US Denies Existence of Draft Travel Ban List Amid CARICOM Concerns

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News Americas, New York, NY, March 18, 2025: The United States has denied the existence of a draft travel ban list, following concerns raised by several Caribbean Community (CARICOM) nations over reports suggesting potential travel restrictions.

US Department of State spokesperson Tammy Bruce dismissed the claims, stating, “There is no list. What people have been looking at in recent days is not something that exists here or is being acted on.” She clarified that there is an ongoing review under President Trump’s executive order regarding visa policies and national security.

The New York Times had reported that six Caribbean nations—St. Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, St. Kitts and Nevis, Cuba, and Haiti—were included in a proposed list of countries facing possible travel restrictions. The reported proposal categorized countries into three levels: a “red” list barring entry, an “orange” list imposing restrictions, and a “yellow” list allowing 60 days for compliance.

In response, Antigua and Barbuda formally requested clarification from the US via a diplomatic note, expressing “deep concern” and stating that the government had received no prior notice regarding such a list. Other CARICOM nations, including St. Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, and St. Lucia, have also sought official clarification.

These nations emphasized their commitment to tightening their Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs, working closely with the US to prevent misuse by criminals. Antigua and Barbuda reaffirmed that all applicants undergo rigorous screening, including INTERPOL vetting, to uphold the program’s integrity.

Stranded Pygmy Whale Rescued And Released In This CARICOM Nation

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News Americas, New York, NY, March 18, 2025: A stranded pygmy whale found in the rural village of Buxton, East Coast Demerara, in the oil-rich CARICOM, South American nation of Guyana, was successfully rescued and returned to the sea earlier today through a collaborative effort involving the University of Guyana, the Ministry of Agriculture, and public-spirited residents.

The young whale was discovered at the Buxton Foreshore, requiring urgent intervention to ensure its survival. Responding swiftly were Chief Fisheries Officer Denzil Roberts; Fisheries Officers Kadeem Jacobs and Phillip Williams; Marine Biologists and Biologists Mark Ram, Eric Stoll, and Rovindra Lakenarine; and Elford Liverpool from the University of Guyana’s Department of Biology and the Centre for the Study of Biological Diversity (CSBD). Local community members also played a critical role in the rescue mission.

The team carefully assessed the whale’s condition, identified its species, and took steps to minimize stress and risk to the animal. They used wet cloths and water to keep the whale stable and hydrated before safely transporting and releasing it via the Demerara River Estuary at the Maritime Administration Department, (MARAD) in Georgetown.

The successful rescue was the result of a coordinated effort among multiple agencies, including the Guyana Wildlife Conservation and Management Commission, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Guyana Police Force, and MARAD. Their swift response not only saved the whale’s life but also highlighted the collective commitment to marine conservation in Guyana.

Trinidadian Roots CNN Anchor To Deliver Eric Williams Memorial Lecture

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News Americas, New York, NY, March 17, 2025: Award-winning journalist and CNN anchor, Abby Phillip, who proudly traces her roots to Trinidad and Tobago, will deliver the 23rd Eric E. Williams Memorial Lecture on Friday, March 28, 2025, at the University of Texas, Austin (UT). The event, hosted at the AT&T Conference Center, will begin with a reception at 6:15 p.m. (EST), followed by the lecture at 7:15 p.m., and will be free and open to the public. A live-stream will be available, with post-lecture viewing accessible via the UT Warfield Center’s YouTube channel.

FLASHBACK: Trinidad roots CNN White House correspondent Abby Phillip arrives on stage to moderate the seventh Democratic primary debate of the 2020 presidential campaign season co-hosted by CNN and the Des Moines Register at the Drake University campus in Des Moines, Iowa on January 14, 2020. (Photo by ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images)

Phillip, the anchor of NewsNight with Abby Phillip on CNN, is known for her sharp, fact-driven approach to journalism. With a background in Washington political reporting, she is recognized for her ability to hold powerful figures accountable and provide nuanced analysis of current affairs.

“As a renowned journalist, Abby Phillip was a natural choice to give the Eric Williams Memorial Lecture,” said Dr. Jennifer Wilks, Director of the John L. Warfield Center for African and African American Studies at UT. “Williams’ legacy includes a series of public lectures in Woodford Square, Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, which he called his ‘University.’ Phillip’s commitment to keeping the public informed reflects that same tradition of engagement.”

