Antigua and Barbuda
Prime Minister Gaston Browne says his government is concerned that the United States’ move to impose a levy on Chinese-built ships operating in US ports could significantly impact his country’s economy.
The US Trade Representative has proposed fines of up to US$1.5 million on China-made ships or vessels from fleets, including boats made in China.
Browne recently said that the issue has been discussed by the Cabinet over the past several weeks amid ministers’ concerns that such a move will likely have a negative impact on the economy.
“An analysis has been done, and we have been advised that shipping a container could increase by about US$3,000 to US$4,000,” Browne said.
“Now, if that happens, you are talking about an increase in prices of between 8 and 10 % easily, which would be extremely inflationary at this time considering that there is already an elevated rate of inflation of about 4.5 % at the moment. This means that inflation could trend to up to 12 % or 14 %,” he added.
Browne said the move would be devastating for the national economy and for consumers generally. The cabinet has been discussing a number of options for likely actions should this measure go into effect.
Barbados
Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley has defended her government’s donation of two hectares of land at a historic site to construct the first Afreximbank African Trade Centre (AATC) outside of Africa.
Mottley joined with the president of the Cairo-based Africa Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), Prof Benedict O. Oramah, to turn the sod for the construction of the AATC even as some Barbadians voiced strong objection to the donation of the land.
Afreximbank, which opened its Caricom branch in Barbados in August 2023, says the construction of the AATC here shows its commitment to the region.
It says AATCs are transformative hubs strategically emerging in key commercial capitals across Africa and the Caribbean.
Afreximbank says they are designed to enhance trade, empower businesses, and drive economic diversification. These centers will provide seamless access to integrated trade services, valuable market data, and unparalleled networking opportunities.
Mottley told the groundbreaking ceremony that the AATC “isn’t just about commerce and business, but also about commerce and business.”
She said her government was “proud to be able to bring into the pantheon of financial institutions in this country, the Afreximbank, not simply as an entity that is leasing a building from somebody for an office, but that as someone who is now about to lay roots and foundations in this country.”
Mottley emphasized that the AATC was the first to be built outside of Africa, just as Barbados was the first Afreximbank hub outside the continent.
Grenada
The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) said it has taken a significant step towards advancing regional geothermal energy development.
The CDB said that it had signed a £10 million (One 1.29 cents) memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) and the Grenada government to support that country’s geothermal test drilling.
The region’s premier financial institution said that signing this agreement represents a significant milestone in the Caribbean’s transition to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future, positioning Grenada and the broader region as leaders in renewable energy innovation.
Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell said that the multi-million dollar investment from the United Kingdom government is a significant milestone in Grenada’s pursuit of a sustainable and resilient energy future.
“By harnessing our geothermal potential, we are taking a bold step towards reducing fossil fuel dependence, enhancing energy security, and creating economic opportunities for our people. This partnership reaffirms our unwavering commitment to a cleaner, more sustainable future,” he added.
CDB’s Vice President of Operations, Isaac Solomon, said the agreement reflects the strong collaborations driving the Caribbean’s sustainable energy transition.
“CDB welcomes the continued support of its development partner, FCDO, and looks forward to utilizing these funds as part of the Bank’s Geo-Smart Initiative to enhance Grenada’s Geothermal Drilling Project.
“With Grenada’s commitment to advancing its geothermal development, this funding will help unlock sustainable, indigenous energy sources, strengthening energy security and resilience,” he added.
Solomon also said the agreement reflects the strong collaborations driving the Caribbean’s sustainable energy transition.
CDB welcomes FCDO’s continued support and looks forward to using these funds as part of the bank’s Geo-Smart Initiative to enhance Grenada’s Geothermal Drilling Project.
Guyana
Guyana’s Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony, says the government is committed to transforming the country’s healthcare sector into a pharmaceutical, vaccine, and manufacturing hub.
Addressing the Cardiology and Endocrinology CE Symposium 2025, hosted by Chirosyn Discovery Technologies Inc., Anthony outlined the government’s strategic plans to enhance the healthcare sector, focusing on pharmaceutical manufacturing, legislative reforms, and introducing advanced medical technologies.
He said the government’s vision is to position Guyana as a key pharmaceutical and vaccine manufacturing hub. He noted that legislative reforms are underway to modernize the Food and Drug Department regulations, which currently date back to 1974.
He said these changes will improve the regulatory framework for medicines, medical devices, and vaccines, creating a more conducive environment for investment in the pharmaceutical sector.
“We are laying the foundation for companies to establish their manufacturing base in Guyana. This is the next wave of development for our health sector,” he said.
In addition to pharmaceuticals, Anthony announced that six new hospitals would be commissioned this year, alongside the construction of a state-of-the-art oncology center and a stroke rehabilitation facility.
Haiti
The United States has declared a level four travel advisory status for Haiti, citing limited access to health care in the French-speaking CARICOM country.
The US Embassy in Haiti, in a statement, said recent gang-related attacks have targeted hospitals and other healthcare facilities and that healthcare and emergency medical services are not available in many parts of the country.
“There are significant challenges in obtaining adequate healthcare or medical evacuation due to the degradation of public health and medical infrastructure. This increases the risk of diseases spreading,” the Embassy warned.
“Medical facilities in Haiti, including ambulance services, are hard to find and low quality, especially outside the capital. Patients must cover all expenses for life-threatening emergencies that require evacuation by air ambulance to a location outside of Haiti,” it added.
The Embassy told Americans wishing to visit Haiti still that they must make sure their health insurance provides coverage abroad since the Embassy does not pay medical bills.
“US Medicare and Medicaid do not provide coverage abroad. Hospitals and doctors in Haiti do not accept US health insurance and usually require full payment before providing services. “The final cost of treatment is often much higher than initial cost estimates. Medical facilities usually ask for full payment before discharging patients. We strongly recommend patients purchase supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.”
The Embassy is urging Americans not to travel to Haiti.
Compiled by Devika Ragoonanan
