Terra Caribbean

The Real Estate Cycle

Tue, 14 May 2013 12:00:00 GMT

In the early 1930s a land economist by the name of Homer Hoyt established a now famous theory known as the “The Great 18-year Cycle”. The theory held that, in the absence of significant world events (wars etc.), real estate cycles generally follow a predictable 18-year cycle. Hoyt cites considerable empirical evidence dating back to the early 1800s illustrating an almost perfect 18-year cycle. More recently, Prof. Fred E. Foldvary used this principle to predict the recession of 2008, writing about it ten years earlier. Obviously real estate cycles present themselves in different shapes and sizes, but perhaps Hoyt’s theory provides some context to a discussion about where we are in the cycle today and when the market is likely to enter the recovery phase.

Th Red Book 2013 - Welcome

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 12:00:00 GMT

The annual event of writing an introduction for The Red Book is always filled with trepidation for me. I do not want to over build expectations and then disappoint, nor do I want to fail to introduce the articles in an exciting way. What to do? Risk behind every door. But that is our world today. Every time I think the market has found a direction, there seems to be a further shift. Recently I read that an engineer does not see the glass as half full like the optimist, nor half empty like the pessimist, but rather as a design that is twice as big as it needed to be. I learnt from this that I need to adjust my expectations and face the reality of our market. The half full glass tells us nothing of our future but only of our present. So that is what I hope we will do for you – provide you with an accurate picture of the real estate market in Barbados at present. Whether you are the optimist, the pessimist or the engineer, you will have the data that you need to reach a conclusion.

The Investor and Compulsory Acquisition - Barbados Law

Fri, 02 Nov 2012 12:00:00 GMT

For the average Barbadian citizen, most encounters with the powers of the Crown are limited to fixing roads, maintaining order and things of the like, nothing alarming at all. However, occasionally, citizens come face to face with the awesome power of the state, when they receive a notice expressed in some legal jargon, informing them that their land is to be acquired for some public purpose.

Heritage: Its Meaning and Significance for Barbados

Tue, 09 Oct 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Heritage in its broadest sense refers both to the tangible objects produced by past generations that have survived the ravages of time as well as the physical world around us, the natural landscape with its geological and biological features. Heritage therefore is not fixed or fossilised but rather, an ongoing, dynamic tapestry.

Green…The Colour of Sustainability

Mon, 17 Sep 2012 12:00:00 GMT

The term “green” in recent times has taken on a whole new light when associated with any kind of physical land development. Today it is not only part of a colour palette being used, but a term that measures the level of sustainability of a project from its design through to its construction. It also takes into account the project’s operation and maintenance over its projected life cycle.

Relocating With Children: Selecting A School

Wed, 29 Aug 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Relocating to a new country can be both exciting and challenging. There’s the initial thrill of exploring a new country but there’s also the anxiety of leaving friends and family for an unfamiliar location. Choosing the right home is a key decision for successfully transitioning from one country to another.

Tech Support Analyst - Vacancy

Mon, 20 Aug 2012 12:00:00 GMT

You could be IT! A new and exciting opportunity exists for a Tech Support Analyst within our dynamic team! If you think you've got IT send your CV to the required email address.

Marketing Co-ordinator Vacancy

Mon, 13 Aug 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Do you love to communicate? We are looking for you! An excellent opportunity has arisen for a dedicated Marketing Co-ordinator. See our ad to find out more about this exciting position.

Think you have an insurance story? Wait till you hear mine!

Thu, 09 Aug 2012 12:00:00 GMT

After nearly forty years in the insurance business, it is very difficult to avoid the topic. Invariably, the cocktail party discussion begins with....”Oh, so you’re that insurance guy (awkward silence).. well (heavy emphasis here), last year after ‘Tomas’.....” by now, others are listening, and the tales of woe begin to flow.

International Business and Financial Sector Makes An Impact

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 12:00:00 GMT

The International Business and Financial Services sector contributes nearly US $500 million (BDS $1 billion) to the Barbados economy. The greatest portion of this spend does not emanate from direct taxes paid to the Barbados Government but from indirect spending in the Barbados economy. Real estate in particular, with earnings of just over US $15 million (BDS $30 million) in 2010 is one of the primary beneficiaries of this sector.