Pulse of the Caribbean

#52 Caribbean Round Up Episode 1 Week of June 2

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Catch up on the latest Caribbean news with Pulse of the Caribbean News Round Up Episode 1 for the Week of June 2.  Here’s what's making Caribbean headlines:

  • US Upgrades Travel Advisory for Jamaica
  • British Virgin Islands Gets Credit Rating Boost
  • Guyana Launches First Internet Exchange
  • Dominican Republic Hosts Americas Summit
  • Grenada to Host 2026 CARIFTA Games

Listen online at www.pulseofthecaribbean.com or your favorite streaming platform.

Send news releases to news@pulseofthecaribean.com. If you have an interest in sponsoring our podcast, email us at  biz@pulseofthecaribbean.com.

Speaker 1:

My girl. This is the Pulse of the Caribbean Caribbean News Roundup. Now today's Caribbean News Headlines.

Speaker 2:

This podcast is brought to you by Diamond Key Marina, yosemite, british Virgin Islands, home of Foxy's Taboo and Gateway to the Bubbly Pool, a natural jacuzzi and hidden gem. Welcome to the Pulse of the Caribbean News Roundup, episode one for the week of June 2nd. Here is a look at what's making Caribbean headlines. We start a report in Jamaica. The decision by the United States to raise its travel advice for Jamaica from a level three to a level two has been praised by Jamaica's Prime Minister, dr Andrew Holness. Instead of telling Americans to rethink travel, they are now being told to exercise increased caution. Dr Holness said this is an encouraging development that is significant for Jamaica and reflects the discipline, hard work and commitment that this administration has brought to bear in matters of foreign affairs and national security. On Thursday, may 29, dr Holness was speaking in Jamaica House during a special post-cabinet news briefing. He revealed that an unprecedented $87 billion has been invested in national security since 2016, adding that the upgrading is not a coincidental accident, but rather the direct result of years of focused policy implementation, investments in security infrastructure and persistent diplomatic engagement. The significance of the moment is clearly understood, he said, especially by those working in the tourism industry who have been affected by unfavorable travel advisories. Dr Holness noted that the advisory indicates to the world community that Jamaica is more secure now for both locals and tourists.

Speaker 2:

Our next stop is the British Virgin Islands. The British Virgin Islands has a solid credit rating from the Caribbean Information and Credit Rating Services Limited, caricris, which states that the territory has high credit worthiness in comparison to other nations in the region. As one of the top regional credit rating agencies, caribbean Information and Credit Rating Services Limited offers unbiased assessments of the creditworthiness of Caribbean governments, businesses, financial institutions and other issuers. The agency raised the British Virgin Islands rating from a Cary A, which indicates a good level of creditworthiness, to a Cary AA, which indicates a high level of credit worthiness. Additional carry Chris has maintained its stable rating outlook. The improved credit rating, according to BVI Premier, dr Natalia Wheatley, is evidence of the British Virgin Islands' prudent budgetary management and dedication to economic stability in the face of international difficulties. The leader declared the economic foundation of our territory are still solid, proving the tenacity of our people, our governance methods and the creation of a sustainable nation. The British Virgin Islands boasts a high GDP per capita, driven by a robust and growing tourism industry and a stable financial services sector. Dollarization, pegging the local currency to the US dollar fosters economic stability and facilitates ease in international trade. Premier Whitley explained international trade. Premier Whitley explained citing the United Kingdom's ongoing support and strong economic fundamentals as contributing factors to the rating.

Speaker 2:

Now on to Guyana. Guyana's first internet exchange point was launched by Brigadier Retired Mark Phillips, prime Minister of Guyana and President Ifram Ali's first vice president. Prime Minister Phillips called the initiative a significant achievement in Guy nation's digital transformation, with far reaching effects on innovation, affordability, accessibility and security. Less than 120 Internet exchange points are in Latin America and the Caribbean, he explained, despite the fact that there are more than 1,500 internet exchange points operating worldwide. Prior to this, calls made between networks had to be routed via Miami, usa, before returning to Guyana. Now the routing is being done in Guyana. An internet exchange point is a local infrastructure that ensures local data traffic stays in the nation by directly connecting networks and internet service providers. According to the Prime Minister, guyana's Internet Exchange Point will lower latency, boost internet speeds, increase network security and dependability and save bandwidth expenses.

