In a landmark session at the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) State of the Tourism Industry Conference, held at the Hilton Barbados Resort, tourism leaders from across the Caribbean convened to address pressing challenges in regional connectivity. The ministerial panel, featuring representatives from Belize, Tobago, Antigua & Barbuda, Turks & Caicos Islands, Grenada, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, focused on strategies to reduce the high cost of regional travel, enhance airlift and ferry services, and promote sustainable tourism practices. The discussions underscored the urgent need for harmonized tax policies, stronger collaboration among regional carriers, and innovative solutions such as code-sharing and mileage systems to make travel more affordable. Antigua & Barbuda’s Minister of Tourism, Charles Fernandez, emphasized the importance of unified action, stating, ‘Whatever we do in the Caribbean should be more harmonized.’ Tobago’s Secretary of Tourism, Councillor Tashia Burris, echoed this sentiment, calling for greater support for regional carriers like interCaribbean, LIAT, and Caribbean Airlines. Turks & Caicos Minister of Tourism, Zhavargo Jolly, highlighted the collective power of Caribbean nations, asserting, ‘When you talk to one of us, you speak to all of us.’ The session concluded with a proposal to present Caribbean heads of government with a comprehensive document outlining actionable solutions to reduce travel costs, harmonize tax policies, and strengthen regional carrier collaboration. The CTO was also urged to take a leading role in coordinating these efforts, marking a significant step toward a more connected and sustainable Caribbean tourism industry.
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Antigua’s Youth Tourism Minister Calls for Sustainability, Technology, and Inclusion
At the 21st Regional Tourism Youth Congress held on Thursday, Antigua and Barbuda’s Junior Minister of Tourism, Kiara Kwenga, delivered a compelling call to action, urging her regional counterparts to prioritize sustainability, technology, and social inclusion as the future pillars of Caribbean tourism. Kwenga emphasized that the traditional reliance on ‘sun, sea, and sand’ is no longer sufficient to maintain the region’s competitive edge in the global tourism market. She highlighted Antigua and Barbuda’s proactive environmental initiatives, including the ban on single-use plastics, coral reef restoration projects, and the establishment of the Barbuda Blue Halo marine reserve, as examples of leadership in sustainable tourism. On the technological front, Kwenga showcased innovative solutions such as virtual reality previews for travel agents, paperless digital immigration systems, and augmented reality storytelling at historical sites like Nelson’s Dockyard. She also revealed plans to develop AI-powered multilingual apps to serve as ‘digital ambassadors’ for visitors. Kwenga further underscored the importance of community-based tourism and economic inclusion, citing initiatives like Culinary Month in May, which promotes local cuisine while extending the tourism season and supporting local farmers, chefs, and restaurants. Microfinancing and training programs were also highlighted as key strategies to ensure tourism revenues benefit local communities. ‘What we are crafting in Antigua and Barbuda is not merely a tourism product. It is a vision — where innovation meets tradition, where paradise is protected, and where every citizen shares in the promise of progress,’ Kwenga stated. The Congress also featured presentations from young delegates, including 16-year-old Jolé St. John of Tobago, the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s 2025 Regional Junior Tourism Minister, who spoke on leveraging heritage tourism for development. Other participants included Junior Ministers from Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, among others. The Youth Congress, a flagship initiative of the Caribbean Tourism Organization, aims to cultivate critical thinking, communication skills, and a deeper understanding of the tourism sector among young leaders aged 14 to 17, offering a glimpse into the future of the industry.
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Trump declares drug cartels operating in Caribbean unlawful combatants
In a bold move that has sparked significant debate, President Donald Trump has officially declared drug cartels as unlawful combatants, asserting that the United States is now engaged in an ‘armed conflict’ with these organizations. This declaration, outlined in a memo obtained by The Associated Press, marks a dramatic escalation in the administration’s approach to combating drug trafficking. The memo justifies the use of military force under the law of armed conflict, signaling a shift in how the U.S. addresses the flow of illicit narcotics into the country.
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High Surf Advisory Issued for Antigua and Barbuda
The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service has issued a high surf advisory, alerting residents and visitors to potentially dangerous sea conditions expected to persist over the coming days. Moderate, long-period swells are predicted to generate waves ranging from 6 to 10 feet (2–3 meters), with occasional larger sets, particularly along the northern and western coastlines of the islands. The advisory, which extends from Friday through Tuesday, also encompasses neighboring eastern Caribbean territories, including the British Virgin Islands, Anguilla, Montserrat, and St Kitts and Nevis. Authorities have highlighted significant risks such as life-threatening rip currents, beach erosion, coastal flooding, and potential property damage. Beachgoers are strongly advised to exercise extreme caution, avoid rocky shorelines, and swim only in areas supervised by lifeguards. The Meteorological Service emphasized the importance of heeding the advisory and staying informed through official channels for updates. For further details, the public is encouraged to visit the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service’s website and social media platforms.
