A Chance to steer regional relations through Trade Winds and other Passing Storms

Apr 20, 2025

Sir Ronald Sanders. Antigua and Barbuda Ambassador to the US and the OAS, Dean of the Ambassadors of the Western Hemisphere Group accredited to the U.S. Responses and commentaries:   www.sirronaldsanders.com

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio signaled a genuine willingness to hear the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) speak for itself.

At a moment when his diplomatic files stretch across numerous crisis zones, that attention is neither trivial nor routine. Barely three months into his tenure, Secretary Rubio has already conferred with six CARICOM Heads of Government and will host seven more in Washington on May 6.

Such early, sustained engagement signals that the region’s counsel carries weight. In diplomacy, there is no substitute for dialogue, especially when new policies are being cast. These meetings, therefore, are vital.

Secretary Rubio began his circuit in Jamaica on March 26, consulting with the Prime Ministers of Barbados, Haiti, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago. The next day, he met Presidents Irfaan Ali in Guyana and Chandrikapersad Santokhi in Suriname.

The itinerary now moves to welcoming the leaders of the six independent Eastern Caribbean states and The Bahamas. When Secretary Rubio met leaders on March 26–27, the White House had not yet unveiled the sweeping tariff order issued on April 3 by President Donald Trump. As a result, neither the immediate blow to regional exports nor the wider shockwaves of Washington’s global tariffs could be weighed. The tariffs—and their direct and indirect impact on Caricom economies—will undoubtedly be addressed when the leaders meet in Washington on May 6.

Central to that conversation is the fate of the Caribbean Basin Initiative—President Reagan’s legacy programme—formalized in the 1983 Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act (CBERA), which has long granted duty‑free entry to a swath of CARICOM exports. The new tariffs announced on April 3 cast a shadow over those preferences; no one yet knows whether CBERA’s hard‑won relief survives intact or has been diminished in the flood of duties.

Tariffs are only the first set of concerns that should be discussed on May 6. The agenda could also confront: U.S. allegations that Cuban medical personnel in CARICOM are “trafficked,” a claim CARICOM governments vigorously dispute.

Washington’s unease over China’s growing role in the development plans of nine CARICOM members—balanced by the fact that three of the seven leaders arriving in Washington recognize Taiwan; the treatment and due process rights of CARICOM nationals in the U.S. who may face deportation for violating visa conditions or committing criminal offences; and the future of Citizenship‑by‑Investment programmes, which have been lifelines for five Eastern Caribbean economies.

On the matter of Cuban workers in CARICOM countries, Secretary Rubio can expect a firm and united repudiation of any suggestion that trafficking is taking place under the watch of governments. Prime Minister Andrew Holness of Jamaica has already stated that Cuban workers in CARICOM are well treated, fairly compensated and enjoy full freedom.

Eastern leaders will affirm that they pay the workers directly and are open to increasing transparency around arrangements. CARICOM’s reliance on Cuban medical personnel is born not of ideology but of necessity. Our own doctors and nurses, trained at public expense, are routinely drawn away by richer countries—including the U.S. What remains is a healthcare vacuum that Cuban professionals have helped to fill.

On the matter of China and Taiwan’s role in the region’s development, Secretary Rubio will find that there is no quarrel among CARICOM states about which partner a government engages—Beijing or Taipei. Each nation acts in pursuit of its national interest, driven by the imperative of economic survival and the search for meaningful international support. What unites CARICOM is a collective stake in global peace, shared prosperity and the benefits of cooperation.

On the issue of nationals residing unlawfully in the U.S. or designated for deportation due to criminal convictions, CARICOM governments are ready to receive their own citizens. Repatriation, in and of itself, is not in dispute. What matters is that those persons are afforded due process, fair hearing, and humane treatment. The dignity of nationals—even when in violation of U.S. immigration law—must not be collateral damage in the enforcement of policy.

With respect to the Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programmes operated by five Eastern states, leaders will remind Secretary Rubio that these initiatives are essential to their economic viability. Moreover, CBI programmes are already closed to nationals from countries that raise red flags for U.S. authorities. And critically, citizenship in these states does not confer automatic access to the U.S. Every individual -regardless of how or where they obtained their Caribbean passport – remains fully subject to U.S. visa and homeland security vetting. The CBI framework, then, is not a backdoor to U.S. soil, but a legitimate instrument of economic survival with strong safeguards in place.

What Secretary Rubio will hear from every CARICOM leader is a shared resolve to preserve and deepen their partnership with the U.S. This is not a relationship of convenience, but of choice -anchored in the urgent, hemispheric challenges we face together. Diseases and pandemics do not stop at customs gates; organized crime, including the drug trade, corrodes our societies with equal menace; climate-induced disasters batter our countries with increasing ferocity. Yet, amid these trials, there is a real opportunity to build resilient, prosperous societies that are magnets for investment, hubs of tourism and engines of shared growth.

The U.S. has consistently maintained a trade surplus in goods and services with CARICOM as a whole. In 2024 alone, that surplus stood at US$5.8 billion—a clear reflection of CARICOM’s openness and enduring loyalty to the U.S.

On matters of national security, the region has been no less dependable. CARICOM countries have proven themselves steadfast and cooperative, whether through intelligence-sharing, maritime security, or counter-narcotics efforts. In every respect, the region has functioned as a committed ally.

Hopefully, May 6 will stand as a further milestone in the renewal and strengthening of U.S.–CARICOM relations—a moment when mutual interests are acknowledged, mutual respect reaffirmed, and a shared commitment to partnership charted with clarity and conviction.

 

 

 

 

US tariffs demand regional response

2025, 04/03

US President Donald Trump unveiled his much anticipated ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs on most of the countries in the world in a televised presentation that was closely watched globally. He introduced these tariffs because of his belief that

“large and persistent annual US goods trade deficits have led to the hollowing out of our manufacturing base; resulted in a lack of incentive to increase advanced domestic manufacturing capacity; undermined critical supply chains; and rendered our defence-industrial base dependent on foreign adversaries.”

President Trump invoked his authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 (IEEPA), to address what he described as a “national emergency” posed by the large and persistent trade deficits that are driven by the absence of reciprocity in the trade relationships of the US with other countries around the world.

While he claims his country is disadvantaged by trade deficits, Americans live in the largest and richest economy in the world, with its GDP totalling an estimated US$30.34 trillion as of 2025 and its GDP per capita in 2025 estimated at US$81,000.

It is true that the US is no longer the manufacturing behemoth it used to be. That is because there are countries such as China, that use their availability of labour resources to manufacture goods more cheaply than in the US. That factor, of course, has allowed the US to benefit from cheap manufactured imports that have facilitated the high standard of living many Americans enjoy. Announcement of reciprocal trade tariffs by Mr Trump effectively ends the era of cheap manufactured imports for the US, and with it the period of trade liberalisation that benefited millions of people.

Tariffs are expected to do permanent damage to the trade and other relationships that the US has with its allies and partners globally. The fallout from the ruptured relationships needs to be closely monitored in the region, so that countries are alert to the opportunities that the reordering of the world order can bring.

Most of the countries in the region have been levied at the ten per cent tariff baseline, primarily because the 15-member states of Caricom, as a whole, import much more from the US than they export to the US.

T&T, though, exports a large amount of oil, LNG, petrochemicals and iron and steel to the US. Therefore, the big question for the population of T&T, is the extent to which the country’s energy exports will be hurt by the imposition of the ten per cent tariff.

A fact sheet issued by the White House indicates some goods will not be subject to reciprocal tariffs, including “energy and other certain minerals that are not available in the US.”

T&T will, therefore, have to wait to establish whether the US definition of energy includes oil, LNG and the petrochemicals produced in this country.

T&T must act, along with the other members of Caricom, to try to persuade the US administration to reduce or eliminate the ten per cent tariff. A regional approach is paramount because it is in T&T’s interest that Caricom neighbours maintain stable and growing economies.

 

 

 

Mottley: ‘Buy local & regional to avoid US tariffs’

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer welcomed the Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley to Downing Street, London, ahead of bilateral talks on April 4.

