CaribPR Wire » Transportation

Aisha Maina Secures USD 40 Million St Kitts Port Deal And Takes Trade Roadshow From Grenada To Jamaica And Trinidad

caribpr — Mon, 04 Aug 2025 20:28:54 +0000

CARIBPR WIRE, ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada, Mon. Aug. 4, 2025: Aisha Maina, Managing Director of Aquarian Consult and founder of Gemini Integrated Commodities, has completed an intensive week of engagements, capped by a USD 40 million deal to build a Panamax deep-water port and special economic zone in Basseterre, St. Kitts, that unite policy, private capital and hard infrastructure around a single objective: forging a reliable commercial bridge between Africa and the Caribbean.

At the signing of the USD$ 40m Port deal for St Kitts & Nevis: L-R (Middle): 1. Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew, PM, St. Kitts & Nevis, Hon Minister Samal Duggins, Minister of Agriculture et. Al, St. Kitts and Nevis, Miss Aisha Maina, Managing Director, Aquarian Consult, Mr. Eric Intong, Acting Group Managing Director, Client Relations, Afreximbank and Prof. Benedict Oramah, President, Afreximbank.

The new port will anchor a 10 square kilometre special economic zone designed for agro-processing, light assembly and bonded warehousing. Feasibility studies begin in August, and financial close is targeted for Q1 2026. The facility is expected to create thousands of jobs and attract an additional USD 300 million in private investment. For Saint Kitts & Nevis, a nation of fewer than 60,000 people, the project positions the federation as a logistics hinge between 19 African and 12 Caribbean Commonwealth members. For exporters in West Africa, it removes a costly European detour and delivers end-to-end digital customs visibility.

One Week, Three Strategic Touchpoints

1. Port Signing In Grenada – July 28th
At the Afreximbank Afri-Caribbean Trade and Investment Forum in Grenada, Maina co-signed a USD 40 million Letter of Interest with Afreximbank and the Government of St Kitts & Nevis. Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew witnessed the signing, while Honourable Samal Duggins, Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources, signed for the island nation. The agreement finances a Panamax-capable deep-water port in Basseterre and a ten-square-kilometre special economic zone for agro-processing and light assembly.

“Africa and the Caribbean need assets, not just aspirations. With this port we move from promise to throughput, from talk to tonnage. It is the physical backbone of a trade bridge that has been too long in the making,” Maina said on stage.

Duggins added: “Fresh off the Afri-Caribbean Exchange, I proudly signed a landmark Letter of Interest with Afreximbank. Facility after facility, deal after deal, we are not just talking transformation; we are delivering it. The vision is clear, the progress is real, and the future is now.”

2. Caribbean Investment Forum In Jamaica – July 30th
From Montego Bay’s main stage, Maina confirmed that feasibility and environmental studies for the Basseterre port will begin in August. She outlined a corridor that cuts Lagos-to-Basseterre sailing times to about seven days, eliminating costly European detours.

“If private sector does not take charge of the process, we will remain where we have been. Retreat or defeat are not options,” she told delegates.

3. Trans-Atlantic Symposium In Trinidad – August 3rd
Maina closed the week in Port of Spain, delivering the keynote “Why Caribbean and Africa Trade and Investment and Economic Cooperation Matter” at the Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Symposium organised by the Emancipation Support Committee of Trinidad and Tobago. She connected port logistics, economic-zone clustering and new financing tools to broader goals of youth employment, food security and diversified exports.

Project Snapshot

Metric	Detail
Initial finance	USD 40 million
Berth capacity	One Panamax berth, expandable to two
Construction jobs	600 direct positions
Follow-on capital	USD 300 million projected private investment
Studies launch	August 2025
Financial close	Q1 2026
First container	Q4 2028

Regional and Global Implications

●     Shorter transit times – Direct sailings remove European detours and lower freight costs.
●     Value-addition hub – The special economic zone lets African raw materials be processed closer to North American markets.
●     Commonwealth relevance – One of the Commonwealth’s smallest states will host a strategic maritime asset linking 19 African and 12 Caribbean members.
●     Private-capital leadership – Gemini Integrated Commodities co-invests with Afreximbank, placing execution risk on balance-sheet owners rather than policy desks.