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Antigua and Barbuda Hosts National Priority Workshop on Hazardous Waste Management
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda, in collaboration with the Basel Convention Regional Centre for Training and Technology Transfer for the Caribbean (BCRC–Caribbean), convened a pivotal National Priority Workshop on Hazardous Waste Management on October 2, 2025. Held at the Antigua and Barbuda Hospitality Training Institute (ABHTI) in Osbourn, the event marked a significant milestone in the nation’s efforts to address hazardous waste challenges. The workshop was part of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) ISLANDS Programme, a regional initiative aimed at fostering sustainable and non-chemical development across twelve Caribbean nations. Antigua and Barbuda is currently implementing Output 2.2 of the programme, which focuses on developing a National Hazardous Waste Strategy and Roadmap. This comprehensive strategy aims to strengthen policy frameworks, assess national capacities, and outline actionable steps for managing priority waste streams, including PCBs/POPs, obsolete pesticides, PFAS-containing foams, electronic waste, used lead-acid batteries, waste oils, and healthcare waste. During the workshop, national representatives emphasized the urgency of tackling hazardous waste, noting its growing risks to the country’s natural beauty and public health. A key concern highlighted was the improper categorization and treatment of medical waste, a challenge shared across the Caribbean region. The event served as both a validation and planning forum, enabling stakeholders to review collected data, identify gaps, and establish short-, medium-, and long-term priorities. Presentations covered initial assessments of national capacity, sectoral consultations, and field visit outcomes. Discussions also focused on prioritizing critical waste issues, setting the stage for the next phase of roadmap validation. The session concluded with a Country Engagement Forum led by BCRC–Caribbean, providing an overview of regional activities and gathering stakeholder feedback. By uniting government agencies, technical experts, and local stakeholders, the workshop underscored Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to enhancing its hazardous waste management framework under the ISLANDS Programme.
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COMMENTARY: No Empty Chairs: The Case for Attending the 2025 Summit of the Americas
The Dominican Republic (DR) is set to host the 2025 Summit of the Americas, a pivotal gathering of 32 Western Hemisphere nations. However, the event has already sparked controversy with the DR government’s announcement on September 30 that Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela will not be invited. The decision, framed as necessary to ensure broad political dialogue and summit success, mirrors the 2022 Summit in Los Angeles, where the exclusion of these nations led to protests and boycotts by some leaders. The DR emphasized that this move does not affect bilateral relations with the excluded countries. The exclusion is likely to reignite debates over ideological rifts within the hemisphere, particularly as global and regional challenges—such as conflicts in the Middle East and Europe—cast economic and security shadows over the Americas. The Summit’s agenda focuses on four critical security pillars: citizen security, energy security, water security, and food security. Latin America and the Caribbean face significant challenges in these areas, including the world’s highest homicide rates, water insecurity, and elevated food prices. The DR has been preparing for the Summit since February, with a draft declaration issued in June and negotiations among the 32 participating countries ongoing since September 11. A key initiative is the CEO Convocation, co-hosted with the Inter-American Development Bank, aimed at fostering public-private partnerships to address these challenges. Additionally, the Summit seeks to advance trade and economic integration across the region, with a focus on customs facilitation, reliable transportation links, and infrastructure development. Caribbean leaders are urged to attend to address specific regional concerns, such as the UN Security Council’s decision on Haiti and climate change negotiations. Despite the political controversy, the Summit offers an opportunity for leaders to engage in constructive dialogue, manage differences, and advance hemispheric cooperation. The DR government has framed the exclusions as a Summit-specific decision, encouraging leaders to attend and advocate for their national interests. Absence, it argues, only diminishes their influence in shaping decisions that impact the entire region.
