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Haiti.
Port-au-Prince at the mercy of gangs
According to a report by the online news agency Alterpresse, relayed by RFI among others, it would only take a few hours for armed gangs to take complete control of Haiti's capital, Port-au-Prince. At present, almost 85% of the city is under gang control, with only a few neighborhoods still untouched. "We're left to our own devices", one resident told the Miami Herald. Journalist Jacqueline Charles collected several testimonies and described "a city caught between the screams and gunfire, armed gangs and the mass exodus of the population, between anxiety and silence". According to the International Organization for Migration, over 60,000 people have been forced to flee their neighborhoods in the space of a month. In the Haitian daily Le Nouvelliste, editor-in-chief Frantz Duval writes: "What can you do when there's nothing you can do? Every Port-au-Princien, those living in the last remaining neighborhoods not yet attacked by gangs, asks themselves this question as they make plans, wondering how much time they have left before they meet the same fate as the others. "Paradoxically, in the midst of the chaos reigning in the city, RFI highlights the fact that the 18th edition of the Port-au-Prince international jazz festival, PapJazz, is due to kick off this Thursday, March 20. When culture stands up to barbarism.
Antigua and Barbuda.
A better economy than before the pandemic
According to an article in Caribbean National Weekly, Antigua and Barbuda's economy continues its post-pandemic rebound with "real output above pre-Covid health crisis levels". Growth was estimated at 4.3%, driven by a dynamic tourism sector and major international events. These included the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States and the T20 Cricket World Cup. The country's fiscal health has improved considerably, CNW reports. Public debt, which stood at 100% of GDP in 2020, has fallen to 67% in 2024, thanks to higher government revenues and a growing economy. "However, financing difficulties persist, with large domestic and external arrears limiting borrowing opportunities," the article points out. As a result, the government's 2025 budget aims to boost tax revenues while increasing investment spending. To achieve this, reforms to improve tax collection, strengthen social welfare programs and modernize financial regulations are underway.
Guadeloupe / Saint-Martin.
New protected species
Last Sunday, the government published four decrees designed to better protect wildlife, reported La 1ère in an article published earlier this week. The government decrees complete the list of protected species in the two territories. In Guadeloupe, the "intentional destruction" or "degradation of breeding sites" of a number of birds is prohibited, as is their possession or sale throughout the national territory. The brown pelican is one of the species now included on the list. "With this new decree, 203 bird species are now protected in Guadeloupe, 96 more than with the previous decree", the document states. A second decree specifically concerns Saint-Martin and also includes species to be protected.
Barbados.
Mia Motley, Prime Minister, ready to have her US visa revoked
The Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, has expressed her unwavering support for the Cuban health brigade program. In response to the sanctions announced by the new Trump administration, she said she was prepared to have her US visa revoked rather than back down on the issue. In addition, Mia Motley urged the countries of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) to defend the contribution of Cuban healthcare professionals to the region. "This case, concerning Cubans and nurses, should enlighten us," she told Parliament. Barbados currently has no Cuban medical staff or nurses, but I'll be the first to tell you that we couldn't have overcome the Covid health crisis without Cuban nurses and doctors. "The United States has questioned the Cuban medical program, which Caricom leaders have always defended as a crucial advantage for their countries. The leader of Barbados, currently the only female head of government in the Caribbean, reaffirmed her solidarity with her Caricom counterparts. "I look forward to standing by my Caricom brothers so that we can make sure that we explain what the Cubans have been able to do for us, saving lives, limbs and the sight of many Caribbean people. "
It should be noted that Dominica and Saint Lucia are among the Caribbean countries on the provisional US travel restrictions list.
Saba.
Inter-library cooperation with Sint Maarten
Last week, Saba News reported that the Sint Maarten library welcomed representatives from the Queen Wilhelmine Library of Saba and the Gertrude Judson Bicentennial Public Library of St. Eustatius for a working visit. Sponsored by the National Library of the Netherlands, this initiative aimed to foster collaboration, resource sharing and digital integration between the islands' libraries. During the visit, librarians took part in knowledge exchange sessions focused on improving information accessibility, strengthening community engagement and developing digital resources. "One of the highlights was the launch of the OverDrive digital library and its Libby application," says Saba News. This will give users on all three islands greater access to digital books, audio books and other digital resources.
Trinidad and Tobago.
Stuart Young, eighth prime minister
On Monday March 17, Stuart Young became the eighth Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago. He was sworn in at a ceremony held at the presidential residence. Previously, Stuart Young served as Acting Attorney General, Minister of Energy and Minister in the Prime Minister's Office. He now takes the helm of government with "a vision focused on youth development, national security and economic growth", states a Newsday article. The new Prime Minister has also pledged to promote Carnival "on a global scale" by introducing young local artists. Aged 50, he describes himself as "a fighter".
Grenada.
Visa exemption agreements with several African countries
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Joseph Andall, announced in Parliament that the government has established "new relations with several African countries and signed visa waiver agreements". An initiative that aims, explains Caribbean National Weekly, "to strengthen trade, travel and economic cooperation". The Minister of Foreign Affairs cited Ghana, Egypt, the Republic of Benin and the Kingdom of Morocco as recent signatories. Grenada is also in talks with Qatar, Angola and South Africa. Joseph Andall pointed out that Grenada has developed a strategic roadmap with Morocco, focusing on scholarships, fertilization programs, collaboration in renewable energies and agreements in the fields of health and tourism. Beyond Africa, CNW points out that Grenada has expanded its diplomatic network by forging relationships with Bangladesh, Cape Verde, Mauritius, Lesotho, Andorra and the Kingdom of Jordan in fiscal 2024.
