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Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
Hurricane season: a $44 million reserve
The hurricane season officially kicked off at the beginning of June. The Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Ralph Gonsalves, took the opportunity to announce that the government had set aside a reserve of $44 million (EC$120 million) to strengthen hurricane response capabilities. Speaking on NBC public radio, as relayed by Caribbean National Weekly, the Prime Minister underlined the government's ongoing efforts to prepare for such eventualities. Ralph Gonsalves detailed the financing mechanisms, mentioning the Reserve Fund, which receives a percentage point of the 16% value-added tax (VAT) and whose spending is governed by specific laws. "We drew on the fund because of disasters," he explained. We had Covid, Hurricane Elsa, volcanic eruptions, Hurricane Beryl and so on. "The Prime Minister was careful to mention past uses of the fund. "I'm still trying to see if we could set aside about 120 million Eastern Caribbean dollars," he added, noting that this amount includes 50 million Eastern Caribbean dollars (US$18.5 million) in the contingency fund. To further strengthen financial preparedness, Ralph Gonsalves mentioned the use of the Disaster Deferred Drawdown Option (Cat DDO) with the World Bank. "We are using this instrument and negotiating to set it aside," he said. This Cat DDO option represents a loan of US$20 million (EC$54 million) accessible in the event of the impact of a natural disaster, with a repayment period of 45 years. The Prime Minister also recalled the consequences of last year's Hurricane Beryl, which mainly hit the Southern Grenadines on July 1, causing losses and damage approaching one billion Eastern Caribbean dollars.
Trinidad and Tobago.
A $400 million US embassy
Construction work has officially begun on the new US$400 million US embassy in Maraval, Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, Caribbean National Weekly reports. Embassy officials have warned that local residents may experience temporary disruption as work ramps up over the next few months. The new embassy is being built on the former site of the Trinidad Country Club on Long Circular Road, and is scheduled for completion in 2029. According to a press release from the US Embassy in Port-of-Spain, residents and motorists in the area should be prepared for noise pollution and intermittent traffic jams due to the use of heavy machinery. Concerned about protecting the environment and culture, business manager Jenifer Neidhart de Ortiz confirmed that two large historic samaans or rain trees on the property will be preserved. "I know how dear these trees are to our Trinidadian neighbors," she said. In addition, the embassy said that a nest of blue and yellow macaws - a protected species - currently present on the property will remain intact until the chicks leave the nest. The 4.5-hectare site was acquired in 2023, and officials say the project will create jobs for hundreds of Trinidadian nationals during its construction phase. The new complex promises avant-garde architecture and sustainable materials. "This is not just a physical extension, but a powerful reflection of the strong and long-standing relationship between the people and government of the United States and Trinidad and Tobago," said Jenifer Neidhart de Ortiz.
Jamaica.
An anti-smoking bill
In an interview with JIS News, the Minister of Health and Welfare, Christopher Tufton, indicated that the "long-awaited" Tobacco Control Bill is soon to be debated in the lower and upper houses of the Jamaican Parliament. The Minister said that discussions on the bill by members of the Special Joint Committee took considerable time before reaching consensus. "Many of the new limits and guidelines need to be known to the public first," the minister stressed. It incorporates aspects such as electronic cigarettes, which were not previously covered. It addresses issues such as advertising... it's quite comprehensive. "Christopher Tufton emphasized that the legislation aims to significantly restrict smoking and protect non-smokers from exposure, notably by eliminating advertising. Beyond the public health aspect, the new bill is crucial if Jamaica is to meet its outstanding obligations under the World Health Organization's (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), which the country ratified over 18 years ago, says JIS News. Among its key provisions, the updated legislation serves as a tool to limit the promotion and sale of tobacco products to children. It also bans the use of electronic nicotine delivery devices, such as e-cigarettes, in public spaces, and actively promotes smoking cessation and the reduction of smoking rates throughout the country. In addition, the bill aims to send a clear message to the public about the adverse health, environmental, economic and social consequences of tobacco use and nicotine products, the article states.
Saba.
