In the last few days Barbados’ Prime Minister, Mia Mottley, has reiterated her belief that to progress the region must make the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME) fit for purpose.
Ms. Mottley suggested that if the region is not to be marginalised, CARICOM’s governance structure needs to change, more frequent meetings of CARICOM heads and ministerial sub-committees should be held to speed up the pace of implementation, and her fellow leaders should in this respect consider following the lead of European Heads of Government. She also encouraged the private sector to play a much greater and more active role in regional decision-making, planning and implementation. Continue reading
Caribbean: Tourism Matters: Airline travel and tourism development fee
I recently questioned the charging of US$70 of the October 2018 imposed ‘Airline Travel and Tourism Development Fee’ on a LIAT return ticket from Barbados to St Maarten. This was in addition to the already existing US$27.50 departure tax.
LIAT kindly responded stating the “Airline Travel and Tourism Development Fee is US$35 for CARICOM and US$70 for other destinations. Since St Maarten is not a member of CARICOM the fee is US$70”. Continue reading →
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