APRIL 2021 Best Practices in Business & Economic Development THE PHOENIX GROUP Dachin Group of Companies ALL THE RIGHT MOVES
1 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN APRIL 2021 LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Editor in Chief Lorie Lee Steiner Research Directors Brendan McElroy Lisa Curry Thomas Hiley Matt Savelli Heidi Sammy Contributing Writers Caroline Verner-Hiley Dan Macharia Lauren Shoots Michelle Mahoney Candace Allison Michael Reschke Victoria Gray Director of Production Vicki Lewis Digital Strategist Jon Bartlow Creative Director Todd Calfee Vice President of Business Development Matthew Mitchell CGO Alexander Wynne-Jones Executive Publisher / CEO Marcus VandenBrink USA Canada Caribbean Oceania Email for all inquiries: info@businessviewmagazine.com WWW.BUSINESSVIEWMAGAZINE.COM 2422 Palm Ridge Road, Suite 820 Sanibel FL, 33957 239.220.5554 CONTACT US At this time, our thoughts and prayers go out to the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, as they face a devastating event, while still struggling with the COVID-19 pandemic. On Friday, April 9, La Soufriere Volcano made headlines when it erupted with great force, spewing a plume of ash 20,000 feet into the sky. On Sunday, reports from NEMO (St. Vincent and the Grenadines National Emergency Management Organization) state, “Day #3 and everything looks like a battle zone. Dreary morning with the ash beginning to harden on the ground due to overnight showers. Many homes still without water and electricity.” Power outages are widespread throughout the region, and Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has mobilized to support and house evacuees, following an evacuation order of the area around the volcano by Prime Minister Dr. the Honourable Ralph Gonsalves. The scientific team from the University of the West Indies (UWI) Seismic Research Centre (SRC) has been constantly monitoring the volcano and rendering scientific advice to the Government of St Vincent and the Grenadines. The Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) has been working alongside NEMO, the SRC, and the Regional Security System (RSS), providing technical assistance with Evacuation and Logistics Planning. Multiple cruise lines have arrived to transfer St. Vincent residents to safety on other islands, while following strict COVID-19 protocols. The thousands of people who have been displaced from their homes will need food and proper housing. “We’re in this for the long haul; it’s not going to end overnight,” says Fitzgerald Huggins, the consul general of St. Vincent and the Grenadines in Toronto. Support and supplies are pouring in from around the globe. It’s this kind of collaboration and selfless volunteerism that saves lives and speaks to the very heart of a worldwide love for the Caribbean. The single question in everyone’s minds at this moment – How can I help? *The Bermuda Red Cross has launched a disaster appeal for those affected by the volcano. Donations can be made at www.bermudaredcross.com ------------- This month’s Business View Caribbean showcases visionary thinking from a diverse range of industries. Discover why Trinidadians trust the well-known AC specialists at Peake Technologies to keep them cool; why the Dachin Group of Companies excel in the entertainment, security, real estate, food & beverage sectors; why the Phoenix Group is a premier construction contractor in the Caymans; and how WiPay is becoming the leading online payment solutions provider across the Caribbean. Health and wellness are uppermost priorities at Trinidad’s Caribbean Health Foods (manufactured with all natural ingredients), Lifespan Company (thirstquenching pure spring water), and Andrews Memorial Hospital – blessed to serve the Kingston, Jamaica region. Meanwhile, in northern Trinidad, the Tunapuna/Piarco Regional Corporation is improving life for all its citizens, with a particular focus on incentivizing entrepreneurial pursuits and investing in affordable housing. On the Hospitality front, we take a delightful visit to Abaco Beach Resort & Boat Harbour Marina in Marsh Harbour, Bahamas and Van der Valk Plaza Beach & Dive Resort in beautiful Bonaire. Both of these outstanding getaway destinations are eagerly awaiting guests to come and experience a safe haven and all the joys of seaside adventures. It’s our pleasure to bring you these stories of the businesses and people who care so much for their communities and the region at large. We hope you enjoy the read. Lorie Lee Steiner Editor in Chief
2 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN APRIL 2021 CONTENTS COVER Dachin Group of Companies 1 LETTER FROM THE EDITOR 3 OPENING LINES 15 POWER QUESTION BEST PRACTICES IN CARIBBEAN TOURISM 21 ABACO BEACH RESORT & BOAT HARBOUR MARINA Classic Bahamian beauty 29 VAN DER VALK PLAZA BEACH & DIVE RESORT Sun, sand and adventure BEST PRACTICES IN BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 39 THE CARIBBEAN INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE (CARIRI) Welcoming innovation 43 CARIBBEAN HEALTH FOODS LIMITED Naturally delicious delights 109 ANDREWS MEMORIAL HOSPITAL 67 THE PHOENIX GROUP APRIL 2021 51 DACHIN GROUP OF COMPANIES All the right moves 59 LIFESPAN COMPANY LIMITED Water for life 67 THE PHOENIX GROUP “Building things that matter” 77 PEAKE TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED Trust Us to Keep You Cool! 85 DOC’S GROUP OF COMPANIES Where Houses Live 91 TUNAPUNA-PIARCO REGIONAL CORPORATION Valuing local communities 101 WIPAY Empowering online payment solutions BEST PRACTICES IN CARIBBEAN HEALTH CARE 109 ANDREWS MEMORIAL HOSPITAL Blessed to serve
3 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN APRIL 2021 Opening Lines APRIL 2021 Cyber risk seen as top threat to growth in Caribbean region One year after COVID-19 was declared a pandemic, CEOs are voicing record levels of optimism in the global economic recovery, with 76% of business leaders predicting that economic growth will improve in 2021. The number is lower for Caribbean region CEOs, with 69% saying they believe global economic growth will improve. PwC’s 24th Annual Global CEO Survey polled 5,050 CEOs in 100 countries and territories over January and February 2021. The percentage of CEOs expressing confidence in growth is up from 22% in 2020 and 42% in 2019, representing the highest level of optimism since the survey started asking this question in 2012. Arthur Wightman, PwC Bermuda leader, comments: “After a period of human tragedy and profound disruption, it’s encouraging to see that CEO confidence is up, boosted by the rollout of vaccines in many parts of the world, including here in Bermuda. The