Caribbean Development Bank Forecasts Economic Growth For Region

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News Americas, New York, NY, March 19, 2025: The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has projected 2.5% economic growth for its 19 borrowing member countries in 2025, following 1.7% growth in 2024, excluding Guyana, which saw a remarkable 43.5% expansion last year.

At the CDB’s annual news conference, Director of Economics Ian Durant stated that Guyana’s economy is expected to slow to 11.9% growth in 2025, following its surge in oil production. However, the country will remain a key driver of regional economic expansion. With Guyana included, the overall growth forecast for the region rises to 4.6%.

Economic Drivers and Risks

Growth will vary across CDB member states, with commodity-exporting nations expected to gain momentum, and service-based economies, particularly in tourism, forecasted to grow by 2.2%. Construction, driven by public and private investments, will also contribute to economic expansion.

However, Durant warned that several global and regional risks could impact economic performance. Geopolitical tensions, protectionist trade policies, and potential slowdowns in key markets like the United States could affect demand for Caribbean exports. Climate change and natural disasters remain significant concerns, especially as hurricanes and extreme weather events intensify.

Fiscal Outlook and Policy Challenges

Most Caribbean governments are expected to maintain primary budget surpluses, strengthening debt positions. However, with many Caribbean countries facing elections in 2025 and 2026, there is a risk of fiscal pressures and policy shifts that could slow economic reforms.

Despite these challenges, the Caribbean is recovering from recent economic shocks, including COVID-19, supply chain disruptions, and high inflation. The CDB remains optimistic that continued investment and resilience-building efforts will sustain positive economic growth across the region.

Guyanese Influencer Remains In ICE Custody In Louisiana

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News Americas, New York, NY, March 19, 2025: Guyana-born, US-based social media influencer, Melissa Ann Atwell, also known as Melissa Ann Holder or “Melly Mel,” is the latest immigrant to be nabbed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. ICE data shows she is now in custody at the Richwood Correctional Center in Louisiana.

Guyana born US-based influencer Melly Mel is now in US ICE custody in Louisiana.

She was recently arrested at her New York home and later transferred to Louisiana. Atwell, who entered the United States on a visitor’s visa and never returned to Guyana, is now facing possible deportation.

According to ICE’s detention tracker, she remains in custody, but details regarding the reason for her arrest have not been publicly disclosed. Reports indicate that she may have an upcoming immigration hearing, though it remains unclear whether she could face additional charges beyond immigration violations.

ICE explained its procedures in such cases, stating: “ICE lodges immigration detainers against certain aliens after federal, state, or local law enforcement agencies have taken them into custody.”

Supporters Launch GoFundMe for Legal Defense
Atwell’s supporters have launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover her legal fees, raising over $35,000 of its $100,000 goal so far. The fundraiser, titled “Help Melissa Atwell Defend Democracy,” aims to support her fight against deportation and other legal challenges. Donations can be made at: GoFundMe – Help Melissa Atwell Defend Democracy.

Guyanese Government Reacts
General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and the country’s vice president, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, has confirmed that Atwell will be welcomed back to Guyana if deported. However, upon her return, she will likely face legal challenges, as multiple Guyanese individuals have filed defamation and slander complaints against her, including multi-million-dollar lawsuits.

As Atwell’s case unfolds, it remains to be seen whether she will be deported or face additional legal consequences in the U.S.

Royalton Chic Barbados Expands the Brand’s Caribbean Footprint

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News Americas, ST. MICHAEL, Barbados, March 19, 2025: Blue Diamond Resorts is set to turn heads and set pulses racing as it redefines all-inclusive hospitality in Barbados. As of today, Royalton CHIC Barbados, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort – Adults Only , is officially open for bookings, gearing up for a spectacular debut in Spring 2026. Nestled along Barbados’ glamorous Gold Coast, this stylish lifestyle resort is designed for trendsetters who crave excitement and sophistication in equal measure. Guests will indulge in electrifying experiences and effortless luxury, where every moment is unforgettable, vibrant, and unapologetically posh.

