Pulse of the Caribbean

#66 Caribbean News Round Up Episode 3 Week of June 23

• Pulse of the Caribbean

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This episode of Pulse of the Caribbean Podcast Caribbean News Roundup covers significant developments affecting travel, energy, archaeology, and sports infrastructure across the region, highlighting how these changes impact both local economies and international relations.

  • US visa applicants must provide social media handles used during the previous five years
  • Russia and Cuba developing a cooperative logistics hub at Cuba's deepest water port 
  • Trinidad's state-owned Phoenix Park Gas Processors proposing a natural gas facility in Guyana
  • Marine archaeologists planning expedition to find sunken pirate ships in the Bahamas
  • Grenada completes China-aided reconstruction of National Cricket Stadium ahead of July 2025 Match 

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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, august 30th St Thomas, us Virgin Islands half marathon. Labor Day weekend, august 30th St Thomas, us Virgin Islands. And Diamond Key, marina, yosvendike, 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 three for the week of June 23rd. Here's a look at what's making Caribbean headlines. We start our report today at the US Embassy in Barbados. As a part of tougher security measures, applicants for US visas are now required to provide their social media handles. The US Embassy in Bridgetown, barbados, confirmed that the amended rules applies to all non-immigrant visa applicants and requires for disclosure of usernames used during the last five years. Applicants for students and exchange visitor visas, including the F, m and J categories, are also encouraged to make their accounts public to aid with identity verification. Officials warn that failure to give this information may result in visa denial or impact future applications. The regulations revise a vetted process started in 2019 to boost US national security by analyzing applicants' online activities. Our next stop is Cuba. According to RIA Novosti News, russia and Cuba are collaborating to construct a cooperative logistics hub at Cuba's largest deepwater port. To increase cooperation, the proposal, which aims to improve trade flows between Moscow and Latin America, was announced on the sidelines of the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, which ended last week. Tatyana Mashkova, chairwoman of Russia's National Committee for Economic Cooperation with Latin American Countries, told the source that the two countries are working in parallel to establish the center in Cuba's port of Mariel. Now on to Trinidad and Tobago. The Trinidad and Tobago state-owned Phoenix Park Gas Processors Limited has proposed a natural gas processing facility in Guyana. The bid, according to Trinidad and Tobago's energy minister, dr Rudal Munalau, would boost Trinidad and Tobago's regional energy prominence. In his House of Representatives speech on the supplementary budget, dr Munalau announced the government's energy intentions. He said negotiations are now ongoing with Suriname and Guyana. Phoenix Gas is bidding to help build a Guyana gas processing plant. He said Trinidad and Tobago's state enterprises must become substantial investors in Suriname, guyana and Grenada. Munilal said Trinidad, the Caribbean community's CARICOM oldest oil producer, does not have a satisfactory footprint at this time in Guyana and Suriname, despite its technical expertise. Our next stop is Jamaica. The government of Jamaica is strategically attracting more companies to manufacture and invest in Jamaica to boost the economy and create jobs for Jamaicans. At the launching ceremony of the MJS Industrial and Technology Park in Spanish Town, st Catherine, on June 24, jamaica's Prime Minister, dr Andrew Holness, indicated in a few days, energy costs would be announced. Indicated in a few days, energy costs would be announced. Prime Minister Holness said we must reduce the cost of electricity to business if our economy is to grow and if we are to become an industrial and manufacturing hub in the region. Dr Holness stressed the need for a national policy to reduce energy costs for everyone. Next up new documentary of pirates into Caribbean set for production in the Bahamas.

Speaker 2:

After this, ready to lace up your shoes, experience paradise and say I'm an overcomer? This Labor Day weekend, august 30th, join us for the Victory Run Walk in beautiful St Thomas, us Virgin Islands, sponsored by the US Virgin Islands Department of Tourism. Imagine yourself running along the beautiful waterfront and pushing yourself to achieve your personal best. The Victory Run Walk is more than just a race. It's a community celebration. It's a chance to challenge yourself, connect with friends and experience the unparalleled beauty of St Thomas. Whether you're a seasoned marathoner or just starting your fitness journey. We have the race for you. Choose from the exhilarating 5K, the challenging 10K or the ultimate test, the Half Marathon. And it's not just about the run. Bring the whole family, enjoy post-race festivities and the unforgettable island vibe. Don't miss out on this incredible event. Register today at victoryrunwalkvicom. Sign up now and secure your spot in the victory run. St thomas labor day weekend, august 30th. Get ready to say I'm an overcomer. Be there to celebrate. We'll see you at the finish line.

Speaker 2:

This is the Pulse of the Caribbean News Roundup, episode 3, for the week of June 23rd. In September, marine archaeologists will go to the New Providence Pirate Expedition to find sunken pirate ships and treasure in the Bahamas. Bahamian archaeologists and historian, dr Michael Pateman and British archaeologist Dr Sean Kingsley are leading the trip. It is the first of its kind and the explorers hope to look for artifacts and resources in Nassau, new Providence, which were busy pirate ports. Wreck Watch TV is making the show call the Mystery of the Pirate King's Treasure. That will cover the pirate voyage in September. Chris Atkins and Dr Michael Pateman are both directing it. The documentary will come out in 2026. And here's our final note.

Speaker 2:

The government of Grenada is happy to announce that the China-aided reconstruction of the Grenada National Cricket Stadium is complete. This project is a big step forward for sports growth, international corporation and national pride. The renovation started in February 2024 and was made possible by a generous 12 million dollar grant from the government of the People's Republic of China. The project includes major improvements to the stadium's infrastructure to make sure it satisfies the highest international requirements for holding world-class cricket matches. The stadium is ready to welcome fans and players for the test match between the West Indies and Australia from July 3rd to the 7th 2025. It is famous for hosting matches during the 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup. The improved facility is anticipated to bring more sports tourists, help young people thrive in Grenada and also increase the economy, all while becoming a bright symbol of Grenada's progress.

Speaker 2:

This podcast has been 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, august 30th. St Thomas, us Virgin Islands, and 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 releases to news at pulseofthecaribbeancom. This has been your Pulse of the Caribbean News Roundup, episode 3, for the week of June 23rd. Here's a shout out to our listeners in Ontario, canada and the Bahamas. Thanks for listening and do spread the word and share our podcast with others across the region and the diaspora. 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.