The lecture, first established in 1999 at Florida International University (FIU) before relocating to UT Austin in 2021, honors Dr. Eric Williams, Trinidad and Tobago’s first Prime Minister and a pioneering historian. His groundbreaking book, Capitalism and Slavery, published in 1944, reshaped the historical understanding of the British Transatlantic Slave Trade and its economic impact on Britain and America. The book, commonly known as The Williams Thesis, argues that the declining profitability of slavery—rather than humanitarianism—led to its abolition. Still widely studied, it has been translated into nine languages, with German and Dutch editions forthcoming.

Williams led Trinidad and Tobago to independence in 1962 and later to Republican status in 1976, serving as the nation’s leader until his passing in 1981. His contributions to Caribbean history, politics, and education remain a defining part of the region’s legacy.

The Eric Williams Memorial Lecture has previously featured distinguished speakers, including:

Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados

Portia Simpson-Miller, former Prime Minister of Jamaica

Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Dr. Angela Davis, activist and scholar

Dr. Carol Anderson, author of White Rage

This year’s event is co-sponsored by UT’s Center for Global Change and Media, LLILAS Caribbean Studies Initiative, and School of Journalism and Media, along with contributions from Mr. & Mrs. Leroy Lashley and Jerry Nagee. It is also supported by The Eric Williams Memorial Collection Research Library, Archives & Museum at The University of the West Indies (UWI, Trinidad and Tobago), which was designated to UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register in 1999.

Books by and about Dr. Eric Williams will be available for purchase at the event.

Caribbean Leaders Slam Back At US

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News Americas, New York, NY, March 14, 2025: Caribbean leaders have firmly rejected U.S. allegations of Cuban labor exploitation following Washington’s recent decision to impose visa restrictions on officials linked to Cuba’s overseas medical program.

Visitors inquire for travel information of Cuba’s booth during the World Tourism Fair in Paris on March 13, 2025. The 2025 World Tourism Fair takes place from March 13 to 16, 2025 at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles. (Photo by Ludovic MARIN / AFP) (Photo by LUDOVIC MARIN/AFP via Getty Images)

The U.S. announced the measure late last month, claiming that Cuba’s labor export initiatives, which include a significant number of medical professionals, “enrich the Cuban regime” and involve the “exploitation and forced labor of Cuban workers.”

Cuban authorities dismissed the U.S. stance as a “personal agenda based on falsehoods” by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, asserting that the restrictions could negatively impact millions of people who rely on Cuban healthcare professionals.

Since Cuba’s 1959 revolution, the country has dispatched medical personnel worldwide, assisting with outbreaks such as cholera in Haiti and Ebola in West Africa. These medical missions also serve as a crucial source of revenue for the island, which continues to face economic challenges exacerbated by the long-standing U.S. embargo, widely opposed by the international community.

Caribbean leaders have voiced strong support for Cuban medical personnel. Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Keith Rowley, speaking at a hospital event, criticized the U.S. accusations. “Out of the blue now, we have been called human traffickers because we hire technical people whom we pay top dollar,” Rowley said, adding that he was prepared to lose his U.S. visa over the issue.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves highlighted the vital role of Cuban doctors in his country, where at least 60 people rely on a Cuban-run haemodialysis program for kidney treatment. “If the Cubans are not there, we may not be able to run the service,” he warned, stating that Cuban professionals receive the same pay as their local counterparts. “I would prefer to lose my visa than to have 60 poor and working people die.”

Jamaican Foreign Minister Kamina Johnson Smith also underscored the importance of Cuban healthcare workers, noting that 400 Cuban doctors, nurses, and medical technicians currently serve in Jamaica. “Their presence here is of importance to our healthcare system,” she said.

Bahamian Foreign Minister Fred Mitchell echoed this sentiment, affirming on social media that his government adheres to “all international best practices in the recruitment of labor.”

The strong regional response signals unwavering Caribbean support for Cuba’s medical missions, even as U.S. pressure mounts.

Messi Makes Caribbean Debut As Inter Miami Defeats Cavalier FC

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News Americas, New York, NY, Fri. March 14, 2025: Soccer great Lionel Messi made a triumphant return to action for his first Caribbean match Thursday, scoring a late goal as Inter Miami secured a 2-0 victory over Jamaica’s Cavalier FC, Jamaican football club based in the community of Mountain View in Kingston, which currently plays in the Jamaica Premier League, on Thursday to advance to the Concacaf Champions Cup quarter-finals.

Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF controls the ball during the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16 Second Leg match between Cavalier SC and Inter Miami CF at The Jamaican National Stadium on March 13, 2025 in Kingston, Jamaica. It was Messi’s first time playing in the Caribbean and Jamaica. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Messi, who had been sidelined for three games due to load management, entered the match in the 53rd minute to roaring applause from fans at Kingston’s Independence Park. Making an immediate impact, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner sealed the win with a goal just before the final whistle, firing the ball into the opposite corner of the net. The assist came from 18-year-old Santiago Morales, a promising homegrown player for Miami.

General view inside the stadium during the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16 Second Leg match between Cavalier SC and Inter Miami CF at The Jamaican National Stadium on March 13, 2025 in Kingston, Jamaica. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

This match marked Messi’s first official game in Jamaica and the Caribbean, a highly anticipated moment for fans. He and his teammates were welcomed upon arrival in Jamaica by Olivia Grange, the country’s Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport.

Inter Miami, already leading 2-0 from the first leg at home last week, quickly extended their advantage in the first half when Luis Suárez converted a penalty after a foul on Tadeo Allende inside the box.

With the 4-0 aggregate victory, Miami now prepares to take on LAFC in the quarterfinals, after the MLS Western Conference side eliminated the Columbus Crew in their round-of-16 matchup.

Exxon Expands in Guyana As Government Cancels Frontera-CGX Oil License

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News Americas, New York, NY, Fri. March 14, 2025: A consortium led by U.S. energy giant ExxonMobil has unveiled plans for its eighth energy project in Guyana, which is set to produce up to 1.5 billion cubic feet per day (bcfd) of natural gas and 290,000 barrels per day of condensate. The project will utilize a floating production facility with the capacity to export the fuel, according to details submitted to the Guyanese government.

The Longtail Project, which includes the development of the Longtail, Tripletail, and Turbot offshore discoveries, was outlined in the group’s request for environmental authorization, recently published by the Guyanese government and reviewed by Reuters.

The ExxonMobil Guyana offices at 86 Duke Street in Georgetown, Guyana. Photographer: Jose A. Alvarado Jr./Bloomberg via Getty Images

Longtail is expected to become Exxon’s most significant gas development in Guyana to date, aligning with the government’s push to increase gas production to support various industries, including petrochemical plants and liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects.

According to the environmental document, the project will involve the drilling of up to 60 production and injection wells, further expanding Guyana’s rapidly growing energy sector.

In contrast, Guyana’s government has officially pulled the plug on the Frontera-CGX joint venture, canceling its oil prospecting license for the Corentyne Block. This decision, which had been anticipated since February when the government gave the joint venture a 30-day warning, now marks the end of their efforts in the region.

The Corentyne block had been seen as a potential diversification opportunity in Guyana’s oil industry, which is dominated by ExxonMobil’s operations in the Stabroek Block. Despite being an underdog, the Frontera-CGX partnership had hoped to secure a piece of the pie, but they are now out of the race. While both companies have disputed the cancellation, no further details about potential legal challenges or behind-the-scenes negotiations have emerged.

Exxon’s control over Guyana’s offshore oil bonanza has only grown stronger. The company, alongside its partners Hess and CNOOC, is progressing with multiple projects, including the latest Longtail project. Exxon’s ongoing efforts have resulted in over 650,000 barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil production from several operations in the country. At this pace, Exxon’s presence in Guyana could soon rival that of some OPEC members.

While global oil prices remain volatile, with WTI hovering near $67 and Brent struggling above $70, smaller players like Frontera and CGX have faced a difficult challenge. However, Exxon remains well-positioned to continue its dominance in the region, sending a clear message: if you want to drill in Guyana, you’d better have deep pockets and the patience of a major supermajor.

Dominican Republic To Expand Cruise Tourism With New Port

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News Americas, New York, NY, March 12, 2025: A top Caribbean nation is expanding its cruise tourism sector with the development of a brand-new cruise port in Barahona, located on the country’s scenic southwest coast. This investment by the Dominican Republic aims to boost tourism in the lesser-visited region while enhancing the country’s growing reputation as a premier Caribbean cruise destination.

Aerial view of the “Los Patos” beach, Barahona, in Dominican Republic. (Photo by FEDERICO PARRA/AFP via Getty Images)

Dominican Republic’s Cruise Boom Continues

The Dominican Republic has seen record-breaking growth in cruise tourism, with passenger arrivals skyrocketing from 1.5 million in 2023 to over 2.6 million in 2024. More than 80% of these passengers arrived in Puerto Plata, the country’s leading cruise port on the north coast.

To diversify tourism and distribute economic benefits more evenly, the Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Tourism has broken ground on the new Barahona cruise terminal. The project is expected to revitalize the local economy and showcase the untouched beauty of the “Pearl of the South.”

