#176 Caribbean News Round Up Week of April 13

We move through the Caribbean’s biggest headlines of the week, from renewed demands for reparations to the economic math behind fuel, food, and inflation. We also track security concerns tied to Haiti, new climate financing, and the tourism and culture stories shaping regional growth in this fast-moving Caribbean news roundup for the week of April 13th. Here are today’s headlines.

• UK Reform Party wants to bar visas in responses on reparatory justice
• Dominican Republic and Suriname urge international action on Haiti 
• Jamaica establishes fuel pricing model to ease Petrojam financial strain
• US Virgin Islands explores refinery prospects tied to heavy Venezuelan crude
• St Kitts and Nevis cut taxes in several areas and urges businesses to lower consumer prices 
• Grenada’s Prime Minister on economic mission to Nigeria and Ghana
• Guyana develops diplomatic ties with Turkey and works with the UK on seabed mapping 
• Guyana and the Dominican Republic hold talks on mango and avocado cultivation projects
• Dominican Republic expands cruise tourism as a Homeport for MSC Cruise Line beginning in November 
• British Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund launch set to launch April 21st in Spain 
• Dormitory plans at H. Lavity Stout Community College soon to be a reality
• Southport Hospitality make $350 Million investment in the Bahamas in Abaco Development
• Ms. St. Lucia  named the new Caribbean Queen of Sun and Sail 
•  Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association Travel Marketplace Event being held in Antigua during Antigua and Barbuda Culinary Month 

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Transcript

Welcome And Listener Shoutouts

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Welcome to the Pulse of the Caribbean News Roundup for the week of April 13th. Here's a special greeting to our listeners in St. Martin, Dominica, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Connecticut, Illinois, Canada, the UK, Singapore, and South Korea. Thanks for listening and do spread the word and share our podcast with others across the region and the diaspora.

Reparations Debate Reignites

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Caribbean reparation advocates have resumed their efforts for justice after the United Nations resolution ruling that transatlantic slave trade was one of the worst crimes in history. UK Minister of Parliament Nigel Farage, right-wing reform party, wants to bar visas for nations seeking slave trade reparations. Caribbean politicians and reparation advocates say the initiative illustrates UK residents' reluctance to own its colonial pass. The CARICOM Reparations Commission and other advocacy groups have called for reparations, formal apologies, and development support for slavery's legacy. Considering slavery's economic benefits and irreversible damage to former slaves and their descendants, Britain's obligation might exceed eighteen trillion. In related news, Volker Turk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, says repertory justice for colonialism, enslavement, and the trafficking of enslaved Africans is essential to end systemic racism. Volker Turk cautioned that repertory justice measures are being resisted and encouraged governments to support the UN adopted resolution. Turk attributed current discrimination against African descendant people to colonialism and enslavement at the UN Permanent Forum on People of African Descent on Tuesday.

Haiti’s Crisis And Regional Response

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Our next stop is the Dominican Republic. The foreign minister of the Dominican Republic, Roberto Alvarez and Suriname Melvin Buva, expressed concern over Haiti's destabilization, citing it as a regional issue. In a meeting in Santo Domingo, boat officials urged the international community to work towards a comprehensive and permanent solution while upholding human rights and fighting the violent gangs in Haiti. Gangs rule 90% of Port-au-Prince and neighboring regions, causing deep instability in Haiti. Given this, both ministers underscore the need for coordinated international efforts to restore security and stability. In addition to discussing Haiti, the Dominican Republic and Suriname signed a declaration reaffirming their strong bilateral connections and dedication to democracy, the rule of law, and human rights. They also pledged to cooperate in tourism, education, trade, investment, energy, climate change, sustainable development, food security, job creation, and private investment in both countries.