Speaker 2:

Next up, dominican Republic and Inter-American Development Bank will co-host the fifth Business Summit of the Americas. After this, get ready for victory run walk 2025. Early bird registration is open for the virgin islands 5k, 10k and half marathon. Register at victory run. Walkvicom Early bird discounts end June 1st. Register now and save.

Speaker 2:

Whether you're a Caribbean national or just want to learn more about the Caribbean, you've got the right podcast. In our newest feature, the Pulse of the Caribbean podcast interview segment, episode number 50, meet Israel Peterson, culture bearer and teacher, as he shares the rich tradition of Mukajumbi stilt dancing and its deep cultural significance in the US Virgin Islands. His passion for preserving this African heritage shines through as he recounts his personal journey from childhood fascination to becoming a master practitioner. Pulse of the Caribbean podcast. Listen online on our website, pulseofthegaribbeancom or your favorite streaming platform. This is the Pulse of the Caribbean News Roundup, episode 1 for the week of June 2nd.

Speaker 2:

On December 3rd to the 4th in Punta Cana, the Dominican Republic and the Inter-American Development Bank will co-host the 5th Business Summit of the Americas. In preparation for the 10th Summit of the Americas, leading corporate executives and heads of state from Latin America and the Caribbean will meet at the summit to encourage development led by the private sector. The proper management of vital resources, investment-friendly circumstances like security and the future of regional financial institutions are among the main topics on the agenda. Roberto Alvarez, the Dominican Republic's foreign minister, said he was proud to be hosting the event in partnership with the Inter-American Development Bank and emphasized its importance as a forum for discussion between the public and private sectors In order to unlock regional growth potential. Ilan Goldfund, president of the Inter-American Development Bank, emphasized the significance of public-private collaboration as a part of the America's Business Dialogue, more than 70 businesses and business associations convened in Santo Domingo to draft suggestions and recommendations that will be presented at the summit. This is the Inter-American Development Bank's Fort Business Summit series, and here's our final note.

Speaker 2:

After obtaining government clearance, on Thursday, the Grenada Athletics Association formally announced Grenada as the host of the 2026 Caribbean Free Trade Association Carifta Games. The renowned junior athletics competition is scheduled to occur at Kirani James Athletics Stadium in St George's, grenada, from April 4 to 6, 2026. The significance of the moment and its implications for Grenadian athletics were discussed by Sportsmax TV with Grenada Athletics Association President Conrad Francis, who was abroad shortly after the formal announcement. We're overjoyed. Francis remarked we were given the all-clear to start planning the games, and this would not have been possible without government assistance. After winning 13 medals in 2025, two gold, six silver and five bronze. Grenada's 2025 CarIFTA team feels that hosting the next competition will be the ideal opportunity to further develop the nation's young athletics. The annual sporting tournament known as the CARIFTA Games was established by the Caribbean Free Trade Association. Track and field events, including relays, medium-distant track events, sprint races, hurdles and leaping and throwing competitions are part of the Games, which were first established in 1972. Only countries associated with the Caribbean Free Trade Association may compete in the competition.

Speaker 2:

This podcast has been brought to you by Diamond Key, marina Yosvendike, british Virgin Islands, home of Foxy's Taboo and Gateway to the Bubbly Pool, a natural jacuzzi and hidden gem. Have news and information you'd like to share with us. Send news release and comments to news at pulseofthecaribbeancom and, if you have an interest in sponsoring our podcast, email us at biz B-I-Z at pulseofthecaribbeancom. This has been your Pulse of the Caribbean News Roundup, episode 1, for the week of June 2nd. I'm Keisha Blyden. See you next time.

Speaker 1:

For more Caribbean news stories and information, visit us online at pulseofthecaribbeancom. If you found value in this podcast, be sure to like and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and thank you in advance for choosing Pulse of the Caribbean Caribbean News Roundup as your source for Caribbean-centered news.