Dr. Hyginus ‘Gene’ Leon has resigned with immediate effect from his position as president of the Barbados-based Caribbean Development Bank (CDB). The surprising resignation comes after months of being placed on administrative leave as an internal investigation proceeded at the regional financial institution. In a three-page letter sent to the CDB by his St. Lucian … Continued
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has issued an urgent call for an immediate cessation of hostilities between Israel and Iran, as recent military confrontations between the two nations raise alarming risks of a wider regional conflict. In a statement, CARICOM’s Council of Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR) voiced “grave concern” over the escalating violence, including Israel’s … Continued
According to the Virgin Islands Consortium Horse Racing in St. Thomas USVI is expected to return on May 3rd, 2024. Calvert White, commissioner of the Department of Sports, Parks and Recreation, made the announcement recently on the long awaited return of horse racing to St. Thomas at the Clinton E. Phipps racetrack. White was at … Continued
ExxonMobil Guyana announced a new oil discovery on Friday, March 15, marking their first find of 2024 in the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana. The Bluefin well encountered a significant amount of hydrocarbon-bearing sandstone, indicating potential for future development. Drilled by the Stena Drillmax drillship in over 4,200 feet (1,294 meters) of water, the Bluefin well … Continued
The Caribbean tourism industry experienced a robust year in 2023, exceeding pre-pandemic arrival numbers by 0.8%, according to the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO). This positive trend marks a significant recovery for the region, driven by a surge in international arrivals and a revitalized hotel sector. Dona Regis-Prosper, Secretary-General of the CTO, delivered the “Caribbean Tourism … Continued
Dancehall star Vybz Kartel, whose real name is Adidja Palmer, has had his 2014 murder conviction overturned by the Privy Council in London. The court ruled on Thursday, March 14th, 2024, that attempts to bribe jurors during the original trial a decade ago rendered the verdict unsafe. Kartel, 48, was sentenced to life imprisonment in … Continued
The Department of Disaster Management (DDM) is encouraging Virgin Islands residents to participate in the 2024 Caribe Wave regional earthquake and tsunami exercise set for March 21. The purpose of the exercise is to evaluate Territorial tsunami response plans, increase tsunami preparedness, and improve coordination throughout the region. Director of Disaster Management Mr. Jasen Penn … Continued
Virgin Atlantic has set its sights on offering more affordable flight options between the Caribbean and Europe while collaborating with Barbados on an ambitious tourism vision for the island nation to attract increased visitors. During a recent visit to Barbados, Virgin Atlantic CEO Shai Weiss expressed his desire to see bolder entrepreneurial development and shoreline … Continued
Haiti’s Prime Minister Ariel Henry formally announced his resignation on Tuesday. The decision comes in the wake of a pivotal meeting among Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders in Jamaica, where a deal was brokered to facilitate a “peaceful transition of power” in Haiti. Henry who is in Puerto Rico after being barred from returning to his … Continued
A first-of-its-kind summit placing young people at the forefront of discussions on the challenges facing Small Island Developing States (SIDS) was officially launched on Monday. The SIDS Children and Youth Action Summit will bring together 60 young delegates to drive “meaningful change” on a range of issues threatening the future of SIDS. The event, facilitated … Continued
