Caribbean News Update

February 26th 2025

The UN is calling for a new international security force to tackle Haiti’s escalating gang violence, while the Trump administration is expediting deportations for Haitians with Temporary Protected Status, sparking humanitarian concerns. A Jamaican dancehall artist Squash has been arrested in Florida on multiple firearm-related charges. Barbados Women edged out Guyana in the CG United Women’s Super50 Cup, while Jamaica’s Under-20 Reggae Girlz were eliminated from CONCACAF Women’s Championship qualifiers after a 1-1 draw with Nicaragua. Elsewhere in football, Aruba defeated the Cayman Islands, St. Vincent edged St. Kitts and Nevis, and Honduras dominated the U.S. Virgin Islands 7-0.

Feb 24th

A Kenyan officer has been killed in Haiti’s international security mission, marking its first reported casualty. The U.S. has sent 20 armored vehicles to support Haiti’s police as part of a $40M security aid package. CARICOM leaders are moving to classify gun violence as terrorism, with Jamaica and Trinidad pushing for tougher penalties and stronger regional cooperation. In sports, Jamaica’s U20 Reggae Girlz crushed SVG 7-0, keeping their Women’s Championship dreams alive. And over in entertainment, Machel Montano is calling for unity after drama with Nicki Minaj and Trinidad Killa—and he’s even open to a collab with Minaj in the future!

feb 21st

At the recent CARICOM Summit in Barbados, Grenada’s Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell called on European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to issue formal apologies and provide reparations for Europe’s role in the transatlantic slave trade. In response, von der Leyen condemned slavery but did not directly address reparations. In other developments, Martinique is advancing toward Associate Membership in CARICOM, with Chair Mia Mottley signing a Letter of Intent to formalize the application. Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit emphasized the need to restore regional airline LIAT, citing its importance for travel and trade. In entertainment news, dancehall artist Lisa Hyper’s family views her recent arrest as an opportunity for her to receive mental health support. Meanwhile, Trinidad and Tobago’s Central Bank announced a redesign of the $100 bill, featuring the steelpan as the new symbol. Finally, Vybz Kartel celebrated his MOBO Impact Award win by shopping for luxury jewelry in London, accompanied by his fiancée Sidem Öztürk and son Likkle Vybz.

Feb 20th

From high-stakes CARICOM talks in Barbados to Grenada shutting down a U.S. deportation request, today’s top Caribbean stories are packed with major developments! The ICJ is reviewing a landmark climate case that could hold big polluters accountable, while Curaçao’s former Central Bank officials are ordered to repay misused funds. Plus, Sint Maarten’s independence debate hits another deadlock. In sports, the Concacaf U20 Women’s Qualifiers kick off, and Saint Lucia’s Julien Alfred breaks yet another national record!

Feb19th

Caribbean leaders are in Barbados for the 48th CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting, focusing on economic growth, climate resilience, and digital transformation. The Bahamas' Prime Minister Philip Davis reaffirmed CARICOM’s neutrality in U.S.-China tensions after calls from U.S. lawmakers for stronger American engagement in the region. In security news, the Dominican Republic is expanding its border wall with Haiti, citing security concerns, while critics warn of economic fallout. Bermuda’s General Election was held yesterday, with results still pending. In a major first for The Bahamas, a SpaceX rocket booster landed off Exuma as part of a deal to expand Starlink internet access. Meanwhile, Digicel is cutting jobs across several Caribbean markets in a restructuring move, affecting roles in Jamaica, Trinidad, Haiti, and the U.S. To close, Jamaican dancehall star Shenseea took home the MOBO Award for Best Caribbean Music Act, beating Spice, Popcaan, YG Marley, Valiant, and Skillibeng whilst Vybz Kartel was honoured with the impact Award.