Chair of the Caribbean community, Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley says the heads of state and heads of government of Caricom have been working to diversify away from dependence on imports, on which their economies rely. Her statement was in response to US President Donald Trump 10-50 per cent import taxes on goods from every country except Russia.

Mottley said Caricom heads had some success in diversifying, especially in agriculture. She said they were working and would continue to work to become more self-sufficient but there was a long way to go. Many of the commodities in supermarkets, malls, hardwares and electronic stores were either purchased directly from the US or passed through the US on their way to the region where economies were not very large and had always been at the whims of global prices.

“If Europe and China and the US and Canada and Mexico are all putting tariffs on each other, that is going to disrupt supply chains, raise the cost of producing everything- food, clothes, phone, car, spare parts for critical infrastructure. That means higher prices for all of us to pay, regardless of what any of our governments will do.”

She believed the effect would spill over into the tourism sector as the tariff war would affect people’s ability to travel. She urged the private and tourism sectors to work with governments to create an immediate tourism strategy to ensure regional market share numbers were maintained.

She was not confident cooler heads will prevail across the world and so made several recommendations.

Caricom had urgently re-engaged, directly and at the highest possible level, with friends in the US, which enjoyed a greater degree of financial benefit from the balance of trade than Caribbean states. Their inability to distort trade in any way was why successive US administrations went to great lengths to assist in promoting the region’s abilities to sell in the US under the Caribbean Basin Initiative.

“That spirit of cooperation largely enabled security, social stability and economic growth on America’s third border, or as we have agreed as recently in our meeting with Secretary of State (Marco) Rubio, what is now our collective neighbourhood. Rubio met with leaders last month during a visit to Jamaica, Guyana and Suriname.

Secondly, Caricom must not fight among each other for political gain because “united, we stand and divided, we fall.”

Her third recommendation was that countries redouble efforts to invest in agricultural production and light manufacturing.

“The 25 by 2025 initiative, ably led by President (Irfaan) Ali (of Guyana), seems too modest a target now, given all that we are confronting. We must grow our own and produce our own as much as possible. We can all make the decision to buy healthy foods at the market instead of processed foods at the supermarket.”

Fourthly, it was important to build ties with Africa, Central and Latin America, and renew ties with older partners in the United Kingdom, Europe and Canada, to sell goods to a wider, more stable market.

“…in every global political and economic crisis, there is always an opportunity. If we come together, put any divisions aside and support our small businesses and small producers, we will come out of this stronger.

“To our hoteliers, supermarkets and people, my message is the same. Buy local and buy regional. The products are better, fresher and more competitive in many instances. If we work together and strengthen our own, we can ride through this crisis. We may have to confront issues of logistics and movement of goods, but we can do that too.”

To the US she stressed that the region was not its enemy. Many people had family members living in the US and Americans were welcome to the region for holidays. To Trump, she said regional economies were not harming the American economy in any way as they were too small to have any negative or distorted impact. She asked him to consider the decades-long friendship between the countries and that they talk and work together to keep prices down for all .

 

90-day freeze on US reciprocal tariffs

10 April

President Donald Trump dramatically reversed course, dropping country-specific tariffs down to a universal 10% rate for all trade partners except China where the tariff rate will jump to 145%. The White House says there are trade deal offers from 15 countries. Trump declined to rule out extending the 90-day tariff pause and knew tariffs might cause a recession, but his fear of a depression preceded his decision to pause the implementation for 90 days.

 

 

 

Jamaica: United Oil & Gas secures Walton Morant licence extension

27 Mar 2025

AIM-listed United Oil & Gas, the oil and gas company with a high-impact exploration asset in Jamaica and a development asset in the UK, has secured an early two-year extension to the Walton Morant licence offshore, now valid until 31 January 2028, where it holds a 100% working interest.

The Company would like to formally acknowledge and thank the government and people for continued support of oil and gas exploration in Jamaica. The extension provides UOG with the security required to advance discussions with farm-in partners and progress technical work, reinforcing the significant exploration potential of this licence.

Farm-Out Process and Partner Interest

With the extended tenure confirmed, United re-engaged with selected parties who previously expressed interest before the farm-out process was suspended in December 2024, as well as new interest from additional groups. At present, multiple companies are under Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) and actively reviewing data as part of the farm-out process. Further updates on the farm-out process and technical progress will be provided as appropriate.

Brian Larkin, CEO of United Oil & Gas, commented:

‘The Walton Morant Licence presents a compelling frontier exploration opportunity for investors, offering exposure to a world-class frontier basin with multi-billion-barrel potential. Securing this early licence extension until 31 January 2028, is crucial to progressing our work programme, and ensuring stability and regulatory certainty sought by potential farm-in partners. We appreciate the support of the government and people of Jamaica in advancing exploration efforts in Jamaica.

With multiple parties now under NDA and re-engagement with previously interested parties, we are well-positioned to secure the right strategic partner to help unlock this asset’s potential. Our current work programme is designed to further de-risk the licence, and with returning sentiment to high-impact frontier exploration opportunities, the Walton Morant Licence stands out as an exceptional investment case.’

United Oil & Gas Presentation May 2024

Source: United Oil & Gas

 

 

 

 

Jamaica: United Oil & Gas overview on the Walton Morant Licence

AIM_listed United Oil & Gas has provided a technical and operational overview on the Walton Morant Licence offshore Jamaica. This detail follows the Company’s recent announcement confirming an early two-year licence extension to 31 January 2028 and renewed momentum in the farm-out process with multiple parties now under NDA.

Operational and Economic Highlights:

• Early two-year licence extension to 31 January 2028
• Multiple parties under NDA and farm-out process advancing
• c. 7 billion(¹) barrels of potential unrisked prospective resources
• c.$8.5/bbl(¹) estimated development cost and c. $25/bbl(¹) breakeven in success case
• United’s Internal estimate NPV10 of c. $23 billion based on Gaffney Cline 2.4 billion
• unrisked mean prospective resource (at $80/bbl oil, 2% inflation)
• Attractive fiscal terms Work programme permitting underway
• Strong government support
• Farm-Out Process and Industry Engagement

United have re-engaged with selected parties who had previously expressed interest before the farm-out process was suspended in December 2024, as well as new interest from additional groups. At present, multiple companies are under Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) and actively reviewing data as part of the farm-out process. Further updates on the farm-out process and technical progress will be provided.

A Unique Frontier Oil & Gas Opportunity

Jamaica represents one of the last great frontier exploration opportunities globally. The Walton-Morant Licence is a world-class asset, comparable in scale and geological potential to ExxonMobil’s prolific Stabroek Block in Guyana, where over 11 billion barrels of recoverable oil have been discovered. Like Stabroek, Walton Morant features large structural traps with high-quality reservoir potential but remains substantially underexplored, presenting a compelling investment opportunity.

The Walton-Morant Block: A Transformational Exploration Opportunity

The 22,400km² Walton-Morant block hosts over 40 identified leads and prospects. Eleven of these have been independently verified by Gaffney-Cline in a Prospective Resources Report (“PRR”), collectively estimated to hold over 2.4 billion barrels of unrisked mean prospective resources. Internal estimates from UOG and previous operators indicate that total exploration potential could exceed 7 billion barrels. The licence comprises two distinct geological basins, each offering high-impact exploration potential.

Walton Basin:

• Several large, high-impact prospects including Colibri (406 MMbbl(3), Oriole (220 MMbbl(3), and Streamertail (221 MMbbl(3).
• 29 leads and prospects including five PRR-certified.
• Potential upside exceeding 4 billion barrels(1) identified across identified leads and prospects.

Morant Basin:

• Several high-impact structures, including Thunderball (603 MMbbl(3) and Moonraker (323 MMbbl(3).
• 11 leads identified to date on 2D seismic, including six PRR-certified leads.
• Potential upside exceeding 3 billion barrels1 across identified leads.

