Cuba eases private business curbs as Jamaica licenses its first casino
A regional round-up: Cuba's economic reforms, Jamaica's US$800 million casino milestone, a new renewable energy programme and St Vincent's aid to Venezuela.
Cuba reforms
Cuba has introduced sweeping economic reforms to ease its worsening humanitarian crisis by relaxing long-standing restrictions on private businesses.
The changes, approved by parliament last month, remove 46 restrictions and relax 35 others. Private vendors may now import and sell certain goods and medicines, foreign investment in the oil sector is expanded, private elderly care facilities are allowed and importing electric vehicles is made easier.
President Miguel Díaz-Canel said the country "simply cannot continue on its current course". Tobacco production, internet services and the media will remain under state control. The reforms come as Cuba struggles with hardship worsened by a US oil blockade.
Jamaica's first casino licence
Jamaica's Casino Gaming Commission (CGC) has issued the country's first casino operator's licence, to Adamas Grand Casino Ltd, formally launching the regulated casino industry.
The CGC said it represents an estimated US$800 million investment in tourism. The casino will operate at the Princess Grand Jamaica Resort under a management agreement with Spain's Grupo Orenes.
Finance Minister Fayval Williams said casino gaming would be subject to strict oversight and the same anti-money laundering and beneficial ownership rules as the rest of the financial sector.
Renewable energy push
The Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (CCREEE) has launched the US$5.29 million ASERT 2030 Regional Capacity Strengthening programme, funded by the Caribbean Development Bank and CCREEE. Renewables make up just 12 per cent of the region's energy mix.
Executive director Dr Mohammad Rafik Nagdee said the transition required "strong institutions, strategic investments, effective partnerships, and decisive leadership", not ambition alone.
St Vincent aid to Venezuela
St Vincent and the Grenadines has joined other Caricom states in sending humanitarian aid to Venezuela after the June 24 earthquakes. The regional effort also included Guyana, Grenada, Belize, The Bahamas, Jamaica and St Kitts and Nevis.
Prime Minister Friday said St Vincent understood the effects of natural disasters from its own experience. Foreign Minister Fitzgerald Bramble said the initiative showed the strength of regional cooperation.
The shipment was received by Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván Gil, who praised Caricom as a dependable partner. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez thanked the participating nations.