details of that recovery aren’t yet clear. However, it’s certain that we will not return THREE QUARTERS OF CEOS PREDICT A RETURN TO GROWTH IN 2021 PWC’S 24TH GLOBAL CEO SURVEY to the way things were. CEOs will need to develop a different mind-set and consider and take action on a far broader range of issues – that will affect company value over time, setting a course that builds trust and delivers sustained outcomes. “This includes the heightened focus on sustainability, social inclusion and other environmental, social and governance opportunities. It’s vital that businesses meet these expectations if they are to build and sustain consumer trust. The organizations that rise to these challenges will emerge stronger, more resilient and able to steer successfully through this period of momentous change.” Top threats: Pandemics/health, cyber risk, tax policies and misinformation Not surprisingly, pandemics and health crises top the list of threats to growth prospects, overtaking the fear of over-regulation, which has been the perennial number one concern for CEOs globally since 2014. Cyber has fast become a major source of anxiety. Rising digitisation is increasing the risks posed by cyber threats. This, coupled with the significant increase in cybersecurity incidents in 2020 including ransomware attacks, has resulted in cyber threats
4 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN APRIL 2021 1 – The organizations that rise to these challenges will emerge stronger, more resilient and able to steer successfully through this period of momentous change leaping up the list to become the number two concern, cited by 47% of CEOs globally compared to 33% in 2020. Among Caribbean CEOs, however, cyber threats are the number one concern, cited by 67%, followed by pandemics and health crises, cited by 61%. Also rising rapidly up the list of CEO concerns is the spread of misinformation (28%, up from 16% in 2020), which has had an impact on elections, reputation, and public health – further contributing to a decline in trust across society. In 2020, tax policy uncertainty ranked outside the top ten concerns for CEOs, with only 19% of CEOs concerned. This year, it has increased rapidly in importance, leaping up to seventh place (31% globally), with CEOs undoubtedly watching government debts accumulate and realising that business taxes will likely need to rise. 60% of Global CEOs and 57% of Caribbean region CEOs believe their organisations’ tax obligations will increase as governments address rising debt. And some 82% of Caribbean CEOs compared to 65% of Global CEOs believe this will lead them to reconsider cost structure. Survey highlights: CEOs are more optimistic about the outlook for their businesses. Some 36% of those polled said they are “very confident” about their organisation’s prospects for revenue growth over the next 12 months, up from 27% of CEOs in 2020. While global confidence is up, there is wide variation across industries, reflecting the varying degrees to which consumer behaviour has been impacted by the pandemic. CEOs in the technology and telecommunications sectors show the highest levels of confidence at 45% and 43%, respectively. Meanwhile, CEOs in the transportation and logistics (29%) and hospitality and leisure (27%) sectors are among the least confident about their ability to grow revenues over the next 12 months. Digital investments for the future Asked about their spending on digital transformation, nearly half of CEOs (49%) project increases of 10% or more. Despite the rising level of concern CEOs are voicing about cyberattacks, this has not translated into definitive actions. Less than half of the CEOs planning for heightened digital investment are also planning to boost their spending on cybersecurity and data privacy by 10% or more. At the same time, a growing number of CEOs – 36% globally compared to 55% in the Caribbean region – plan to use automation and technology to make their workforce more competitive, more than double the share of CEOs who said the same in 2016. US extends its lead over China as the top destination for growth The survey findings show that the US has extended its lead as the number one market that CEOs are looking to for growth over the next 12 months at 35%, seven percentage points ahead of China at 28%. In 2020, the US was only one percentage point ahead of China. As expected, the US is the top destination for growth for Caribbean CEOs (53%). New political developments and existing tensions have had an impact on the views of US CEOs. They are reducing their emphasis on China as a growth driver and increasing their focus on Canada and Mexico; compared to 2020, US CEOs’ interest in the latter two countries rose by 78%. *PwC refers to the Bermuda member firm, and may sometimes refer to the PwC network (PricewaterhouseCoopers Ltd.) www.pwc.com/ bermuda
5 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN APRIL 2021 For the first time since its founding 24 years ago, the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) Scholarship Foundation will this year fund a scholarship for studies in agro/ gastronomy-related subjects. The foundation is this year introducing the Thomas J. Greenan Scholarship, which will provide financial support to Caribbean nationals pursuing qualification in this field or in community-based or sustainable tourism. The US$5,000 scholarship also includes an internship at Adya Global, an organisation committed to sharing the beauty of the world with all, and in ways that honour and respect the land and people who inhabit it. Adya works to CTO SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION ADDS FUNDING FOR NEW STUDIES create sustainable and equitable relationships with its partners across the globe that are community-based and focused on agro and gastro production capabilities. Greenan was one of its founders. “Thomas intimately understood the need to balance the work Adya does with its mission to honour those they partner with. This scholarship will allow Interns to help carry this legacy forward,” said Nalini Tiwari Greenan, Thomas’ partner and co-founder of Adya Global. The foundation will this year also offer the Audrey Palmer Hawks Memorial Scholarship to Caribbean nationals currently employed OPENING LINES