What to Expect at the New Barahona Cruise Port

Set for completion in 2026, the Barahona cruise port will feature:
A state-of-the-art cruise ship dock
35 commercial spaces, including restaurants, bars, and retail outlets
An immersive rum-making experience
Access to Barahona’s unspoiled beaches, biodiverse national parks, and world-class coffee farms

Barahona is renowned for its stunning coastal scenery, turquoise waters, and untouched natural reserves, offering ecotourism experiences that set it apart from the Dominican Republic’s more developed cruise destinations like Puerto Plata, Punta Cana, and Santo Domingo.

Expanding Cruise Options in the Dominican Republic

The Barahona cruise port follows the success of the Cabo Rojo cruise terminal in Pedernales, which welcomed its first cruise ships in 2024. Major cruise lines—including Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Holland America Line—are increasing calls to Cabo Rojo in 2025 and 2026, with Costa Cruises, MSC Cruises, and Holland America joining the roster. Cabo Rojo is projected to welcome over 100,000 cruise passengers in 2025.

Additionally, the Arroyo Barril port in Samaná is slated for redevelopment to accommodate large cruise ships, transitioning from a tender-only port to a modernized terminal that will attract even more cruise lines.

A Bright Future for Cruise Tourism in the Dominican Republic

With new ports in Barahona and Cabo Rojo and upgrades to existing infrastructure, the Dominican Republic is solidifying its position as a top Caribbean cruise destination. These developments will not only expand tourism but also support local economies and introduce travelers to some of the Caribbean’s most breathtaking and untouched destinations.

Herzfeld Caribbean Basin Fund Abandons Cuba Focus Amid U.S. Policy Stalemate

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News Americas, New York, NY, March 12, 2025: The Herzfeld Caribbean Basin Fund Inc. (NASDAQ: CUBA) has announced a significant shift in its investment strategy, moving away from its traditional focus on the Caribbean Basin, including Cuba, to concentrate on Collateralized Loan Obligations (CLOs). This decision comes in response to the enduring U.S. embargo against Cuba and the recent re-designation of Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism by the Trump administration.​

The move comes on the XXV Habanos Festival in Havana on February 28, 2025. (Photo by YAMIL LAGE/AFP via Getty Images)

Impact of U.S. Policy on Investment Strategy

The fund was originally established with the anticipation of capitalizing on investment opportunities that would arise from normalized U.S.-Cuba relations. However, the longstanding embargo and recent policy shifts have limited these prospects. In January 2025, the Trump administration reinstated Cuba’s designation as a state sponsor of terrorism, citing the country’s alleged support for international terrorism and harboring of fugitives. ​

This re-designation imposes additional economic sanctions on Cuba, further restricting the fund’s ability to invest in the region. In light of these developments, the fund’s Board of Directors has approved a transition to a CLO Equity Strategy, aiming to enhance shareholder value by focusing on assets less affected by geopolitical uncertainties.​

Rebranding and Future Outlook

As part of this strategic shift, the fund will undergo rebranding to reflect its new investment focus. Despite the pivot, the fund’s management remains attentive to future changes in U.S.-Cuba relations and retains the option to revisit its original investment objectives should the geopolitical landscape evolve favorably.​

For more information on the fund’s new direction, visit herzfeld.com/cuba.

OECS, New Zealand Forge Historic Partnership To Supercharge Geothermal Energy In The Caribbean

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News Americas, New York, NY, March 12, 2025: The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) has entered into a landmark partnership with New Zealand to accelerate geothermal energy development across the region. This agreement, formalized during the presentation of credentials by Her Excellency Linda Charlotte Te Puni, New Zealand’s new Ambassador to the OECS, reinforces both parties’ commitment to renewable energy and climate resilience.

Strengthening Geothermal Energy for a Sustainable Future

This collaboration builds on New Zealand’s decade-long support for geothermal energy in the Caribbean and aligns with the OECS 2025-2035 Decade of Action for Sustainable Energy Development. Geothermal energy is central to the OECS’s long-term strategy to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, lower energy costs, and strengthen regional energy security.

Key Areas of Collaboration

As part of the agreement, the OECS will implement a Geothermal Direct Use Strategy to 2035, integrating geothermal energy into sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing. The initiative includes:

Enhancing technical expertise through a capacity-building gap analysis.
Supporting the OECS GEOBUILD Programme, which is conducting a six-month study on geothermal skills and training needs.
Facilitating a geothermal resource mapping exercise to guide future investments.
Providing technical assistance for geothermal power generation across the region.