Background

Momentum began in March with the Afri-Caribbean Investment Summit in Abuja, followed by a June charter of an Air Peace 777 carrying 120 Nigerian entrepreneurs and policymakers to Basseterre. The Grenada signing, Montego Bay confirmation and Trinidad keynote now merge those earlier steps into a single infrastructure roadmap.

About Aquarian Consult

Aquarian Consult is a Nigeria-based advisory and investment firm specialising in trade facilitation, human-capital development and infrastructure. Through Gemini Integrated Commodities, the company designs and executes projects that connect African markets to global value chains, with a focus on Africa-Caribbean integration.

Parkland Announces Management and Business Updates

caribpr — Wed, 16 Apr 2025 11:31:20 +0000

Bob Espey, President & CEO, Announces Decision to Step Down

Michael Jennings, Chair of the Board, Appointed as Executive Chair

Provides Preliminary Q1 2025 Results Amidst Macroeconomic and Regulatory Volatility

CALGARY, AB, April 16, 2025 /PRNewswire- Hispanic PR Wire/ — Parkland Corporation (”Parkland” or the “Company”) today announced key management and business updates.

CEO Succession

Bob Espey has informed the Board of Directors that he will step down as President and Chief Executive Officer of Parkland.

“On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Bob for his vision and leadership over the last fifteen years as President & CEO,” said Michael Jennings, Executive Chair of Parkland. “Bob has led Parkland through a period of exponential growth, transforming the Company from a small regional fuel retailer into one of Canada’s leading fuel and convenience retailers with international operations in twenty-six countries. We thank him for his unwavering commitment and dedication.”

“Serving as Parkland’s CEO has been the opportunity of a lifetime. I want to thank the entire Parkland team — past and present — for their incredible dedication and drive. I am proud of what we have built together,” said Mr. Espey. “Over the past few months, it became clear that stepping down and announcing my departure may help bring resolution to the situation with Simpson Oil Limited and benefit all shareholders. I remain deeply committed to Parkland and will support a smooth transition to new leadership. I look forward to working closely with Michael in his new role as Executive Chair.”

The Board of Directors has formed a CEO search committee (the “Search Committee”) comprised of independent directors to oversee an extensive executive search process to select a qualified candidate to replace Mr. Espey. Mr. Espey’s deep understanding of Parkland’s operations will provide continuity during the search process. He will stay on until the appointment of a new CEO, the completion of the strategic review, or December 31, 2025, whichever occurs first.

Update to Board Responsibilities

Effective immediately, Michael Jennings is appointed Executive Chair. In addition to providing continued leadership to the Board, Mr. Jennings will remain focused on the governance and delivery of a disciplined strategic review process which is being led by a Special Committee of experienced directors, supported by Goldman Sachs Canada and BofA Securities.

The strategic review aims to identify opportunities to maximize shareholder value by evaluating the current business strategy and optimization opportunities, while also considering alternatives including asset divestments, acquisitions, transformative business combinations and a sale of the Company.

In line with best corporate governance practices, James Neate is appointed Lead Independent Director of the Board.

Q1 2025 Preliminary Results

Parkland has a diversified and resilient business. Its base business is well positioned and retains significant operational flexibility to navigate macroeconomic uncertainty on the horizon, which is impacting fuel demand and unit margins.

Recent regulatory developments in Canada and the United States have created volatility and intensified market disruptions. These are curtailing the profitability and movement of refined products into the United States and creating structural shifts in climate and carbon compliance programs.

For the first quarter of 2025, Parkland expects to deliver Adjusted EBITDA of approximately $375 million.