6 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN APRIL 2021 S Thomas intimately understood the need to balance the work Adya does with its mission to honour those they partner with in the Caribbean tourism industry seeking to enhance their skills in public relations and/ or communications and the CTO Scholarship Foundation/Delta Air Lines Scholarship to Caribbean nationals interested in pursuing studies in aviation or air transport technologies. Further information about the scholarships, including criteria for qualification, can be found at http://ctofoundation.org. Applications are currently being accepted and the deadline for submitting entries is Friday, 7 May, 2021 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time. All applications must be submitted online at https://bit.ly/2QWDgoI. Applications will not be accepted via mail, email or fax. The foundation selects individuals who demonstrate high levels of achievement and leadership both within and outside the classroom and who express a strong interest in making a positive contribution to Caribbean tourism. In addition to Adya Global and Delta Air Lines, the foundation has also received support from Royal Caribbean International and a number of individuals who have contributed via its recently launched GoFundMe page https://gofund. me/6df65df4, which is part of a fundraising drive to fund additional scholarships and study grants. About Caribbean Tourism Organization Scholarship Foundation The CTO Scholarship Foundation is a 501 (C) (3) entity established in 1997 with the aim of training and developing future leaders for the Caribbean tourism industry by funding studies in tourism and tourism-related subjects, hospitality and language. The objective is to ensure that the brightest and the best are attracted to careers in the sector or in areas that impact tourism, thereby helping to build a Caribbean tourism industry that is globally competitive and sustainable. Since its inception, the foundation has raised over US$1 million in scholarship funds and has provided over 280 grants and scholarships.
7 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN APRIL 2021 Royal Bank of Canada (RY on TSX and NYSE) (“RBC”) announced that it has received the required approvals from local governments and from the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank for the sale of its Eastern Caribbean banking operations. The transaction closed on April 1, 2021. This sale has RBC selling its Eastern Caribbean banking operations to a consortium of regional banks comprised of 1st National Bank of RBC SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETES SALE OF ITS EASTERN CARIBBEAN BANKING OPERATIONS St. Lucia, Antigua Commercial Bank, Bank of Dominica, Bank of Montserrat, and The Bank of Nevis. The sale includes RBC’s 11 branches in Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. “This transaction will allow RBC to align investments and resources into markets where our vision for being the Caribbean’s digitally-enabled relationship bank OPENING LINES
8 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN APRIL 2021 include 41 branches and offices across Aruba, The Bahamas, Barbados, Bonaire, the Cayman Islands, Curaçao, Saba, Sint Maarten, Trinidad and Tobago, and the Turks and Caicos Islands. *About RBC in the Caribbean With more than 110 years of dedicated service to the region, RBC has a presence in 10 countries and territories, with 38 branches and over 3,000 employees serving nearly one million clients. As one of the Caribbean’s leading diversified financial services companies, RBC provides personal and commercial banking, wealth management, corporate and investment banking, insurance and trust and asset management services to a wide range of clients, including individuals, small businesses, general commercial entities, regional and multi-national corporations and governments. For more information, please visit rbc.com/caribbean. The sale of our Eastern Caribbean banking operations to indigenous banks is also a critical step forward in strengthening the domestic financial services sectors in each of the countries and territories involved can be executed most-successfully,” said Rob Johnston, Head of Caribbean Banking. “The sale of our Eastern Caribbean banking operations to indigenous banks is also a critical step forward in strengthening the domestic financial services sectors in each of the countries and territories involved. This will help create a stronger climate for further growth, development, and prosperity.” Upon closing this transaction, RBC’s Caribbean presence – supported by 3,000 employees – will
9 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN APRIL 2021 A Jamaican firm has been selected by the regional tourism development agency, the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), to conduct its first-ever regional skills audit to assess the competencies of the Caribbean tourism workforce. After a comprehensive process for procuring consultancy services to undertake this project, A-Z Information Jamaica Ltd. was chosen to conduct this critical tourism human resources audit, as the industry seeks to navigate the next phase of Caribbean tourism and strategically plan for its future. The exercise – funded by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) to the tune of US$124,625 – is aimed at assessing the levels of knowledge and competencies of the JAMAICA FIRM SELECTED TO CONDUCT CTO’S TOURISM HR KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS AUDIT Caribbean tourism workforce and identifying future skills needs for the region’s tourism and hospitality industry. “A-Z is deeply honoured to have been selected to execute this strategically pivotal project in collaboration with the CTO at such an unprecedented moment in the history of our region and people. The convergence of the potentially crippling impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the rapidly growing effects of climate change present us with a unique opportunity in this regional HR audit of the industry’s current leadership and workforce knowledge, skills and attitudes,” said chief executive officer, Dr. Noel Watson. “We look forward to working together to help define and OPENING LINES