Key Licence Attributes:

• Vast Exploration Potential – over 40 identified leads and prospects, with combined unrisked prospective resources exceeding 7 billion barrels(1).
• Globally Competitive Fiscal Terms supporting exploration and long-term investment.
• Access to 2,250km² of high-quality 3D seismic data, allowing detailed subsurface imaging to refine prospects and reduce exploration risk.
• Strong government support, providing clear regulatory processes to facilitate exploration and development activities.

Advancing the Farmout and Work Programme

UOG remains focused on securing a farmout agreement to unlock the full potential of the Walton Morant Licence, with multiple high-calibre industry players under NDA and evaluating the asset. United’s work programme is in the planning and permitting stage, focusing on further technical de-risking activities. This includes piston core sampling to enhance reservoir understanding and reprocessing of existing seismic data to refine prospectivity across the licence.

Brian Larkin, CEO of United Oil & Gas, commented:

‘With our early licence extension secured, we are pleased to present this technical and economic overview, highlighting the world-class exploration potential and compelling economics of the Walton Morant Licence. With over 2.4 billion barrels independently certified prospective resources and internal estimates exceeding 7 billion barrels, this licence remains one of the most compelling, frontier exploration opportunities globally. Strong renewed interest from multiple potential partners is clear validation of the scale and potential value of this licence. We remain focused on securing the right farm-out deal for our shareholders.”

Notes

1 Based on UOG’s arithmetic sum of the Unrisked Mean or Mid-Case Prospective Resources for each prospect or lead identified within the Walton Morant Licence boundary by UOG and/or previous operators

2 Prospective Resources Audit by Gaffney Cline & Associates, Dec 2020

3 Unrisked Mean Prospective Resources as per Gaffney Cline PRR

4 Unrisked Mid-Case Prospective Resources in leads of varying maturity identified by previous operators

Appendix 1: Table of Certified and Uncertified Leads and Prospects Across the Walton Morant Licence

Appendix 2: Selection of Leads and Prospects identified on the Walton Morant Licence.

The figure below illustrates a selection of the leads and prospects identified across the Walton-Morant Licence. The 11 leads and prospects independently certified in the Prospective Resources Report (PRR) are highlighted in orange.

Source: United Oil & Gas

 

Hydrocarbon production in Trinidad- Guyana-Suriname basins

2025, 04/10

Northern South America & Caribbean Basins generated significant interest from the international energy industry over the past decade, driven in particular by the unprecedented exploration success and ramp up of production in Guyana. In 2024,

Guyana overtook Trinidad & Tobago in terms of hydrocarbon output on a barrels of oil equivalence basis. The majority of T&T production is natural gas, while Guyana’s production has been all crude oil. Suriname has maintained a small volume of oil production onshore, while success mirrors Guyana’s in terms of exploration success offshore (though no production offshore yet).

T&T has been producing crude oil commercially since 1908. Since 1999, monetising natural gas resources led to the creation of world-class ammonia, methanol and LNG facilities. For a century, T&T was the primary hydrocarbon producer in the region.

Guyana’s crude oil production has skyrocketed since production began in 2019. ExxonMobil made the Liza discovery in 2015 and since then the US major has made 46 discoveries in the Stabroek block. These led to six offshore developments and Guyana is poised to produce over one million barrels of oil per day in the coming years as more projects come online.

Suriname currently produces less than 15,000 barrels per day, but has had successful discoveries offshore. In late 2024, TotalEnergies took a final investment decision on the massive GranMorgu project in Block 58. Suriname hopes to replicate the experience of neighbouring Guyana.

While the centre of gravity of hydrocarbon production has shifted southeast to Guyana and Suriname, T&T still attracts significant interest and capital. T&T’s well-developed gas industry offers an attractive and fast route to monetise any gas finds that can be linked into its extensive infrastructure.

The three hydrocarbon producers are part of the Caricom Single Market and Economy. This means that, in theory, people, goods, services and capital should be able to move freely between the three countries as if they were one single market. In reality, there are still barriers.

If barriers were removed, it would be easier to retain the critical services, equipment and labour needed to execute complex energy projects within the region, relying less on resources from outside the region. This would help reduce the cost of project execution and improve efficiency. This is an objective that TT Energy Chamber remains committed to achieving.

 

 

Caribbean Development Bank

 <news-caribank.org@shared1.ccsend.com>

BELMOPAN, Belize, Apr 7

A team from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB/the Bank) visited Belize from April 1-4, 2025, to conduct a comprehensive Country Project Portfolio Review. This four-day mission assessed the progress of ongoing CDB-funded projects, identified opportunities to accelerate implementation and ensured alignment with national priorities to deliver tangible benefits to Belizean communities. This mission reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to more responsive and country-aligned development support.

Hosted by the Government of Belize, the review facilitated crucial discussions between government officials, CDB representatives, and key project stakeholders in Belmopan and Belize City. The discussions focused on critical areas such as climate-resilient infrastructure, private sector growth, and social development.

CDB’s Acting Director of Projects Mr. L O’Reilly Lewis, emphasised the significance of the visit, stating, “This was an opportunity to ensure that CDB-supported initiatives are delivering meaningful, sustainable results. By working closely with key stakeholders, we can strengthen economic resilience, improve social services, and advance climate adaptation efforts for the benefit of all Belizeans. This visit reinforced the Bank’s commitment to supporting Belize’s development priorities.”

The mission in Belmopan commenced on April 1, 2025, with high-level strategic discussions focused on infrastructure development, project implementation challenges, and lessons from key projects in the portfolio. These include projects in road transportation, education, water and sanitation, energy, and agriculture. Together, these investments are transforming connectivity, boosting trade and productivity, enhancing access to essential services, and laying the foundation for long-term economic growth and social resilience. This broad engagement reflects CDB’s commitment to supporting Belize in achieving inclusive, climate-resilient, and sustainable development outcomes.

On April 3, the CDB delegation conducted site visits to key project locations, providing an on-the-ground assessment of implementation progress. The review concluded on April 4 in Belize City, with discussions on energy security, including updates on power projects aimed at improving sustainable electricity access. A high-level wrap-up meeting with senior government officials summarised key takeaways and agreed on actionable next steps.

Mr. Carlos Pol, Chief Executive Officer at the Belize Ministry of Economic Transformation stated, “Belize welcomes the CDB’s country portfolio review mission. This collaborative process is essential for ensuring that our development initiatives are effective and aligned with Belize’s national priorities.

We value the CDB’s partnership in strengthening our economic resilience, enhancing social services, and advancing climate adaptation. This review provides a critical opportunity to fine-tune our strategies and maximize the impact of these vital projects for the benefit of the Belizean people.”

The Country Project Portfolio Review highlighted the strong partnership between the Bank and the Government of Belize, reinforcing their shared commitment to sustainable development and improved quality of life for all Belizeans.

 

 

 

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer welcomed the Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley to Downing Street, London, ahead of bilateral talks, on April 4.

 

Chair of the Caribbean community, Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley says the heads of state and heads of government of Caricom have been working to diversify themselves away from their dependence on imports, on which Caribbean economies are reliant.

Her statement was in response to US President Donald Trump’s announced ten-50 per cent import taxes on goods from every country except Russia.

Mottley said Caricom heads had already had some success in diversifying, especially in agriculture. She said they were working and would continue to work to become more self-sufficient but there was a long way to go.

She noted that many of the commodities found in supermarkets, malls, hardwares and electronic stores were either purchased directly from the US or passed through the US on their way to the Caribbean region.

She said Caribbean economies were not very large and had always been at the whims of global prices.

“If Europe and China and the US and Canada and Mexico are all putting tariffs on each other, that is going to disrupt supply chains, that is going to raise the cost of producing everything, from the food you eat, to the clothes on your back, to the phone in your pocket, to the car you drive down the road, to the spare parts that you need for critical infrastructure. That means higher prices for all of us to pay, and sadly, yes, this will impact all of us, regardless of what any of our Caribbean governments will do.”

She believed the effect would spill over into the tourism sector as the tariff war would affect people’s ability to travel. She called on the private and tourism sectors to work with governments to create an immediate tourism strategy to ensure regional market share numbers were maintained.

Mottley said she was not confident cooler heads prevail across the world and so made several recommendations.

