as the country seeks to diversify its income. The Gulf financial centre, long known as a tax haven and the regional headquarters for a swathe of multinationals, will tax business profits…

The Caribbean Tourism Organization joins the rest of the Caribbean in mourning the loss of Dr. Jean Holder, the father of regional tourism development. The late Dr. Holder spent more than 30 years of his professional life leading the development and expansion of the sector that would become the region’s main foreign exchange earner and the…

British Airways is to bring back complimentary food and drink after the flagship carrier’s boss yesterday admitted axing them was a mistake. In an open letter to customers, Sean Doyle said they will be entitled to a free snack, bottle of water and array of hot and cold drinks – perks that were axed in economy…

British Airways is scrambling to hire more than 2,000 cabin crew amid concerns staff shortages will hold back the UK’s summer travel boom. Passenger demand has come roaring back since the Government announced it would ditch air travel restrictions. Airlines including easyJet have reported a jump, while TUI said this month bookings were the busiest since…

JetBlue is helping travellers beat the winter blues with deals on flights to the Caribbean as well as one-way flights in the United States starting as low as $29. The “Big Winter Sale” is valid for travel from Feb. 5 through March 31 and must be booked by Feb. 1 at 11:59 p.m. ET or…

Travellers headed to Belize in search of sunshine, beaches, and world-class scuba diving will soon be required to purchase travel insurance for their trip. Beginning Feb. 15, all international visitors must purchase an official travel insurance policy, according to a recent announcement from the Belize Tourism Board. The policy, costing $18, will cover up to $50,000 in COVID-19-related…

Rihanna is backing her belief that climate change is a social-justice issue by pledging $15 million to the movement through her Clara Lionel Foundation. The “We Found Love” singer on Tuesday announced the donation to 18 climate justice organizations doing work in seven Caribbean nations and the United States. They include the Climate Justice Alliance,…