The Caribbean at a glance

Guadeloupe
Three XXL gantry cranes to modernize the port of Jarry
On June 23, the Grand Port Maritime de la Guadeloupe took delivery of three state-of-the-art gantry cranes at the Jarry terminal in Pointe-à-Pitre. These "XXL" units are capable of lifting up to 75 tons, thanks to their twin-lift technology (a mobile lifting system, adjustable in height by electric motor).The aim is to speed up handling operations, reduce costs and accommodate larger vessels. According to RCI Guadeloupe, the total investment amounts to 40 million euros, financed in part by the Guadeloupe Region and 7.2 million euros from European funds (FEDER). The gantries arrived by boat from Ireland after a crossing lasting around two weeks. They will increase container handling capacity, boost the port's competitiveness and support local job creation.
This modernization is part of a wider project to adapt the port to international standards, with the aim of consolidating its position as a modern, sustainable logistics hub in the Caribbean.

Saint-Martin/Sint-Maarten
A strengthened agreement to secure the island's waters
In Sint Maarten, the government this week signed a new cooperation agreement with the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard to improve surveillance and maritime safety. According to The Daily Herald, the agreement formalizes joint patrols and increased data sharing to combat drug trafficking, arms smuggling, illegal fishing and clandestine migration. The Minister of Justice, Lyndon Lewis, underlined the importance of this regional collaboration in the face of growing threats and the need to reinforce the coordination of rescue operations at sea. The coastguards will also have enhanced resources, including drones and fast boats, to cover the border areas between the Dutch and French parts of the island. The agreement is part of a wider plan to modernize equipment and training for local teams, as Sint Maarten seeks to respond to growing security challenges in the Caribbean.

Saba
Diving and leadership for young people thanks to a local partnership
In Saba, a great initiative aims to offer teenagers new and concrete perspectives. According to Saba News, the Saba Reach Foundation (SRF) and the Sea & Learn Foundation (SLF) have joined forces to offer an innovative and immersive educational program. Since last November, a group of five boys from the island have been undergoing intensive training to achieve PADI Open Water Diver certification, supervised by instructors Jet Kramer and Jarno Knijff. This diving component is part of the SRF's Replay initiative, which offers alternative, professionally-oriented career paths to young people outside the conventional education system. The project received Dutch funding via the Strengthening Families Together program, enabling the SLF to extend its Youth Environmental Leadership Program (YELP) to include scuba diving. The aim: to develop discipline, confidence, team spirit and open up career opportunities in the marine industry. In June, the group also took part in SRF's first annual "Away Trip" to Saint-Martin. They sailed with Aqua Mania Adventures, met marine industry professionals, and explored the Simpson Bay ecological lagoon by kayak. This immersive experience broadened their horizons while consolidating their learning. According to Saba News, the program is supported by Samenwerkende Fondsen, the Oranje Fonds and Kinderpostzegels, illustrating the power of collaboration to build a brighter future for Saba's youth.

Martinique
Nearly 57kg of cocaine seized at Aimé Césaire airport
The seizure was made during a "100% control" operation organized on Sunday June 29 at Aimé Césaire airport in Lamentin. According to RCI, the operation was carried out jointly by the Direction Territoriale de la Police Nationale (DTPN) and customs, and was aimed at stepping up checks on passengers and their luggage. According to RCI, the first passenger was checked with over 2kg of cocaine concealed in his body. At the same time, more than 54kg of additional cocaine was discovered in the luggage of two other passengers. All three were arrested and taken into custody. They will have to answer for their actions before the Martinican courts.

Jamaica
Population in very slight decline
According to the latest Jamaica 2024 Economic and Social Survey (ESSJ), published by the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) and relayed by various press titles, Jamaica's population is in very slight decline.According to the latest Economic and Social Survey Jamaica 2024 (ESSJ), published by the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) and relayed by various press titles, Jamaica's population will show a slight decline and ongoing demographic changes in 2024. The report revealed that the island's population stood at around 2.7 million, an estimated 0.1% down on previous figures. Of this total, there were around 1.36 million women and 1.33 million men, i.e. around 27,000 more women than men. An important factor in this development is the continuing decline in the child population, particularly in the 0-14 age group. The report stresses that this decline is part of wider trends affecting the country's demographic structure.

Haiti.
The capital "paralyzed" by gangs
Since the beginning of 2025, the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) has recorded more than 4,000 deliberate homicides, an increase of 24% on the same period last year. More than 1.3 million people have been displaced across Haiti, against a backdrop of escalating gang violence and lawlessness that has rendered the population homeless.A recent report points out that "the capital was virtually paralyzed, and the population, particularly women and girls, was increasingly vulnerable to exploitation and sexual violence". "The capital was virtually paralyzed by gangs and isolated due to the continued suspension of international commercial flights to the international airport," Miroslav Jen?a, Under-Secretary-General for the Americas in the UN Department of Political Affairs and Peacebuilding (DPPA), told the Security Council on Wednesday. Recently on a visit to Haiti, Miroslav Jen?a warned that the gangs had only "strengthened their hold", now controlling all the communes in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area and beyond, "bringing the situation closer to the abyss".

Barbados
Prime Minister receives Winnie Mandela Award
The Winnie Mandela Humanitarian Award 2025, presented by the July One International Reggae Day organization, has been awarded to the Honourable Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados. The prize was awarded as part of International Reggae Day, according to Caribbean National Weekly. It recognizes individuals whose work reflects the core values of reggae: love, justice and truth. Prime Minister Mottley's bold and unwavering leadership on the climate crisis, including her commitment to Small Island Developing States (SIDS), has propelled her onto the international stage as an advocate for the most vulnerable. "Her tireless advocacy, particularly on behalf of small island developing states, is a powerful call to action," said the organizers in their official statement. "From the podiums of the United Nations to the platforms of international forums, Prime Minister Mia Mottley has echoed the ethos of reggae," writes the observer, "both in tone and principle. "