Dominica has been identified as the nation most susceptible to extreme weather events over the past three decades, according to the ‘Climate Risk Index 2026’ released by Germanwatch, an independent organization focused on development, environmental, and human rights issues. The report, presented during the 30th Conference of Parties (COP30) of the UN climate change gathering in Brazil on November 12, underscores the escalating devastation caused by climate-induced disasters, particularly in poorer nations. Drawing data from the EM-DAT international disaster database, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the World Bank, the report highlights Dominica’s acute vulnerability to severe weather, exemplified by the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Maria in 2017, which caused damages exceeding three times the country’s GDP at the time. The Climate Risk Index, published since 2006, provides a comprehensive assessment of the human and economic toll of extreme weather events globally. It ranks countries based on fatalities and economic losses over the past year and a 30-year period. Between 1995 and 2024, Dominica, Myanmar, Honduras, Haiti, and Grenada emerged as the most affected nations. In 2024 alone, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada were the hardest hit. The report also cites a World Weather Attribution study linking the unprecedented intensity of recent disasters to human-induced climate change. Since 1995, 9,700 extreme weather events have been documented, with storms accounting for a third of fatalities and $2.64 trillion in global damages. The Caribbean region’s recent experience with Hurricane Melissa, which caused widespread devastation across Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic, further underscores this trend. Despite Dominica’s efforts to rebuild and become the world’s first climate-resilient nation, Germanwatch warns that climate change is an immediate and defining reality. The organization advocates for urgent global action, including reducing emissions, accelerating adaptation efforts, implementing solutions for loss and damage, and ensuring adequate climate finance.
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Barbados ‘greenfield hub’ for clean, tech-driven industry
Barbados is strategically positioning itself as a prime destination for clean, technology-driven industrial investment, capitalizing on Europe’s decarbonization efforts. Mark Hill, CEO of Export Barbados, emphasized the nation’s focus on intellectual property (IP) and tax incentives to attract global investors. Speaking at the sixth annual UK Trade Mission to Barbados Business Forum, Hill highlighted the country’s shift from traditional manufacturing to IP-led growth, ensuring creators feel secure in protecting their innovations.
Barbados has introduced the Patent Box initiative, offering tax reductions from 9% to 4.5% for manufacturers operating on the island. This framework, Hill noted, positions Barbados as a global leader in IP-based tax systems, surpassing even Malta and the EU for businesses earning under $750 million annually. The government aims to increase industry’s contribution to GDP from 5-10% to 20-25% over the next decade through this IP-focused strategy.
Export Barbados has also launched the GIGA programme, fostering sustainable, high-tech industrial growth and boosting exports. The initiative aims to transform Barbados into a regional innovation leader by focusing on advanced technology and green industries. Hill underscored the importance of intellectual capital, stating that IP is the core asset of any business, attracting further investment.
As European economies transition from “brownfield” sites to “greenfield” locations, Barbados has emerged as an attractive option for affordable, modern industrial development. Hill emphasized that the future of industrialization lies in robotics, automation, cybersecurity, and data-driven processes, rather than traditional labor-intensive methods.
Barbados is also enhancing its data security infrastructure, inviting investors to build customized data systems on the island. This positions Barbados as a secure, off-grid industrial hub with robust cybersecurity frameworks and access to cutting-edge technologies, enabling rapid scalability for businesses.
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Police Probe Multiple Reports of Cyber Theft, Break-Ins, and Fraud
St. John’s has been struck by a surge of criminal activities this week, prompting intensive investigations by local authorities. Among the reported incidents are cyber theft, residential and commercial break-ins, and credit card fraud. In a particularly alarming case, a local professional reported that her bank account was allegedly hacked, resulting in the theft of over EC $19,000. Additionally, police are probing break-ins at two homes and a restaurant, where cash and valuables were stolen. Another business owner reported the theft of four vehicle rims from his property. The U.S. Consular Office also alerted local police about an American citizen who allegedly used a fraudulent credit card to purchase a travel ticket. Authorities have assured the public that investigations into all these incidents are ongoing and are being treated with urgency.
