Pulse of the Caribbean

#55 Caribbean News Round Up Episode 4 Week of June 2

• Pulse of the Caribbean

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Caribbean nations face critical developments including US immigration bans, oil revenue projections, legal victories, independence movements, sustainable policy challenges, and international recognition for local products. The pulse of the region this week reveals significant economic, political, and environmental trends that will shape the future of Caribbean communities.

Here are some headlines from today’s report.

  • US President Trump bans immigrants from Haiti and 11 other nations citing national security concerns
  • ExxonMobil Guyana reports $1.255 trillion in profit before tax in 2024, with projections for Guyana to gain $10 billion annually by decade's end
  • Antigua's Cabinet decides to purchase cargo aircraft to establish the country as a regional logistics hub
  • Dominica's Belfast Rum Punch awarded bronze medal at the 2025 International Wine and Spirits Competition

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Speaker 1:

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 Victory Run Walk, sponsored by the US Virgin Islands Department of Tourism. Register now for the 5K, 10k and Half Marathon. Labor Day Weekend St Thomas, us Virgin Islands, and Diamond Key. Marina, yosemite, british Virgin Islands. Home of Foxy's Taboo and Gateway to the Bubbly Pool, a natural jacuzzi and hidden gem.

Speaker 2:

Welcome to the pulse of the caribbean news roundup, episode four for the week of june 2nd. Here's a look at what's making caribbean headlines. We start a report in haiti. Us president trump has banned immigrants from 12 nations, including haiti, for national security reasons. Seven other countries, including cub, cuba and Venezuela, have partial entry restrictions. According to the executive order issued by US President Trump, america is at risk from countries with poor screening mechanisms. Countries under the full ban are Afghanistan, burma, chad, the Republic of Congo, equatorial Guinea, entree Haiti, iran, libya, somalia, sudan and Yemen. Partial restrictions apply to Burundi, cuba, laos, sierra Leone, togo, turkmenistan and Venezuela.

Speaker 2:

Our next stopobil Guyana Limited reported $1.255 trillion in profit before tax in 2024, and Guyana's oil and royalty revenue will reach $10 billion, or $2 trillion per year, by the end of the decade. This statement was made by ExxonMobil Guyana's Limited Vice President and Business Services Manager, john Colling, in his first local media briefing in Guyana, however, collins stressed that Exxon was still in the red, despite its gains. Once cost oil is recovered, guyana might gain 10 billion U $10 billion per year by the end of the decade, according to its 2016 production sharing agreement. Collins said ExxonMobil can cost recover its investment under the 2016 production sharing agreement. Specifically, no more than 75 percent of revenue from ExxonMobil's share of its oil lift goes towards cost recovery.

Speaker 2:

Now on to Antigua. The US District Court for the Southern District of New York dismissed all subpoenas linked to the sale of Superyacht Alpha Nero, formerly owned by a Russian national. Antigua and Barbuda, prime Minister Gaston Brown, his family, prominent government officials and several private corporations were subpoenaed. Us Judge Jesse M Furman stated in his Memorandum of Opinion and Order that the request did not meet the statutory prerequisites for relief. The court quashed the subpoenas, vacated an earlier ex parte order that allowed them, and ordered the applicant's counsel to swiftly delete any generated materials. Antigua and Barbuda welcomed the verdict, arguing that the application was frivolous and intended to intimidate the government and its staff with unsubstantiated charges.

Speaker 2:

In other news from Antigua, the Cabinet of Antigua has decided to buy a cargo aircraft, since freight transportation in the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States is crucial for regional integration and economic growth. This effort aims to boost South American and Organization of Eastern Caribbean States trade and establish Antigua and Barbuda as a logistics hub. Regional cargo transport has improved, but the Cabinet recognizes that substantial investment and greater coordination are needed to build a resilient and efficient system that can withstand global supply chain disruptions and climate-related challenges. The launch of a specialized cargo jet in Antigua and Barbuda is projected to boost trade, facilitate the movement of important supplies and improve the organization of eastern Caribbean states and global food security. Now we head to the British Virgin Islands.