10 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN APRIL 2021 the project, the Kingston-based firm was among four finalists invited to submit comprehensive proposals, and ultimately emerged the topranked firm. Backed by a network of employment and labour market researchers, tourism academics and practitioners and strategic human resources planning and development experts, A-Z has a solid regional footing and extensive experience working around the region on various large research focused projects, including labour market needs assessments, workforce strategies and plans, and human resources audits. The main goal of this project, which begins this month, is to help Caribbean tourism planners and policymakers better understand how to most effectively leverage human resource development for a more innovative and competitive industry. Among other objectives, it will seek to identify the specific leadership and workforce competencies required to meet the current and future needs of the region’s tourism sector and provide a detailed review of the critical skill sets and resources necessary for the development of a sustainable, high-performing Caribbean tourism workforce. It’s also expected to provide valuable information and recommendations that will assist with the development of policies and better planned interventions related to human capital. Data obtained from the audit will contribute to effective human resource planning for the tourism industry in the region by providing a framework for decision-making, to guide the development and refinement of tourism education and training programmes by academic and training institutions in order to reduce skills gaps and mismatches and bring about more sustainable synergies. A-Z is deeply honoured to have been selected to execute this strategically pivotal project in collaboration with the CTO frame the profile of the creative, innovative and resilient tourism sector leadership and workforce that will help fashion 21st century Caribbean tourism.” From an initial 12 companies expressing interest in providing consultancy services for
11 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN APRIL 2021 The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) welcomes the support of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) for its call for a global summit to address urgently the issue of equitable access and distribution of vaccines to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. CARICOM Chairman, Dr the Honourable Keith Rowley, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago had written in January, on behalf of the Community, to the Director-General of the WHO Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus urging him to convene at the earliest possible opportunity a Global Summit to address urgently equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines, particularly for developing countries. The Summit, Dr Rowley proposed, would be held in the context of the Organisation’s ACT-A Facilitation Council. The call was repeated by CARICOM Heads of Government following the Intersessional Meeting which they held in late February. The CELAC statement issued by Mexico as the President Pro Tempore of the group, expressed concern over the lack of delivery of vaccines to the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) of the Region. The statement said that while CELAC supported the COVAX mechanism, it called for the Caribbean to “receive the vaccines as quickly and equitably as possible.” “We are convinced that the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of maintaining a strong, united and caring Latin American and Caribbean region, where no country is excluded from universal, fair, equitable and timely access to medicines, vaccines and medical supplies. Therefore, Mexico joins the call made by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to hold a CELAC SUPPORTS CARICOM CALL FOR GLOBAL VACCINE SUMMIT Global Summit within the framework of the World Health Organization to address the urgent equitable access to said vaccines,” the statement said. The full statement reads: CELAC PPT expresses concern over the lack of delivery of COVID-19 vaccines at the island States of the region It calls on the COVAX mechanism to expedite the delivery of COVID-19 vaccines to countries in the region, particularly those participating in the Advanced Market Commitment modality. Mexico, in its capacity as President Pro Tempore OPENING LINES
12 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN APRIL 2021 (PPT) of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), expresses its concern over the lack of delivery of COVID-19 vaccines to the region’s Small Island Developing States (SIDS). While expressing its support for the COVAX mechanism, it calls for the Wider Caribbean to receive these vaccines as quickly and equitably as possible. This Pro Tempore Presidency endorses the statement of the meeting of Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors of the G20 countries, held on February 26th, 2021, which reaffirms the support to the most vulnerable countries, especially those facing an unsustainable debt burden. Therefore, a call is made to the COVAX mechanism to expedite the delivery of vaccine doses to the countries of the region, particularly to those participating in the Advanced Market Commitment modality, a financial mechanism within the COVAX initiative that allows the poorest countries in the world to have access to the vaccine against COVID-19 through donations. It is essential to strengthen technical assistance to the least favored countries and facilitate the affordability of financial instruments so that they can access vaccines against COVID-19 as quickly as possible. Likewise, multilateral initiatives must be implemented to enable these countries, including SIDS, to cope with the current situation and achieve rapid economic recovery. We are convinced that the pandemic caused by COVID-19 has highlighted the importance of maintaining a strong, united and supportive region, where no country is excluded from universal, fair, equitable and timely access to medicines, vaccines and medical supplies. Therefore, Mexico joins the call made by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to hold a Global Summit, within the framework of the World Health Organization, to address the urgency of having equitable access to this vaccine. We are convinced that the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of maintaining a strong, united and caring Latin American and Caribbean region
13 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN APRIL 2021 The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has begun the Covid-19 vaccination process for frontline workers in the Tourism Industry. Speaking on the accelerated vaccination process for those within the country’s vital tourism industry, CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, Colin C. James said, “We are encouraged by the enthusiasm of our tourism stakeholders who made themselves available for the vaccine. The continued health and safety of our tourism workers remains a priority for us as we welcome visitors safely to our destination and prepare for a strong tourism rebound when travel restrictions ease within the next few months in our key source markets.” ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA BEGINS VACCINATION FOR TOURISM FRONTLINE WORKERS Over 2,000 Hospitality professionals across Antigua and Barbuda to include Hotel workers, Tours Operators, Restaurant and Retail employees were vaccinated in mid-March. Mr. Alex de Brito Chairman of the Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association stated that “It is of utmost importance for us to protect our employees. Our industry cannot survive without their dedication, hard work and commitment to seeing the Industry bounce back. With so many already taking the step towards vaccination, we are confident that our destination will have a positive image in the international travel media. Our message is definitely one that promotes the safety of our destination and the commitment that the OPENING LINES