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Field hospital to deploy to Jamaica for humanitarian mission
In a historic demonstration of Caribbean solidarity, Barbados has initiated a humanitarian mission to assist Jamaica in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. The Barbados Defence Force (BDF) announced the deployment of a field medical hospital, marking the first time the World Health Organisation-accredited Emergency Medical Team has been mobilized internationally following a severe weather event. The mission, dubbed ‘Operation Helping Hands,’ was approved by Prime Minister Mia Mottley and involves military personnel and medical volunteers providing emergency healthcare in Jamaica’s hardest-hit western region, particularly around Savanna-la-Mar Public General Hospital. The deployment, which begins next Tuesday, will last one month and include two rotations of approximately 70 personnel each, totaling around 140 to 150 participants. The BDF’s Type 2 field hospital requires 70 medical and logistical staff to operate, with 48 already mobilized and the remaining 22 expected to be filled through regional support from the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) and the Jamaica Defence Force. Medical Liaison Officer Major David Clarke highlighted the coordination with regional health ministries and organizations, while acknowledging logistical challenges, including the need for special licences for medical supplies. Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr. Arthur Phillips assured that essential health services in Barbados would remain unaffected. The mission underscores the importance of regional logistics and volunteerism, with Brigadier Carlos Lovell emphasizing the need for greater medical professional participation. CIBC FirstCaribbean Bank has also contributed $1 million to the relief effort, with half allocated to support the field hospital initiative.
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Official Administrator Appointed for Global Bank of Commerce
In a significant regulatory move, the Financial Services Regulatory Commission (FSRC) has appointed an Official Administrator to oversee the operations of the Global Bank of Commerce Limited. This action was taken under Section 104 of the International Banking Act, 2016 (No. 6 of 16 as amended), and became effective on November 10, 2025, as confirmed in a notice issued on November 12. The appointed Official Administrator has assumed full control, taking over “all of the duties and powers previously vested and discharged by the directors of the Bank.” The administrator’s role includes exercising, performing, and discharging all statutory powers, duties, and liabilities of the institution in accordance with the law for a limited period. The primary objective of this appointment is to conduct a thorough review of the bank’s financial position and present a detailed report to the FSRC. Despite the intervention, the bank has assured stakeholders that it “will continue to operate as normal.” Customers, creditors, and other stakeholders will be contacted to discuss the status of their obligations and confirm that all existing arrangements remain intact. The official communication was issued under the Global Bank of Commerce letterhead and signed by the Official Administrator, who has been designated “without personal liability.”
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Central Bank of Barbados warns public of fraudulent website
The Central Bank of Barbados (CBB) has issued a public alert regarding a deceptive website, bimpayer.pro, which is fraudulently using a logo resembling that of the Bank to solicit payments from individuals. This site is a calculated effort to mislead the public and engage in illicit activities. The CBB strongly advises individuals to avoid visiting or making payments through this platform and to refrain from sharing any personal or financial details. It is crucial to note that the Central Bank does not solicit money or payments from the public. The official website for the national instant payment system is www.bimpay.bb, which can also be accessed via the Bank’s primary website, www.centralbank.org.bb. Any other site claiming association with the Central Bank or BiMPay should be approached with utmost caution. Individuals who have already made payments or shared information through bimpayer.pro are urged to report the incident promptly to the Barbados Police Service and to seek guidance from the Central Bank’s Corporate Communications Unit.
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Coroner Opens Inquest into Death of Shenika Baptiste
The Office of the Coroner has initiated an inquest into the untimely demise of 25-year-old Shenika Baptiste, who passed away shortly after delivering her child at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre. Coroner Dexter Wason commenced the proceedings at 8:15 a.m. on Tuesday at Barnes Funeral Home. A close family member formally identified the body in the presence of a seven-member jury before the session was adjourned indefinitely, awaiting further details. Senior officials from the Royal Police Force have been informed and are actively involved in the ongoing investigation. Baptiste, admitted for a routine Caesarean section, reportedly died soon after being moved to the Intensive Care Unit. Her grieving family is calling for accountability and contemplating legal measures to uncover the truth behind her sudden death.
