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St. Kitts and Nevis.
The VAT dilemma
Although one of the smallest countries in the Caribbean, St. Kitts and Nevis ranks among the highest in the region for its value-added tax (VAT) rate, which stands at 17%. This rate places the Federation just behind Barbados (17.5%) and the Dominican Republic (18%). This does not fail to raise concerns about the possible impact on the cost of living and economic competitiveness, as the St.Kitts-Nevis Times points out in an article. "With its modest population and limited geographic size, many wonder why St. Kitts and Nevis imposes such a high VAT rate compared to larger economies with more diversified income streamss", writes the Times, which notes that "smaller territories such as Curaçao (7%), Guadeloupe (8.5%) and Suriname (10%) maintain significantly lower VAT rates". According to the newspaper, proponents of the change suggest that a lower VAT rate could ease the financial strain on citizens, increase consumer spending and attract more investors. A proposal to reduce VAT to 7.5% has been put forward, which would bring the Federation in line with Curacao and make it one of the most competitive rates in the region. VAT rates in the Caribbean: Curacao 7%, Guadeloupe 8.5%, Puerto Rico 11.5%, Saint Lucia 12.5%, Jamaica 15%, Barbados 17.5%, Dominican Republic 18%.
Virgin Islands (US).
More than a billion dollars for reconstruction projects
In a press release relayed yesterday, Wednesday January 22, by the Virgin Islands Consortium, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that more than a billion dollars will be allocated to fund essential infrastructure improvements in the U.S. Virgin Islands. 661 million will be allocated to the Richmond Power Plant on St. Croix, $205.9 million to the Randolph Harley Power Plant on St. Thomas and $161.5 million to the Office of Information Technology (OIT). These funds will be used to repair and replace communications towers on St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John. Meanwhile, the V.I. Water and Power Authority will receive the lion's share of funding, with $661 million earmarked for the replacement of turbines and generators at the Richmond Power Plant on St. Croix. A further $205.9 million will go towards replacing the generators at the Randolph Harley power station on St. Thomas. "These bonds mark a new beginning for VIWAPA's power distribution systems on St. Croix and the strengthening of BIT's communications infrastructure," said Adrienne Williams-Octalien, Director of the Office of Disaster Recovery. She stressed that these projects will put the territory in a better position to withstand future weather events and other potential threats once the work is complete. The aim being to strengthen structures and equipment that still bear the after-effects of the passage of the violent hurricanes of 2017.
Anguilla.
Excavation work begins on future Port Nimara marina
The SF Group, an international marina construction and development company based in Sweden, has announced the start of excavation work for the Port Nimara marina.excavation of the Port Nimara marina, "a transformative maritime destination" that will redefine Anguilla's economic and tourism landscape, writes MenaFN. Port Nimara is a comprehensive nautical development strategically located between the Cap Juluca and Altamer estates. The project includes 118 berths capable of accommodating vessels up to 260 feet, a 62-room five-star hotel under an unnamed New York luxury brand, and 18 beachfront villas, with potential expansion to 18 elevated villas and 45 residences. "Its location, just 26 nautical miles from St. Barts and 11 nautical miles from Sint Maarten's international airport, ensures unparalleled accessibility for international travelers and yacht owners," it is noted in another Loop article on the project. Developed in joint venture with TEI Inc, a New York-based development group owned by Francis Greenburger, and Antillean Development LLC, an Anguilla-based developer led by George A. Fraser, the project is designed to be "a catalyst for sustainable growth". David Mizrahi, managing partner of development and CEO of SF Investments, tells MenaFN: "Our goal is to create a world-class maritime destination that not only respects Anguilla's natural beauty, but also propels the island into a new era of economic opportunity. "The project is expected to generate 200 direct jobs and create around 500 peripheral jobs in the hotel, shipping, retail and support services sectors, attracting significant international investment. Built by Consigli in cooperation with SF Marina, Port Nimara will include a high-end yacht club, customs and immigration services, a waterfront promenade, sophisticated security systems and comprehensive maintenance services.
Trinidad and Tobago.