14 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN APRIL 2021 The continued health and safety of our tourism workers remains a priority for us as we welcome visitors safely to our destination Government has shown in reviving the economy of Antigua and Barbuda and getting us beyond the grips of the pandemic.” Additionally, 473 persons from the airline community also received their first doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine at the VC Bird International Airport. Amongst those given the opportunity to receive the vaccine were Administrative, Operations and Security staff of the Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority, airline staff, concessionaires, ground handlers, taxi drivers, red caps, and tour companies. CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority Euletta Francis reflected on the past year. “In March 2020, the pandemic forced the closure of our borders. Today, I am mindful that we are at this point having come through an extremely challenging year. I am indeed grateful that employees who have sacrificed so much and overcome their worst fears during a difficult time got this important layer of protection in the fight against Covid-19.” As of March 15, over 23,000 persons in Antigua and Barbuda have been vaccinated. Those vaccinated include health care workers, senior and vulnerable citizens, educators, those within the public sector, and tourism frontline workers. ABOUT THE ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA TOURISM AUTHORITY The Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority is a statutory body dedicated to realizing the tourism potential of Antigua & Barbuda by promoting the twin island state as a unique, quality tourist destination with the overall objective of increasing visitor arrivals thereby providing sustainable economic growth. The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority is headquartered in St. John’s Antigua, where regional marketing is directed. The Authority has three offices overseas in the United Kingdom, United States and Canada. www.visitantiguabarbuda.com Photo credit: The Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association and Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority
15 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN APRIL 2021 Geoffrey Fieger, Attorney and Owner of Quintessence Hotel, Anguilla: “The most impactful thing that’s happened in the last year is our knowledge of human frailty in the face of pandemics, which can kill millions of people worldwide. We are indeed a frail species, a tender vessel… and we should be respectful more of the environment. This pandemic has actually impacted us in Anguilla more than Hurricane Irma because it has really hindered the travel experience, but it’s still the best and safest island nation. You have a test before you come and again when you arrive, and then we have what’s called the bubble in Anguilla and you’re protected within your hotel or at other bubble hotels. It’s really a very nice, safe system they’ve set up. Now we just have to encourage everyone to get the vaccine. We have it here now.” Matt Karow, General Manager Hyatt Centric Old Town Alexandria, Virginia: “I would say communication. I think every business, hotels included, is going to have to work a little harder for every customer they have in the next year. It’s been a humbling experience – we’ve seen a lot of people out of work in the hospitality sector. A lot of hotels permanently closed. And we have to value every person a little bit more. Whether it’s a colleague or a customer. We’re going to have to communicate with them at an extra high level, or they’re going to find someone who is fitting that need. And they’ll either go work for them or stay with them.” Corey Hillard, GM Hampton Inn Odessa Trinity, Florida: “I believe business travel may not ever come back to where it was. A lot of businesses have Power Question What is the most impactful lesson you’ve learned in the last year and how will that influence 2021?
16 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN APRIL 2021 POWER QUESTION learned from this pandemic that in-person meetings and costly corporate gatherings can now be replaced with inexpensive Zoom meetings. With that said, we’re putting more focus toward leisure. And I’m looking forward to increasing our market share by potentially opening up to be a pet-friendly hotel, focusing on more of the leisure travel than the corporate, because I believe that is what will keep us going.” Curt Viehmeyer, GM / Co-owner of Sears Trostel Lumber & Millwork, Fort Collins, Colorado: “One of the things we’ve found is that we have to stay in close contact and involved with our customer and their business, so we can provide them with products that are best suited to what they’re doing and help make them successful. We’ve also changed to a team approach rather than a single salesperson – we’ve learned that customers want multiple point of contacts within our company, so they can get answers and responses and service more quickly than a single conduit for communication. So we’ve really worked hard as a team to give them that, without duplicating efforts. And I believe that’s key for moving forward.” Matt Stevenson, CEO of HSM Group, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand: “In Auckland, especially, there’s been a real drive for people to work at home but talking to a lot of staff, and some new staff that we’ve brought on board, they don’t like it. They like their communication and the break time together to catch up. There is a small percentage that working from home suits them, but I think a lot of people don’t enjoy it. It’s the ‘people contact’ they miss – working solo and Zoom – it’s never the same as face to face. Speaking from a New Zealander perspective, businesses here – we just don’t have certainty after last year and it would be nice to have that. But there are interesting times ahead, and I think flexibility and resiliency are the two key things.”