She said first Caricom had urgently re-engaged, directly and at the highest possible level, with its friends in the US. She said the US enjoyed a greater degree of financial benefit from the balance of trade than Caribbean states. She said their inability to distort trade in any way was why successive US administrations went to great lengths to assist in promoting the Caribbean’s abilities to sell in the US under the Caribbean Basin Initiative.

“That spirit of cooperation largely enabled security, social stability and economic growth on America’s third border in the Caribbean, or as we have agreed as recently in our meeting with Secretary of State (Marco) Rubio, what is now our collective neighbourhood.

Rubio met with several Caribbean leaders last month during a visit to Jamaica, Guyana and Suriname.

Secondly, she said Caribbean nations must not fight among each other for political gain because “united, we stand and divided, we fall.”

Her third recommendation was that Caribbean countries redouble their efforts to invest in Caribbean agricultural production and light manufacturing.

“The 25 by 2025 initiative, ably led by President (Irfaan) Ali (of Guyana), seems too modest a target now, given all that we are confronting. We must grow our own and produce our own as much as possible. We can all make the decision to buy healthy foods at the market instead of processed foods at the supermarket.”

Fourthly, she said it was important to build ties with Africa, Central and Latin America, and renew ties with older partners around the world, in the United Kingdom, Europe and Canada, to sell Caribbean goods to a wider, more stable market.

“My brothers and sisters, in every global political and economic crisis, there is always an opportunity. If we come together, put any divisions aside, and support our small businesses and small producers, we will come out of this stronger.

“To our hoteliers, our supermarkets and our people, my message is the same. Buy local and buy regional. I repeat, buy local and buy regional. The products are better, fresher and more competitive in many instances. If we work together and strengthen our own, we can ride through this crisis. We may have to confront issues of logistics and movement of goods, but we can do that too.”

To the US she stressed that the Caribbean was not its enemy but its friends. She said many Caribbean people had family members living all over the US, and Americans were welcomed to Caribbean countries for their holidays.

To Trump, she said Caribbean economies were not harming the American economy in any way as they were too small to have any negative or distorted impact on his country. She asked him to consider the decades-long friendship between the countries, and that they talk and work together to keep prices down for all of their people.evious

 

 

 

Carbon credits: Guyana, Suriname

By Cheflin Paulus & Naomi Parris,   April 3, 2025

Among the world’s most forested countries, Guyana and Suriname aim to achieve equilibrium with Carbon credits, as global efforts to transition away from fossil fuels intensify.

Suriname’s Ministry of Spatial Planning and Environment started over two years ago with concrete plans to sell carbon credits. The trade will be an important step towards sustainable development and the use of its natural resources in a responsible way, according to Minister Marciano Dasai, who is in charge of the Ministry of Environment.

Carbon credits, also known as carbon allowances, work like permission slips for emissions. When a company buys a carbon credit, usually from a government, they gain permission to generate one ton of CO2 emissions. The developments around the carbon credit event can enable Suriname to generate financial resources through its role in reducing global CO2 emissions. In 2024, the media often said that Suriname is the greenest country on earth with over 90 per cent forest cover.

President Chandrikapersad Santokhi also told media in 2024 that Suriname must take steps to actually earn funds from carbon credits. Dasai also announced during a press conference in November 2024 that Suriname could possibly receive US$80 million for carbon credits in 2025, a significant financial injection.

The government and various organisations are working together to increase a growing awareness in Suriname about the importance of Carbon Credits and sustainable development. Many organisations participated in the last Suriname Oil and Gas Summit, organised on a grand scale between June 4 and 7, 2024.

There was a lot of discussion about oil and gas developments in Suriname, on the eve of a flourishing oil and gas sector in which these raw materials will be extracted on a large scale offshore. This is also the case with neighboring Guyana, currently experiencing good developments in this sector.

In November 2024, the Surinamese government also indicated that it attaches great importance to sustainable development. Suriname has been actively involved at an international level, including at the AOSIS (Alliance of Small Island States), where the country shared its expertise in the field of carbon credits. Suriname is taking steps to strengthen its role in global efforts against climate change and at the same time seize economic opportunities.

The link between carbon credits and climate change supports the country’s role in global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Suriname has a vast rainforest, which plays a crucial role in absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere. This makes the country an important player in the fight against climate change.

Minister Dasai said by preserving its forests, Suriname can generate carbon credits, which can then be sold to companies or countries that want to offset their own CO2 emissions. Sale of carbon credits enables Suriname to generate financial resources for the preservation of its forests and other sustainable development projects. This contributes to the reduction of global CO2 emissions, because Suriname’s forests continue to function as important CO2 storage sites.

Income from the sale of carbon credits can be invested in sustainable development projects such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture and forest management. This helps Suriname to develop a more sustainable economy and contribute to the global efforts to combat climate change.

Suriname works together with international organisations and countries to strengthen its role in the carbon market and ensure that its carbon credit projects meet international standards.Carbon credits also enable Suriname to use its valuable natural resources to combat climate change and at the same time promote economic and social development.

Hydrogeologist Oclaya Verwey states that Suriname must also be attuned to international developments regarding climate change. The time is now ripe to take concrete steps for investments in renewable or clean energy. A good example is the introduction of solar panel farms, as in many countries.

There is actually no time to lose because climate change is already a fact. It is also good that governments and other interested parties in Suriname respond to the awareness of global climate change. Measures must be taken to prevent the impact of climate change from becoming greater than it already is. The consequences of climate change can already be clearly observed in Suriname. By contributing to reduced greenhouse gas emissions and investing in greener ways of generating energy, Suriname can make a significant contribution to climate change.

With climate change a growing threat, economists came up with the idea of trading the right to pollute, creating a financial incentive to curb emissions. This is where the selling/ trading of carbon credits began. The World Economic Forum explains that policy makers have three options to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The first is to set a specific limit that a company cannot exceed.

The second option is to introduce a carbon tax and companies pay for CO2 they produce. Businesses that can reduce emissions will invest in cleaner options as long as it is cheaper than paying the tax.

The third option is to implement an emission trading scheme – to create a carbon market. The idea is to pay for emission reductions elsewhere rather than invest in the country of operation. This is how Hess, an American -based oil and gas company, invests in emission reductions in Guyana, where the costs of implementing such environmental measures are lower compared to their home country. By purchasing these carbon credits, Hess can offset its emissions, supporting global climate goals while benefiting from the cost-effective emission reduction opportunities available in Guyana

Guyana has established its own unique mechanism, through the creation of one of the first Low-Carbon Development Strategies in the world, which enabled it to enter a voluntary market for the sale of carbon credits. The Architecture for REDD+ Transactions (ART) had issued 7.14 million vintage carbon credits to Guyana, marking a ground-breaking achievement in the global fight against climate change.

Simultaneously, the Government of Guyana had announced the world’s first Paris Agreement corresponding adjustment, a significant step reported to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). These developments fulfilled requirements to label the credits as the world’s first eligible for use by airlines towards their targets in the 2024-2026 phase of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO)’s global emission reduction programme, CORSIA.

The issuance by ART, known as TREES credits, recognises Guyana’s efforts at successfully reducing emissions from forest loss and degradation, while maintaining one of the world’s most intact tropical forests through jurisdictional REDD+ initiatives.

Following last November’s U N Climate Change Conference (COP29), Guyana’s Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo said,

“For Guyana, anything that supports market development, particularly in forests and biodiversity credits, is something we support. Certification is key to maintaining high-quality forest carbon. We hope credible organisations will certify carbon before it enters the market. Without proper certification, any country could introduce substandard products, undermining the market. In our case, we use the ART-TREES certification process, which is robust and ensures our carbon is of the highest quality.”

