Caribbean News Update

The UN is calling for a new international security force to tackle Haiti’s escalating gang violence, while the Trump administration is expediting deportations for Haitians with Temporary Protected Status, sparking humanitarian concerns. A Jamaican dancehall artist Squash has been arrested in Florida on multiple firearm-related charges. Barbados Women edged out Guyana in the CG United Women’s Super50 Cup, while Jamaica’s Under-20 Reggae Girlz were eliminated from CONCACAF Women’s Championship qualifiers after a 1-1 draw with Nicaragua. Elsewhere in football, Aruba defeated the Cayman Islands, St. Vincent edged St. Kitts and Nevis, and Honduras dominated the U.S. Virgin Islands 7-0.

A Kenyan officer has been killed in Haiti’s international security mission, marking its first reported casualty. The U.S. has sent 20 armored vehicles to support Haiti’s police as part of a $40M security aid package. CARICOM leaders are moving to classify gun violence as terrorism, with Jamaica and Trinidad pushing for tougher penalties and stronger regional cooperation. In sports, Jamaica’s U20 Reggae Girlz crushed SVG 7-0, keeping their Women’s Championship dreams alive. And over in entertainment, Machel Montano is calling for unity after drama with Nicki Minaj and Trinidad Killa—and he’s even open to a collab with Minaj in the future!

At the recent CARICOM Summit in Barbados, Grenada’s Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell called on European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to issue formal apologies and provide reparations for Europe’s role in the transatlantic slave trade. In response, von der Leyen condemned slavery but did not directly address reparations. In other developments, Martinique is advancing toward Associate Membership in CARICOM, with Chair Mia Mottley signing a Letter of Intent to formalize the application. Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit emphasized the need to restore regional airline LIAT, citing its importance for travel and trade. In entertainment news, dancehall artist Lisa Hyper’s family views her recent arrest as an opportunity for her to receive mental health support. Meanwhile, Trinidad and Tobago’s Central Bank announced a redesign of the $100 bill, featuring the steelpan as the new symbol. Finally, Vybz Kartel celebrated his MOBO Impact Award win by shopping for luxury jewelry in London, accompanied by his fiancée Sidem Öztürk and son Likkle Vybz.

From high-stakes CARICOM talks in Barbados to Grenada shutting down a U.S. deportation request, today’s top Caribbean stories are packed with major developments! The ICJ is reviewing a landmark climate case that could hold big polluters accountable, while Curaçao’s former Central Bank officials are ordered to repay misused funds. Plus, Sint Maarten’s independence debate hits another deadlock. In sports, the Concacaf U20 Women’s Qualifiers kick off, and Saint Lucia’s Julien Alfred breaks yet another national record!

Caribbean leaders are in Barbados for the 48th CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting, focusing on economic growth, climate resilience, and digital transformation. The Bahamas' Prime Minister Philip Davis reaffirmed CARICOM’s neutrality in U.S.-China tensions after calls from U.S. lawmakers for stronger American engagement in the region. In security news, the Dominican Republic is expanding its border wall with Haiti, citing security concerns, while critics warn of economic fallout. Bermuda’s General Election was held yesterday, with results still pending. In a major first for The Bahamas, a SpaceX rocket booster landed off Exuma as part of a deal to expand Starlink internet access. Meanwhile, Digicel is cutting jobs across several Caribbean markets in a restructuring move, affecting roles in Jamaica, Trinidad, Haiti, and the U.S. To close, Jamaican dancehall star Shenseea took home the MOBO Award for Best Caribbean Music Act, beating Spice, Popcaan, YG Marley, Valiant, and Skillibeng whilst Vybz Kartel was honoured with the impact Award.

An historic SpaceX rocket booster is set to land in Bahamian waters tonight, the first of its kind, as part of a deal bringing Starlink internet to local schools and first responders. In Jamaica, a new bill kicks off the legal process to remove King Charles as head of state. Caribbean travelers may face longer U.S. visa wait times as embassy staff are cut, while Dominica prepares for over 100 deportees from the U.S. Grenada’s Citizenship by Investment fund has stacked up over EC$54.6 million, untouched even after Hurricane Beryl. And in sports, Haiti is the only Caribbean nation heading to the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup after an undefeated run in the CONCACAF qualifiers.

February 17th Barbados’ Prime Minister Mia Mottley calls for climate justice, reparations, and stronger Caribbean-Africa ties at the African Union Summit. Guyana’s president confirms U.S. deportees won’t be jailed on arrival, while Anguilla’s booming .ai domain revenue is funding healthcare, education, and airport expansion. Jamaica’s tourism sector is set for a major boost with six new hotels, $2.5B in investment, and 10,000 jobs. Santo Domingo’s airport is getting a $30M upgrade to increase capacity. The Caribbean Drag Racing Championship kicks off with top racers from Barbados, Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, and Jamaica. Prince William & Kate Middleton skip the BAFTAs for a Caribbean getaway in Mustique. CONCACAF U-17 qualifiers continue with big wins for St. Lucia, St. Kitts, and Honduras. Jamaica’s women’s football gets a boost with new league governance, and Bunji Garlin invites fans to submit videos for his next music release.

📢 Your Caribbean News Update – February 14, 2025!

💝 Happy Valentine’s Day!👶 Haiti’s children are suffering as gang violence spirals.🦟 PAHO warns of a rising dengue threat.💰 Trinidad & Tobago opens deepwater oil bids.⚽ Levi García, Allyson Swaby, and Acacia Small secure big football transfers.

🎤 Get the latest Caribbean news! Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & SoundCloud.

📢 Your Caribbean News Update – February 15, 2025!

🏅 Usain Bolt says he still hasn’t seen his missing millions as the SSL fraud probe drags on.

🏛️ Portmore officially becomes Jamaica’s 15th parish—first in 158 years!

🚀 SpaceX landings spark environmental concerns in The Bahamas.

🗳️ Belize & Barbuda prepare for key elections next month.

🏀 Guyana gears up for its first-ever FIBA 3x3 tournament.

📢 Jamaica’s sprinters are doing good things for the sport and their communities.

Jamaica is ramping up its fight against gang violence, with Prime Minister Andrew Holness calling for international support, while dancehall artist Kiprich faces arrest over alleged gang-related lyrics. In Haiti, former First Lady Martine Moïse is urging Donald Trump to declassify FBI files on her husband’s assassination. A new study warns of dangerously high mercury levels in Caribbean fish, prompting calls for stricter seafood monitoring. The British Virgin Islands is rolling out a solar energy program to cut electricity bills in half, and Guyana’s Civil Aviation Training School has received global accreditation, opening new opportunities for Caribbean pilots. In sports, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago drew 1-1 in an international friendly, while the USA dominated the CONCACAF U-17 qualifiers with a record-breaking 22-0 win over the U.S. Virgin Islands.