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18 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN APRIL 2021 Business View Caribbean provides media coverage for organizations operating within select industries. Our publication satisfies the need for industry-specific information and intel on key businesses across the Caribbean! Get BVC delivered straight to your inbox. Get updates on the latest business news. 100% FREE to subscribe! We respect your privacy, now & always. Click below to sign up for a FREE SUBSCRIPTION to Business View Caribbean and get each new issue sent directly to your inbox! SUBSCRIBE STAY INFORMED WITH CORE BUSINESSES FROM THE CARIBBEAN
19 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN APRIL 2021 Best Practices in Caribbean Tourism
20 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN APRIL 2021 IN THIS ISSUE ABACO BEACH RESORT & BOAT HARBOUR MARINA CLASSIC BAHAMIAN BEAUTY VAN DERVALK PLAZA BEACH & DIVE RESORT SUN, SAND AND ADVENTURE
21 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN APRIL 2021 These days, when everyone yearns for an escape to paradise, island getaways offer people the perfect setting to slow down and enjoy the serene beauty that the Caribbean has to offer. The Abaco Beach Resort & Boat Harbour Marina in Marsh Harbour is one such special destination that takes your breath – and your worries – away. Known for its crystal clear waters and secluded beaches, The Abacos seem like heaven on earth for boaters, sailors, snorkelers, divers, fishermen, couples, groups, and families. Whether you’re looking to cruise between the islands and cays searching for one of many private beaches to call your own for the day, or to go diving to marvel at the breathtaking tropical fish or explore shipwrecks or underwater caves, the beautiful aquamarine waters around the islands are full of possibilities. A collection of small, offshore barrier islands help to create the protected Sea of Abaco and that makes it ideal for boating with an abundance of deserted white sandy beaches and authentic tiny villages. The stunning Abaco Beach Resort, with its newly renovated 94-room hotel, is a favorite haven on Great Abaco – the largest island in the Abaco chain. Great Abaco has a rich history and is home to bountiful wildlife, including wild horses, boars, and the Abaco Parrot. General Manager of the resort, Mo Sallah, believes the island and Classic Bahamian beauty Abaco Beach R
22 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN APRIL 2021 AT A GLANCE ABACO BEACH RESORT & BOAT HARBOUR MARINA WHAT: Beautiful hotel resort destination WHERE: Marsh Harbour, Bahamas WEBSITE: www.abacobeachresort.com & Boat Harbour Marina Resort
23 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN APRIL 2021 ABACO BEACH RESORT & BOAT HARBOUR MARINA the resort attracts people, many of whom are boaters from the U.S. east coast and Canada, because of its proximity to Florida (only 165 miles), its calm waters, and great fishing. He reports, “The Abacos are a playground! It’s about having fun on the water, in the water, around the water, near the water. The island has amazing beaches, all the cays. The ferry is a 15-minute walk away from the property and you can go to Hope Town, you can go to Man-O-War Cay; there is a ton of history and cute little islands that give quintessentially classic Bahamian experiences. Marsh Harbour is the heartbeat of the island.” In 2019, after the resort was devastated by Hurricane Dorian, owners Emmanuel Alexiou and Andrew Sweeting started rebuilding the resort right away. According to Sallah, “They didn’t skip a beat.” The owners had the entire 200-slip marina and resort rebuilt in a year, just in time to host one of the many popular fishing tournaments in April. But then the COVID-19 pandemic hit in mid-March 2020, sending the world into a flurry of border closures and event cancellations. Sallah described the two potentially economically disastrous events as “a double whammy.” In spite of the coronavirus, the resort never closed its doors to guests and again pivoted to create their own COVID-19 protocols that were approved by the Ministry of Tourism at the very beginning of the pandemic. And they have adhered to them without issue for the past year. Sallah admits, “Although it has been challenging to keep staff upbeat, we have done everything we can to bring back as many employees as possible and look after their needs and those of our guests. It has been difficult, but we keep focused on the guests that we have in-house, trying to make sure we’re delivering a high level of service and following all the COVID-19 protocols to keep ourselves safe and to keep our
24 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN APRIL 2021 Don Mackey Blvd. Marsh Harbour, The Bahamas, 00000 +1 242-577-2014 A GROCERY STORE WITH SO MUCH MORE! Conveniently located right next door!
25 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN APRIL 2021 ABACO BEACH RESORT & BOAT HARBOUR MARINA As you leave the airport on your way into town, just past the roundabout or exiting town heading south for a day of exploring you will spot Abaco Groceries on Don Mackey Blvd at the edge of town in Marsh Harbour, Abaco, Bahamas. This wholesale/retail grocer has been serving the residents of mainland Abaco and the surrounding cays for over ? years. You can find almost everything from apples to Ziploc bags in the store at competitive prices. As the Bahamas has to import approximately 90% of its food products, Abaco Groceries caters to the local consumers inclusive of the small resorts, restaurants and convenience stores due to their supply of food products in club and institutionalsized packs. Specialty items such as gourmet foods, Asian products, tofu and products that contain no trans-fats, sugar-free products, fatfree products and organic products are also available. The store supports local manufacturers/ producers by being a distributor for water, poultry and vegetables/fruits found right here on the island. In addition to the food products, a selection of houseware items can be found. These include glassware, dishes, pot sets, towels, air-fryers, insta-pots, generators, small appliances, etc. Within the last year, Abaco Groceries has added a liquor store (A.G. Wines & Spirits) to its portfolio. A.G. Wines & Spirits is conveniently located right next door to the grocery store and offers a wide selection of wine, beers and spirits. As Abaco Groceries continues to expand, a furniture store will be opening soon making it a little easier for the local residents who are still in the rebuilding process from Hurricane Dorian to find their hardware and home good needs. Abaco Groceries is definitely your one stop shop for all your needs, with fast & accurate service! ...... For more information, please call 1-242-577-2014
26 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN APRIL 2021 Sallah acknowledges, “I got here a month after Dorian and it’s been fun to see guests come back, several boaters have returned recently and there are a ton of homeowners on the island that have come to work on their home and they’re so happy to see the staff back at work.” Among its many exceptional attributes, the resort offers two outdoor swimming pools, a fitness center, and volleyball courts. All guestrooms are beautifully furnished and have gorgeous views with private terraces or balconies. Guests are invited to satisfy their appetites at two restaurants, and a bistro that plans to launch in the next few weeks. It will be a new fine dining experience for guests, locals, and second home owners on the island. The Chefs are testing the equipment and they are excited to welcome guests. There is also a poolside bar and restaurant that is more casual, called the Terrace at Marinaville Poolside Bar. Sallah knows it’s important to have a wide guests comfortable, knowing they can come here and be safe.” The Bahamas is open for business during the pandemic and visitors only need to have a negative COVID-19 test within five days of travel and to apply for a health travel visa. “One of the blessings is that the Bahamas has no quarantine,” Sallah explains. “The visa gives more piece of mind because that’s what everyone wants when they are going to travel right now – peace of mind and safety. We wrote our protocols for the property and we achieved a clean and pristine seal from the Ministry of Tourism.” The Abaco Beach Resort has built an enviable reputation over the years, thanks to its many valued repeat guests. Ensuring that each guest has the best experience in every way is key to the resort’s continued success. Part of that is the updated technology at the marina, which features Wi-Fi and a new fuel dock that was one of the first to open after Hurricane Dorian.