Canada expects to deliver Adjusted EBITDA of approximately $110 million. While our base fuel retailing, convenience and supply business performed in line with our expectations, the quarter was impacted by a commercial decision to wind down our Californian compliance market position¹. While these markets have historically benefited our strategy, and been profitable, given the broader shift in the macro and regulatory environment listed above, we chose to fully exit our positions in the first quarter, resulting in a charge of approximately $55 million.
International expects to deliver Adjusted EBITDA of approximately $181 million. This reflects strong underlying commercial and wholesale performance, and continued strength in our South American region, as well as the translation impact of a strengthening U.S. dollar.
USA expects to deliver Adjusted EBITDA of approximately $16 million. We continue to see macro pressures impacting fuel and convenience demand in line with broader industry trends, as well as competitive market dynamics which are impacting unit margins. Furthermore, a core tenet of our U.S. strategy, which is capitalizing on supply arbitrage opportunities moving refined product between Canada and the U.S., has been impacted by the macro-economic and regulatory developments noted above.
Refining expects to deliver Adjusted EBITDA of approximately $79 million, which includes the successful completion of a three-week planned maintenance event. The refinery performed safely and reliably in the first quarter which allowed us to benefit from favourable market conditions.

The 2025 Adjusted EBITDA guidance of $1.8 billion to $2.1 billion was purposefully broad to reflect the potential impact of ongoing macroeconomic volatility. Based on current market conditions, Parkland now expects results to be toward the lower end of that range.

Parkland will release its first quarter 2025 results after market close on May 5, 2025. The Annual General Meeting of Shareholders will be held at 9:00 a.m. MT on May 6, 2025, in Calgary, Alberta.

The financial information contained in this release is preliminary, unaudited, and subject to change based on completion of the Company’s quarter-end financial close process and final accounting review.

________________________________

¹ These positions are held within our integrated Canadian logistics business, which is reported within the Canada segment.

About Parkland Corporation

Parkland is a leading international fuel distributor, marketer, and convenience retailer with safe and reliable operations in twenty-six countries across the Americas. Our retail network meets the fuel, and convenience needs of everyday consumers. Our commercial operations provide businesses with fuel to operate, complete projects and better serve their customers. In addition to meeting our customers’ needs for essential fuels, Parkland provides a range of choices to help them lower their environmental impact, including manufacturing and blending renewable fuels, ultra-fast EV charging, a variety of solutions for carbon credits and renewables, and solar power. With approximately 4,000 retail and commercial locations across Canada, the United States, and the Caribbean region, we have developed supply, distribution, and trading capabilities to accelerate growth and business performance.

Our strategy is focused on two interconnected pillars: our Customer Advantage and our Supply Advantage. Through our Customer Advantage, we aim to be the first choice of our customers through our proprietary brands, differentiated offers, extensive network, competitive pricing, reliable service, and compelling loyalty program. Our Supply Advantage is based on achieving the lowest cost to serve among independent fuel marketers and distributors in the hard-to-serve markets in which we operate, through our well-positioned assets, significant scale, and deep supply and logistics capabilities. Our business is underpinned by our people and our values of safety, integrity, community, and respect, which are embedded across our organization.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained herein constitute forward-looking information and statements (collectively, “forward-looking statements”). When used the words “expect”, “will”, “could”, “would”, “believe”, “continue”, “pursue” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking statements with respect to, among other things: the expected first quarter 2025 consolidated Adjusted EBITDA of Parkland and the expected first quarter 2025 Adjusted EBITDA of each operating segment (each calculated consistently as set out in section 16.A. of the management’s discussion and analysis for the quarter ended December 31, 2024, and note 26(a) to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2024, each dated March 5, 2025); Parkland’s expectation of being within the lower end of the 2025 Adjusted EBITDA Guidance range of $1.8 to $2.1 billion; and Mr. Espey remaining President and CEO until the earlier of an appointment of a new CEO, the completion of the strategic review, or December 31, 2025.

