The Sosúa City Council in Puerto Plata has unanimously decided to dismantle the Atabey statue, a 16-foot underwater sculpture installed in March 2023. The statue, created by the Maguá Foundation and Global Coralition, was intended to serve as both a tourist attraction and a project to restore coral reefs. It represented Atabey, the Taíno mother of water deity, and aimed to promote art, culture, and environmental conservation. However, the decision to remove it was made during a session led by Council President Fausto Santos, following a proposal by Catholic priest Johnny Espinal Castillo and pastor Sebero Cordero Capellán, head of the Federation of Pastors. Since its installation in Sosúa Bay, the sculpture has been a source of controversy. Supporters praised its cultural and ecological significance, while critics, particularly religious groups, labeled it as promoting idolatry. The municipal ordinance has reignited debates on social media, with opinions divided between viewing the statue as a valuable cultural and environmental initiative or as an unwelcome foreign element.
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OP-ED- Last Stand: Trinidad And Tobago Races Against Time To Save Caribbean’s Final Investment Grade Rating
Trinidad and Tobago, the Caribbean’s last remaining investment-grade sovereign, is teetering on the edge of a financial precipice. Last week, Standard & Poor’s (S&P) downgraded the country’s economic outlook from ‘stable’ to ‘negative,’ signaling a one-in-three chance of a full credit rating downgrade within the next 6 to 24 months. This warning has profound implications for the nation’s 1.4 million citizens, who could face skyrocketing borrowing costs, reduced public services, and heightened economic hardship. The twin-island nation currently holds a BBB- rating, the lowest tier of investment-grade status. A further downgrade to BB+ would plunge the country into ‘junk’ territory, forcing institutional investors to divest and significantly increasing the cost of government borrowing. The stakes are high: Trinidad and Tobago’s potential fall would leave the entire English-speaking Caribbean without a single investment-grade sovereign. The root causes of this crisis are deeply entrenched. The country’s over-reliance on its declining oil and gas sector, chronic fiscal deficits, and stagnant economic growth have created a perfect storm. Oil and gas still account for over 25% of GDP, nearly 80% of exports, and the bulk of government revenues. However, production has been declining for years, and new projects require costly deep-water drilling. Meanwhile, the government’s debt burden has reached 81.3% of GDP, and the Heritage and Stabilisation Fund, built from past oil booms, continues to shrink. S&P has issued an ultimatum: implement fundamental structural reforms within the next two years or face junk status. These reforms include diversifying the economy beyond oil and gas, improving fiscal discipline, addressing chronic USD shortages, and strengthening institutions. While the challenges are daunting, Trinidad and Tobago retains some advantages, including political stability, substantial liquid assets, and sound monetary management. The country’s strategic location as a regional energy hub and gateway to South America also offers opportunities for diversification. The government’s response to this crisis will determine whether Trinidad and Tobago can avoid the fate of its Caribbean neighbors, such as Barbados and The Bahamas, which have struggled with high borrowing costs and austerity measures after losing their investment-grade status. The clock is ticking, and the stakes extend far beyond credit ratings. Success could position Trinidad and Tobago as a model for small island developing states navigating the transition to post-petroleum prosperity. Failure, however, would burden citizens with higher costs and eliminate the Caribbean’s last beacon of investment-grade credibility.
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Dominican government presents five-year achievements
The Dominican government has released its comprehensive report titled ‘Government Management Achievements August 2020 – August 2025,’ detailing significant advancements across multiple sectors. Presented by journalist Félix Reyna, Director of Government Strategy and Communication (Diecom), during a press conference at the National Palace in Santo Domingo, the report highlights progress in health, security, education, housing, and the economy.
Key health indicators show remarkable improvements: life expectancy at birth increased from 73.5 years in 2016 to 75.1 years in 2024, while infant mortality rates dropped by 30.8%. Social security coverage more than doubled, ensuring greater protection for citizens. In the realm of security, the homicide rate fell to 8.3 per 100,000 inhabitants, and femicides decreased to 1.16, attributed to the Comprehensive Citizen Security Strategy, enhanced police recruitment, and operations like ‘Guarantee of Peace.’
Housing initiatives saw the construction of over 15,000 new homes and improvements to nearly 52,000 existing ones, with more than 532,000 individuals receiving property titles, bolstering legal and economic security. Economically, nearly 900,000 people emerged from poverty, GDP per capita grew by over 34% since 2019, and foreign direct investment exceeded US$4.5 billion. Record-breaking exports in agriculture and manufacturing further underscored economic resilience.
Education coverage expanded to over 4.5 million children and youth, with innovative programs in robotics, advanced English, and technical training. Renewable energy capacity tripled to 1,994 MW, while advancements in water access, electrification, and housing enhanced climate resilience. Transparency measures also contributed to a 22.3% increase in the government effectiveness index.