27 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN APRIL 2021 variety of foods available and notes, “We try to make sure our guests get an opportunity to experience classic Bahamian cuisine, but also all the resort fare that people want for their comfort.” Part of what makes those restaurants stand out is the fresh local produce and products they use in their cuisine. The resort relies on Abaco Grocery for many products and their weekly deliveries and wholesale sizes are a big help. “It’s a great relationship,” says Sallah, “They are always there and they are always well stocked.” Bone fishing is a favorite of Abaco visitors, and there are excellent bone fishing waters within minutes of the Marina. Tournaments are resuming in April and Sallah is curious to see what will be pulled from the waters that haven’t seen nearly the amount of boaters on them since 2019. He says, “The fishing should be amazing because there’s been no fishing for a year, actually almost two years.” ABACO BEACH RESORT & BOAT HARBOUR MARINA Supporting Over 3,750 Customers in More Than 20 Countries Since 1981 www.ADSSGLOBAL.net 305 665 3655 Top SAGE Reseller in the Caribbean SAGE SOFTWARE SAGE 300 CLOUD SAGE HRMS SAGE INTACCT SAGE CRM HOST I NG WEBSTORES CUSTOM PROGRAMING AND INTEGRATION
28 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN APRIL 2021 The resort has worked hard to keep themselves as up to date as possible and that includes many environmentally-friendly options – both on the front and back end of the operation. Guests will notice that the resort uses biodegradable cups, there are no plastic bags, and all of their take-out options come with biodegradable silverware and containers. Behind the scenes, the resort is also investing in energy and water saving technologies, including energy and water efficient laundry facilities and advanced technology that uses less energy at the marina. Sallah has no doubt that Abaco Beach Resort’s popularity is coming back after the hurricane and the pandemic and he is looking forward to the next few years with more guests, weddings, and more fun ahead. And that will help improve the economy for the local community and the entire island. He shares, “We want to have people feeling comfortable enough to travel and I think it’s the most important part. I know the owners are heavily invested in our staff and want the staff to succeed, over time, as we continue to grow this property in a positive way. It will have a greater effect on the local community around us, on the island, and hopefully on the Bahamas as a whole.” PREFERRED VENDORS/PARTNERS n Abaco Groceries 1-242-577-2014 n ADSS Global www.ADSSGLOBAL.net
29 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN APRIL 2021 AT A GLANCE VAN DER VALK PLAZA BEACH & DIVE RESORT WHAT: An all-inclusive destination offering first-class diving and family- friendly activities WHERE: The Island of Bonaire, 60 kilometres north of Venezuela WEBSITE: www.plazaresortbonaire.com
30 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN APRIL 2021 Just imagine taking a dive into crystal clear waters, exploring untouched coral reefs, strolling along on pearly white sand… all this and more awaits discerning visitors at Van der Valk Plaza Beach & Dive Resort. Beautifully situated on the west coast of the Island of Bonaire, this outstanding resort gives guests a myriad of opportunities ranging from adventure travel to complete relaxation. The family-friendly, all-inclusive, all-suite resort offers the island’s largest swimming pool, private sand beach, stunning views of the ocean, a wellness centre with full spa services (2022), a beach volleyball court, and a variety of water sports including boat rentals, snorkeling, paddleboards, kayaking, and tube riding. Venturing further afield, you can also book tours to explore the island. “There are mangrove systems on the island’s east coast that you can kayak through and find complete peace and solitude amongst the egrets and the VAN DER VALK Beach & Dive Resort SUN, SAND AND ADVENTURE
31 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN APRIL 2021 herons,” says Hagen Wegerer, Van der Valk Plaza Beach & Dive Resort Operations Manager. “It is absolutely fantastic.” And of course, there is scuba diving. Known as the Pearl of the Caribbean, Bonaire is renowned as a scuba divers’ paradise due to its 1,000 years of history, lush coral fringing reefs, and even a few shipwrecks. Plaza Beach & Dive Resort is home to Toucan Diving, a PADI five-star dive center that offers diving trips and lessons for all skill levels. Toucan presently runs three dive boats capable of taking 12 divers on boat dives. The resort is also home to its own marina, where guests can moor their boats, hire a boat to take out on their own, or book a sailing trip along the island’s tranquil west coast and around Klein Bonaire. The resort is also just a 15-minute walk from the downtown area of Bonaire’s main town of Kralendijk, where there are even more opportunities for exploration. “It is a picturesque is an all-natural, eco-friendly, dual purpose product that prevents insect bites but also soothes the itch from insect bites. It consists of essential oils and does not contain DEET or other synthetic chemicals. Happy customers report the prevention and treatment work for them whenever they travel around the world. Contact us today! www.LitasAllNatural.com (619) 481-2305 Info@LitasAllNatural.com Lita’s Natural Insect Repellent™ VAN DER VALK PLAZA BEACH & DIVE RESORT