These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. No assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements included in this news release should not be unduly relied upon. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this news release. Parkland does not undertake any obligations to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements except as required by securities laws. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of numerous risks, assumptions and uncertainties including, but not limited to: Parkland’s quarter-end financial close procedures; general economic, market and business conditions; regulatory changes; micro and macroeconomic trends and conditions, including increases in interest rates, inflation, imposition of tariffs and fluctuating commodity prices; Parkland’s ability to execute its business strategy; the results of Parkland annual general meeting of shareholders; and any other factors, many of which are beyond the control of Parkland. See also the risks and uncertainties described under the headings “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information” and “Risk Factors” in Parkland’s current Annual Information Form, and under the headings “Forward-Looking Information” and “Risk Factors” in Parkland’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the most recently completed financial period, each as filed on SEDAR+ and available on Parkland’s website at www.parkland.ca. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

Gordon Brothers Offering for Sale by Private Treaty Royal Falcon One Superyacht

caribpr — Mon, 04 Mar 2024 14:25:05 +0000

CARIBPR WIRE, London, England, Monday, March 04, 2024: Gordon Brothers, the global asset experts, is exclusively offering for sale by private treaty the Royal Falcon One superyacht.

Royal Falcon One was built in 2019 and is the world’s only luxury catamaran superyacht created by Studio F.A. Porsche. The vessel is a generous four-deck, 10-berth catamaran benefiting from best-in-class design and artisanry.

The superyacht has a range of 1,200 nautical miles and boasts onboard facilities including five VIP suites, four crew cabins, 10-seat dining table, three bars and a relaxing sundeck featuring a lounge area and jacuzzi. A shallow draft enables the yacht to access and anchor in the most secluded coves.

“Royal Falcon One presents a unique opportunity for the discerning buyer to acquire a one-of-a-kind catamaran under 500 gross tons,” said Oliver Veart, Director, Marine & Valuations at Gordon Brothers. “The vessel is berthed in Genoa, Italy and available for prompt delivery in time for the Mediterranean summer season.”

For further details, please contact Oliver Veart at oveart@gordonbrothers.com. For vessel specifications, please visit our website.

Gordon Brothers has established a dedicated marine services and valuations practice that leverages decades of experience buying, selling and valuing assets in the commercial and industrial economy across Australia, Brazil, Canada, the U.K., Europe, Japan and the U.S. The firm provides advisory services including fleet and vessel renewal analysis, disposition and investment strategies.

About Gordon Brothers

Since 1903, Gordon Brothers (www.gordonbrothers.com) has helped lenders, management teams, advisors and investors move forward through change. The firm brings a powerful combination of expertise and capital to clients, developing customized solutions on an integrated or standalone basis across four services areas: valuations, dispositions, financing and investment. Whether to fuel growth or facilitate strategic consolidation, Gordon Brothers partners with companies in the retail, commercial and industrial sectors to provide maximum liquidity, put assets to their highest and best use and mitigate liabilities. The firm conducts more than $100 billion worth of dispositions and appraisals annually and provides both short- and long-term capital to clients undergoing transformation. Gordon Brothers lends against and invests in brands, real estate, inventory, receivables, machinery, equipment and other assets, both together and individually, to provide clients liquidity solutions beyond its market-leading disposition and appraisal services. The firm is headquartered in Boston, with over 30 offices across five continents.

Enterprise Opens at Colombia’s Medellin International Airport

caribpr — Thu, 02 Dec 2021 18:55:09 +0000

ST. LOUIS, Dec. 2, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ – Enterprise Holdings announced today that it has opened at Colombia’s Medellin International Airport. The new branch – which is already taking reservations – serves customers of the company’s flagship Enterprise Rent-A-Car brand, as well as National Car Rental and Alamo Rent A Car. Enterprise Holdings owns all three brands.

The new Colombia branch, located in the country’s second largest airport, represents the company’s commitment to serving domestic and international customers as travel opens up around the world. Since the onset of the pandemic, the company has opened more than 100 new branches worldwide.

“Colombia is a premier market for Enterprise’s global growth as we continue to expand to meet the needs of business and leisure travelers alike, wherever they choose to go,” said Peter A. Smith, vice president of global franchising at Enterprise Holdings. “As international travel begins again, we are excited to serve our customers around the world and stand by our promise to provide them with a safe and convenient rental experience.”

