Français
British Virgin Islands
Governor calls for "action" at anti-crime summit
An anti-crime summit is scheduled for September 24-26 in the British Virgin Islands. For this event, Governor Daniel Pruce issued a warning, relayed by the Caribbean National Weekly (CNW) on September 7: the summit must bring about "concrete and practical changes", stressing that the event could not be limited to speeches with no follow-up. Speaking at Government House, Daniel Pruce said the gathering was an opportunity to unite government, law enforcement, associations and residents in the fight against rising crime. Preparations for the summit are being overseen by the National Security Council, which now meets weekly. The governor says the aim is to approach the summit with concrete, implementable commitments and strategies. In the British Virgin Islands, gun crime remains a major concern, CNW insists. While recent police seizures of illegal weapons have been welcomed, the Governor reminds us that they only solve part of the problem. Daniel Pruce also linked the fight against crime to wider reforms, pointing out that the recommendations of a recent law enforcement study provide a ten-year roadmap for improving policing, prisons and the justice system.
Anguilla
A $6.3 million technical block on campus
On July 15, 2025, the Anguilla government officially inaugurated the Q campus of the Albena Lake-Hodge comprehensive school. With a very specific project in mind. The plan was to build a TVET, a technical block that would bring together modern facilities for agricultural sciences, construction trades, metalwork, carpentry and auto mechanics, as well as a new center for teachers. "This investment of 17 million (EC$ 6.3 million) will equip our young people with practical skills for the future," states a government press release.
Meanwhile, José Vanterpool, Anguilla's Minister of Infrastructure, Communications, Utilities, Housing, Information Technology and e-Government Services, underlined the importance for Anguilla of developing the ".ai" domain. Indeed, as previously mentioned in this press review (JSB 1627), revenues generated by ".ai" domains, launched in the 1980s, have risen from less than 1% of Anguilla's public revenues to over 47% by 2025. These revenues will be used to finance major national projects, such as the expansion of Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport, new infrastructure, school improvements and tax relief for residents. In addition, the government is using these revenues to save funds in the event of a major disaster, as well as to launch projects designed to make Anguilla a regional hub for technology and innovation.le for technology and innovation, including the creation of a special economic zone and the organization of conferences on artificial intelligence in 2026.
Sint Maarten
Towards closure of landfill in 2032 thanks to "Waste Vision 2050" plan
"Sint Maarten has taken another step towards resolving its long-standing landfill issue," writes the Daily Herald in an article published on September 4. It reports on a meeting held on September 3 at the Belair Community Center to discuss plans to close the landfill by 2032. Government representatives, technical experts and over 200 community members attended, the newspaper reports. The aim of the session was to inform the public about the various actions concerning the future of waste management in Sint-Maarten and how they fit into the country's "Waste Vision 2050". "This long-term vision aims to establish an integrated solid waste management system (ISWMS) that makes landfill operations safer, improves the quality of life and reduces the environmental impact of waste.operations safer, improves efficiency and reduces waste by promoting reduction, reuse and recycling," writes the Daily Herald. The audience learned how the $85 million Emergency Debris Management Project (EDMP), launched on January 31, 2019, has already produced tangible results. Such as the removal of over 130 shipwrecks, the clean-up of 10 kilometers of shoreline, and the training and equipping of landfill personnel. Environmental engineer Guido van de Cortelet from Witteveen presented the results of his studies, explaining the current risks to the landfill and outlining proposed solutions. Plans include remodeling the landfill to make it safer and better managed, building a protective dike and covering it with clean soil and vegetation to further stabilize the slopes and begin the closure process. Patrice Gumbs, Minister of Public Housing, Environment, Spatial Planning and Infrastructure (VROMI), stated that "by 2050, Sint Maarten will become a clean, green and sustainable island". He added: "Our vision is to establish a circular economy where waste generated is minimized and products reused as much as possible. "The Daily Herald specifies that the intervention on the landfill will be "a multi-year effort" with work scheduled to start in 2026 and extend over three years. Once completed, the site will be stabilized, capped and vegetated, significantly reducing risks.