32 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN APRIL 2021 oceanfront town,” says Wegerer. “We are located within walking distance of the downtown area where you’ll find lots of restaurants and bars, as well as nice boutique shops.” Back at the resort, you’ll find the Coral Casino Bonaire in the resort’s lobby, which offers Black Jack, American Roulette, Three-Card Poker with a progressive jackpot, and Texas Hold’em. Eco-friendly initiatives are top of mind at Plaza Beach & Dive Resort. Besides generating power with their own solar field, the resort offers guests refillable water bottles upon arrival. The bottles can be refilled at water stations across the resort with water filtered through reverseosmosis at their very own water plant. “And the water stations don’t just have water, they have it flavoured with mint or cucumber or lime,” says Wegerer. “So, that gives a more refreshing taste, which is nice for customers.” Other environmentally-friendly initiatives include using only paper straws throughout the resort, and cloth instead of plastic bags offered to shoppers in the dive shop. The resort has also partnered with Lita’s Natural Insect Repellant, to offer an eco-friendly option to guests. Wegerer shares, “Lita’s is a really great product that’s also environmentally friendly. I’ve lived on this island now for 20 years and I’ve tried lots of different products and some work ok, some don’t work at all – but this one works. And it’s also good for the skin and has this wonderful aroma.” The resort is currently undergoing a $40-million renovation that will expand the property’s amenities, making it even more attractive to travellers. Wegerer explains, “The owners of the resort – a Dutch family – are investing heavily in the property at the moment. It’s totally, totally amazing. They have looked at the land they have and are now putting in place a brand-new front lobby that will include a shopping mall. There will be boutique shops for ladies and men, as well as a full-service spa and fitness center. There will also be a standalone building for the
33 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN APRIL 2021 new casino.” Plans are also underway for a cocktail bar and second ocean-front restaurant in the new main building. When all is said and done, they will have five restaurants on site. Wegerer adds, “We already have an open-air oceanfront buffet-style restaurant that will be completely revamped into an upscale à la carte oceanfront restaurant that will likely be enclosed with glass, so you can look straight out into the ocean, but in air conditioned comfort.” There are also plans to include state-of-theart conference facilities and meeting rooms, for those who will be mixing business with pleasure. “We are very conscious of the appeal of destination travel for business conferences and incentive trips, especially after more than a year of COVID restrictions,” Wegerer says. “We’re building the facilities that groups need to maximize productivity while enjoying their time in the tropics. We’re also investing heavily in technology so guests can seamlessly conduct business as needed, because we understand they are enjoying a vacation, but also still have business responsibilities while they’re on the island.” In addition to the resort’s current 126 suites with gorgeous views of the marina, the ocean, or lushly landscaped pool area, the renovations will add an additional 12 three-story villas that will offer two-bedroom apartments and threebedroom penthouses. According to Wegerer, “Villa guests will have the luxury of being part of the resort, but in a secluded area. They will be on their own little island within our marina complex, and will be connected via a bridge to the resort. They have their own swimming pool and their own property management team. They are basically self-contained units, but they will also have access to all-inclusive resort amenities.” The villas will be available for short-term VAN DER VALK PLAZA BEACH & DIVE RESORT
34 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN APRIL 2021 vacation bookings, or as part-ownership. Wegerer notes, “Part-owners will be able to purchase two-month or three-month stays. They aren’t timeshares, they can actually own the villa and then come down for a six-week, two, or three month period, and just relax, snorkel or dive.” All current renovations and construction are scheduled to be completed by spring 2022. With everything they have on the horizon, the future is looking bright for Van der Valk Plaza Beach & Dive Resort. This is a welcome change from the past year, as the facility was not immune to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and saw a drastic drop in bookings. “It heavily impacted us,” Wegerer says. “Bonaire survives on tourism. And because of COVID, flights were restricted, so we were actually island bound for that time – we had no air traffic at all to the island from March 2020 to June 2020.” Occupancy typically runs at around 85 percent during normal times, but when COVID-19 hit, the resort’s occupancy dropped down as low as five percent at times. As a result, they had to temporarily cut their staff of 130 back to about 45 percent. “Presently we have 13 percent occupancy,” says Wegerer. “Obviously, it’s not easy. We work in the hospitality industry, which means we love to be connected with people. We love to hug people, we love to shake their hands, we like to joke and laugh and we want to serve our guests. That gives us pleasure, so not having those customers has definitely affected morale.” To help keep spirits high for employees, Wegerer says they have made a point of engaging in team-building activities. He shares, “We have done department outings on the dive boats, keeping social distancing in mind. We go to Klein Bonaire, which is a neighbouring island and we do a few games to try and just have a little bit of fun and keep the morale going.” They have also done staff cooking classes and bar mixology classes, and have allowed members from different departments to cross-train and learn
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