The Caribbean Sustainable Infrastructure Conference (CSIC 2025), held from November 3–5, marked a pivotal moment for the Caribbean region as governments, private sector leaders, and development partners converged to forge a transformative path toward sustainable development. Hosted by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) in collaboration with the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and Agence française de développement (AFD), and funded by the European Union, the conference emphasized the critical role of resilient infrastructure in fostering economic competitiveness, social inclusion, and environmental stewardship.
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Black-Layne Shares Antigua and Barbuda’s Climate Finance Expertise at COP30 Briefing on Virgin Islands Trust Fund
At COP30 in Belém, Brazil, Ambassador Diann Black-Layne, Director of the Department of Environment, played a pivotal role as a featured speaker during an informational meeting organized by the Virgin Islands. Although the event did not officially launch the Virgin Islands Trust Fund, it served as a comprehensive briefing to elucidate the fund’s evolving structure and operational framework. The session aimed to demonstrate how the Virgin Islands intends to navigate the dynamic climate finance landscape, emphasizing adaptation, mitigation, and long-term resilience-building efforts.
The meeting convened technical experts and regional development partners with extensive experience in managing climate-related trust funds across the Caribbean. Notable participants included representatives from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), and envoys from countries that have successfully established national climate funds. These experts shared best practices on governance, financial transparency, project identification, and institutional capacity enhancement to effectively secure and deploy climate finance.
A key focus of the discussions was the dual approach of short-term action and long-term strategic planning. Participants underscored the importance of immediate benefits while laying the groundwork for sustained resilience and adaptive capacity. Challenges faced by small island developing states in accessing climate finance were also addressed, alongside the necessity of designing funds that align with community needs, environmental priorities, and evolving climate risks.
Ambassador Black-Layne, recognized for her leadership in developing the Sustainable Island Resource Framework (SIRF) Fund in Antigua and Barbuda, provided invaluable insights into the practicalities of creating and managing a national climate fund. She highlighted the institutional processes, governance mechanisms for transparency and accountability, and the critical role of community engagement and multi-stakeholder collaboration. Drawing from Antigua and Barbuda’s experiences, she emphasized balancing donor expectations, adhering to international fiduciary standards, and ensuring that climate financing reaches vulnerable populations.
Her presentation offered actionable recommendations for the Virgin Islands, stressing the importance of robust project pipelines, continuous capacity development, and integrating resilience goals into national planning frameworks. Ambassador Black-Layne’s expertise significantly enriched the dialogue, guiding participants on structuring a fund that is both technically sound and capable of attracting long-term financing.
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West Indies Under-19s Ready for England Challenge
The West Indies Under-19 cricket team is set to embark on a pivotal seven-match Youth ODI series against England, commencing on Sunday in Grenada. This series serves as a critical component of their preparation for the ICC Under-19 World Cup scheduled for early next year. Head coach Rohan Nurse is optimistic about the team’s progress, particularly following their hard-earned 4–3 victory over Sri Lanka in Antigua two months ago. Nurse highlighted the resilience and unity displayed by the young squad during that series, qualities he believes are essential for their continued development. The team has undergone three changes since the Sri Lanka tour, with DeShawn James returning from injury and Kunal Tilokani and Tanez Francis earning their spots after standout performances in the regional Under-17 tournament. While Afraz Ali Buhdoo, Micah Greenidge, and Pajay Nelson have been omitted from the England series, they remain part of the broader player pool for the upcoming World Cup. Nurse emphasized the importance of consistency, concentration, and maintaining intensity across all aspects of the game—batting, bowling, and fielding—as key areas for improvement. He also stressed the need for players to convert strong starts into substantial performances and to clearly define their roles within the team. With the World Cup on the horizon, the England series provides an invaluable opportunity for the West Indies U19 squad to refine their skills, build cohesion, and adapt to the demands of international cricket. The series will run from November 16 to December 1, with matches scheduled across Grenada. The team management, led by Nurse and supported by assistant coaches Jerome Taylor and Nikita Miller, is focused on fostering a performance-driven environment while instilling professionalism and clarity of roles both on and off the field.