In Azerbaijan, world leaders agreed on the final building blocks to set out how carbon markets will operate. Though a notable achievement, there are still concerns about how forested countries like Guyana will navigate the market. Following the conclusion of COP29, Global Ambassador for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Chief Executive Officer for the Caribbean Climate-Smart Accelerator (CCSA), Racquel Moses, told media,

“We have to be vigilant on the safeguards that are required to ensure that the carbon credits that are entering the market are quality credits…fair pricing goes hand-in-hand with the quality of the credits; I would advocate for us looking at the opportunities that exist, [for] us to work together to create an entity in the global south funded by the global north to build our capacity in assessing these carbon credits and ensuring that there is fairness in how they are determined, and that there’s increasing rigour, but that that rigour is not overly onerous, so that it makes it more difficult for us to sell our carbon credits.”

In July of this year, Guyana plans to host a summit for a new global biodiversity alliance it is leading, o bring like-minded players to a table to create a framework, allowing countries like Guyana to earn more from its biodiversity.

Simply put, Guyana is looking to earn biodiversity credits, similar to that which the country earns for its forest. Former Colombian President Ivan Duque said in February at the country’s energy conference and supply chain expo, urging energy players to also examine opportunities in Guyana and the wider region’s ‘green power’ (forest),

“A dollar invested in Guyana is a much greener dollar invested somewhere else and that is competitiveness.”

Guyana’s President Dr. Irfaan Ali said,

“We want to set the narrative on creating the benchmark for biodiversity, creating a framework and working model on biodiversity, making economic assessments …developing biodiversity financing mechanism.”

In December 39 Guyanese experts and 17 from overseas, conducted an expedition in the Acarai-Corentyne Corridor in southern Guyana and found new species of plants and animals in one of the most remote locations that has not been scientifically documented.

This story was published with the support of the Caribbean Climate Justice Journalism Fellowship, which is a joint venture of Climate Tracker and Open Society Foundations

 

 

 

 

World Bank funds for CARICOM

2025, 04/11 Andrew Harnik

The World Bank says oil prices could be pushed into “uncharted waters” if the violence between Israel and Hamas were to escalate. Its Commodity Markets Outlook finds that the effects on oil prices should be limited if the conflict doesn’t widen.

Three Caribbean Community countries will benefit from assistance from the World Bank for disaster risk management projects.

The Washington-based financial institution said that the US$70 million Disaster Risk Management Development Policy Financing project will assist St. Lucia, Barbados and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

A US$20 million project will help St. Lucia quickly access financial resources in an emergency, so it can respond faster and support its people. Lilia Burunciuc, World Bank Division Director for the Caribbean, said,

“The high costs of recovery and reconstruction following a natural disaster strains public finances, contributes to increased debt and limits countries’ ability to invest in development and higher living standards. This project helps St. Lucia address these challenges by advancing key reforms and providing rapid access to financing in the event of a disaster. It also reduces the need for costly emergency borrowing and enables faster, more fiscally responsible recovery, benefiting all St Lucians.”

The project will enhance St. Lucia’s capacity to prepare for and respond to natural hazards and health-related crises. It includes a Catastrophe Deferred Drawdown Option (Cat DDO) – an innovative World Bank financing instrument – that will provide a fast-access line of credit to support a timely and effective response once an emergency is declared. The World Bank said,

“This milestone comes as St.Lucia continues to confront growing risks. Located in the hurricane belt, the island is increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather events, including hurricanes, floods, landslides, and droughts—many of which are intensifying. With nearly half of the population in St. Lucia living within five kilometres of the coastline, the risk to people and property is rising. These hazards not only strain government finances but also jeopardize key economic sectors such as tourism and agriculture, while disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable.”

It noted the estimated annual losses from hurricanes alone amount to nearly US$9.5 million in damage to the island’s building stock, representing approximately 0.4 per cent of its 2023 gross domestic product (GDP). In response to these escalating risks, the Cat DDO offers St. Lucia immediate liquidity in times of disaster.

To access this contingent line of credit, St. Lucia has completed a targeted set of policy reforms structured around two main pillars: strengthening physical and data infrastructure for climate and disaster risk management, and improving financial readiness to respond to future shocks.

As part of the first pillar, the government took steps to update and implement physical planning regulations that promote safer land development and will ensure that new infrastructure and urban expansion are guided by risk-informed standards.

The second pillar focuses on increasing St. Lucia’s fiscal resilience.
The government has adopted Public Asset Management regulations to public inventory to evaluate and monitor the condition and vulnerability of public infrastructure.

At the same time, a new Disaster Risk Financing Strategy was adopted, outlining financial instruments and policies that can be used to better manage the economic fallout of disasters.

The World Bank said that these reforms will complement national efforts already underway to strengthen resilience through better planning, regulation, and financial preparedness.
St. Lucia joins other Caricom nations using Cat DDOs to build financial buffers and institutional capacity to handle increasing disaster risk, including St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, Jamaica, Dominica, and Barbados.

The US$30 million Disaster Risk Management Development Policy Loan will help Barbados to build stronger systems to manage natural disasters and health emergencies. The project arrives at a critical time for Barbados which remains highly vulnerable to natural hazards., despite its strong economic recovery, In 2024, Hurricane Beryl passed within 150 kilometers of the island, causing damage estimated at 1.4 per cent of GDP and severely affecting fisheries and tourism sectors.

Rising sea levels and stronger hurricanes are predicted to intensify risks. Public health emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, have also shown the importance of having reliable, flexible funding to respond rapidly and protect essential services. The initiative complements the recently approved Barbados Beryl Emergency Response and Recovery Project, that supports rehabilitation of the fisheries sector, Bridgetown Port and critical infrastructure damaged by Hurricane Beryl. Together, these operations form an integrated approach to resilience and disaster preparedness in Barbados. Burunciuc said,

“Barbados, like many small states, is working to build resilience amidst severe and growing shocks. The Catastrophe Drawdown Option will strengthen the country’s ability to respond swiftly when disasters strike and protect its people and communities.”

World Bank assistance of US$20 million to St. Vincent and the Grenadines supports comprehensive policy reforms to enhance national preparedness and resilience. It includes the Cat DDO and builds on previous initiatives, including the Second Fiscal Reform and Resilience Development Policy Credit with a Cat DDO, which provided critical financing in the aftermath of the La Soufrière volcanic eruption in 2021.

The Bank said that while St. Vincent and the Grenadines has made important progress in recent years, significant vulnerabilities remain. Burunciuc said,

“More frequent and intense storms, shifting rainfall patterns, and worsening coastal erosion are placing growing strain on infrastructure, ecosystems and livelihoods. Prolonged droughts are affecting water security and agriculture and the combination of steep terrain and unregulated development increases the likelihood of landslides and flash flooding.

These compounding pressures threaten public safety, disrupt essential services, and reveal gaps in disaster preparedness and long-term planning. This was also demonstrated by the impact of Hurricane Beryl, the most powerful hurricane to impact the country since 1875, which made landfall on July 1, 2024, causing estimated economic damage of US$230.6 million, 22 percent of its 2023 GDP.

This programme reflects St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ strong commitment to proactive disaster risk management and resilience building, By combining timely financing with strategic policy reforms, the Catastrophe Drawdown Option is helping the country better protect its people, economy, and future from the growing threat of natural hazards.”

The projects are financed by the International Development Association, the arm of the World Bank Group which supports low-income countries and small island economies. IDA grants and low-interest financing help countries invest in their futures, improve lives, and create safer, more prosperous communities around the world.

Technical assistance was provided for the policy reforms with financial support from the European Union through the EU Resilient Caribbean Programme and the Canada-Caribbean Resilience Facility, both managed by the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery and the Caribbean: Strengthening Fiscal Risk Management Trust Fund. Contributing countries include the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Japan, Canada, Netherlands, European Commission, Norway, Australia and the United States.

WASHINGTON, Apr 11, CMC

 

 

 

 

IMF approves US$62 million for Suriname

2025, 04/03

Washington-based International Monetary Fund (IMF) is providing US$62 million to Suriname after its executive board approved the ninth and final review under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) arrangement with the Dutch-speaking Caribbean Community (Caricom) member.

The financial institution said the new funds bring to US$572 million, the total programme and that in completing the review, the executive board approved Suriname’s request for a waiver of non-observance of the end-December 2024 performance criteria on the central government primary balance based on the corrective actions the authorities have already taken.