Jamaica
A national rural transport program with 60 school buses
On back-to-school day, Monday September 8, the Jamaican government officially launched its national rural school bus program, with 60 buses deployed across the island. The aim, explains the Observer, is to provide safer, more reliable transportation for students in rural communities. Three ministers - Daryl Vaz (Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport), Senator Dana Morris Dixon (Education, Skills, Youth and Information) and the Minister of Education, Science and Technology - are also involved in the project.tences, Youth and Information) and Fayval Williams (Finance and Public Service) - joined the students for a ceremonial trip to Saint-Andrew. Daryl Vaz reported that over 200 schools are already benefiting from the program, with a further 40 buses due to be added between September and November as part of a gradual expansion. He described the first week of operation as a "test week" aimed at fine-tuning routes and resolving initial problems. The bus journey costs 50 Jamaican dollars (US$0.31) per trip. This will translate into average transportation costs of 100 Jamaican dollars (62 US cents) per day, compared with previous costs of between 300 Jamaican dollars (1.87 US cents) and 600 (3.75). Daryl Vaz said the program would save parents up to 180,000 Jamaican dollars (US$1,125) a year on transportation costs.
Haiti
USA and Panama propose to send 5,550 men to fight gangs
In an article picked up by several press titles, the Associated Press reports that the United States and Panama have submitted a proposal to the United Nations Security Council to send a contingent of 5,550 men to fight gangs. This armed force would reinforce the multinational deployment led by Kenya. Associated Press was able to obtain the draft resolution presented to the UN Security Council which, over six pages, expresses gratitude to Kenya for having led the multinational force, but reaffirms Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' conclusion in February that the force has been unable to keep pace with the gangs' spectacular expansion, and needs to be reinforced. For the record, in order to stem the growing stranglehold of armed gangs since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, a multinational force made up of Kenyan police officers was deployed to Haiti in June 2024. However, this force has been reduced from 2,500 men to less than 1,000. The text presented by the USA and Panama to the UN, if adopted, would authorize UN member states to transform the mission into a gang repression force, in cooperation with the Haitian government, for an initial period of 12 months. This entity would be empowered to detain and arrest Haitian nationals. Associated Press points out that the new resolution would also authorize members of the new force to "carry out targeted, independent and intelligence-led anti-gang operations to neutralize and suppress gangs".to neutralize, isolate and deter gangs that continue to threaten the civilian population, violate human rights and undermine Haitian institutions". The new force is also expected to provide security for critical infrastructure, including the airport and ports, schools and hospitals, alongside the Haitian police and armed forces.
Saint-Martin
New management of Marigot's Fort Louis and Royale marinas still pending
In an article published on September 5, the Soualiga Post reports that the new management of the Fort Louis and Royale marinas in Marigot is set to be delayed. "At the beginning of the year, the Collectivité was hoping for a contract start date of March 1, 2026," it states, while pointing out that this deadline appears to be too soon. Wishing the two sites to be operated by the same person within the framework of a public service delegation (DSP), the Collectivité launched a call for tenders on April 15," writes Soualiga. The deadline for applications was set for July 15. This date was postponed twice. First, at the end of June, it was moved to September 5, then yesterday it was moved again, this time to November 5. This further postpones the review of applications. "The article reminds us that the Collectivité de Saint-Martin expects the delegatee to finance, design and implement investments, maintain and service the assets entrusted to it.and maintenance of the assets entrusted to it, as well as the upkeep of the maritime signalling installations prescribed by the State, and the commercial management of the public domain and port of call sites. The duration of the DSP contract will be twenty years, and the COM has estimated its value at 60 million euros excluding tax, adds the Soualiga Post.
Bonaire/Saba/Saint-Eustache
Suspension of parcel shipments to the USA
In a press release relayed by Saba News, the postal service of the islands of Bonaire, Saba and St. Eustatius states that parcel shipments to the United States have been suspended. This decision is the direct consequence of a recent decree issued by the US authorities. This new regulation makes it impossible for FXDC Post to send parcels to the United States. Aruba and Curacao have also taken similar measures. Customers can still send letters and documents to the USA. Only the sending of parcels containing goods has been suspended.
Guadeloupe
50,000 euros in sick leave fraud
In 2024, the Caisse Générale de la Sécurité Sociale de Guadeloupe claims to have recorded 60,000 euros in sick leave fraud. A trend which, according to an article in La 1ère published on September 10, continues unabated. In fact, according to the Abymes-based CGSS, almost 50,000 euros of fraud have been detected since the beginning of 2025. "A figure which shows that fraud can come from anywhere: unscrupulous policyholders, negligent doctors, sometimes even accomplices", writes La 1ère. Pierre-Jean Dalleau, Director of the Guadeloupe and Saint-Martin CGSS, explains to our confrères: "The phenomenon of false work stoppages is a new one, which arrived in 2024 after Hexagone. There may also be people who buy forgeries on the Internet, for 20 or 30 euros. In Guadeloupe, daily allowances rose by 7% between 2023 and 2024, representing an additional 800,000 euros. "To combat this phenomenon, the Caisse has introduced a new compulsory secure form.