“The demand for adults-only, all-inclusive modern luxury has never been stronger, with travelers seeking more than just relaxation—they want engaging social experiences joining our collection, we are introducing a bold new era of upscale travel, tailored for those who crave indulgence and energy in equal measure,” said Jordi Pelfort, President of Blue Diamond Resorts. “Barbados has long been a destination of distinction, making it the perfect setting for the Royalton CHIC Resorts experience.”

As Blue Diamond Resorts’ first property in Barbados, this addition reinforces the brand’s expansion into the Caribbean’s most vibrant and sought-after destinations. Coinciding with the company’s 15th anniversary of innovation in all-inclusive hospitality, Royalton CHIC Barbados marks another bold milestone in the company’s continued growth, delivering high-end indulgence infused with an undeniably social spirit. Much like Barbados itself, an island celebrated for its effortless elegance, lively culture, and jet set appeal, the resort is designed as the ultimate adults only escape, offering the perfect balance of relaxation and excitement, all under the signature “Party Your Way” concept.

Designed for spirited, contemporary comfort, Royalton CHIC Barbados will feature 220 stylish suites, offering options such as oceanfront views, swim-out access, and private terraces. Guests seeking an enhanced stay can opt for the Diamond Club suite category, unlocking personalized butler service, exclusive amenities, and private beach and pool areas. The resort’s culinary scene will be just as fabulous, with nine restaurants and three bars blending local flavors with global influences, including a vibrant steakhouse, the dazzling Level 18 Rooftop Cabana Lounge, and an enticing new French-Island-Fusion restaurant that will elevate classic flavors with a Caribbean twist.

Embodying the Royalton CHIC Resorts spirit, the resort will curate a dynamic mix of entertainment, wellness, and social experiences. Guests can unwind at The Royal Spa, join high-energy Royalton FIT classes, or reveal in non-stop entertainment curated by the CHIC Angels. Whether basking in poolside luxury, enjoying the island’s most vibrant nightlife, or indulging in exclusive experiences, every stay will be designed for unapologetic indulgence and unexpected moments.

Following the buzz of last year’s launch of Royalton CHIC Antigua and the recent announcement of Royalton CHIC Jamaica Paradise Cove, this latest addition strengthens Blue Diamond Resorts’ vision of reimagining the adults-only all-inclusive experience. The arrival of Royalton CHIC Barbados marks yet another bold step in its expansion—proving that adults-only luxury has never been more enticing.

Bookings are now open for Spring 2026 stays. For more information or to book your next vacation, visit royaltonchicresorts.com .

About Blue Diamond Resorts

Blue Diamond Resorts encompasses over 80 properties, exceeding 20,000 rooms in eight countries located in the most popular holiday destinations in the Caribbean. Its nine leading hotel brands include the Award-winning, All-In Luxury® Royalton Luxury Resorts , where Everyone is Family . Whether guests come as friends, parents, kids, couples, weddings, corporate or incentive retreats, or solo travelers everyone is family in these properties that feature personalized services and signature amenities including All-In Connectivity, DreamBed, and the Sports Event Guarantee. To refocus on valued relationships and friendships, Hideaway at Royalton offers an adults-only experience with exclusive dining and preferred accommodations to enhance Togetherness among its guests. Party Your Way at Royalton CHIC Resorts , an adults-only vibrant and effervescent all-inclusive brand to reveal in the unexpected. Mystique by Royalton is Miles from Ordinary , offering its visitors the chance to connect with their surroundings in a boutique-style resort collection full of endless beauty and hip vibes. In Jamaica, Grand Lido Negril offers guests over the age of 21, a unique and all-inclusive Au Naturel vacation along with a secluded shore for the utmost privacy. Memories Resorts & Spa offers a vacation designed whether you’re planning a family vacation, reuniting with friends, or just having a relaxing moment with your significant other, while Starfish Resorts provides amazing value, breathtaking surroundings, and rich culture and heritage. Planet Hollywood Hotels & Resorts invites guests to Vacation Like A Star with an engaging and interactive experience, plus famous pop culture items from iconic movies, music, and sports while you will Dodge the Paparazzi at Planet Hollywood Adult Scene where your adults-only vacation will be the center of fascination and attention with glam and exclusivity.