Looking forward, the administration has set ambitious goals for 2028, including raising life expectancy to 77 years, maintaining homicide rates below 8 per 100,000 inhabitants, expanding educational coverage, and ensuring the middle class represents 50% of the population. Additionally, the government aims to increase households with low climate vulnerability to 75%, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable development, resilience, and social equity.
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Public trust fund proposed to tackle energy losses
The Energy Institute at the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo (UASD) has unveiled a groundbreaking proposal to address the persistent issue of energy losses plaguing the Dominican Republic’s distribution company, Edeeste. The initiative, introduced during the panel discussion ‘Energy Loss Management in the Dominican Republic’ hosted by the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, advocates for the establishment of a public trust fund. This fund aims to mitigate the financial strain caused by electricity fraud and non-payment, which have led to a structural deficit currently subsidized by the state. Dean Omar Segura Alcántara emphasized that reducing these losses is crucial for developing a sustainable, competitive, and socially equitable electricity system. The proposed trust fund would ensure transparency, continuity across political transitions, and access to international financing. Additionally, it would introduce pay-for-results contracts to drive efficiency improvements. The initial implementation is planned for the Eastern region, excluding Edenorte and Edesur. José Luis Moreno San Juan, another representative from the UASD Energy Institute, highlighted that a significant portion of revenues—73%—is allocated to generators, leaving distributors with limited resources to manage operations effectively.
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BARP at 30: ‘See ageing population as opportunity, not burden’
The Barbados Association of Retired Persons (BARP) has called on Barbadians to shift their perspective on the country’s ageing population, viewing it not as a crisis but as a unique opportunity to leverage the strengths of older citizens. Speaking at a church service at Hawthorn Methodist Church in Christ Church to commemorate BARP’s 30th anniversary and the International Day of Older Persons, BARP President Marilyn Rice-Bowen highlighted a significant demographic shift. By 2050, half of Barbados’ population is projected to be 65 years or older. ‘Some might see this as a challenge or a burden, but BARP sees it as an extraordinary opportunity,’ she stated. ‘An opportunity to harness the wisdom, experience, and perspective of a mature population.’ Rice-Bowen emphasized the need to redefine ageing in the 21st century and integrate older citizens into national development, social transformation, and digital progress. ‘We must build a society where older people are central to our national development, cultural preservation, and social progress,’ she added. Her remarks come amid a broader national dialogue on preparing for an ageing society, with officials urging proactive measures to address this demographic shift. BARP, which boasts over 23,000 members, including 16,569 aged 60 and above, is dedicated to empowering seniors to thrive in the digital age. The association provides programmes to enhance digital literacy, foster social connections, and safeguard against cyber threats. ‘We are equipping our members to navigate the digital world with confidence, reduce isolation through online connections, and protect their personal information,’ Rice-Bowen explained. This year’s International Day of Older Persons, themed ‘Older Persons Driving Local and Global Action: Our Aspirations, Our Well-Being, Our Rights,’ aligns with BARP’s mission of advocacy and inclusion. Rice-Bowen praised BARP’s founders for their foresight in establishing the organisation 30 years ago, when the needs of older people were often overlooked. She pledged to continue their legacy by ensuring older Barbadians are not only seen and heard but empowered to lead. ‘BARP will remain the champion of these aspirations, the guardian of this well-being, and the defender of these rights,’ she concluded.
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‘Three years without identification or support’ flags US concern
Barbados has faced a significant setback in its anti-trafficking efforts, as the United States downgraded the island nation in its annual Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report. The country was moved to the Tier 2 Watch List, a classification that highlights concerns over stagnation and potential regression in combating human trafficking. The report, released by the US State Department, criticized Barbados for failing to meet minimum standards for eliminating trafficking, despite making notable efforts. Acting Attorney General Wilfred Abrahams acknowledged the seriousness of the downgrade, stating that the Mottley administration is thoroughly reviewing the report. The downgrade was attributed to Barbados’ inability to demonstrate increased efforts in prosecuting trafficking cases or supporting victims over the past year. Notably, the country did not initiate any trafficking investigations or prosecutions during the reporting period and has yet to secure a conviction under its anti-trafficking law. Additionally, no victims were identified or assisted for the third consecutive year, and no training was provided to first responders. The government also failed to draft or implement a new national action plan after the previous one expired in 2023. While the report acknowledged Barbados’ continued screening of vulnerable populations and public awareness campaigns, these efforts were deemed insufficient to maintain its previous Tier 2 status. The report also criticized provisions in the Trafficking in Persons Prevention Act that allow fines instead of imprisonment for sex trafficking, arguing that such penalties undermine the severity of the crime. Systemic weaknesses, including limited resources and training within the Sex Crimes and Trafficking Unit, court backlogs, and the absence of dedicated trafficking courts, were also highlighted. Barbadian civil society groups informed US observers that law enforcement continues to prioritize other high-profile crimes, leaving trafficking cases under-investigated. Experts also raised concerns about inadequate screening among at-risk groups, such as migrant workers, women in commercial sex, and foreign nationals on overseas-funded construction sites. The downgrade places Barbados alongside Saint Lucia on the Watch List, while Cuba and Venezuela were classified as Tier 3, and Haiti was designated a special case.
