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Dominique. The United States Denies a Visa to the President of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association
Gregor Nassief, president of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, stated that his application to renew his U.S. visa was denied. He believes this decision may be linked to Washington’s tightening of travel rules regarding Caribbean Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs. Gregor Nassief noted that this denial occurred during the renewal process for a 10-year visa, which expires in August. His wife’s visa is also set to expire in the coming weeks. He added that, although the authorities had not provided detailed explanations, applicants might, in some cases, be offered a bond arrangement allowing them to obtain a short-term, single-entry visa—an option that was not, however, offered to him. Gregor Nassief also emphasized that this decision had significant personal and professional consequences, particularly given his work in tourism, technology, and regional investment. He chairs GEMS Holdings Limited, which owns and operates several renowned hotels in Dominica, including Secret Bay and the Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort.
Montserrat joins the “Blue Belt” program
On World Oceans Day, which marked the 10th anniversary of the British government’s “Blue Belt” program, leaders from the island of Montserrat announced their participation in the program. Montserrat thus becomes the fourth British Overseas Territory in the Caribbean to join this initiative, launched in 2016, following Anguilla, the Turks and Caicos Islands, and the Cayman Islands, according to an article in Discover Montserrat. The island thereby secures access to international scientific expertise and technical support to strengthen the protection of its marine environment. Nicknamed the “Emerald Isle of the Caribbean,” Montserrat is home to a rich marine biodiversity, including giant barrel sponges—often called the “sequoias of the oceans”—and hawksbill sea turtles, a critically endangered species. The island’s underwater landscapes have been shaped by decades of volcanic activity, creating unique habitats that support biodiversity and local livelihoods. As part of this partnership, the government of Montserrat has committed to protecting at least 20% of its marine area.
Guadeloupe. Strike at the University Hospital’s Radiology Department
Guadeloupe’s new university hospital, located in Belle Plaine (Les Abymes), has not been spared from strike action for long. On Tuesday, June 9, to protest numerous operational issues within their department, the radiology technicians in the radiology department began a strike. “About forty of them—nearly the entire department—are protesting recurring machine breakdowns and the lack of a doctor on hand to interpret MRIs, mammograms, and ultrasounds,” report our colleagues at La 1ère. All are criticizing the poor strategic decisions made by hospital management. These mobilized workers are members of the Union of Health Workers, a union branch of the General Union of Workers of Guadeloupe.” It is noted that this action does not involve any wage demands.
Haiti. Elimination of taxes on solar panels and batteries
While the country, and particularly the capital Port-au-Prince, remains plagued by violence perpetrated by armed gangs, Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé announced the elimination of taxes on solar panels and batteries, “a measure that is part of the government’s efforts to promote renewable energy and support the country’s environmental and economic development,” he stated. The announcement was made during a ceremony marking World Environment Day on June 5 at the Karibe Hotel in Port-au-Prince, according to the Caribbean National Weekly. The event, organized by the Ministry of the Environment, had the theme “Green Jobs for a Sustainable Haiti.” The prime minister also mentioned the launch of the “Konbit Ayiti Zewo Dechè” initiative and noted that more than 60,000 cubic meters of waste had been collected in various communities across the country as part of government-led cleanup operations.
British Virgin Islands. Visa-free entry for work permit holders
Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Natalio Wheatley announced on June 9 the elimination of visa requirements for work permit holders. This is a boon for businesses in the British Virgin Islands that are struggling to recruit, according to the website Virgin Islands Platinum. According to the Prime Minister, this visa exemption measure is part of broader reforms aimed at improving the Territory’s investment climate and removing barriers that hinder economic growth. Natalio Wheatley noted that the government is also working on digitizing work permit processing, workforce development initiatives, employment awareness programs, and strengthening partnerships with employers to improve the efficiency and quality of services.