The Medellin branch increases Enterprise’s presence in Colombia to 11 locations. It’s the latest in the company’s ongoing international expansion in Latin America and surrounding areas. Enterprise Rent-A-Car made its debut in Latin America in 2015, joining the National and Alamo brands.

Customers in Colombia also have the added benefit of earning awards and free rental days through two loyalty programs: Enterprise Plus through the Enterprise Rent-A-Car brand, and the award-winning Emerald Club through the National Car Rental brand. Enterprise Plus and Emerald Club both launched in Colombia in 2017.

About Enterprise Holdings
Enterprise Holdings, Inc. is a leading provider of mobility solutions, owning and operating the Enterprise Rent-A-Car, National Car Rental and Alamo Rent A Car brands through its integrated global network of independent regional subsidiaries and franchise partners. Enterprise Holdings and its affiliates offer extensive car rental, carsharing, truck rental, fleet management, retail car sales, as well as travel management and other transportation services, to make travel easier and more convenient for customers. Privately held by the Taylor family of St. Louis, Mo., Enterprise Holdings manages a diverse fleet of more than 1.85 million vehicles through a network of nearly 10,000 fully staffed neighborhood and airport rental locations in more than 90 countries and territories.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1701333/Enterprise_Opening.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/557711/Enterprise_Holdings_Corporate_Brands_Logo.jpg

ITF calls for regional cooperation to save jobs, tackle rising poverty and to lead economic recovery in the Caribbean

caribpr — Wed, 02 Jun 2021 18:00:12 +0000

RIO DE JANEIRO, June 2, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ – The economic impact of COVID-19 is having a devastating effect on the global tourism industry, especially in the Caribbean which could see an escalation of poverty for workers. Unions affiliated to the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) from across the Caribbean held a virtual summit today to raise awareness of the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on jobs and communities in the region.

The ITF and its 18 affiliated unions are calling on governments and employers to cooperate with trade unions to develop and implement a regional recovery plan that:

Prioritizes employment security
Guarantees free, universal access to vaccines
Re-establishes safe travel corridors

Globally the tourism industry accounts for over 300 million jobs. Travel restrictions have had a devastating effect on economies reliant on tourists. Many countries in the Caribbean rely heavily on tourism as an essential pillar of their economies and major contributor to GDP, in turn generating much needed employment in the region.

Tourism generates over $59 billion per year for the region. An estimated $26.4 billion has been lost due to the ongoing impact of the pandemic. Estimates also suggest that over 1.2 million jobs have been lost.

Not only have the job losses hit hard, but also the spending power of workers has been significantly reduced leading to the risk of widespread poverty and a stagnation of economic growth. Long-term development and recovery plans in the region are critical.

ITF General Secretary, Stephen Cotton said that: “The Caribbean is too important to ignore, and we have a duty to protect the infrastructure and livelihoods of those workers who make visiting so appealing to millions of tourists each year. We need a tripartite plan from governments, employers and unions for recovery. Listening to the concerns of our leaders today, it’s clear that we need action now. Investment in developing regional transport infrastructure is a good place to start”.

ITF Tourism Chair, David Messiah added: “My concern is that women and young workers are bearing a disproportionate number of job losses. These are the very groups of workers so critical to eradicating poverty in the Caribbean and needed in the industry’s recovery. Our regional partners must work with us to re-establish safe travel corridors and assist in access to vaccines. We need a coordinated approach across the Caribbean and should not rely on individual nation states as this only adds to the confusion. We must develop a unified approach that pools our resources together.”

ITF Regional Secretary, Edgar Diaz said “It is vitally important that workers do not feel forced to have the vaccination, education and engagement is key if we are to encourage participation. That’s why establishing a tripartite approach is fundamental to success and not fear and intimidation of individual workers.”

Trade union Leaders from Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Bermuda, Dominican Republic, Guyana, Grenada, Jamaica, Suriname, St Lucia, Trinidad took part in the summit.