Speaker 2:

British Virgin Islands Premier, dr Natalia Whitley, told the British Virgin Islands House of Assembly that the UK must honor its decolonization commitments and help the British Virgin Islands achieve self-determination. The United Nations decolonization framework is meant to assist those territories on the UN's list of non-independent countries to achieve a full measure of self-government within the scope of international law and the UN mandate to eradicate colonialism in all its forms. Dr Wheatley told the House during an update on international affairs. According to the UN Special Committee on Decolonization, c-24, the British Virgin Islands remains on this list. Dr Whitley said the major finding of the independent UN report is that the British Virgin Islands is ready for a change of political status. The report promotes a full internal self-government, a timeline for independence and self-determination. Education the administration of Premier Whitley has asked the United Nations to educate the public on international law, integration, free association and independence possibilities. Next up, cayman Island lagging behind in climate change policies. After this, get ready for Victory Run Walk 2025. Registration is open for the Virgin Islands 5K, 10k and half marathon. Register at VictoryRunWalkVIcom.

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, pulseofthegribeancom or your favorite streaming platform. This is the Pulse of the Caribbean News Roundup, episode 4, for the week of June 2nd.

Speaker 2:

Despite its economic advantages, non-profit organization Sustainable Cayman said that the Global Sustainable Islands Summit 2025 that the Cayman Islands is lagging behind island states with far fewer resources in sustainable policies, and that some simple ideas could help Cayman Islands withstand the changing climate, protect the environment and green the local economy. From May 23rd to May 31st 2025, the Cayman Islands local nonprofit delegation attended Global Sustainable Islands Summit in St Kitts and Nevis, where they got a reality check and some good ideas. They learned how other small island states with a fraction of the Cayman Island resources establish resilience and green economies focusing on water security, energy transition, food resilience, circular economies, nature-based solutions and social protection. The summit provided critical insights for these islands and showed how the Cayman Islands could do more, given its economic position compared to other small island developing states. The announcement noted that our nation's response to climate change often lags behind our more resource-challenged neighbors. Global Sustainable Islands Summit 2025 provided a reality check and a pat-for. The announcement said the delegates support regional requests for Ute-led initiatives, greater communication, earlier inclusion and institutional assistance. They studied Sinkit's recycling program with Taiwan, prompting circular economy and entrepreneurship concepts in the Cayman Islands. Sustainable Cayman said that the team returned with ideas that could be adopted rapidly in the Cayman Islands, such as a climate-aligned tourism plan that combines sustainability, waste reduction and cultural resilience, along with the Cayman Islands Department of Agriculture. It recommended composting education in schools and community gardens. The group said we think a youth-led green company spotlight series to promote local sustainability champions would be a quick win. And here's our final note the 2025 International Wine and Spirits Competition awarded Dominica's Belfast Rum Punch bronze medal.

Speaker 2:

Belfast Estate, the brand's parent company, published the official findings this week as a major achievement for the brand and Dominica. Since 1969, the International Wine and Spirits Competition has sponsored an annual London event with strict judging standards. Wine and Spirit judges gave Belfast Rum Punch a silver medal after noting the aroma reveals hints of ripe fruit and subtle spices, leading to a smooth palate of citrus and tropical notes, finishing with a gentle sweetness. Belfast Rum said Dominica's bronze medal boosts its global rum and alcohol trade. This is a milestone for a locally made product competing with well-known multinational brands, and receiving an international wine and spirit competition medal denotes exceptional craftsmanship and quality, according to the company.

Speaker 2:

This podcast is brought to you by victory run walk, sponsored by the us virgin islands department of tourism. Register now for the 5k, 10k and half marathon. Labor day weekend, st thomas, us virgin islands and diamond key marina, yosemite, british virgin island. 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 releases 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 4, for the week of June 2nd.

Speaker 1:

I'm Keisha Blyden. See you next time. 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, 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.