Dominica Leading the Charge

The agreement comes at a pivotal time, as Dominica prepares to launch its first geothermal power plant in 2025. This will make it the second Caribbean territory, after Guadeloupe, to generate electricity from geothermal energy.

Long-Term Vision for a Greener Eastern Caribbean

The OECS GEOBUILD Programme, backed by New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Caribbean Development Bank, and the European Union Caribbean Investment Facility, is playing a crucial role in ensuring the long-term success of geothermal energy in the Eastern Caribbean.

With technical support from the Aotearoa New Zealand-Caribbean Facility for Renewable Energy (FRENZ), this initiative will help the region overcome workforce challenges, build local expertise, and enhance energy security.

This groundbreaking partnership positions the Eastern Caribbean at the forefront of renewable energy innovation, paving the way for a sustainable, low-carbon future.

Reggae Fans Mourn The Passing of Cocoa Tea – The Man Who Gave The World “Barack Obama”

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News Americas, New York, NY, March 11, 2025: The reggae community has been left in shock and sadness at the passing of Cocoa Tea, the legendary Jamaican born singer known for the top hit, “Barack Obama, and his smooth vocals. Fans and friends have flooded social media, paying tribute to the man whose music transcended generations and borders.

FLASHBACK-Jamaican reggae singer Cocoa Tea performing at Reggae Festival, Randall’s Island, New York, July 1997. (Photo by David Corio/Redferns)

Cocoa Tea, born Calvin Scott on September 3, 1959, in Rocky Point, Clarendon, Jamaica, was one of reggae and dancehall’s most beloved voices. His career began in Kingston’s sound system scene in the early 1980s, where he made a name for himself before his big break with famed producer Henry ‘Junjo’ Lawes as part of the Volcano Sounds movement. Over the years, he collaborated with top producers such as King Jammy, Gussie Clarke, Phillip ‘Fatis’ Burrell, and Lawes, delivering classic hits like “She Loves Me Now,” “I Lost My Sonia,” “Rikers Island,” and “Good Life.”

A Legacy Remembered

FLASHBACK – Cocoa Tea visits the SiriusXM Studios on May 30, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Taylor Hill/Getty Images)

Cocoa Tea’s influence stretched far beyond music. In 2008, his tribute song “Barack Obama” celebrated the first Black U.S. president’s historic election, earning him a side gig performing at Obama’s inauguration.

Reggae label VP Records paid tribute, stating: “Rest In Power Cocoa Tea, a true Jamaican music icon whose music will continue to resonate with his fans and generations to come. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”

Irwine Clare Sr., OD, founder of Team Jamaica Bickle and Caribbean Immigrant Services, (CIS), remembered Cocoa Tea as a legend who generously supported TJB without hesitation.

“Cocoa Tea always supported Team Jamaica Bickle through his talent without hesitation and never asked for a dime in payment,” Clare shared. “I remember once he performed in Jamaica the night before and then got on ‘the iron bird’ as he called it, Caribbean Airlines, to perform at a TJB event at Brooklyn College the next day – without pay.”

Felicia Persaud, publisher of News Americas, reflected on her personal connection with the artist, having written a recommendation for Cocoa Tea’s successful U.S. Green Card application through Clare and CIS.

Jamaica’s Opposition Leader Mark Golding also honored Cocoa Tea’s legacy, stating: “Jamaica has lost another musical legend. Cocoa Tea’s smooth vocals and timeless reggae hits have left an indelible mark on our culture and the global music scene. His artistry, talent, and message of love and unity will live on forever. Jamaica’s musical history is richer for his unmistakable voice and classic reggae anthems. My deepest condolences to his family, friends, fans, and the wider musical fraternity. May his soul rest in peace.”

Daughter Remembers His Strength

Cocoa Tea’s daughter, Rashaine Scott, confirmed his passing, revealing he died at 4 AM in a Florida hospital.

“He used to go into the Bible and read us the Ten Commandments, and he always said God made Adam and Eve. He also encouraged us to be independent, get an education, and to better our lives. I’m sorry I didn’t get to see him before he passed away,” she said.

She described her father as a fighter and a proud, private man who never gave up.

“He was a fighter, and he fought till the end. He was a strong-willed person, always thinking of the best, and he was also private.”

Final Days & Cause of Death

Cocoa Tea had been hospitalized for several months, battling an illness. While the official cause of death has not been confirmed, reports suggest he succumbed to a cardiac arrest.

His music, influence, and generosity will continue to inspire generations.