Pulse of the Caribbean

#100 Caribbean News Round Up Episode 1 Week of August 25

• Pulse of the Caribbean

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This week's Caribbean News Roundup reveals significant diplomatic, security, and economic developments across the region, highlighting the complex interplay of international relations and regional cooperation that continues to shape the Caribbean's future. Here’s a look at what’s making Caribbean headlines. 

  • US Department of Defense delegation on four-day visit to Dominican Republic to strengthen bilateral security cooperation
  • Trinidad and Tobago government expresses strong support for Guyana's sovereignty amid US- Venezuela tensions
  • ·St. Lucia passes CARICOM Arrest Warrant Treaty Bill
  • Puerto Rico to host Florida Caribbean Cruise Association Convention in October 2025, 
  • Atlantis Paradise Island receives Virtuoso Sustainability Leadership Award 
  • St. Kitts and Nevis Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Information, Communications, and Technology appointed second vice chair of the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organization 

These and other stories are on today’s Pulse of the Caribbean-Caribbean News Round Up Episode 4 for the Week of August 18. 

Listen and subscribe to the Pulse of the Caribbean News Round Up for news you need to know. 

Send news releases and information to news@pulseofthecaribbean.com.

To advertise email biz@pulseofthecaribbean.com

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 Runwalk, sponsored by the US Virgin Islands Department of Tourism. Victory Runwalk is fast approaching and accommodations are available with discounted rates for participants in the 5k, 10k and half marathon. Labor day weekend, august 30th, st thomas, us virgin islands. Last day to register is august 26. Go online to victoryrunwalkvicom for more information 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. Welcome to the Pulse of the Caribbean. News Roundup, episode 1 for the week of August 25th. Here's a look at what's making Caribbean headlines. We start our report in the Dominican Republic.

Speaker 2:

The US Department of Defense and White House National Security Council group began a four-day official visit to the Dominican Republic on Saturday, august 23rd. The group is being led by US National Security Council Senior Director for the Western Hemisphere, michael Yensen, and Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense, joseph Humeyer. The mission will run through Tuesday, august 26. It will involve a rigorous schedule of bilateral meetings to strengthen security, defense and strategic development cooperation between the two nations. On Saturday, us officials met with the Dominican Republic's President, luis Abinadier, the Dominican Republic's Ambassador, maria Isabel Castillo, and Vice Minister of Bilateral Foreign Policy, francisco Caraballo, members also met with the Dominican Republic cabinet officials, including the foreign minister, industry and commerce minister and energy and mines minister and team will attend a Dominican Republic Navy Naval Club Corporation event to reinforce their commitment to Caribbean maritime security and disaster response. Specialized equipment, advanced training and institutional enhancement of the Dominican Republic's armed forces have been provided by the United States. The Dominican Republic US Security Corporation is an integral component of their partnership, especially as they prepare for the Summit of the Americas which will be held in Punta Cana next December.

Speaker 2:

Now we head to Trinidad and Tobago. The government of Trinidad and Tobago has expressed strong support for Guyana's sovereignty and geographical integrity. In a statement issued Saturday evening, the office of the prime minister in Port Astain stated that the American government had not yet requested that its military assets enter Trinidadian territory for military action against the Nicolas Maduro-led Venezuelan administration. According to the statement, while Trinidad and Tobago has always had positive relations with the Venezuelan people and will continue to do so, all attempts to defend Guyana's territory would be fully supported. To defend Guyana's territory would be fully supported. This declaration from the Trinidad and Tobago government comes as tensions between the United States and Venezuela increase over the US deployment of three warships and military troops along Venezuela's coast as a part of attempts to combat the region's drug traffic. The warships are anticipated to arrive in the Caribbean. The Guyana government has also previously applauded the United States' decision to contribute resources to the Caribbean area to combat the illicit drug trade.

Speaker 2:

Our next stop is St Lucia. St Lucia's parliament passed the CARICOM Arrest Warrant Treaty Bill on August 21st. The law provides legal validity to St Lucia's 2017 pact to establish a regional system for arresting and surrendering persons requested by neighboring countries. St Lucia may now collaborate with regional allies to catch fugitives, speed up justice across CARICOM and close gaps that allow offenders to avoid prosecution or imprisonment. Our next stop now is Puerto Rico.