In 2021, the IMF executive board approved Suriname’s EFF arrangement with the country pursuing an ambitious economic reform agenda with the objective of restoring macroeconomic stability and debt sustainability, while laying the foundations for strong and more inclusive growth. The programme focused on restoring fiscal and debt sustainability, protecting the poor and vulnerable, upgrading the monetary and exchange rate policy framework, addressing banking sector vulnerabilities and advancing the anti-corruption and governance reform agenda.

“The authorities’ reforms under the EFF-supported programme—the first ever to be completed by Suriname—are increasingly bolstering macroeconomic stability and investor confidence. The economy is growing, inflation is approaching single digits, international bond spreads are at record low levels, and donor support is increasing,” said Kenji Okamura, the IMF deputy managing director and acting chair.

In view of the Final Investment Decision for the country’s oil resources, it is critical to put in place robust institutional frameworks, including fiscal rules and improved transparency and accountability safeguards. Such institutional improvements will help Suriname avoid procyclical fiscal policy, prioritize urgent development needs, ensure intergenerational equity and transform exhaustible resource wealth into financial assets.

“The near-term priority is to maintain the path for debt reduction while protecting the vulnerable from the burden of the adjustment. Gradually phasing out electricity subsidies and strengthening tax administration will help create fiscal space for higher, targeted social assistance and infrastructure spending.

“Fully implementing the recently finalised social assistance reform plan will make social programmes more efficient and effective. Strengthening financial management controls in the state-owned electricity company, including regularly publishing its audited financial statements, will help promote accountability and oversight.”

Okamura said the debt restructuring process is nearing completion and bilateral agreements with all official creditors and all but one commercial creditor have been achieved. Domestic debt arrears have been cleared. Improving commitment controls in the budget and addressing weaknesses in cash management will restrain public spending and prevent accumulation of supplier arrears.

“A restrictive monetary policy is supporting disinflation. Recent implementation of the agreed central bank recapitalization plan is a critical step in ensuring a strong central bank balance sheet with clear operational and financial autonomy. The authorities’ demonstrated commitment to a flexible, market-determined exchange rate is supporting international reserve accumulation. Timely implementation of recapitalisation plans for undercapitalised commercial banks and improving the monitoring of non-bank financial institutions will help bolster financial sector resilience.”

Okamura said Suriname should persevere with their ambitious structural reform agenda to strengthen institutions, address governance weaknesses, build climate resilience, improve data quality and address gender gaps.

“This important work will continue to be supported by capacity development from the Fund and other development partners.”

 

 

 

 

Free movement a win for Caricom commerce

3 April 2025

On March 21, Luke James-Trim, T&T Caricom youth ambassador, told the national consultation on the CSME implementation arrangements and procedures he wants greater urgency in transforming the regional body’s Single Market and Economy (CSME) from policy to practice. With the potential to empower young entrepreneurs and professionals, the time had come to fully utilise the mechanisms designed to unlock regional economic potential.

“For too long, we have spoken about potential without fully seizing the mechanisms designed to unlock it. The CSME is more than a policy framework – it is a gateway to economic empowerment, mobility and innovation for young people. It is the key that allows young Tobago entrepreneurs to scale their business beyond our shores, a recent graduate to find work in another Caricom state without unnecessary barriers.”

He illustrated how the CSME could help small businesses transition from local enterprises to regional franchises and highlighted Tobago’s unique economic and geographical landscape as an opportunity for leadership in integration.

“That future is within reach, but only if we collectively take ownership of the CSME’s implementation,” he said, urging government officials, business leaders and youth to ensure that discussions translate into tangible action.

He pointed to sectors such as agriculture, creative industries and technology as key areas where young people could benefit significantly from regional integration, noting the removal of trade barriers would allow for greater collaboration and resource-sharing across Caricom states.

At the opening of the consultation, Caricom assistant secretary-general for the single market and trade Wayne McCook reaffirmed TT’s pivotal role in advancing regional integration.

“TT is a foundational bulwark of regional integration and has been central to all phases of our regional integration effort as the seat of the West Indies federation, a founding member of Carifta (Caribbean Free Trade Association), and the home of the Treaty of Chaguaramas that established our Caribbean Community”

McCook praised the country’s trade and investment contributions, calling them vital to deepening production integration and facilitating regional innovation. He also commended the government’s commitment to implementing CSME-related legislation, citing the Caricom Skilled Nationals Act and the ratification of the Protocol on Enhanced Cooperation as key milestones.

“Beyond the trade and economic sphere, TT has been intentional in building a strong and resilient framework for the implementation of its commitments under the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas.”

McCook addressed the necessity of digital transformation within the CSME framework, advocating for expanding e-commerce, digital payments and cross-border financial services to enhance trade efficiency. Greater use of technology can reduce bureaucratic delays and make it easier for businesses to operate seamlessly across Caricom. The global economic landscape made regional cooperation even more critical.

“We meet at a time of heightened uncertainty and significant changes in the global and regional environment. While much is unclear, this much is certain – regional cooperation has never been more important.”

Minister of Foreign Affairs Amery Browne also signalled the importance of the CSME as a framework for economic co-operation, resilience and sustainable growth.

“The CSME is a testament to the principle that our greatest strength lies in collaboration and that by working together, we can achieve far more than we ever could alone,” Browne said at the opening of the consultation on March 18. He described the CSME as more than an economic construct, saying it embodied a shared vision of strength, unity and prosperity for small island developing states (SIDS). Full and free movement of Caricom nationals by June 1 was a crucial step in achieving this vision, ensuring access to key social benefits such as education, healthcare and the right to work without a permit.

“This decision marks a transformative milestone in our regional integration agenda, our collective determination to uphold the vision of Caricom’s founding fathers and deliver meaningful, tangible benefits to the citizens of our community.”

Browne highlighted the steps TT has taken to align its legislative framework with CSME commitments, including a review of 60 pieces of domestic legislation and prioritising amendments to key laws such as the Immigration Act, the Immigration (Caribbean Community Skilled Nationals) Act, and the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act.

“TT is steadfast in its commitment to fulfilling its obligations under the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas and remains dedicated to the full implementation of the CSME.”

He encouraged government agencies, the private sector and international organisations to collaborate and refine strategies and close existing gaps in implementation. Browne explained the role of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in driving economic growth.

Improved access to financing and streamlined regulatory processes were necessary to help them scale across Caricom markets. He also acknowledged the need for harmonising regional education qualifications to ensure that professionals can move freely without facing issues of credential recognition. Implementation of a Caricom Qualifications Framework would be a step towards standardising academic and professional accreditation.

The consultation concluded with a call for action, with stakeholders agreeing that the CSME’s full implementation was not just necessary but urgent. Private sector representatives urged enhanced mechanisms to protect intellectual property rights and address trade disputes, ensuring that businesses operating within the CSME framework can do so with confidence. Youth leaders advocated for greater investment in workforce development programmes to prepare professionals for emerging industries.

 

 

 

‘UWI Made’

…Campus Council Meeting focus on boosting revenue

COMMERCIAL VENTURES:

Prof Rose-Marie Belle Antoine delivered the feature presentation at the 2025 St Augustine Campus Council.

At the 2025 Campus Council Meeting on March 11, stakeholders of The University of the West Indies St Augustine placed a strong focus on university efforts to increase sustainable revenue flows and contribute to sustainable development efforts in the region.

Pro vice-chancellor and campus principal Prof Rose-Marie Belle Antoine presented the 2023/2024 Annual Report, highlighting the success of the “UWI Made” brand. She emphasised the university’s commitment to research commercialisation, stating that

“The UWI brand represents excellence and ingenuity and our researchers are developing market-ready products to address national and regional challenges.”

Aligned with the “UWI Made” theme is the university’s mission to develop UWI-made solutions that drive economic, social, and environmental transformation.

One of the main highlights was news of significant progress in the development of the Global School of Medicine (GSM), located at the South Campus. The offshore medical school will be part of a broader South-North medical artery to generate significant revenue and a foreign exchange earner for the campus, targeting international students.