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Historic Capitals Unite: Tainan Signs Sister-City Pact with Basseterre
In a landmark event on November 14, 2025, Tainan City, Taiwan, and Basseterre, the capital of St. Kitts and Nevis, solidified their partnership by signing a sister-city agreement. The ceremony, held in Tainan, was attended by Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew of St. Kitts and Nevis, alongside Lady Drew, and Tainan Mayor Huang Wei-che. The agreement, signed by Mayor Huang and Ambassador Donya L. Francis, marks a significant step in fostering bilateral ties between the two historic cities. Prime Minister Drew lauded Tainan’s cultural heritage, emphasizing shared historical landmarks such as forts and the mutual appreciation for world-renowned mangoes. He also highlighted the educational exchange, with numerous students from St. Kitts and Nevis pursuing engineering studies in Tainan, contributing to their nation’s development. This pact paves the way for enhanced collaboration in culture, education, governance, and economic initiatives, strengthening the bond between Taiwan and St. Kitts and Nevis.
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Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis Visits Taipei Veterans General Hospital for AI and Smart Healthcare Exchange
On November 13, 2025, Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew of Saint Kitts and Nevis, accompanied by a high-level delegation, visited Taipei Veterans General Hospital (TVGH) to engage in discussions on Taiwan’s advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and smart healthcare. The visit, which included Ambassador Edward Tao and H.E. Donya Francis, the Ambassador of Saint Kitts and Nevis to Taiwan, focused on fostering collaboration in public health, medical technology, and professional training. Dr. Wei-Ming Chen, Director of TVGH, highlighted Taiwan’s dedication to delivering professional and compassionate healthcare, underscoring its role as a key player in health diplomacy. Prime Minister Drew commended Taiwan as a reliable ally and expressed optimism about deepening bilateral cooperation in healthcare and technology to improve the well-being of citizens in both nations.
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President Lai meets Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew of Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis
On November 14, 2025, President Lai Ching-te of Taiwan warmly welcomed Prime Minister Terrance Drew of the Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis, along with his delegation, to Taiwan. The meeting underscored the enduring diplomatic relationship between the two nations, rooted in mutual respect and shared democratic values. President Lai expressed gratitude for St. Kitts and Nevis’s steadfast support for Taiwan’s international participation and its advocacy for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. He highlighted significant advancements in bilateral cooperation across various sectors, including agriculture, public health, education, energy, and women’s empowerment, emphasizing the shared commitment to global prosperity. President Lai also congratulated Prime Minister Drew on his recent accolade, the 2025 Most Influential People of African Descent Award, and extended best wishes for St. Kitts and Nevis’s upcoming chairmanship of CARICOM in 2026. The establishment of sister-city ties between Basseterre and Taipei-Tainan was celebrated as a milestone in deepening people-to-people connections. Prime Minister Drew, in turn, lauded Taiwan’s contributions to infrastructure, technology, and talent development, noting the educational opportunities provided to hundreds of students from his nation. He reaffirmed unwavering support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations, including the WHO, asserting that Taiwan’s leadership is vital to global progress.
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Taipei City and Basseterre Sign Sister City Agreement to Advance Taiwan–St. Kitts and Nevis Cooperation
In a significant diplomatic move, Taipei City and Basseterre, the capital of Saint Kitts and Nevis, formalized a Sister City Agreement on November 13, 2025. The ceremony, held in Taipei, was attended by Taipei Mayor Wayne Chiang and Saint Kitts and Nevis’ Ambassador to Taiwan, H.E. Donya Francis. Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew and Taipei City Council Speaker Tai Hsi-Chin were also present to witness the historic signing. This agreement marks a pivotal step in enhancing bilateral cooperation between Taiwan and Saint Kitts and Nevis, building on a 42-year friendship. Mayor Chiang emphasized the importance of the partnership, highlighting future collaboration in education, culture, commerce, tourism, and smart city development. Prime Minister Drew echoed these sentiments, expressing optimism for increased exchanges in smart governance, sustainable development, and cultural initiatives. The agreement follows years of active engagement, including Taipei’s donation of 50 YouBikes in 2023 and Basseterre’s participation in the Taipei Lantern Festival. This new relationship is expected to deepen practical cooperation and reinforce the enduring bond between the two nations.
