HURRICANE BERYL THREATENS JAMAICA AFTER DEVASTATING WINDWARD ISLANDS

Hurricane Beryl, a catastrophic Category 5 storm at the time of this report, is barreling towards Jamaica after leaving a trail of destruction across several Caribbean islands. The hurricane, which has already claimed at least 2 lives, is expected to bring life-threatening winds and storm surge to Jamaica on Wednesday before potentially impacting the Cayman … Continued

USVI TOP COP UNDER FBI PROBE & OMB DIRECTOR SUBPOENAED – BOTH ASKED TO RESIGN

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has launched an investigation into Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD) Commissioner Ray Martinez, with significant implications also for Jenifer O’Neal, the Director of the Virgin Islands Office of Management and Budget (OMB). This development, confirmed by several USVI news agencies, follows the issuance of a target letter to Martinez … Continued

UN ASSOCIATE MEMBERS PRESSURE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY ON FINANCE AT SIDS4 CONFERENCE

The British Virgin Islands and other Associate Members of the United Nations (UN) regional commissions (i.e. ECLAC and ESCAP) have completed successful participation at the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) in Antigua and Barbuda that ended on 30th May where they achieved greater acknowledgement and recognition of their financing needs by … Continued

VYBZ KARTEL AND CO-ACCUSED TO REMAIN IN CUSTODY, JUDGE RULES

Dancehall artist Vybz Kartel and his three co-accused will continue to serve time behind bars following a ruling by Judge Andrea Thomas on their habeas corpus application. The decision was announced on Thursday, after the defense and prosecution concluded their arguments in court the previous day. In her ruling, Judge Thomas emphasized that as long … Continued

ECCB ORDERS INDEPENDENT AUDIT OF REPUBLIC BANK AMID DELAYED TRANSACTION DEBACLE

The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) has announced it is commissioning an independent audit of Republic Bank (EC) Limited after over 12,000 customers had their accounts improperly debited due to delayed processing of transactions dating back to 2022. In a strongly-worded statement, the ECCB called the situation “downright unsatisfactory” and stated it has caused hardship … Continued

EU, & CDEMA INK HISTORIC MOU

A pioneering agreement to bolster cooperation on integrated disaster risk management was formalized on Wednesday, bringing together the European Union and key regional actors from Latin America and the Caribbean. The historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed at a ceremony in Barbados where it was hailed by a local minister as a vital step … Continued

SAINT LUCIA DECLARES WATER EMERGENCY AMID CRITICAL SHORTAGE

The island of Saint Lucia is facing a dire water crisis, prompting authorities to declare a water-related emergency across the island. The Water and Sewerage Company Inc. (WASCO), Saint Lucia’s water provider, issued the emergency declaration on Tuesday after consultations with key stakeholders. Addressing the nation in a press conference, WASCO’s CEO cited “the exceptional … Continued

U.S. REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO CURBING ILLICIT ARMS TRADE TRAFFICKING IN THE CARIBBEAN

The United States has reiterated its support for Caribbean Community (CARICOM) nations in their fight against high levels of crime and violence fueled by the illicit trafficking of firearms. This was a key focus during a recent hybrid meeting attended by U.S. partners and CARICOM Commissioners of Police. The meeting, facilitated by the CARICOM Implementation … Continued