Caribbean Business – First Chinese Factory Opened In Haiti

Everbright Headwear specializes in the manufacture of caps of all types for different brands and for several international markets including Major League of Baseball (MLB).

By NAN Business Editor

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. Aug. 11, 2017: A Chinese factory opened this week in north-east Haiti in the free zone of Ouanaminthe.

Everbright Headwear specializes in the manufacture of caps of all types for different brands and for several international markets including Major League of Baseball (MLB).

The Chinese factory is set to create around 600 jobs initially.

Apparel exports from Haiti have increased so far this year to US $351.5 million while apparel jobs have passed 41,000.

From Online Gambling Pioneer To Antigua Special Economic Envoy

An online gambling pioneer has been appointed Special Economic Envoy in Antigua & Barbuda. Calvin Ayre will be advising the country on policies relating to blockchain technology and digital currencies, according to Casino.org. Ayre is reportedly running a tech company in Antigua that completes Bitcoin transactions on the public ledger.  The country’s government is hoping  that under Ayre’s leadership, the next wave of internet economic prosperity will return to the island territory.

Air France Caribbean Flight

Air France is set to add a new non-stop route from the United States to a French Caribbean island later this year. The airline is set to fly from Atlanta to of Guadeloupe from Nov. 21, operating two flights a week on 170-seat Airbus A320 jets. Guadeloupe-bound flights will depart Atlanta each Wednesday and Sunday. The return flights will leave Guadeloupe on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Guyana Government Criticized Over Changes To Broadcast Bill

The David Granger government of Guyana is facing international and regional criticism from media organizations over a revised broadcasting bill that was passed in the Guyana Parliament last weekend.

The changes include calling for all broadcasters to apply for a license within 30 days, a time limit that is being criticized by local and regional press freedom groups as too short. Broadcasters found operating without a licensee could be fined up to one million Guyanese dollars and sentenced to one year imprisonment.

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) this week said the new bill raises multiple press freedom concerns and urged Granger not to assent to the legislation and urged further consultation with broadcasters in order to take into account their recommendations.

The International Press Institute (IPI) has also urged the Guyana government to address the serious concerns raised by local media groups regarding the Bill.

“We are troubled that this Bill appears to have been drafted and passed without time for sufficient consultation with all relevant stakeholders, including Guyana’s private broadcasters and local civil society groups,” said IPI Director of Advocacy and Communications Steven M Ellis.