Speaker 2:

The 31st Florida Caribbean Cruise Association Convention will be held October 20-th 2025 at the Puerto Rico Convention Center. Over 700 people, including senior executives from over 100 foreign cruise lines, are expected and $5 million in direct economic impact is anticipated. Puerto Rico's Governor, jennifer Gonzalez, said Puerto Rico's hosting of the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association's annual conference puts the island at the center of the market and shows it can handle this type of event. The island expects a record $170 million in cruise-related economic activity in its fiscal year 2025, she said at a press conference promoting the event. Puerto Rico Tourism Company Executive Director Wulanet Robles-Cancel emphasized the convention's potential to develop cruise operator relationships. The Florida Caribbean Cruise Association Conference is the industry's leading policy and investment forum. Cruise line executives and tourism officials will discuss security, port infrastructure, supply chains and guest experience. The Florida Caribbean Cruise Association represents 23 cruise lines, including Carnival, royal Caribbean, msc Disney, norwegian Princess, holland America, celebrity, regent, seven Seas and Virgin Voyages.

Speaker 2:

Next up, atlantis, paradise Island and the Bahamas receives global award after this St Thomas Virgin Islands Victory Run 2025 accommodations are now available After race registration. Book your stay and be the first occupants to stay at the Hamptons by Hilton, directly located at the start and finish line of Victory Run 2025. While around the bend and at the beach shore is the beautiful Westin Resort and connecting waterfront villas of the Bowie House. Both locations are family friendly and here to accommodate you with special rates, making your stay a breeze as you gear up and get ready for St Thomas Victory Run 2025 USVI. Book your stay now. This is the Pulse of the Caribbean News Roundup, episode 1, for the week of August 25th.

Speaker 2:

Atlantis, paradise Island receives Virtuoso Sustainability Leadership, protecting the Planet Award for its Bahamas sustainability efforts. Virtuoso, a prominent global network of premium and experienced travel firms, released its 2025 Global Awards during its 37th annual Travel Week in Las Vegas from August 9th to 15th. As it grows and transforms, the resort is committed to protecting marine habitats and promoting responsible tourism. For two decades, atlantis Paradise Island Atlantis Blue Project Foundation has led Caribbean marine life protection. Atlantis Paradise Island President and Managing Director, audrey Oswald, said Virtuoso's award validates our leadership in sustainable tourism and the importance of ocean ecosystem protection. Atlantis Blue Project Foundation, a non-profit 501c3 organization, was founded in 2005 to protect sea animals and their habitats in the Bahamas and the Caribbean Sea. In its 20th year, the organization has bred, rescued and released over 7,500 endangered sea turtles, donated over 7,000 mangrove seedlings for local wetland restoration projects in the Bahamas, helped establish 1.4 million acres of marine protected areas, released 160 animals back to their natural habitats and funded over 5 million in coral reef research and restoration. All resort guests who participate in marine-focused activities and experiences support Atlantis Blue Projects Foundation's conservative initiatives. Virtuoso Award honors those who are changing luxury travel through integrity, service and remarkable experiences. According to Chairman and CEO, matthew D Upchurch, these yearly awards honor extraordinary members and partners who enrich lives through human connection and travel.

Speaker 2:

And here's our final note Cheryl Ann Pemberton, permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Information, communication and Technology and Posts of Sinkitz and Nevis, has been chosen second vice chair of the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organization at Marlborough House in London in July 2025. This appointment is a highlight for the Ministry of the Information and Communication Technology Sector in the Commonwealth. Mrs Pemberton will help shape the Commonwealth Telecoms Organization's strategic direction as second vice chair, encouraging connection innovation and sustainable growth in telecoms among its member states. This post has the potential to influence telecommunications sector policies and activities on digital inclusion, cybersecurity and technological innovation. The Permanent Secretary's role in the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organization will help member countries share expertise and best practices, improving information communication and technology cooperation and development. Information Communication and Technology Corporation and Development.

Speaker 2:

This podcast has been brought to you by Victory Runwalk, sponsored by the US Virgin Islands Department of Tourism. Victory Runwalk is fast approaching and accommodations are available with discounted rates for participants in the 5K, 10k and Half Marathon. Labor Day weekend, august 30th, st Thomas, st thomas, us virgin islands. The last day to register is august 26. Go online to victoryrunwalkvicom for more information 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. Have news and information you'd like to share with us? Send news releases to news at pulseofthecaribbeancom. 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 August 25th. Here's a shout-out to our listeners in Sinkits and Nevis, maryland and Belgium. Here's a shout out to our listeners in Sinkits and Nevis, maryland and Belgium. Thanks for listening and do spread the word and share our podcast with others across the region and the diaspora. I'm Keisha Blyden.

Speaker 1:

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, and thank you in advance for choosing Pulse of the Caribbean Caribbean News Roundup as your source for Caribbean-centered news.