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US$50 million to be invested to combat sargassum in the Caribbean, starting in the Dominican Republic
InterEnergy Group has unveiled a groundbreaking $50 million initiative to address the sargassum crisis in the Caribbean, starting with the Dominican Republic. The announcement was made by CEO Rolando González-Bunster during the 20th Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) in New York, underscoring the company’s dedication to sustainable development and environmental preservation. The fund aims to unite public and private sectors in safeguarding the region’s ecosystems and tourism industry, which have been severely impacted by the invasive seaweed. González-Bunster emphasized InterEnergy’s proven track record in renewable energy, including the construction of wind farms like Quilvio Cabrera and Los Cocos I in the Dominican Republic, as well as the Laudato Si’ wind farm in Panama, the largest in Central America and the Caribbean. The company has also spearheaded transformative projects such as converting Energas to natural gas in the Dominican Republic, building Panama’s Gatún Generator—the region’s largest natural gas plant—and achieving 100% renewable electrification of Saona Island. Looking ahead, InterEnergy plans to convert two power plants in Jamaica to natural gas, reducing CO₂ emissions by up to 40% and providing cleaner energy to over 250,000 homes. Over the past two decades, the company has invested more than $2 billion in clean energy, driving energy security, decarbonization, and sustainable development across Latin America and the Caribbean.
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PNCR central committee reaffirms confidence in Norton, resigned executive members replaced
In a decisive move, the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Central Executive Committee (CEC) has reaffirmed its unwavering support for party leader Aubrey Norton, dismissing widespread speculation of internal discord following the coalition’s significant defeat in the September 1 general and regional elections. The CEC, in a late-night statement issued after its first post-election meeting, categorically rejected claims of turmoil within the party, emphasizing that the PNCR remains united and focused on rebuilding its political strength. The committee reiterated its full confidence in Norton’s leadership, stating that he will continue to lead the party until the next congress, scheduled for 2026, where internal elections will take place. The statement also highlighted that any change in leadership must adhere to the party’s constitution and can only occur at a duly convened congress. Additionally, the PNCR addressed the recent resignations of two CEC members, Mervyn Williams and Jermaine Figueira, by confirming the appointment of two new members. While the party did not disclose the names of the replacements, sources suggest that Christopher Jones and Egerton David, who secured the 16th and 17th highest votes in the last internal elections, are likely candidates. However, their official acceptance of the roles remains pending. The PNCR’s firm stance underscores its commitment to stability and resilience as it navigates the aftermath of the electoral setback.
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FRS EXPRESS Des Iles cancels all services till October 12
FRS EXPRESS Des Iles has announced an unexpected suspension of all its services until October 11, 2025, citing a technical issue. In a recent statement, the company expressed its regret for the inconvenience caused and assured passengers that operations are expected to resume by October 12, 2025. Customers seeking further details or assistance are encouraged to contact HHV Whitchurch & Co Ltd at their Roseau or Portsmouth offices. The company also advised passengers to stay updated through its official Facebook and Instagram pages. FRS EXPRESS Des Iles extended its sincere apologies for the disruption, emphasizing its appreciation for customers’ understanding and patience. The company remains committed to resolving the issue promptly and looks forward to restoring its services soon.
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Tourism in the age of AI: Caribbean tourism leaders chart a human-centred path
The Caribbean tourism sector is at a pivotal juncture as industry leaders convened at the State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) 2025 to address emerging trends and challenges. Held under the theme ‘Reimagining Caribbean Tourism: Research, Relevance and the Road Ahead,’ the event took place from September 30 to October 3 at the Hilton Barbados. The conference aimed to explore how the region can adapt to technological advancements while preserving its unique cultural identity.
At the official launch ceremony on October 1, keynote speaker Dr. Auliana Poon, founder of Leve Global and a renowned expert in tourism and sustainable development, set the stage for discussions. With a career spanning South Africa, Abu Dhabi, Singapore, and beyond, Poon emphasized the transformative potential of tourism when combined with innovative strategies. She highlighted the dual challenge of leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) while maintaining the authenticity that defines Caribbean tourism.
In her address, Poon underscored the importance of balancing technological efficiency with human connection. ‘AI is inevitable, but it cannot replace the human touch,’ she stated. ‘The antidote to artificial is authentic. Tourism thrives on genuine experiences, and it’s our responsibility to deliver that authenticity.’ She urged industry leaders to adopt AI tools to enhance productivity but stressed that these tools alone are insufficient. ‘Each manager should have their own AI assistant, but we must also reimagine how we deliver authentic experiences.’
The conference marked the beginning of a week-long exploration of insights and innovations designed to guide the Caribbean tourism industry into 2026 and beyond. By embracing both technology and cultural authenticity, the region aims to position itself as a global leader in sustainable and impactful tourism.