To learn more about Blue Diamond Resorts, please visit www.bluediamondresorts.com

About Royalton CHIC Resorts

Royalton CHIC Resorts offer adults-only vibrant and effervescent all-inclusive experiences to Party Your Way and reveal in the unexpected. Located in popular Caribbean destinations such as Punta Cana – Dominican Republic, Cancun – Mexico, and Antigua, this new adults-only generation of all-inclusive concept delivers unprecedented experiences where luxury and fun intersect in each idyllic location. Choose between relaxing and treating yourself or partying and having fun—Party Your Way.

Ideal for couples, groups, singles or friends, including modern rooms and suites featuring All-In Luxury, the premium DreamBed, a variety of culinary offerings, All-In Connectivity and exclusivity through the Diamond Club category. Guests can choose between relaxing and treating themselves in the spa or enjoy the resort’s unique events and theme parties at signature locations.

For more information about Royalton CHIC Resorts, visit www.royaltonchicresorts.com

Four Caribbean Hotels Join The Region’s Luxury Travel Scene

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News Americas, New York, NY, March 18, 2025: Four new Caribbean resorts have entered the spotlight, offering travelers a mix of luxury, adventure, and family-friendly fun across Turks and Caicos, the Dominican Republic and Curaçao.

Salterra – South Caicos, Turks and Caicos

Marriott has debuted Salterra, a 100-room eco-luxury resort on the untouched shores of South Caicos. Featuring six dining concepts, a salt-inspired spa, and a family-friendly Kids Club, Salterra is now the second Marriott-branded resort in Turks and Caicos. The resort’s signature restaurant, Brine, offers an epicurean dining experience with an extensive wine list. Families will appreciate the Salterra Kids Club, which provides engaging activities like pirate coin hunts and coconut leaf origami for children aged 4-12.

Salterra is now the second Marriott-branded resort in Turks and Caicos, alongside the Ritz-Carlton on Grace Bay Beach in Providenciales. With new nonstop American Airlines flights from Miami, South Caicos is fast becoming a must-visit Caribbean destination. Rooms start at $2,831 per night.

Treasure Beach Village – Beaches Turks and Caicos

The new Treasure Beach Village at Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort will offer 101 new multi-bedroom suites, a nearly 15,000-square-foot pool, set amidst a half mile stretch of beach on famed Grace Bay.

Beaches Resorts has expanded its award-winning Turks and Caicos property with the addition of Treasure Beach Village. The $150 million expansion includes 101 new multi-bedroom suites, a 15,000-square-foot pool, and new dining experiences, bringing the resort’s total to 30 specialty restaurants and 16 pools. Now accepting reservations, guests can choose from 101 stunning multi-bedroom concierge and butler suites, including two, three and four-bedroom luxury accommodations. The $150 million dollar expansion will elevate the all-inclusive resort’s overall key count to 858 and marks the sixth village addition to the Beaches Turks and Caicos property.

Wyndham Alltra Punta Cana – Dominican Republic

A 620-room all-inclusive resort has opened in Uvero Alto, Punta Cana, as part of Wyndham and Playa Hotels & Resorts’ growing Caribbean portfolio. Highlights include one of the largest pools in the Dominican Republic, nine restaurants, nine bars, and a soon-to-open water park. It’s one of a number of options in Punta Cana and beyond right now, from the recently-opened Viva Miches by Wyndham (rooms at $304 per night on a spectacular beach in Miches, about an hour and 20 minutes from Punta Cana airport; and one of our Caribbean favorites, the excellent Lopesan Costa Bavaro on the heart of Punta Cana’s best beach. Rooms from $393 per night, all-inclusive.

Art Hotel Curaçao – Curaçao

Slated for a July 1 debut, Art Hotel Curaçao is a 30-room adults-only boutique hotel featuring Piet Boon-designed interiors, an oceanfront pool, and a five-course tasting menu at The Lemon Tree. The 30-rom hotel is now taking bookings for July 1, according to its website. Despite its size, the amenities are robust, from an oceanfront pool to beach access to a Scandinavian fusion restaurant called The Lemon Tree, highlighted by a five-course tasting menu. You can book a “luxury room” with a city view for $220.15 per night right now. For an oceanfront room, the rate goes up to $374.86 per night, not including tax.

With these four new additions, the Caribbean’s luxury hospitality scene continues to expand, catering to families, couples, and adventure-seekers alike.