Jamaica’s Fuel Pricing And Petrojam

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Mr. Voz noted that while the current process has cushioned customers, PetroJram has lost $1.3 billion to $1.4 billion in four weeks. If increased prices persist until June 2026, the Jamaican government will have spent eleven point eight billion dollars, which is unaffordable and unsustainable. Mr. Voz said cabinet evaluated the updated new tiered pricing model, which allows for control and predictable adjustments, consumer protection for modest increases, and improved flexibility amid major global oil price shocks. The minister said Jamaica has experienced weekly increases in its fuel costs due to the U.S. Gulf Coast Benchmark, a regional standard for refined petroleum products. Mr. Voz said Jamaica's energy security is guaranteed by completed product supply contracts and Petrojam's refining capabilities, notwithstanding global market volatility. He stated that the government will closely watch international events, balance affordability and sustainability, and make timely and considered decisions in the best interests of Jamaicans.

USVI Eyes Venezuelan Crude Opportunity

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In other news from the U.S. Virgin Islands, American company Chevron imported shiploads of Venezuelan crude oil to refined in Mississippi. After Nicholas Maduro was captured in January, U.S. President Trump promised to tap into Venezuela's vast oil reserves. Now refineries are processing Venezuelan crude oil whose density makes it hard to process and affects its price. Chevron's refinery is designed to process the crude. The U.S. Virgin Islands Public Finance Authority testified at the U.S. Virgin Islands legislature this week that the South Shore St. Croix Refinery was modified specifically for processing heavy Venezuelan crude oil. Now the U.S. Virgin Islands Public Finance Authority is exploring possible opportunities of what it sees as a worthwhile prospect.

CARICOM Food Security Planning

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Next, we head to CARICOM. CARICOM Assistant Secretary General Dr. Wendell Samuel issued a call to action during a virtual dialogue on April 10th. The United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization presented a panel discussion on how the Middle East crisis is affecting Latin America and Caribbean states, focusing on food security, agriculture, and macroeconomic stability. Dr. Samuel, who leads the CARICOM Secretariat Economic Integration, Innovation and Development Directorate, said the community has drafted a response matrix to mitigate the conflict's food security impacts. The matrix will be given to regional agricultural ministers for approval and implementation. The matrix links external shocks to policy responses. It proposes short-time stabilization measures alongside long-term reforms to strengthen resilience and reduce vulnerability, and promote coordinated regional action. Dr. Samuels has recommended strengthening procurement, logistics, and strategic reserves, coordination, accelerating investment in renewable energy and resilient food systems. He stressed a region's structural vulnerabilities, notably its strong reliance on imports of food, fuel, fertilizer, and shipping services that can quickly turn geopolitical problems into internal economic issues. Dr. Samuel underlined that inflation, food affordability, and fiscal stability are pressing public concerns, and that understanding how these consequences are conveyed and developing realistic coordinated regional responses

St Kitts Price Cut Appeal

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are crucial. Our next stop is Sinkitz and Nevis. Sink It's and Nevis Prime Minister Dr. Terrence Drew has delivered a strong and timely call to the business community in Sinkitz and Nevis to cut consumer prices after recent government-led cost reduction efforts. The Prime Minister's national address included fuel tax reductions, gasoline customs service charge reductions, eliminating taxes and duties on alternative energy equipment, and excluding shipping surcharges from customs valuations. These million-dollar actions aim to cut operational expenses across different industries and provide considerable financial assistance to individuals. Dr. Drew stressed that fair and responsible business practices are crucial to government's interventions, emphasizing the shared responsibility needed to accomplish these results. Prime Minister Drew said, To our businesses, we are asking for fairness, not charity. Let counter customers benefit from government tax cuts because when people can breathe, our economy grows, benefiting everyone. Now Grenada.

Grenada’s Africa Economic Mission

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On April fifteenth, Grenada's Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell left for Africa on an economic mission to Nigeria and Ghana for economic growth. The Prime Minister will attend high-level talks to promote Grenada, Nigeria, and Ghana's bilateral relations, human resource development, agriculture, health, and tourism will be discussed. He is expected to return to state on Monday, April 20th.