A first regional development plan under consideration
Earlier this year, Saba's public body conducted a community survey to gather opinions on the island's first-ever land-use plan. This initiative will guide Saba's future growth by balancing housing, infrastructure and economic development, while preserving its unique natural beauty and cultural heritage, explains Saba News. The survey explored key issues such as housing, the environment, community facilities and economic development. Residents highlighted pressing concerns, including housing affordability, lack of parking and connectivity issues, "which are currently holding back economic opportunities," writes Saba News. The community also expressed a strong interest in developing creative industries, sustainable tourism and walkable neighborhoods, as well as protecting historic buildings and combating erosion and biodiversity loss. With the results of the survey now in, the Department of Infrastructure and Spatial Planning is moving on to the next stage of community mobilization, with two public meetings scheduled for June 27 and July 3.
Saint-Martin.
A territorial police station in Grand Case
A territorial police station was inaugurated on Tuesday June 3 in the Grand Case neighborhood, rue des Écoles. A new page has been turned in Grand-Case with the inauguration of the territorial police station," commented the Prefecture. Installed by the Collectivité de Saint-Martin in a symbolic location in the district, at the crossroads of life, commerce and tourism, the building was once a bakery. The perfect place for "the dough of security to rise in Grand Case". "In fact, as 97150 points out, the police station is housed in a building belonging to the Tackling family, formerly occupied by a bakery. The station now has nine officers. This project meets a real and long-expressed need," said Louis Mussington, President of the Collectivité. We know that safety is a fundamental pillar of collective well-being. "The inauguration took place in the presence of sub-prefect Marie-Hildegarde Chauveau, gendarmerie commander Hugues Loyez, territorial police chief Raymond Lake, and representatives of local businesses and partners. According to 97150, the new local police station will operate from Tuesday to Saturday, from 2pm to 9pm. It will provide a continuous presence in the area, with foot patrols on and around Grand-Case boulevard, and motorized patrols from Cul-de-Sac to Morne Valois. "The aim is to ensure constant uniform visibility and maintain direct contact with the population," explains Raymond Lake. In addition to safety, the officers will also be responsible for regulating traffic and parking on the boulevard, smoothing traffic flow at peak times, and ensuring that the area is clean and hygienic.
Virgin Islands (US).
Minimum wage for civil servants to be raised
A bill to increase the minimum wage for civil servants was passed by legislators on Wednesday June 4, reports the Virgin Islands Consortium. The bill includes amendments to raise the minimum annual salary for civil servants to $35,000, effective this year. Tax guarantees and cost-of-living adjustments will also be added. The effective date is set for October 31. A cost-of-living analysis by the Ministry of Finance will be required every two years, starting in 2028. This analysis will determine whether future increases are justified "based on inflation, inflationary data and economic indicators". Senator Franklin Johnson said, "Everything under the sun has gone up, and it's time to give the people their fair share."Senator Alma Francis Heyliger also commended her colleagues for recognizing "the importance of helping people, helping them improve their finances and really helping them where it's needed."
Sint Maarten.
A new surplus budget proposal
Finance Minister Marinka Gumbs presented a new draft national budget for 2025 to Parliament's Central Committee on Monday. According to an article in the Daily Herald, the draft calls for revenue of 284.6 million euros and expenditure of 280.2 million. This would represent a surplus of 4.7 million euros. "The budget includes updated figures reflecting all government and parliamentary amendments approved in January, as well as a comparative analysis of actual performance in the first quarter," states the Daily Herald. The minister said that unlike the first quarter of 2024, when revenues had fallen short by around 9.7 million euros (20 million guilders), the first quarter of 2025 had exceeded expectations. The government collected 7.3 million euros (15 million guilders) more than expected in the first quarter, most of this increase coming from taxes: almost 3 million more from payroll taxes and a further 3 million from sales tax. Compared to the same period last year, total revenues rose by 4.3 million euros. On the expenditure side, the government spent 9.2 million less than expected in the first three months. Personnel costs fell by 6.3 million euros, mainly due to the delay in hiring caused by the late approval of the budget. In addition, some non-essential projects were postponed.
