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Jamaica.
Lowest Murder Rate Since 2000
The Jamaica Observer has dedicated an article to the country's crime situation. Speaking to Jamaican journalists, Prime Minister Andrew Holness stated that the country recorded “only” 47 murders in February, marking the lowest monthly toll since the year 2000. The Prime Minister described this decline as “a sign of progress in the fight against violent crime.” However, as the Observer points out, this development comes amid growing tensions between law enforcement and human rights advocates, who have criticized the police for an increase in fatal shootings.
Andrew Holness attributes the decrease in murders to the government’s “relentless efforts” to combat crime through enhanced intelligence gathering, targeted operations, and legislative reforms. He added that his administration had allocated “unprecedented levels of funding” to the Jamaica Constabulary Force, with an annual average of 9.7 billion Jamaican dollars (nearly 590,000 euros), three times the amount spent by the previous administration.
Haiti / Guadeloupe.
An Official Visit Cut Short
A curious diplomatic incident was reported by La 1ère in an article published on March 4. Last week, the Guadeloupe prefecture was contacted by the Haitian government, informing them of an official visit scheduled for March 5. The purpose of the trip was to inaugurate a new air route between Les Cayes in southern Haiti and Pointe-à-Pitre, operated by Sunrise Airways.
“The pretext is standard, but what follows is much less so,” commented La 1ère, noting an unusual diplomatic procedure. Normally, such information should first pass through the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Paris before being relayed to Basse-Terre, rather than the other way around—especially when a foreign delegation as significant as this one is involved. The delegation included Leslie Voltaire, President of the Transitional Council, accompanied by six ministers (Foreign Affairs, Tourism, Trade, Finance, Telecommunications, and Haitians Living Abroad).
The program was “just as surprising,” according to La 1ère. “Supposed to last only a few hours, the official visit was to start at the Destreland shopping center before concluding at the ACTe Memorial with a press conference,” wrote La 1ère. “While the latter was ready to roll out the red carpet, the former was closed at midday due to Ash Wednesday.”
The episode ended with a brief statement from the prefecture, simply announcing that “the official trip has been postponed to a later date.” According to an aviation source cited by La 1ère, the supposed opening of a flight between Les Cayes and Pointe-à-Pitre was actually a personal request from Leslie Voltaire. “For the record, he is officially set to leave office on March 7,” La 1ère noted, adding sarcastically, “Some might see this as a rather strange coincidence...”
British Virgin Islands.
Towards Closer Economic Cooperation with the Dominican Republic
The British Virgin Islands and the Dominican Republic have taken initial steps to strengthen their economic cooperation, focusing on trade, agriculture, and regional development, according to the Caribbean National Weekly (CNW) in an article published on February 28.
British Virgin Islands’ special envoy Benito Wheatley met with the Dominican Republic’s Vice Minister of International Cooperation, Olaya Dotel Caraballo, on the sidelines of regional meetings of the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) in Santiago, Chile. During their discussions, they explored potential areas of collaboration, including regional transport, maritime trade, and development cooperation.
The two officials agreed to follow up with their respective leadership teams to establish an official dialogue between their governments. “The discussions will also explore potential development cooperation, cultural exchanges, and the celebration of shared heritage,” noted CNW.
The British Virgin Islands and the Dominican Republic currently serve as vice-chairs of the UN’s ECLAC, under Peru’s leadership, and will work together to support the commission’s efforts to promote sustainable development and economic and social transformation in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Cuba.
U.S. Expands Visa Restrictions on Cuban Medical Missions
Policies stemming from the new “Trump” administration continue to roll in. The United States has expanded visa restrictions on Cuban and foreign officials involved in Cuba’s labor export program, particularly its overseas medical missions.
“This policy does not apply to Cuban doctors themselves, but rather to government officials responsible for managing these programs,” clarified the Caribbean National Weekly (CNW), which, like other Caribbean media outlets, reported on this development.
“The United States is committed to combating forced labor worldwide,” said Secretary of State Marco Rubio in a statement on February 25. “To do so, we must hold accountable not only the Cuban officials responsible for these policies but also those complicit in the exploitation and forced labor of Cuban workers.”
The U.S. government argues that these missions involve forced labor, where Cuban healthcare professionals are sent abroad under exploitative conditions while the Cuban government profits. Many Caribbean nations, including Jamaica, have benefited from Cuban doctors and nurses providing essential healthcare support for decades. CNW noted that the U.S. policy expansion could raise concerns among these countries, which rely on Cuban medical personnel to strengthen their healthcare systems.
Under the new restrictions, current and former Cuban officials, as well as foreign officials involved in the labor program, could be denied U.S. visas. Their immediate family members may also be affected.
Saba.
Connectivity, Invasive Species, and Cost of Living on the Island Council's Agenda
The Saba Island Council met last Tuesday to discuss a broad range of issues, including ferry and air services, invasive species control, the cost of living, and housing, as reported by The Daily Herald and Saba News.
Island Council member Vito Charles voiced concerns about the ferry Makana, particularly the diesel odor on board and associated health risks for passengers. Commissioner Bruce Zagers stated that the Makana is currently undergoing maintenance. Discussions are also ongoing to finalize the public service obligation contract with the company, though concerns remain over the subsidy amount and maintaining current fare rates.
The council also explored the possibility of establishing a one-day monthly route between Saba and St. Eustatius, as well as efforts to reduce airfare costs on certain routes through discussions with airline Winair and its CEO Hans van de Velde.
Environmental concerns were also on the agenda, including efforts to control invasive species such as the Cuban tree frog. Other pressing issues discussed included rising food prices and the lack of housing market protections.
Regarding the Black Rocks port development project, it was noted that construction will begin after the 2025 hurricane season.
Saint Kitts and Nevis.
Investment is Flowing into Nevis
“I think if we are being fair, we can say that we have never seen Nevis attract such a level of local and foreign investment,” said Nevis’ Premier, Minister of Finance, and Economic Planning, Mark Brantley.
According to Brantley, significant investments are flowing into Nevis, reflecting confidence in the economy under the Concerned Citizens Movement-led administration. Projects range from entertainment and hospitality to housing, retail, and both public and private construction.
The influx of investors from neighboring Saint Kitts further highlights Nevis’ economic momentum. “I receive calls almost every week from business owners in Saint Kitts, and they all want to relocate to Nevis,” Brantley noted.
However, he pointed out a new challenge: “The biggest problem we have now is space, as many investors are wondering if they can find a place to rent for their businesses.”
Rejecting any claims of economic struggles, Brantley emphasized the “clear indicators of growth.”