Furthermore, the GSM is on track to welcome its inaugural class undertaking qualifying courses in September 2025, having secured accreditation from the Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Education in Medicine and other Health Professions (CAAM-HP). The South Campus recently finalised considerable repairs, enhancing its facilities.

In her presentation, Prof Antoine outlined key areas of progress, namely research commercialisation, employee engagement, sustainability and strengthening stakeholder partnerships. A major success story is UWI Seal-It Ltd, which produces high-quality industrial sealants and lubricants suited for tropical climates and, with demand growing rapidly, expansion to a larger facility is now under consideration.

Equally successful is UWI Fine Cocoa Ltd, an extension of the Cocoa Research Centre (CRC). This initiative enhances the cocoa industry by providing local farmers and chocolatiers with essential processing assistance and access to markets. In line with its market expansion strategies, the CRC has also introduced its premium Spirit brand of dark chocolates.

Campus product development efforts continue to flourish with the creation and distribution of Biophyt, an eco-friendly pesticide and plant growth stimulant that underscores The UWI’s commitment to sustainability.

To ensure that viable projects receive the necessary funding and support, the campus introduced a “Shark Tank” evaluation process, modelled after the well-known investment platform, to assess and approve high-potential initiatives. The campus is diversifying revenue streams through the Faculty of Humanities and Education HumanKind Studios, which offers video production, live streaming and post-production services.

The UWI continues to support Caricom’s 25% food import reduction goal, partnering with the Ministry of Youth Development and National Service on the Youth Agricultural Shade House project.

Building on this series of notable achievements, Antoine issued a call to external stakeholders and alumni to strengthen their involvement with the campus.

The UWI vice-chancellor, Prof Sir Hilary Beckles, commended the St Augustine Campus focus, stating, “Innovation and sustainability are key in today’s climate.” He emphasised that, in navigating the changing times, “Ideas and innovation are products that can be marketed.”

Chairing the Campus Council Meeting for the first time, Robert Riley lauded the theme UWI Made, calling it a fitting choice, one that resonated with him personally. A distinguished business leader, particularly in the petroleum sector, Riley was awarded an honorary degree by his alma mater in 2009.

 

 

 

Ignite 3 and UWIDEF

Empowering Education Through Culture:

In an era where access to education remains a cornerstone of national development, few initiatives have managed to blend culture, philanthropy and corporate citizenship as seamlessly as the UWIDEF Benefit Concert series. This year, The University of the West Indies Development and Endowment Fund (UWIDEF) third annual benefit concert, “Ignite 3” returns with a powerful message: that when music meets purpose, lives can be transformed.

On Trinidad and Tobago’s entertainment calendar, the event at Queen’s Hall is a vibrant testament to what’s possible when public institutions, private enterprise and the community unite for a common cause. Behind the music lies a mission: to ensure no student at The University of the West Indies (UWI) St Augustine Campus is denied an education due to financial constraints.

A vision fuelled by access and equity

At the heart of Ignite 3 is UWIDEF, a charitable arm of the university driven by the belief that education is a human right, not a privilege. Diverse fundraising efforts including the Garden Party, the competitive Golf Challenge and the innovation-focused IGNITE concert channel resources into student scholarships, bursaries, emergency assistance and campus development projects.

According to Professor of Practice Dr Sterling Frost, ORTT, chairman of UWIDEF and architect of the concert series, the idea behind Ignite was simple: make fundraising fun, dynamic and widely accessible. “The Benefit Concert is an opportunity to celebrate our culture while investing in our future. It allows every attendee to become a donor, every corporate partner to become a change agent and every note of music to carry a message of hope”.

Ignite 3, in particular, promises a cultural showcase of national pride with the world renowned, 13-time National Panorama Champions BP Renegades headlining the evening. From surprise performances to infectious rhythms, the event will pulse with celebration and community spirit; all in service of student advancement. But for such vision to become reality, it requires more than ambition. It requires support and that’s where corporate sponsors step into the spotlight.

CSR in Action: Xtra Foods Leading the Way

At the forefront of Ignite 3’s success is Xtra Foods Ltd., the concert’s primary sponsor and a shining example of what modern Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) looks like in Trinidad and Tobago. Known to most for their affordable prices, wide selection and welcoming supermarkets, Xtra Foods is also deeply committed to social investment, particularly in education and youth development.

“Our involvement with Ignite 3 is about more than sponsorship, it’s about creating opportunities” said the Executive Chairman of Xtra Foods Anon Naipaul. “We believe in building communities and education is one of the most sustainable ways to do that. When students thrive, societies flourish”.

Xtra Foods’ CSR work is far from superficial. In recent years, the company has expanded its outreach to include scholarship programmes for underserved communities, food drives for at-risk families, support for youth mentoring and entrepreneurship initiatives, donations to educational institutions and learning centres and sponsorship of school nutrition and wellness campaigns.

With its investment in UWIDEF student-centred mission, Xtra Foods is demonstrating that corporate responsibility must be proactive, not performative.

When brands care, students win

According to Frost, “across the globe, CSR is evolving from an optional goodwill exercise to an essential pillar of corporate strategy. In Trinidad and Tobago, where economic pressures and resource gaps can make higher education inaccessible for many, the role of businesses in uplifting communities has never been more critical.

This is especially true at The UWI St Augustine , where hundreds of students rely on financial assistance to continue their studies. For some, a single scholarship is the difference between graduation and dropping out.

“Corporate sponsors like Xtra Foods and BP are not just allies of the university, they are key stakeholders in the region’s educational and economic development. Their investments ripple far beyond the university walls, influencing family income mobility, youth empowerment, workforce readiness, social equity and national productivity.”

Frost says “it is this symbiotic relationship between private sector investment and public educational outcomes that represents the future of nation building”.

So, what sets Ignite 3 apart?

According to UWIDEF, the concert is designed to be inclusive, celebratory and community driven. Ignite 3 is accessible to the public, inviting people from all walks of life to support students while enjoying world class entertainment.

“This is a celebration of who we are—our creativity, our resilience and our potential. It’s an invitation for everyone to be part of something bigger.”

That spirit of inclusivity also extends to the performers. The BP Renegades Steel Orchestra, who have flown the Trinidad and Tobago flag high around the world, represent excellence born of grassroots talent.

Their participation embodies the very values UWIDEF seeks to promote — discipline, community and the power of mentorship. With a lineup that promises surprises and energy, Ignite 3 will blend the best of local culture, rhythms and youth centered purpose. It is, quite literally, a stage for change.

Building the Future Together

Dr Frost is clear: the future of higher education requires shared responsibility. Government funding, tuition fees and philanthropic donations must all work in concert to ensure the university can continue to serve the region.The private sector has a unique power, resources, reach and reputation, that can catalyse long-term progress.

“Corporate sponsors like Xtra Foods and BP are essential to our success. Their vision aligns with ours and their generosity allows us to expand our impact, year after year.” The concert is not only about raising money but also about raising awareness about the barriers many students face and the role that every citizen can play in breaking them down.

As the event draws near, UWIDEF is calling on the public to participate, not only as ticket holders, but as ambassadors for education.

“By attending, you’re contributing to someone’s future. You’re saying that talent deserves a chance, no matter the background. You’re showing that culture and community can drive real, meaningful change.”

The Call to Action

With tickets available at Queen’s Hall Box Office and The UWI St Augustine Student Services Division, Ignite 3 is poised to be more than a concert, it’s a movement. It is a moment of reflection and celebration; of gratitude and action.With Xtra Foods setting a gold standard in corporate citizenship, the hope is that more companies will see the value, not just the visibility of CSR done right.

Let this be a rallying cry to businesses across the region: investing in education is not just good ethics, it’s smart economics. A skilled, educated workforce is the lifeblood of innovation, competitiveness and social progress. Whether through scholarships, mentorship or event sponsorship, every contribution matters.

For those looking for a night of culture and purpose, Ignite 3 awaits. Bring your energy, bring your heart and join UWIDEF in igniting brighter futures, one student at a time.