Guyana Diplomacy Mapping And Agriculture

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Next, we head to Guyana. The meeting between Turkey Grand National Assembly Speaker Newman Kurtolmas and his delegation and Guyana Speaker Manzor Nadir and his delegation have significantly advanced parliamentary diplomacy and bilateral relations between the two countries. The meeting was held on the fringes of the 152nd Interparliamentary Union Assembly in Istanbul. Both countries pledged to promote universal democratic values, institutional governance, and regional and international peace and stability. Parliamentary exchanges, technological cooperation, and knowledge sharing in national development areas were also discussed. Next, the UK has been assisting Guyana with seabed mapping. An agreement between the UK Hydrographic Office and Guyana's Maritime Administration Department will improve seabed bottom mapping for Guyana's fishing communities and coastal enterprises. The collaboration intends to increase Guyana's capacity to survey and manage its seas, giving sustainable access to high-quality seabed data. Safe marine trade, fishery management, and climate change mitigation require this data. Over 90% of Guyana's population lives near the shore and waterways, making accurate ocean statistics vital to economic activity and public safety. The effort also involves the UK's hydrographic office specialists teaching Guyana's Maritime Administration Department survey team technical skills and improving survey techniques. In other news from Guyana, on Wednesday, Guyana's agricultural minister, Zofikar Mustafa, met with a high-level team from the Presidential Commission for Guyana Dominican Republic initiatives to examine fruit production collaboration. The Dominican Republic mission included former President Hibolito Mejia, Ambassador Tulia Rodriguez, two agronomists, and top officials from the embassy. Keen Mango Cultivation Projects collaboration areas were discussed at the meeting. The Dominican Republic will provide planting material for 15 high-yielding disease-free mango varieties, each to be grown on one hectare to establish parent stock. Also discussed was an avocado cultivation project that will import planting material for 10 high-yielding avocado types.

Dominican Republic Cruise Expansion

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MSC Cruises and Castur Casa de Campo agreed to manage and develop Catalina Island and expand cruise itineraries to additional Dominican Republic sites. The effort is designed to increase investment, tourism, and jobs, especially in the Dominican Republic's East Provinces. Industry leaders say a year-round base will boost a country's cruise market position. This is part of a larger push to make the Dominican Republic a Caribbean cruise hub.

BVI Climate Trust Fund Launch

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Now to the British Virgin Islands. At the Global Sustainable Islands Summit in Gran Canaria, Spain, the British Virgin Islands will unveil its climate change trust fund, allowing donors to support climate resilience initiatives across the territory. On April 21st, the fund will launch from concept to full functioning with officials certifying it is ready to collect donations and finance climate change resilient initiatives. The Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund mobilizes, manages, and deploys financing for climate resilience activities, including infrastructure protection, coastal defense, renewable energy, and environmental preservation. The British Virgin Islands Environmental Minister, Julian Fraser, is organizing the ceremonial launch, calling it a crucial step toward removing long-standing barriers to global climate finance for small island countries. Historically, those hurdles have prevented the British Virgin Islands from assessing significant international funding sources like the Green Climate Fund, leaving gaps between global funding and local needs. After receiving more than $5.5 million from the environmental levy, the fund can issue calls for ideas later this year. CEO Chamberlain Emmanuel said the launch is when vision becomes action as the fund is fully resourced and ready to make a difference. In other news from the British Virgin Islands, the government of the British Virgin Islands has inked agreements to start designing long-planned student dormitories at H. Lavity Stout Community College, according to officials, extending higher education access in the region. After signing an MOU and deed of contribution at the Parakeita Bay campus, the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs, and H. Lavity Stout Community College and the Recovery and Development Agency began project planning. The initiative, part of the college master plan, will make it easy for Anagata, Yospin Dyke, and Virgin Goddess students to study locally and encourage education tourism. After months of design, a construction timeline will be set. Now we head to the Bahamas.

