Caribbean News Update

It’s February 11th, and this is Breadfruit News—bringing you the biggest stories from across the Caribbean.

A former U.S. ambassador to Jamaica slams criticism of USAID funding calling it “shameful,” as debates over American aid heat up.

Hyatt expands its Caribbean footprint with a $2.6 billion deal to acquire Playa Hotels & Resorts.

Trinidad and Tobago makes global tax reforms, shedding its status as a harmful tax jurisdiction.

Guyana rolls out new e-passports with extended validity and plans for an online application system.

In sports, the West Indies Championship saw dominant cricket performances, while Matchday 2 of the CONCACAF U-17 tournament brought big wins—and crushing defeats.

Get up to speed on today’s top Caribbean stories. Officials are urging tsunami preparedness after Saturday’s earthquake, while Jamaica’s opposition is demanding better communication during alerts. The UK has denied reports of reparations talks with CARICOM leaders, and the Turks and Caicos elections saw a landslide win for the Progressive National Party. Jamaica is considering nuclear energy, and sprint star Julien Alfred has been named Saint Lucia’s Female Athlete of the Year. In sports, Caribbean teams faced tough first-leg Concacaf matches, the Dominican Republic claimed the Caribbean Series baseball title, and Bunny Shaw scored after facing online abuse. Plus, the Buena Vista Social Club is coming to Broadway. Listen now for the full update!

Haiti’s UN-backed security mission nears full strength with 144 more Kenyan police officers arriving. In the Dominican Republic, the U.S. is seizing a second jet linked to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, while Grenada launches the world’s first ‘Citizenship by Invitation’ program. Farmers across the region are being urged to prepare for a dry season that could bring drought conditions. Meanwhile, Guyana is boosting its sports scene with a new tennis court and a major T20 cricket tournament. On the entertainment front, Barbados takes center stage in the new Jurassic World Rebirth movie, and Rihanna brings her voice and new music to The Smurfs Movie.

February 6 News Roundup

Caribbean nations continue to tackle security challenges, with The Bahamas reaffirming support for Haiti’s multinational security mission and Saint Lucia launching a new maritime intelligence unit to curb drug and arms trafficking. In Guyana, a $300 million reforestation project is set to restore land degraded by mining. Meanwhile, the Caribbean Series finalists are locked in, and Greenland is making moves to join CONCACAF. Cricket West Indies has a new CEO, and Jamaica makes history with its first national pickleball team. On Bob Marley's 80th birthday, celebrations are in full swing, with a tribute concert and a special lecture on his legacy led by Barbados’ Prime Minister Mia Mottley.

Caribbean nations are securing new trade partners and policies to navigate U.S. tariffs, deportations, and aid cuts, with leaders in The Bahamas, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent responding to the shift. Haiti faces setbacks as the U.S. freezes funding for its security mission, while French President Emmanuel Macron calls for a UN peacekeeping force and pledges a statement on Haiti’s historic independence debt. Meanwhile, Barbados’ Prime Minister Mia Mottley is honored for climate leadership, Belize backs South Africa’s genocide case at the ICJ, and Guyana-China trade hits $1.4 billion. The region also celebrates culture with Grammy success for St. Kitts’ Byron Messia, steelpan champions in Trinidad, and Barbados’ Ronald Fenty judging the Mrs. World Pageant. And finally, a Caribbean cruise with a no-clothes policy is making waves—just don’t expect to see any unexpected sights on shore!

Caribbean nations brace for a surge in U.S. deportations, with regional leaders focusing on reintegration and security. In Trinidad and Tobago, the Police Commissioner and a former intelligence chief are released without charge after questioning over firearm imports, as police assure operations remain unaffected. Jamaica secures a $90M fuel deal with Trinidad. Julien Alfred sprints to victory in Boston, and the Caribbean Series baseball tournament heats up. Plus, Dominica’s Kyanna Dyer takes the Miss OECS crown, and the Grammys shine a spotlight on Caribbean music, with a big win for the Bob Marley: One Love soundtrack. And in an unexpected moment, Vybz Kartel hits the red carpet, meeting streamer Kai Cenat…

Trinidad and Tobago’s police chief has been removed as investigations continue into the import of high-powered rifles. In Sint Maarten, a report highlights problems in border control, while a new online tool tracks China’s investments across the Caribbean. Curaçao is expanding its cruise terminal after a record year, and PAHO is urging governments to improve cancer treatment access. Dominica plans to regulate cannabis, and in sports, Jamaica and Barbados fall in Davis Cup action, while the Dominican Republic closes in on victory.

Barbados’ Prime Minister Mia Mottley hopes Barbadians facing deportation from the U.S. will be treated fairly, as 151 nationals are listed for removal. In Jamaica, the government is tackling electricity theft, while Portmore is set to become the island’s 15th parish. Canada has updated travel advisories for several Caribbean nations, prompting security improvements. Suriname’s Indigenous leaders are being trained to secure legal land rights, and St. Eustatius is hosting its first international netball tournament. In sports, Caribbean teams battle for baseball glory in Mexico, and Jamaica prepares to celebrate Bob Marley’s 80th birthday with digital tributes and live events.

The U.S. aid freeze could impact a $4 million disaster preparedness project in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, with Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves awaiting confirmation. Suriname is battling electricity and water shortages, while St. Kitts and Nevis is offering tax breaks to encourage nationals to return and invest. In Dominica, authorities have found the wreckage of a missing plane, and Canada is backing a new resilience center for the Kalinago people. The Caribbean Series baseball tournament begins in Mexico, and in the Turks and Caicos, officials are working with SpaceX to clean up debris from the Starship explosion.

Todays roundup for January 29th: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has donated millions in aid to Caribbean nations, supporting recovery efforts after Hurricane Beryl. We also cover the suspension of US military training for Trinidad and Tobago’s Defence Force, the safe landing of a Caribbean Airlines flight, and the ongoing deportation concerns affecting 15 Caribbean nations. Plus, Google makes a controversial move by renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. Stay tuned for updates on the world’s toughest row and a warning for wanna be cooks that want to experiment with giant African snails in the Caribbean.