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Delwayne Delaney sets ambitious vision for Conaree Football Club
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – Delwayne Delaney, recently re-elected as President of Conaree Football Club (CFC), has outlined an ambitious vision to elevate the club’s performance and reputation both locally and internationally. Following a successful election on October 2, 2025, Delaney expressed confidence in the newly formed executive team, which he described as a blend of youth, experience, and gender diversity. He believes this dynamic leadership will drive better management and on-field success. Delaney emphasized the importance of integrating sports and business, a priority that led to the appointment of young businessman Irvin Daniel as Vice President. ‘We want to showcase the club in a way that marries sports and business,’ Delaney stated. Recognizing the financial challenges faced by many clubs in St. Kitts and Nevis, he highlighted the need for sustainable revenue streams to support player development and international exposure. Another key focus is youth development, with the club already partnering with schools to nurture talent through grassroots programs. Delaney also stressed the importance of preparing players for life beyond football, offering training in skills like carpentry and farming. ‘We want to ensure that these players are given the opportunity to excel, both on and off the field,’ he said. With a clear vision for growth, Delaney aims to position CFC as a dominant force in regional and international football while fostering holistic development for its players.
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Dominican Republic showcased in New York as regional leader in health tourism
The Dominican Republic is rapidly gaining recognition as a leading destination for medical tourism, thanks to its world-class healthcare facilities, internationally accredited hospitals, and bilingual medical professionals. Treatment costs in the country are 40–60% lower than in the United States, making it an attractive option for international patients. Dr. Alejandro Cambiaso, president of the Dominican Association of Medical Tourism (ADTS), attributes this success to the nation’s robust flight connectivity, year-round tropical climate, and renowned hospitality, which collectively enhance its appeal.
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Halkitis rejects suggestions of manipulated government numbers, defends fiscal data
NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Economic Affairs Minister Senator Michael Halkitis has firmly refuted claims questioning the reliability of the government’s fiscal data, emphasizing that all published figures undergo rigorous independent verification. Speaking at a press conference hosted by the Office of the Prime Minister, Halkitis highlighted that the Ministry of Finance, Treasury, Internal Audit, and the Auditor General meticulously review the data. He further noted that international entities such as the IMF, S&P, Moody’s, and Fitch, as well as private investors, rely on these figures when making investment decisions in The Bahamas. ‘There is no contemplation, let alone desire, to manipulate these numbers,’ Halkitis asserted, addressing recent allegations head-on.
The minister confirmed that the government concluded the 2024/25 fiscal year with a deficit of 0.5 percent of GDP, comfortably within the targeted range of 0.3 to 0.7 percent. He attributed this achievement to robust revenue growth, economic expansion, and effective expenditure control. ‘We are very pleased with this outcome,’ Halkitis remarked, underscoring the administration’s commitment to fiscal discipline.
In a significant development, Standard & Poor’s recently upgraded The Bahamas’ sovereign credit rating from B+ to BB-, a move Halkitis described as a step toward restoring the nation’s investment-grade status within the next two to three years. He linked the upgrade to the country’s strong economic performance, improved revenue administration, and prudent fiscal management.
Looking ahead, Halkitis clarified that while the government is not currently in a surplus, it anticipates a budget surplus of approximately $75 million by the end of the 2025/26 fiscal year. He also addressed delays in government payments to vendors, stressing that all properly contracted and certified work would be compensated.
On the issue of unemployment, Halkitis acknowledged a recent temporary uptick but expressed confidence in the government’s ability to address skill gaps in the job market. ‘The economy is generating demand for jobs, and we are ensuring our workforce is equipped to meet this demand,’ he concluded.
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SCB launches research into tokenizing real-world assets
The Securities Commission of The Bahamas (SCB) has unveiled its 2024 Annual Report, highlighting its initiation of foundational research into the tokenization of real-world assets. This move comes in response to growing interest from licensees and other stakeholders in the digital asset space. The SCB has commenced drafting three comprehensive papers that delve into the characteristics of asset tokenization, its prevalent applications, and the associated benefits, risks, and regulatory challenges. While these papers do not aim to establish policy recommendations, they will serve as preliminary research to guide future regulatory decisions. Tokenization, the process of converting physical assets into digital tokens on a blockchain, enables the digital representation of ownership or rights in assets such as real estate, commodities, art, and intellectual property. These tokens can be traded or sold digitally, offering new opportunities for asset management and investment. Additionally, the report disclosed that 25 firms were registered under the Digital Assets and Registered Exchanges Act (DARE) by the end of 2024. The DARE Act, enacted on 29 July 2024, replaced its 2020 predecessor, introducing significant updates to the regulatory framework for digital assets and exchanges. The SCB’s DARE Unit continued to engage in pre-applicant meetings to facilitate registrations under the Act. On the enforcement front, the Commission reported 18 ongoing matters from 2023, with two new litigation cases and one criminal case initiated in 2024. As of 31 December 2024, 20 enforcement matters remained unresolved, including 13 litigation cases, three administrative issues, and four criminal investigations. Administrative matters primarily involved non-compliance with filing obligations and record-keeping requirements under the Securities Industry Act and Regulations.