 

 

Critical Fund expands conservation efforts

 

The Imperial Amazon Parrot (Amazona imperialis), known as the sisserou, is a critically-endangered species found only on Dominica.

The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) is expanding its conservation efforts in the region by adding 11 Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) to its portfolio. With these additions, the total number of KBAs eligible for CEPF investment will reach 43. The current CEPF programme in the Caribbean Islands Biodiversity Hotspot was launched in August 2021 and will continue through June 2027.

KBAs are essential sites for global biodiversity conservation, identified for their importance in preserving threatened species, ecosystems and ecological processes.   The newly-added KBAs are spread across five countries and are home to several rare and endangered species, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth. While ten of the new KBAs are in countries where CEPF has already been active, the new addition in Dominica marks the start of CEPF involvement there the current investment.

The 11 additional KBAs include:

1. 1. 1. Graham’s Harbour National Park in The Bahamas,
      2. Morne Diablotin National Park KBA in Dominica,
      3. Monumento Natural Las Caobas,
      4. Reserva Biológica Loma Charco Azul,
      5. Parque Nacional Sierra de Neyba, a
      6. nd Parque Nacional Sierra Martín García in the Dominican Republic,
      7. Negril and surroundings KBA in Jamaica,
      8. Iyanola and Grande Anse, Esperance, and Fond D’Or KBA in St Lucia
      9. and Colonaire Forest Reserve, Dalaway (Buccament Watershed)
      10. and Richmond Forest Reserve in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

To date, CEPF has supported 44 projects, benefiting species and ecosystems across 23 KBAs in Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, St Lucia, and St Vincent and the Grenadines.

These initiatives are contributing to the improvement of protected area management, the enhancement of landscape connectivity, the conservation of species, the strengthening of enabling conditions for biodiversity protection, and the capacity-building of civil society organisations (CSOs). With the addition of the 11 new KBAs, CEPF is poised to increase its impact in the region.

CEPF Caribbean grant director Daniel Rothberg said, “We are excited about the contribution CEPF is making to conservation in the Caribbean Islands Biodiversity Hotspot, and this expansion strengthens our support to the region. These additional funds will allow us to have a greater impact through support for on-the-ground action by civil society, from habitat restoration and species protection to climate resilience initiatives, ensuring more effective conservation efforts. Additionally, they will help foster stronger collaboration among conservation groups, building robust regional networks.”

The Caribbean Natural Resources Institute (Canari) said the increased investment will boost protection for the region’s ecosystems. Nicole Brown, the CEPF Caribbean region implementation team manager at Canari said in the release,

“As Caribbean biodiversity faces increasing threats from habitat destruction, climate change and human activities, this expanded investment will help ensure the long-term restoration and protection of our region’s unique ecosystems. We are pleased that Canari can continue to play its intermediary and support role for the CEPF Caribbean Islands investment.”

 

 

 

Guyana updates CARICOM on Venezuela’s ‘complete disregard for the Argyle Declaration’

March 23, 2025

During a recent meeting of CARICOM heads, President Irfaan Ali provided updates on Venezuela’s continued acts of aggression against Guyana. He said in Georgetown,

“Of course, CARICOM reiterated its strong support for Guyana, our sovereignty and territorial integrity. I had the opportunity to update CARICOM on all aspects of the matter not only in relation to the latest incursion but the complete disregard for the Argyle Declaration for Guyana.”

He spoke about aggressions such as the recent naval incursion in Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), the building of a bridge into Guyana’s territory and the latest plans to hold elections in the Essequibo region on May 25, one day before Guyana’s 59th Independence anniversary. Guyana has since filed a request for provisional measures at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

In recent days, the National Toshaos’ Council (NTC), which represents Guyana’s Indigenous peoples, has rejected claims that Indigenous communities in Essequibo were involved in Venezuela’s election preparations. The NTC dismissed reports that Indigenous representatives had gathered for the presentation of candidates.

Meanwhile, President Ali has made it clear that he will not engage in bilateral talks with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro regarding the border controversy. Earlier this week, St. Vincent’s Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves, who previously facilitated the December 2023 Argyle peace deal, traveled to Venezuela for talks with Maduro. Gonsalves urged “calm and restraint” while encouraging both Guyana and Venezuela to return to diplomatic discussions.

 

 

 

 

EU initiative to benefit SMEs

2025, 03/18

Republic Bank is collaborating with the Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) on a capacity-building initiative to position small businesses for expanded success. Co-funded by the European Union through the third Regional Private Sector Development Programme, the initiative is intended to assist small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in accessing finance and export opportunities.

“By investing in SMEs, this initiative is creating a ripple effect where stronger businesses lead to stronger communities and economies. With the right support, these enterprises can fuel innovation, create jobs and position themselves as key players in the regional and global marketplace.”

The Republic Bank–Caribbean Export “Thrive: Unlocking Finance and Export Potential for SMEs” programme, is a virtual finance and export development training initiative that will begin next month.

It aims to benefit an estimated 500 SMEs across Anguilla, Barbados, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Dominica, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, St Kitts-Nevis, St Lucia, St Maarten, St Vincent and The Grenadines, Suriname and T&T. It will provide these SMEs with access to relevant and dynamic expert training designed to help them scale, innovate and compete globally.

Through online learning, live group sessions and invaluable networking opportunities, the programme focuses on building resilience, improving financial literacy and unlocking new market potential—key ingredients for sustainable business growth.

The programme will be implemented in two phases. In the first phase, Business Capacity Building 1.0, up to 500 entrepreneurs will receive expert training to enhance their financial and export readiness. From this group, the top 50 participants will advance to the second phase, titled “Access 2 Finance Accelerator,” a fully funded, six month intensive training programme.

While the value of Phase One training is US$156 per participant, a nominal commitment fee of US$60 will be charged. This fee will be fully refunded upon successful completion of Business Capacity Building 1.0.

“We recognise the incredible potential of SMEs and the barriers they face in accessing finance and expanding into new markets. Through this initiative, we are committed to bridging that gap, providing the knowledge and resources necessary for businesses to not just survive, but thrive,” said Nigel Baptiste, group president and CEO of Republic Financial Holdings Ltd (RFHL).

Executive director of Caribbean Export, Dr Damie Sinanan, emphasised the programme’s role in strengthening business competitiveness.

“Through Thrive, we are not just offering training, we are equipping businesses with the financial acumen, market intelligence, and strategic networks needed to scale and succeed. By addressing key barriers to growth, this initiative strengthens our region’s private sector and positions Caribbean entrepreneurs to take full advantage of international trade opportunities. This collaboration is a significant step toward driving sustainable economic transformation across the region.”

 

 

 

 

Dominican Republic reinforces border with Haiti

2025, 04/07

President Luis Abinader announced a series of measures aimed at bolstering border security and tightening migration control in the Dominican Republic, as its neighbour, Haiti, continues to resolve political and security concerns. 15 new measures will include accelerating construction of the border wall separating the two countries and adding 1500 additional soldiers for border surveillance.

“We will step up surveillance of the borders with 1,500 additional troops, on top of 9,500 already deployed,” said Abinader, who approved construction of a new section of a wall that separates the two countries, sharing the second-largest island in the Caribbean Sea. The border stretches for more than 186 miles and so far 33 miles of the border wall have been completed.

Abinader said that his latest order would “speed up construction of the border wall” to add a further eight miles and that legal reforms are also on the agenda with the goal of using tougher penalties to deter those who facilitate the entry and stay of immigrants into the country.

Abinader emphasised the need for tougher border and immigration controls while seeking international assistance for the French-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country.

Figures released by the Directorate General of Migration (DGM) for the period from October 2024 to March 2025, show that the Dominican Republic repatriated over 180,000 Haitians. Last year, 276,215 Haitians were repatriated. According to United Nations data, over 4,200 people were killed in Haiti between July 2024 and February 2025, while another 6,000 were forced to flee their homes..

The United Nations Security Council in 2023 passed a resolution for the Kenya-led MSS mission, aimed at combating gang violence and restoring stability . Criminal gangs are seeking to take complete control of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and have launched several attacks, killing women and children among others.