Christopher Columbus' ships ousted from national coat of arms
La Niña, La Pinta and La Santa Maria, the three caravels commissioned by Christopher Columbus, no longer feature on the national coat of arms of Trinidad and Tobago. Earlier this week, in a press release issued by the Prime Minister's Office, the new coat of arms was made public. The helmet at the center of the coat of arms now features a golden steelpan, the country's national instrument, two frying sticks and, as before, two hummingbirds. The rest of the coat of arms remains unchanged: the helmet is topped by a crest in the shape of a coconut palm and a rudder. The coat of arms is supported by the two national birds: on the left, a red ibis symbolizing the island of Trinidad, and on the right, a red-bellied ortalid symbolizing the island of Tobago. At the bottom, on a gold belt, is the country's official motto in English: "Together We Aspire, Together We Achieve". The Trinidad and Tobago National Emblems Bill 2025, which allows the replacement of the illustrations depicting the ships led by explorer Christopher Columbus with thenational instrument of Trinidad and Tobago, the Steelpan, was passed unanimously in the House of Representatives on Monday, January 13, 2025, Loop reports in an article. Senator Randall Mitchell, Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts, explained that "the government's proposal was made in direct response to the clear and loud calls from citizens who have been demanding the removal of the painful colonial remnants of our past for decades". The former coat of arms of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago may be used until January 1, 2026, "or such later date as the Minister may prescribe by order", Loop points out. The bill will now be read and debated in the Upper House (Senate). Once adopted, it will be proclaimed by the President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, then become law.
Dominique.
Despite the rain, Carnival gets underway
Rain, lots of rain. Nevertheless, despite the unfavorable weather, the parades and other activities marking the opening of the Dominica Carnival in Roseau last weekend were able to take place. Ayodele Andrew, Events Manager at Discover Dominica Authority, described this year's opening as a great success. "We had a few delays due to the weather, something we have no control over, she noted in the columns of Loop. This meant that some troops were a little late for the parade. "Nothing too serious, however. The traditional aspects of carnival in Dominica were presented, including the Kalinagos, Sensay, Bann Movay, darkies, bwa bwa (stilt-walkers) and lapo kabwit groups. They were joined by more contemporary flagbearers, beauty pageant winners and corporate floats. The sounds of local artists such as Triple Kay International and Signal Band helped create the perfect atmosphere for the carnival, whose main events are scheduled for March 3 and 4.
Saint-Martin.
A "white march" against violence brings together 200 citizens
For several weeks now, the French part of Saint-Martin has been rocked by a series of armed assaults and shootings, some of them fatal. Since the beginning of the year, three people have been shot dead in various circumstances. The public prosecutor and the gendarmerie have responded by stepping up the number of day and night patrols. At the same time, on Saturday January 18, 200 people took part in a "white march" in Grand Case to express their anger, fear and exasperation at the growing number of acts of criminal violence that are blighting the island's social and economic life. The slogan "We can, we shall, we will stop the violence" was chanted during the march.
Saba.
End of remuneration system for wild goat hunters
Since 2022, the Saba government has been offering a bounty to the island's wild goat hunters. The aim of this measure was to encourage local hunters to play an active role in regulating stray herds. In fact, as Saba News points out, it led to a significant decline in the goat population. However, the project has now entered a new phase involving stricter management of the goat population. It will therefore come to an end on January 31. "This new phase involves the use of specialized methods to deal with the remaining animals, which may be in hard-to-reach areas," the article states. Invasive species experts, equipped with drones, heat sensors and other state-of-the-art equipment, work in collaboration with the government's sworn hunter. Although the bounty program ends on January 31, Saba News reports that Saba residents with a valid gun permit can continue to hunt free-ranging cattle. Experts called in by the government are working in parallel on the issue of managing non-native iguanas in order to preserve the black iguana, in collaboration with the Saba Conservation Foundation.
Cuba.
Donald Trump orders Cuba back on list of state sponsors of terrorism
Less than a week ago, outgoing US President Joe Biden took the decision to remove Cuba from the list of states designated by the United States as supporting terrorism. As soon as he was inaugurated, the new president, Donald Trump, signed a long series of executive orders. These included the decision to reinstate Cuba on the notorious "black" list. It should be noted that it was the same Donald Trump who had placed Cuba on this list during his first term in office in order, among other things, to sanction Havana for its efforts in favor of a peace process in Colombia. "President Trump, in an act of arrogance and contempt for the truth, has just reinstated Cuba's fraudulent designation as a state sponsor of terrorism," Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel immediately reacted. Not surprising," he continued. Its objective is to continue reinforcing the cruel economic war against Cuba for the purposes of domination. "