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Premier and Minister of Labour Host Canada-Caribbean Seasonal Agricultural Workers Programme Delegates for a Day in Nevis
On November 14, 2025, Nevis Island welcomed a distinguished delegation from the Canada-Caribbean Seasonal Agricultural Workers Programme (CCSAWP) Annual Review Meeting. Premier the Honourable Mark Brantley and Minister of Labour the Honourable Spencer Brand hosted the delegates, who explored the island’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. The visit included a tour of the Nevisian Heritage Village, where delegates were treated to traditional performances by student Masqueraders and drummers, as well as freshly baked stone oven bread. The delegation comprised high-profile figures such as His Excellency Samuel Berridge, High Commissioner for St. Kitts and Nevis to Canada, representatives from the Canadian government, Labour Ministers from Jamaica, Grenada, and Dominica, and officials from Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). Minister Brand expressed his delight in showcasing Nevisian culture and cuisine, emphasizing the importance of strengthening the longstanding partnership between Canada and the Caribbean. The CCSAWP, a nearly six-decade-old initiative, has been instrumental in providing Caribbean workers with employment opportunities in Canada’s agricultural sector, benefiting both regions. High Commissioner Berridge underscored the programme’s role in fostering mutual benefits, while Steven West of Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) praised the invaluable contributions of Caribbean workers to Canadian agriculture and food security. The delegates also visited Hydro Gardens, Bath Hot Springs, and Pinney’s Beach, making their stay a blend of cultural immersion and leisure.
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VS kondigt ‘Southern Spear’-missie aan nabij Zuid-Amerika
The U.S. Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, has officially announced the launch of ‘Operation Southern Spear,’ a military initiative aimed at combating so-called ‘narcoterrorists’ in Latin America. This announcement coincides with a significant increase in U.S. troop deployments, warships, and fighter jets in the region. Hegseth emphasized the mission’s focus on defending the homeland, eliminating drug-related threats, and safeguarding the population from the deadly impact of narcotics. The operation is led by the Joint Task Force Southern Spear and the U.S. Southern Command (Southcom), which oversees 31 countries across South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Recent activities include U.S. Marines conducting artillery training aboard the USS Iwo Jima in the Caribbean, aligning with President Donald Trump’s priorities to curb illegal drug trafficking. The announcement follows reports of the U.S. military conducting its twentieth attack on suspected drug-smuggling vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific, resulting in four fatalities. Critics, including Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, argue that the operation is a pretext to exert pressure on Venezuela, with the impending arrival of the USS Gerald R. Ford, the U.S.’s most advanced aircraft carrier, seen as a show of force. Maduro accused the U.S. of fabricating narratives to justify military actions, while Venezuela’s Defense Ministry mobilized nearly 200,000 military and civilian personnel in response to the perceived threat. Regional analysts, such as Elizabeth Dickinson of the International Crisis Group, suggest that the deployment of the aircraft carrier is more about signaling political pressure on Caracas than addressing drug trafficking.
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UWP leader points to urgent challenges facing country
In a candid interview with St. Lucia Times, Allen Chastanet, leader of the United Workers Party (UWP) and former Prime Minister, highlighted the pressing issues plaguing Saint Lucia, including soaring living costs, deteriorating public services, and escalating crime. Chastanet warned that the nation cannot sustain its current trajectory under the St. Lucia Labour Party (SLP) administration, led by Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, who recently announced a general election for December 1. Chastanet outlined what he termed as the most urgent failures of the current government and signaled the priorities of a UWP-led administration. He identified the cost of living as the paramount concern, attributing its sharp rise to unprecedented tax increases by the SLP, compounded by post-COVID-19 inflation. Chastanet criticized the health and security levy, arguing it failed to deliver promised funding, and lamented the government’s inability to cap fuel prices, which has further burdened consumers. He also pointed to the declining state of healthcare, citing the exodus of medical professionals and the government’s reliance on Cuban doctors and nurses, a program now jeopardized by U.S. visa restrictions. Chastanet questioned the viability of the proposed universal healthcare system, warning of potential VAT increases, and contrasted it with the UWP’s national health insurance model. He also criticized the delayed completion of St. Jude Hospital, despite Prime Minister Pierre’s announcement of its completion. On crime, Chastanet noted an increasing homicide rate and ineffective government response, pledging tighter border control and decisive action under a UWP government. He also highlighted delays in major infrastructure projects, water shortages, and the neglect of agriculture, promising to revive key crops and support farmers. Chastanet called for a more sophisticated approach to evaluating tourism performance, emphasizing the importance of bed nights and visitor spending over mere arrival numbers. He reaffirmed support for community tourism, promising to provide local investors with the necessary support to succeed.