Bahamas Abaco Club Major Buildout

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In a statement, Boston-based hospitality group Southworth said it will bill the Bay Club, a $350 million exclusive club at the Abaco Club on Great Abaco in the Bahamas. The 10-year development plan will focus on delivering an exceptional member experience while thoughtfully expanding the community through new amenities and residential offerings, according to Soutworth. This increased investment will build on the Abaco Club's sense of true belonging, unforgettable experiences, and meaningful connection, according to Soutworth president Tommy Soutworth. As an oceanfront beach club, the Bay Club will be erected on a two-mile stretch of beach overlooking Winding Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. The ground floor of the Bay Club will have a lounge, boutique retail, and a family lounge and game room with a cinematic style screen. A resort-style infinity edge pool at Winding Bay features, an integrated hot tub, dedicated lap lanes, and separate kids pool, and spacious shallow areas for families. Southward says the new property will also contain nineteen four point fifteen million dollar beachfront homes. The company said the first eleven have been sold. Next up, there's a new Caribbean Queen of Sun and Sale. After this.com. Engage in networking and advertising with Pulse of the Caribbean.

Pageant Win And Festival Season

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St. Lucia's Emerald Tyson emerged as the new Caribbean Queen in the Miss St. Martin Carnival Queen, Caribbean Queen Pageant 2026, following Wednesday night's competition at Carnival Village. The pageant held under the theme Queen of Sun and Sail brought together contestants from several Caribbean territories highlighting regional pride and cultural expression as competing delegates from across the region showcase culture, talent, and poise. Miss St. Eustatius, Tetonia Fortin, was named first runner-up, while Miss St. Martin, Kessie Quant, secured the second runner-up position in the pageant that is part of the annual St. Martin Carnival Festivities. In news from Barbados, organizers said ticket sales have reached as far as Germany and Ireland ahead of the April 24th to 26th Barbados Reggae Weekend, which will stream live concerts from Kensington Oval on three continents via pay-per-view. The Barbados Reggae Weekend will stream worldwide via pay-per-view in the United States, Canada, and Africa. International acts include Dextra Daps, Diani, Spice, Cranium, and Grammy Award singer Fantasia. They're expected to draw significant crowds to the live event at the festival from April 24 to 26. Organizers say the event is crucial to Barbados. The festival has become one of Barbados's biggest event outside of Cropover. Organizers report ticket sales from Germany, Ireland, the United States, Canada, and other areas. In other entertainment news from St. Lucia, a jazz and brunch event at the Savannah Beach Club Hotel and Spa started the St. Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival on Tuesday, giving attendees a sample of the island's musical and cultural offerings before its month and performances. St. Lucia's tourism authorities said the seven event nights from opening night on April 30th to the ultimate celebration on Mother's Day will feature a variety of performers. Capleton, LMA, Brandy, Thames, and Billy Ocean are among the most anticipated performances. From April 30th to May 10th, the 1992 founded St. Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival will host opening night, pure jazz, kingdom night, Caribbean Fusion, Rural Beats, and the Ultimate Celebration.

Antigua Culinary Month And Wrap Up

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Now, here's our final note. Antigua and Barbuda will host a Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, Caribbean Travel Marketplace 44, from May 12th to 15th during Antigua and Barbuda's Culinary Month. The World Culinary Awards name Antigua and Barbuda, the Caribbean's best emerging culinary city destination in 2025, highlighting the destination's expanding culinary reputation. An Antigua Barbuda Culinary Month passport will be given to attendees to access exclusive restaurant offers. They can also visit Eat Like a Local, a collection of Antigua and Barbuda Chef-led Island cook shops. Restaurant Week from May 3rd to 17 offers island wide prefix dinners from 25, 50, and 75 US dollars for more than 50 local restaurants. Culinary Crawl, an evening dinaround tour of Antigua and Barbuda's amazing Southside restaurants, will also be available on May 14th. Visit Antigua Barbuda Culinary Month dot com for the latest information, participating restaurants and special events during Antigua and Barbuda's Culinary Month. Have news and information you'd like to share with us and news releases to news at pulsofthecaribbean.com. This has been your Pulse of the Caribbean news roundup for the week of April 13th. Check us out online at pulse of the Caribbean.com and follow us on social media. I'm Keisha Blyden. See you next time.

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For more Caribbean news stories and information, visit us online at pulsofthecaribbean.com. 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.