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Seaforth Wins IFBB Masters World Title in Malta
Melissa Seaforth, a celebrated IFBB Pro Bikini Fitness athlete and ambassador from Antigua, has triumphed at the IFBB Pro Masters World Championships in Malta, clinching the Masters Bikini title. This victory marks a significant addition to her already impressive 2025 season. Seaforth, who recently garnered gold in the Bikini Pro Masters Division and silver in the Bikini Pro Open Division at the IFBB Pro Grand Gala in Italy, described the win as an emotional and career-defining moment. “Winning a World Championship title at the Masters level is a tremendous honor,” she remarked. “It’s not only a historic achievement for Antigua and Barbuda but also a pivotal milestone in my professional bodybuilding journey.” Seaforth outperformed competitors from Russia, Spain, and Poland, securing her place at the top. Her next challenge will be at the IFBB Pro Bikini Fitness World Championships in Spain, where she will make her sixth consecutive appearance. With a bronze medal from the IFBB Grand Prix PEPA PRO in the Czech Republic on October 25, Seaforth is also a strong contender for Antigua and Barbuda’s Sportswoman of the Year.
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OPINION: 90 Days Fix for VCBIA Impossible.
Antigua’s primary airport has been in a state of disarray since 2019, following a breakdown in relations within the Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority (ABAA) and the abrupt departure of three successive CEOs. Attempts to fill the leadership void with accounting-trained personnel and other mismatched candidates proved futile, leaving the position vacant and the aviation hub in chaos. Over the past five years, seasoned aviators have witnessed a stark decline in standards, marked by the abandonment of rules, regulations, and transparency—the foundational pillars of aviation. Personal opinions have overshadowed International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) guidelines, and deteriorating relationships with stakeholders have replaced civility with disrespect in airport operations. The government, in a desperate bid to restore order, has struggled to find competent management, often appointing junior, unqualified officers to roles beyond their expertise. Regional efforts have also failed, exacerbating the chaos in this rule-oriented industry. The loss of Category 1 classification for Antigua and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), coupled with the looming ICAO Audit in 2026, has forced the government to seek international assistance. An Antiguan-owned company based in Atlanta, renowned in the global aviation sector, has been engaged for a 90-day contract. Its president, a respected figure with extensive experience in the Caribbean and Latin America, has taken on the role of Interim CEO. However, given the magnitude of the crisis, 90 days is widely regarded as insufficient to address the deep-rooted issues. The government’s approach, driven by sovereignty rather than integrity, has raised questions about the feasibility of this short-term solution. The interim CEO, known for his patriotism, faces an uphill battle against time, further complicated by the government’s lack of respect for both his capabilities and the ABAA. The challenges at V.C. Bird International Airport (VCBIA) cannot be resolved in such a limited timeframe, underscoring the need for a more sustainable and strategic approach.
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Prime Minister Meets National Culinary Team Ahead of Taste of the Caribbean
In a gesture of national pride and encouragement, Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda met with the country’s National Culinary Team ahead of their participation in the prestigious Taste of the Caribbean competition. The event, set to take place from June 16 to 18 in Barbados, will bring together the region’s finest culinary talents. During the courtesy visit, described as both inspiring and honorable, Prime Minister Browne lauded the team’s dedication and urged them to showcase Antigua and Barbuda’s excellence and creativity on the regional stage. The team, organized under the Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA), aims to highlight the nation’s hospitality and culinary prowess. The ABHTA expressed deep appreciation for the Prime Minister’s motivational words, emphasizing that his support has bolstered the team’s determination to secure top honors and bring pride to their homeland.